The last two years saw a lot of success for the Hornet baseball program. Last year they were 29-5 with two of those loses coming in the regionals to North Rock Creek and the year before they were 26-10 and made it to the state tournament where they were knocked out in the first round by eventual state champion Marlow.

But nine of the guys that were responsible for that success have moved on and so things will look different for the Hornets this year according to head coach Nathan Frisby.

“The last couple of years we’ve been hitting it off the wall and over the fence but this year we’ll be playing a lot more small ball. But the runs all count the same no matter how you score them so I’m hoping that the experience we have back at pitcher will help offset some of that long ball loss.”

The Hornets will look to senior Brayson Parker to be the main man that helps the program keep sailing along.

“Brayson is a three-year starter for us who is a really good hitter and pitcher, and his leadership will play a big role in our success this year,” said Frisby.

Also back is senior Nathaniel Cannon along with juniors Case Leach and Kyler Richerson who will give depth to the pitching. Cannon’s little brother Nevon is also an up-and-comer for the Hornets.

“Nevon has tons of tools and I’m anxious to see how he contributes this year,” said the head coach.

The Hornets will also look to an ever-improving Lance Harris to fill an infield spot and senior Muskogee senior transfer Jace Paul who played a lot for the Roughers last year.

“This is a very fun group that’s very coachable and a bunch of hard workers and I think once everyone gains more experience playing together and all moving in the right direction, we’ll be all right,” said Frisby.