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SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2020 THREE RIVERS EDITION/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE DIAMOND ROUNDUP
37SS
VILONIA EAGLES
Coach says Eagles to rely on power hitting, defense
BY SAM PIERCE
STAFF WRITER
Head baseball coach Brad Wallace said he expects Vilonia players to build strong, lasting relationships with each other, and he said “the way to solidify that
expectation is to play as long as possible together.” “This will be a year that will see a lot of new faces as full-time starters,” Wallace said. “We had several players who got multiple starts last season that will look forward to possible full-time roles
this season.”
He said Vilonia returns three consistent hitters
from last year’s lineup, including seniors Jake Goff and Kyle Vines and sophomore Brett Justice.
“Power will be a strength for our team and one that has shown itself throughout practice so far,” Wallace said. “Senior Bradley Phillips, senior Jake Goff, senior Drew Killough, senior Cade McWilliams and sophomore Brett Justice have all displayed the ability to hit the ball out of the ballpark with some consistent power.”
The coach said junior Robby Bowers has shown glimpses of long potential as well.
“Defense will be the do-or-die aspect for our team this season,” Wallace said. “The more con- sistent we are on defense, the more successful we will be.”
He said Goff, Vines and Justice turned in strong 2019 seasons defensively but have shown improvements this spring in that area.
“We will see players play multiple positions this season in multiple roles, due to how they play defense,” Wallace said. “Junior Corie Hare is strong defensively and can play all three infield spots, and Drake Shaw will see time in the out- field and behind the plate this season.”
Vines brings the most foot speed to the field
Conference: 5A-West
Coach: Brad Wallace
Assistant coaches: Justin Moore and Brian Roberts
2019 record: 15-13
Returning starters: Seniors Jake Goff and Kyle Vines; and sophomore Brett Justice
VILONIA BASEBALL
APRIL 7 ................................. GREENWOOD* APRIL 10 ................................ @MAYFLOWER APRIL 13 ...................................... @SEARCY APRIL 14 ................................ GREENBRIER* APRIL 21 ........................... @RUSSELLVILLE* APRIL 24 ......................................... SEARCY APRIL 28 .............. @LR CHRISTIAN ACADEMY MAY 5 ............................. SILOAM SPRINGS*
*DENOTES CONFERENCE GAMES
this season, Wallace said. Goff, junior Matt Snook, senior Drake Shaw and senior Zane Gunter accu- mulated the stolen bases last year, the coach said.
Killough will move from the outfield to first base this season, and Phillips has shown a strong and accurate arm from behind the plate, Wallace said.
“We have four guys we could consider as start- ing pitchers this season, to this point, in senior Colton Justice, Cade, Drew and junior Gram Middleton,” Wallace said. “We have seen strong velocity from senior Koel Downum, who will have a role on the mound as well.”
The coach said Hare, Shaw and sophomore Jake Norman will have potential time on the mound because of their ability to get outs.
“Any game in our conference will be a fight,
PHOTOS BY STACI VANDAGRIFF/RIVER VALLEY & OZARK EDITION
Justin Shaw fields a ground ball while warming up between innings of the Red and White World Series game on Feb. 20.
but always Greenbrier, as well as Little Rock Christian and Greenwood, will be games that will decide state-tournament appearances,” Wallace said.
Coach Brad Wallace, left, watches as senior Cade McWilliams delivers a pitch during the Red and White World Series game on Feb. 20.
John & Katie Davis, Owners | 501-593-8242 | jkmmdavis@att.net 1122 Main Street, Suite 9 • Vilonia, AR 72173
ALL MAKES & MODELS • IMPORTS & DOMESTIC OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE
GO EAGLES!