Bryant vs Conway: Preview
April 5, 2016
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
No.1 Bryant travels to No. 2 Conway tonight for the first of 6 meaningful 7A Central conference games. When you add in No. 5 Catholic HS, the Central is the toughest conference, with all three teams pushing for one of the coveted first round byes in the State Tournament. All six games should be some of the best baseball played in the state all season. Here is a preview of tonight’s match up.
Pitching
Conway- 2016 LHP Collin Cahill, will start for the Wampus Cats. Cahill is a 6-foot-4 left-hander with a fastball that works 84-87 mph, with late sink. The difference maker for Cahill is if he can locate his competitively. He throws a true swing and miss breaking ball. The senior is committed to Arkansas State.
Bryant-2016 RHP Zach Jackson will get the start for Bryant. Jackson is 6-foot-1 210-pound right hander. His fastball works 86-88 mph with heavy boring action. Jackson compliments his fastball with a wipe out slider that he commands. Conway won’t get many free passes as Jackson will pound the strike zone. Jackson is committed to play at Arkansas
Defensively
Conway- A solid unit anchored by 2017 MIF Kolby Reck at Short Stop, 2018 OF Parker Gavazzi in centerfield and two capable catchers in 2016 C Greyson Pinkett or 2018 C Jackson Stroths.
Bryant- They will mirror Conway with very little weaknesses defensively. 2017 Jake East plays a consistent short stop. 2016 OF Logan Allen patrols the outfield from centerfield, while 2016 C Dylan Hurt runs the show behind the plate.
Offensively
Conway- A unit that returns 7 starters from a team that swung their way to the state finals in 2015. The middle of the lineup is anchored by a physical 2017 CIF Cade Tucker. Other players that could have an offensive impact include 2018 OF/C Andrew Hreha and 2017 OF/MIF McCall Dail.
Bryant- A new group but one that has shown to be efficient and potent this spring. 2016 LHP/OF Evan Lee will impact the middle of the lineup. 2017 CIF Garrett Misenhimer and 2017 OF Cameron Coleman could prove to have an impact with one swing of the bat.
Coaching
Two Arkansas legends with Noel Boucher leading Conway and Kirk Bock leading Bryant. A year with one or both of the teams competing in 7A state championship is the case more often than not. The stable and advanced approach both coaches have leading their programs is a big reason why.
Overall
It should be a great game as both were last year with the series splitting. If you are a high school baseball fan in Central Arkansas, I would find a way to see this game first pitch 5 pm at Conway HS.
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