Last season did not go the way that the Ponca City Wildcats had planned, ending with a 13-26 record. But with a new season approaching, head coach Grant Middlebrooks likes the way his team is looking.
“This year’s team will be seeing some new faces but also have some old ones,” the coach said. “This team will be very good defensively and will compete every day. We need players like Kalon Covey, Isaiah Branstetter and Hayden LeClair to step up. There are four starters off of last year’s team who will be back this season and we will rely heavily on athleticism.”
Covey will be in his second year starting at shortstop. He hit over .400 in the second half of his sophomore season. He is a solid defensive player and has a chance to make a big impact on the season. Another guy to keep an eye on is Juan Chavez. He is a sophomore that will play as a middle infielder. He has a chance to be a really solid player for the Wildcats this season.
Senior Hayden LeClair is a great kid that does all the dirty work. He might not stand out from a statistical standpoint, but he always finds a way to get the job done. He is a two-year starter and will look to grow his role this season, playing outfield and pitching.
A good player and an outstanding teammate, junior Isaiah Branstetter continues to improve his game each season and this year should be no different. Along with playing baseball, he is also involved in his church, student council, orchestra, and other things that will push his leadership abilities. Whether it includes baseball or not, he has a bright future ahead.
The Wildcats will also face a tough schedule that has four state tournament teams from last season; Enid, Owasso, Sand Springs, and Stillwater.
