Purcell’s Dragons return their entire pitching staff off last year’s squad and a major portion of their starters.

As coach Cole Sharp begins his 10th season as the skipper of the Dragons, he reports team speed and athleticism will have a huge impact on the season.

Returning starters include Boston Knowles who will play short stop and pitch, Parker Page who will pitch, catch and play some infield, Deaken Dobbins who will pitch, catch and be used as a utility player, Casey Billingsley at second and some third base, Kash Knowles who will see action at both second and third and Cooper Selman in center field.

“Deaken Dobbins will fill in for whomever is pitching,” Sharp said.

Gone from last year’s team are Carter Goldston, Cole Smedley and Jett Tyler.

Cole is looking for help from several younger players including sophomores Cash Cook, Bryson Perkins and Brody Walkup. Preston Kane and Canaan Haynes will also be in the mix.

“Cash Cook will have an opportunity to play some infield and right field for us and pitch as well,” the coach said. “Bryson Perkins will be battling a spot in the outfield and pitch for us.  Brody Walkup will be battling a spot at first base, play some outfield and pitch for us.  Preston Kane will battle a spot at first base and pitch for us.”

Sharp said his 2025 team will need to focus on getting better at hitting and situational awareness.

“But we are getting there,” he confirmed.

“We are excited for this year because the kids have been working hard this offseason and we have a good preseason and are ready to get the season going,” Sharp said.

“This will be my most athletic team since I have been at Purcell.  We will have kids that can play multiple spots. That is a good thing especially if someone is pitching we can move kids around and still be strong at that position.

“We will have a lot of experience returning and so that will help out in the long run especially being in one of the strongest districts in the state,” Sharp concluded.