Team Preview: Van Buren High School
February 3, 2017
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 Van Buren High School.
In 2016 Van Buren competed in the 7A Central and missed the state tournament by 1 game. A move to the 7A West may treat the Pointers a little kinder, as well as the addition of a crafty left-hander. They look like a team in the mix for a state tournament appearance.
On The Mound
2017 LHP Dalton Reeves makes a return appearance to the 7A West. In 2015 he pitched for Fort Smith Southside and caught people by surprise pitching behind Southside Right-hander Ty Harpenua (Texas Tech commit). In 2016 he transferred to Mulberry. A move to Van Buren will put the senior left-hander center stage again. Look for 2017 RHP Ethan Holmes to complement Reeves as the No. 2 pitcher on the staff. The staff is unknown after the first two but the front line guys pound the strike zone and have the ability to change speeds.
Offensively
The roster is fairly young with some veteran players mixed in to create some balance. They have 9 sophomores listed on their roster, so it could be a learning experience earlier. The upperclassmen may breathe a sigh of relief coming to a new conference without LHP Evan Lee, LHP Dillion Thompson, LHP Collin Cahill, RHP Zach Jackson. A young player to keep an eye on is 2019 OF Landry Wilkerson. He has shown a compact swing and advanced defensive skills in the outfield.
Overall
Overall a solid chance to battle for a state tournament bid with Heritage, Rogers, and Springdale. A lot of unknowns at the plate. Reeves and Holmes will keep them in games if they can capitalize and win some close games they may find themselves, getting in the tournament.