Creston baseball shows depth

In losing all-district outfielder Gannon Greenwalt early in the season, the Panthers had to make adjustments to remain competitive. At their end-of-season baseball banquet Sunday, coach Brandon Phipps spoke to the adaptability of the team.

“We had to rely on ‘JV guys’ to step up, but by the end of the year, several ‘JV guys’ got multiple opportunities in our varsity line up and proved that they can compete at that level,” Phipps said. “Our consistent line-up guys got loads of at-bats and will only be better off moving forward.”

With a conference record of 6-14, the Panthers finished eighth in the 11-team Hawkeye 10 field. The Panthers scored 86 runs against conference opponents, defeating five different teams. including defeating Glenwood (5th) 9-3 on the road.

The 6-14 record could easily have been flipped to 14-6 as the Panthers lost eight one-run conference games including a districts 3-2 loss in Glenwood.

“This year we competed with every team, we beat some really good teams and had a shot to beat several elite programs,” Phipps said. “As a program we have to stick with our process and expect to make the next jump next season.”

Against conference opponents, the Panthers’ pitchers combined for 109 strikeouts, allowing 99 total runs.

“Our pitching staff competed with the best of them, night in and night out,” Phipps said. “I am extremely excited for the depth in which we have returned.”

Cael Turner, Kyle Strider and Parker Varner were all named to the Hawkeye 10 all-conference team, each of them one of the Panthers’ varsity pitchers.

Strider was the team’s sole senior, and was acknowledged Sunday for his dedication.

“I am grateful for Kyle’s commitment to Creston baseball,” Phipps said. Playing five years of high school baseball is not easy due to giving up time your senior summer to stay committed to finishing strong for your team and community. Kyle was a prime example of what staying with the process looks like. He was able to have a breakout year at the plate, hitting .343 in our lead off spot. Kyle played both catcher and second base for us. He is a multi all-conference player, which we will miss.”

Turner and Strider were both named to the all-district team as well. Incoming freshman Tom Mikkelsen was honored as KMA Radio’s freshman of the year and a member of their all-freshman team. Turner was named to KMA’s all-junior team.

Phipps said he is hopeful for the years to come.

“I am extremely excited for the depth in which we have returned,” he said. “I believe that our senior class will provide great leadership and our juniors will be all in with them. Our freshman and now sophomore classes have some pieces that are going to continue to develop and can help us compete for a championship.”

As a team, the Panthers will bring back 17 letter winners.

“Maintaining those letter winners, adding in the eighth and ninth graders, I believe in this group,” Phipps said.

LETTERWINNERS

Four-time: Cael Turner

Three-time: Kyle Strider, Dylan Calvin, McCoy Haines.

Two-time: Parker Varner, Sam Henry, Dylan Hoepker, Gavin Millslagle.

First: Tom Mikkelsen, Tanner Ray, Kal Barber, Tanner Klejch, Tyler RIley, Tommy Sand, Brayden Schoon, Mattias Schultes, Quinten Fuller, Milo Staver.