Dragons optimistic about season

Expectations are high in the Purcell baseball camp after a strong finish last season.

Graduation plucked a bevy of key players off last year’s squad that finished 23-11 including Creed Smith, Hayden Harp, Brodrick Smith and Nate Willis.

Coach Cole Sharp, who begins his sixth season at the helm of the Dragons, welcomes seniors Zach Idlett and Logan Roberts back to provide leadership.

Idlett and Roberts will both play in the infield and pitch.

“Zach will be a big key piece for us because of his leadership,” Sharp said of the two-year returning starter. “Logan didn’t start until halfway through the season and never looked back.”

Sharp is counting on a pair of juniors to anchor the outfield in Jett Tyler and Drew Kimbrell.

Tyler will be manning the left field slot while Kimbrell will roam in center field.

“Jett is kind of like Logan,” Sharp said. “He didn’t start until the halfway mark last year and never looked back. Jett had some key hits last for us and we are excited to have him back.  Drew has played a lot for us the last two years.”

In addition to playing center, Kimbrell will also see duty on the mound.

Sharp is high on sophomore utility player Parker Page.

“He will kinda’ be that utility guy but mainly will catch and pitch,” Sharp said. “He will play wherever we put him.  He is one of those kids who will do whatever you ask him to do. He played and pitched in some big games for us and will be a big piece for us this year.”

Another talented sophomore with plenty of varsity experience is infielder Boston Knowles.

“He started all of last year at shortstop and played a little third as well,” Sharp said. “He’ll also pitch. He didn’t pitch much last year but will be a big part of our pitching staff this year.”

Tucker Bloodworth returns but due to arm issues will be limited to playing first base and will not be pitching as he did for the Dragons as a freshman.

“We’re hopeful to get him back on the mound in the future,” the coach said.

Several positions have players battling for playing time including senior Kevin Garcia and junior Cole Smedley competing for playing time in the outfield.

Sharp said senior Adrian Dominguez will be battling for some infield opportunities and will pitch and DH.

Junior Carter Goldston is penciled in to catch and play some infield, Sharp said. Junior Logan Nelson is competing for the opportunity to see action in the infield while freshman Deaken Dobbin will pitch and play infield as well.

Two other freshmen Bryce Blair and Sloan Jackson are competing for playing time. For Blair it is in the infield while Jackson will play in the outfield.

“We are coming into this year with high expectations, especially coming off the momentum from last year’s finish coming up short one game away from making it to the State Tournament with a young  team from last year,’ Sharp said. “We are excited with the team we have and with the experience coming back from last year.  I think our strengths will be our experience and defense.

“Just like everybody, the hitting will come as the year goes. We will have some power in this lineup. We have a lot of kids who played in a lot of big games and having their presence back will be key and vital for us to having a successful year,” Sharp concluded.