GROVE RIDGERUNNER BASEBAL
Coach: SILAS BOHANNAN
OUTLOOK
The Ridgerunners returns several key players this season and that experience will be important with a tough schedule ahead. Head coach Silas Bohannan is excited to see what this team can accomplish in 2026.
“We expect to have a huge year with us only losing three players from last years team. We had three move-ins who could have a huge impact on our season including last years top pitcher in our district,” coach Bohannan said.
Notable standout Walker West is back after hitting .444 as a junior with eight home runs to his credit and Co-Offensive District Player of the Year honors. West has consistently improved each season and with bats around him, teams will be forced to pitch to him.
Brady Dalton makes his return after hitting .360 and having a dominant season on the mound. Dalton was 1st Team All-District as a freshman. His velocity is up and he will be a force again this season.
Dustin Keller returns as a two-year starter at shortstop. He hit .340 last year in the leadoff spot. Another two-year starter is Avery Petty at third base. Petty hit .308 last year. Also had a sub 3.00 ERA as district starter the last two-years and will be a factor on the mound.
Adam Clark hit .290 last year and will be back in a utility role playing multiple spots for the Ridgerunners. Ayden Oliver started in right field last year until an arm injury shut him down. He will look to make an impact in the outfield and contribute on the mound with his big arm.
Rhett Guinn started in center last year and his stellar defense will be back this year. Gavin Wyatt started the last half of the year in the outfield and made major improvements to his swing. Kaiden Tollison played a major role for Grove out of the bullpen last year, throwing the 4th most innings. He will have a major role on the mound again this year.
Brody Couch and Mikah Watson both got varsity time last year and will look to make an impact behind the plate.
“We have also had three move-ins who could play major roles. Bradee Rutherford came to us from Jay, and he was the best arm in the district last year. James Simmons moved in from Gravette, AR and should provide another big arm for us. Lastly, we added Vaughn Franklin from Arizona. Vaughn looks to help in the outfield with a big bat and possibly on the mound as another power arm,” coach Bohannan said.
Photo by Five Tool Arkansas
