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By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

Thursday was a big day for the Benton Panthers as three of their 2016 graduates made their college commitments. C Brinson Williams, committed to Central Arkansas, while twin brothers OF/LHP Chase and Colten Nix OF committed to Arkansas State. Williams got a bonus when summer teammate 2016 CIF/RHP Ty Koster committed to Central Arkansas as well. Koster attends Arkadelphia HS. Here is a breakdown of the four players who made their commitments.

Ty Koster, CIF, Arkadelphia HS
Koster is a 5-foot-10, 220-pound 3B with a wide shoulders and a physical build. One of the more imposing bats in this class, with major pull power. He starts from an athletic stance, with a smooth transition, attacking the ball with fastball speed, and an uphill bat path. He maintains balance through extension. Defensively, he has some stiffness as he plays through the baseball. He has a strong arm with an average release. To show arm strength he was 84-86 mph on the mound in 4A State Championship game in the spring. Athletically he has good first step, but not overly fast, 4.4-4.6 home to first times. Overall Koster is a college bat that can adequately play third base or move to the outfield.

Chase Nix, LHP/OF, Benton HS
Nix is a 6-foot-2 180-pound LHP/OF with a large frame and an athletic build. He pitches from a H ¾ arm slot with a quick clean arm. His fastball works 82-85 mph. He throws a curveball and a change up to compliment his fastball.  The curveball had late sharp 2/8 action, thrown at 74-76 mph. The change up was thrown at 73-75 mph. Mechanically, Chase has struggled with repeating his mechanics, which has affected his command. As he cleans up mechanical/timing issues I believe he will be a quality collegiate pitcher. As an OF he uses his plus athleticism to run down the baseball from gap to gap. Offensively he attacks the baseball with fast bat speed. His swing is rotational with a slight uphill bat path. Overall I think the jury is out what position Nix will play in college, as he continues to develop, how well he competes at the plate will determine how long he plays a position.

Colten Nix, OF, Benton HS
Nix is a 6-foot-1 205-pound outfielder with a large frame and an athletic build. Offensively one of the more polished hitters in the state. He starts from an athletic stance transitioning with a smooth load. He attacks the ball with a compact swing with fast bat speed. He shows the ability to hit doubles to both gaps. Defensively he makes good reads on the balls in the air, working through the ball to a throw. He runs well running a 6.81 in the 60. Overall Nix is an advanced hitter who has all the tools needed to compete at a high level collegiality

Brinson Williams C Benton HS
Williams is a 5-foot-11 210 pound catcher with a large frame and a physical build.  He receives with soft hands. He possess a strong arm with carry. He works around the plate instead of through the plate causing the ball to slide to the second base side of the bag. He throws pop times between 1.96-2.03. Williams is an advanced offensive hitter he produces exit velocities of 92 mph. He works with a short compact swing with fast bat speed. He does a good job staying balance through extension.

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