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2016 Team Preview: Liberty North Eagles

January 25, 2016

Shon Plack
Prep Baseball Report-Missouri

As we prepare for the upcoming 2016 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Liberty North HS
Nickname: Eagles
Class:  Class 5
Conference: Suburban Conference Blue
Head Coach: Ryan Stegall
Years as head coach at school: 6
Twitter Handle: @LNHS_Baseball
2015 Overall Record: 27-7
2015 Conference Record: 11-1 (1st Place)
2015 Post-Season Finish: Lost in sectional to Staley
Team Website: http://eagleathletics.liberty.k12.mo.us/cms/page_view?d=x&piid=&vpid=1263280500458

Number of Returning Starters/Pitchers: 3
Number of Returning Starters/Position Players: 1

Players with 2015 Post Season Honors
Jake Bartshe, RHP, 2016 1st Team All Conference (Missouri Western)
Cole Gacke, RHP, 2016 2nd Team All Conference (Kansas City Kansas CC)

Players to Watch
Jack DeGarmo, SS, 2016 (Missouri S&T)
Nick Dembski, 2B, 2016 (Quincy)
Ben Mattes, OF, 2017
Carl Occhipinto, INF/RHP, 2017
James Perry, OF/P, 2018

Season Outlook
The Liberty North Eagles missed making a trip to the Class 5 Final Four by losing a close 1-0 game to Staley in the Sectional. Although, the Eagles lost several key players to their Conference and District Championship team from a year ago, Coach Stegal has talented 2016 squad that could compete for a spot in Final Four in early June.  The pitching staff will be a major factor this years team, having three returning starters from last year.  Two starters include a pair of All-Conference right-handed pitchers, seniors Jake Bartshe and Cole Gacke.  The Eagles will also look to newcomers, junior Carl Occhipinto and sophomore James Perry, to throw meaningful innings this spring. Senior shortstop Jack DeGarmo will be the only returning starting position player for Liberty North.  DeGarmo is experienced and will provide leadership to the younger players, playing in the last two post seasons for the Eagles.  Coach Stegall is 55-11 over the past two seasons, winning the conference championship in both seasons. There is little doubt he will have the Eagles in a position to compete for a spot in Class 5 Final Four in 2016.

CLICK HERE, for a complete list of 2016 Team Previews

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