By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director

The 2017 season is rapidly approaching. As we get closer to season, I begin my preview of each team and stories that will affect the overall results of the high school season, and who will ultimately end their season in Baum Stadium on the campus of the University of Arkansas. We will finish our coverage of the 7A Central with preseason all-conference players and the conference player of the year.

Preseason Standings

1. Conway

2. Cabot

3. Catholic

4. North Little Rock

5. Bryant

6. Southside

7. Central

8. Northside

 

Conway High School is my pick to win the conference and secure the bye in the first round of the state tournament. It will be a battle with the other 7 teams in a fairly deep league. Bryant and Catholic are going through a youthful movement, which will open the door for veteran clubs such as Cabot and North Little Rock to real contenders for the top spot. I am giving Southside the slight edge over Central for the final slot the conference receives as Southside has several returners from a unit that advanced to the state tournament, whereas Central is in rebuilding mode.

Conference Player of the Year

2018 LHP/1B Jordan Wicks: Wicks is a front-line starter on the mound. His advanced pitch-abilty with three different pitches allowing him to keep hitters off balance two or more times through the lineup. His fastball works 84-86 mph with late life through the strike zone, his breaking ball shows depth with late action, and his change up is deceptive due to his ability to throw it with fastball arm speed. Where Wicks separates himself from others players in the league is ability to do both, as he is also one of the better hitters, and anchors the middle of the dynamic offense for the Wampus Cats. He plays sound defense at 1^st base as well making him a complete player.

Conference Pitcher of the Year

2018 LHP Evan Hiatt: Hiatt has been one of the most productive pitchers in the state over the past two seasons, amassing a record of 12-3. He is a complete pitcher, locating three pitches consistently with his fastball 85-88 mph. The separation for Hiatt is his 12/6 curveball with late break thrown 75-77 mph. He also has advanced feel for his changeup that he throws 72-75 mph with arm side run. Catholic will be in the thick of the race and Hiatt’s pitching will be a big reason why this young group will compete at a high level.

Preseason All-Conference Teams 

P.	Evan Hiatt	2018	Catholic HS
P.	Jordan Wicks	2018	Conway HS
P.	Logan Gilbertson	2017	Cabot HS
P.	Lance Bonvillian	2017	Bryant HS
P.	Hank Hannah	2018	Catholic HS
C.	Jack Stroth	2017	Conway HS
1B.	Aaron Mann	2018	LR Central HS
2B.	Cameron Tissue	2017	Catholic HS
3B.	Reed Shepherd	2017	North Little Rock HS
SS.	Kolby Reck	2017	Conway HS
UTL.	Cade Tucker	2017	Conway HS
OF.	Kinner Brasher	2017	Southside HS
OF.	Chase Freeman	2017	North Little Rock HS
OF.	McCail Dail	2017	Conway HS
DH.	Denver Mullins	2017	Cabot HS

 

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