A lot of contributors have gone into building Kennett baseball success

The top four teams in MSHSAA Class 4 baseball descended onto US Ballpark in Ozark on Wednesday and Thursday, and for the first time in three years, the Kennett Indians weren’t involved. However, the absence of that program, which fell one game short of making its third consecutive trip to the marquee event, doesn’t diminish what the Kennett program has achieved this season or in recent years.

The Indians have won 74 games and three straight District and Sectional championships, while 2023 was the program’s fifth consecutive winning season.

“It’s extremely satisfying,” 16-year Kennett coach Aaron New said recently. “A lot of people have put in a lot of hard work, our kids, our parents in getting their kids to all of their summer games.”

The fact is that New has created a dominant program in this region, but he lauded as much praise on the Indian parents as he did on the players, themselves.

“All of the things that our parents do for us,” New continued, “and our kids putting in the time and effort.

“It takes a lot of hard work to be a part of this.”

The 2023 Indians graduated five seniors (Trey Gardner, Brooks Nigut, Garren Overbey, Evan Parker, and Tanner Pierce), but return 17 players within their program for the 2024 season, including six everyday players.

“Even our guys who don’t play a whole lot,” New said, “are in the dugout doing what they are supposed to do.”

Juniors-to-be Hayden Gilmore (left field) and Caleb Duncan (catcher) will be back, as will seniors-to-be Matthew Gardner (shortstop), Peyton Branum (first base), Ashton Williams (pitcher/outfield), and John Poole (second base).

Williams closed his season on the mound with a fantastic outing against Potosi in the MSHSAA Class 4 Sectional 1.

He blanked the Trojans and limited them to two hits while striking out nine batters.

“It’s been a pleasure to coach this group,” New said, “and the groups before them. We are just excited about our program and where it is at right now.”