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 Cabot High School.

Cabot is a veteran club with a bevy of upperclassmen, up and down the line up and in their pitching rotation. A club that has the ability to challenge for a state title if they can come together as a unit.

On The Mound

2017 RHP Logan Gilbertson, and 2017 RHP Brett Brockington will anchor the pitching staff. Gilbertson is a right-hander with advanced pitch-ability, locating three pitches for a strike. The Central Arkansas commit has shown advanced arm strength of late flashing his fastball up to 87 mph in the fall. Brockington had flashes of dominance as a junior but missed significant time with injuries, if he is healthy the Crowder College commit has frontline stuff. 2019 LHP Zac Morris should give them solid innings, either out of the bullpen or as the starter

Offensively

Offensively the panthers will be anchored by 2017 C Denver Mullins. Mullins is one of the more complete hitters in the conference with the ability to hit doubles in either in gap and enough power to occasionally run a ball out of the yard. Around him will be plenty of players returning from the 2016 campaign, 2018 INF  Dillion Thomas, had a great year as a sophomore giving them consistent production, look for 2017 INF Blake McCutchen to give them a lift offensively. A couple freshman may have the ability to push for playing time in the absence of 2017 OF Evan Hooper, 2020 OF Clayton Gray and 2020 OF Houston King could push to get on the field as promising young prospects.

Overall

Overall Cabot has the talent to not only be a contender in the 7A Central, but should be in the mix for the 7A State Title. Coach Ronnie Goodwin, may have his work cut out for him, on pushing the right buttons, and getting all the talent on his roster to gel, but if it all comes together the Panthers may be the team to beat in 2017.

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