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 begin with the 7A Central and Bryant High School.

Bryant is the 2016 7A State Champions. The 2017 team will look a lot different with the departure of a pitching staff that dominate the competition, and carrying the load in 2016. 2016 OF/RHP Evan Lee (University of Arkansas) was a force in the middle of the lineup and stabilized the pitching staff as one of  three senior starters on the pitching staff. The Hornets also lost RHP Zach Jackson (Crowder College) and RHP Alex Shurtleff (Harding University). Besides the loss of their pitching staff, they will be breaking in a new head coach as assistant Travis Queck takes over the reins from coaching legend Kirk Bock who retired after last season to move into administration.

On The Mound

2017 LHP Lance Bonivllain will the led the pitching staff. Bonivillian is an athletic left-hander that competes at a high level. He will give this group a chance to win night in and night out. Bonivillian is the No.27 player in the 2017 class and the No. 2 Left-handed pitcher in the class. It will be a youth movement behind Bonivillian, Bryant is never short on talented arms, just will be lacking experience.

Offensively

Coach Queck has had an influence on the offense for several years, as the third base coach and working with hitters. Expect a disciplined group that commits to the plan 1-9 and competes at a high level. 2019 OF Jake Wright is a name that may break out this spring as a promising young player.

Overall

Bryant will be a young group with a young capable head coach. Look for them to compete near the top of the league, there may be too many missteps due to youth to continue their dominance, however you can’t count this program out any year.

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