SEQUOYAH CLAREMORE EAGLES BASEBALL
Coach: COLLIN RODEN
OUTLOOK
Depth will not be an issue for the Eagles this season. With several players making their return and a few new faces, the Eagles under head coach Collins Roden are poised for a solid season thanks to some excellent pitchers and hitters who can crank out the runs on offense.
“The Eagles are loaded with depth on the mound and every position on the field. We were 19-13 last season and graduated three seniors, but having a majority of sophomores and freshmen last season has given the team much needed experience on the varsity level going into the upcoming season. The team hit .328 last season and returns 74 percent of our strikeouts as pitchers. 12 of our 19 wins return on the bump and with key transfer players, we will be much deeper than las year,” coach Roden said.
A name everyone will recognize is Ryder Smalley. Now a junior, Smalley has been the ace on the pitching staff for the last two seasons. A versatile player, Smalley can help the Eagles in many ways as coach Roden pointed out.
“He also plays 1B or the outfield if needed. He is versatile hitter that has a great combination of speed and power. Ryder is a hard-working young man on the field and in the classroom. His batting average was .404 last season with a couple of home runs. Ryder also had 86 strikeouts as a pitcher with an ERA just above 3,” coach Roden said.
Newcomer Parker Bradfield may only be a freshman, but he has shown an ability to play beyond his grade level. A fact not lost on coach Roden.
“Parker plays travel ball with many of the players that are older and competes in every aspect. He has a tremendously strong arm and will contribute as a pitcher and outfielder this upcoming season. His defensive skills will be showcased wherever he is playing. Parker swings the bat with ill intent for the opposing defense and I am excited to coach him this season,” coach Roden said.
Other players like Braxton Watkins and Brody Creed are expected to make impacts this season as well. Both players are leaders on and off the field.
Junior Gunner Allison is a three-sport student-athlete and someone who will play a large role in the overall success of the team. A dangerous hitter, Allison also has one of the top gloves on the field. Also look for Whyatt Cates who makes his return after being sidelined with an injury. Now a sophomore, Cates brings a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game to every practice and contest.
A tough schedule will test the Eagles again this season, but the players are ready and coach Roden is expecting this team to take the next step in their evolution as players and as a team.
