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 move through the 7A West, we turn our focus to Springdale High School.

2016 was a great year for the Bulldogs as they punched a bid to the state tournament for the first time in a decade. They made the most of their time in the tournament putting a scare into state runner up Conway High School losing a game 1-0 in extra innings. In 2017 they will be replacing Coach Shon Doty and a few other seniors and a couple transfers. Doty’s replacement is up and coming coach Scott Johnson from Star City as he lead Star City to the 4A State Championship in 2015.

On The Mound

Springdale returns conference player of the year RHP/MIF Andrew Roach. Roach is a competitive right-hander that pitches from multiple arm slots and possesses a fastball that works up to 88 mph. He was carved up the league as junior, expect nothing less in his final high school campaign. 2017 RHP Tyler Turner is expected to pitch out of the No.2 slot. Turner pounds the strike zone consistently and can mix three pitches to keep hitters off balance. Depth may be an issue, but time will tell if Coach Johnson can find other reliable sources.

Offensively

Expect 2017 MIF Andrew Roach and 2019 C Ben Roach to be the core of this offensive unit. They are players that complement each other nicely. Andrew is a top of the lineup player that can get on consistently whereas Ben is a player with doubles and home run potential. There will need to be some players buy into the approach and compete around them but there is a solid base to start a dynamic offense.

Overall

Even with large departures, I expect the Bulldogs to make the trip to Bentonville and appear in the State Tournament. They should be able to play .500 baseball in league play and punch their ticket. If Turner can keep them competitive in the No.2 slot they may steal some wins and move up the conference ranks. 

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