north pontotoc VikingS BaSeBall

NORTH PONTOTOC

2021 VikingS BaSeBall

2021 north pontotoc VikingS BaSeBall team

This year’s North Pontotoc High School baseball team includes (first row left to right) Rhodes Anthony, Elijah Patterson, Michael Anderson, Bryce Rainer, Reece Kentner, Jaylen Wise, Kalor Kirby, Kaden Pfahler, Seth Boland, (second row standing) Clayton Redd, Colten Moore, Bryce Reeder, Frank Stark, Wesley Simmons, Cayson Capwell, Tyler Pickens, Clay Pitts, Nick Burchfield, Head Coach Chad Anthony, (third row) Assistant Coach John Harlow, Drake Steele, Kaden Wilson, Bo Howell, Ty Roberson, Walker Hale, and Assistant Coach Ivan Collier.

Photo by Torrance Photography

VIKINGS LOOKING FOR PLAYERS TO STEP INTO NEW ROLES

Will Ruff

Sports Writer

North Pontotoc will have some new names in the lineup this season. The Vikings aren’t young, but they are inexperienced, as they missed time they needed to develop last year when the season was cancelled. That has head coach Chad Anthony excited to see who will emerge.

“We are still looking at some new faces to fill holes, and I’m excited to see who they are,” said coach Anthony. “They missed time they needed last year to grow, and we are going to mix some lineups for a while and see who can and can’t get it done.”

Seniors Ty Roberson, Bo Howell, and Kaden Wilson will lead the Vikings this season. All three were starters on North’s 3A state championship team in 2019.

“They have done some big things for us through the years, and I look for them to continue to lead our program,” said coach Anthony.

Roberson will pitch and play centerfield. Howell will catch, pitch and play some third base, with Wilson playing shortstop and pitching as well. Sophomore Reece Kentner will pitch for the Vikings as well.

“Reece got off to a good start last year and we expect big things from him again,” said coach Anthony.

There are a number players who will contribute in various ways, including Cayson Capwell, Jaylen Wise, Kalor Kirby, Michael Anderson, Bryce Reeder, Drake Steele and Colten Moore, among others.

The Vikings have always scheduled and played stiff completion while in 3A so not getting to play a lot of games in 4A last year, their first season in that classification in a decade, shouldn’t keep them from competing in Division 1-4A and making the playoffs in 2021.

“I like this group a lot, and we are really looking forward to playing this season,” said coach Anthony. “This group works hard for us, has a great attitude, and I’m excited and ready to see how far they can take us.”

2021 north pontotoc VikingS BaSeBall Schedule

MARCH 26 Corinth*

MARCH 27 South Pontotoc

APRIL 1 Tishomingo County* APRIL 9 Houston

APRIL 16 @ New Albany* APRIL 17 @ South Pontotoc

MARCH 30

@ Tishomingo County*

APRIL 13

New Albany*

APRIL 20

West Union

* Division game