Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott High Baseball Season Begins Monday With Gurdon Tournament

What kind of baseball team will the Curley Wolves field for the 1996 season?

In 1995, the Wolves finished with a 4-7 overall record and were 1-5 in 7-AA play.

Two of their losses were by one run, including the first game of the district tourney.

The Wolves averaged seven runs per game, but allowed eight each contest they lost, and six in the ones they won.

Three members of the squad, who were named to the All District team, graduated. This included the leading hitters in doubles and home runs, runs batted in, averages and on-base percentage.

In addition four starters and two part-time starters graduated from the team.

This leaves coach Steve Crow with three starters returning, and two who started part time.

He returns nine of the 16 players from the '95 squad.

Those include senior Barrett Yates. Yates pitches, plays short and boasted a .250 batting average last year.

Jamie Williams, a junior, will see time behind the plate as catcher, but because of a shoulder injury suffered during football season, will do more work as a utility player or designated hitter.

Junior Jimmy Stockton will play second base. Last year he led the team in runs scored and sacrifice bunts.

John Cornelius, a senior, will play in the outfield. Crow said he has good speed and is a team player.

Junior Ross Cowling will pull duty on the hill as a pitcher and also play in the outfield.

Matt Wingfield will pitch during his senior year, and be a utility infielder. Last season he had a .250 batting average.

Jason Webb had a .273 batting average last year playing as a part time starter. This year, the junior will start more often and play first base.

Newcomers to the team include Ben Jones. This sophomore has a shot at being the team's starting third baseman. Crow said he's a solid hitter and may also pitch.

Montra Montgomery, a junior transfer from Houston, will either play in the outfield or infield. He shows talent with the wood and has speed along with a strong arm.

Charlie Rocket moves in from Hope. The senior transfer will most likely catch. According to Crow, he can hit, plays solid defense and has a gun for a throwing arm.

Sophomore Carlos Vanhook will be in the outfield most of his playing time. Crow said this young player can hit, throw and use his glove.

Al Johnston, sophomore, is looking for a spot. He had hoped to play in the outfield, but a shoulder injury suffered during football season has pretty well eliminated this idea.

Crow said Johnston has been working out in the infield and is showing good speed, talent with the bat and solid defense.

Other members of the Diamond Wolves include Brent Jordan, a sophomore catcher; sophomore Brock Jordan will see time in the infield; Jerome Fulks, a senior, will play in the outfield; as will Brian Vanhook, a junior player; Shane Pipkin, junior, will be in the field, along with junior Shane Mowery, and senior Jason Koger; Tucker Baker, sophomore, will play infield.

"Our team will be as good as last year," Crow said, "hopefully better. We'll go as far as the players want to go.

"The team works hard and has great support from the booster club and parents. I hope the excitement and fan support from football and basketball seasons can carry over into spring sports."

Crow said the team will have depth, which will come in handy during league play. He said there are at least 12 player who could start at different times.

According to Crow, Junction City and DeQueen will be the team to beat, based on last year's results and returning starters.

Stamps boasts one of the best players in the state in Antonio Martin, which will help their cause.

Fordyce, Nashville and Gurdon are always tough when they play Prescott, and this year, Crow said, will be no different.

Because of rainouts last season, the Wolves will get to play four of six district games at the James Johnson Sport Complex. "We hope to use this to our advantage," Crow said, "and be in the thick of the race."

The Wolves will have a tough non-conference schedule as they tangle with Nevada twice, Delight twice, Blevins, Hot Springs Lakeside and Fouke.

They will also play in tournaments in Gurdon and Fouke, opening Monday, March 4 in Gurdon.

As of press time, their opponent in the Gurdon tourney is unknown.

But, it looks like it could be a good year for the Diamond Wolves, if they follow in the footsteps of the grid and hardcourt squads.