Teams to Watch: Harding Academy
April 28, 2016
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
Harding Academy had a great regular season, finishing the year 27-3 and winning another conference title. They will begin post season play on Thursday in the district tournament, by winning the conference they will automatically advance to a regional.
This group has higher expectations than a regional tournament appearance, or even a state tournament appearance. This group looks primed and ready for a run to the State Championship Game.
Their schedule has prepared them as well as possible with a minimum of 14 teams on their schedule that will make an appearance in the state tournament. 4 wins against teams projected to with their conference championship. Here is my break down of why they are successful.
Defense
The Wildcats defend at a high level with solid play in the middle of the field. 2016 C J Paul Fullerton commands the game and halts most running attacks from behind the plate. 2018 MIF Pate Fullerton is one of the more refined young middle infielders in Arkansas, as he plays through the baseball with fluid footwork and a quick accurate arm. 2018 OF Peydon Harlo is a name to watch a big physical player that really runs and has a strong arm, patrols centerfield. Solid everywhere and disciplined enough to want to defend, this group success has started with a sound defense.
Offense
A physical group from top to bottom for a 3A roster. Well above average athletically and they stay to their approach 1-9. The middle of the order is anchored by 2016 OF Noah Holt. The Harding commit is a physical left-handed hitter with bat speed. Besides having some thump in the middle of their lineup they are willing to manufacture runs with their efficient run game.
Pitching
If this team has a weakness it would be on the mound, and that’s a big if. They run a stable of arms out with advanced pitchability and an aggressive mentality. 2016 RHP Reid Maddox is the most experienced he competes in the strike zone with three pitches and is rarely behind in counts. Compared to other 3A schools they may be lacking a dominant No. 1 as Horatio, Fordyce, and Genoa Central may run out their but, those teams don’t defend like the Wildcats.
Overall they should be a fun group to watch in the state tournament, the “Beauty” of Arkansas High School State Tournament it is a one and day scenario so anything can happen, but if you are looking for my pick to win the 3A I am going with Harding Academy.
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