GENTRY, AR – One year after engineering one of the program’s most impressive turnarounds, the Gentry Pioneer baseball team is setting its sights on another postseason run.
After winning just a third of its games in 2024, Gentry surged last season into a winning record and a trip to the state tournament. Now, third-year head coach Anthony Nail believes the pieces are in place for a return, built around pitching depth, steady defense, aggressive baserunning, and experienced bats at the plate.
“Externally, I think we surprised a lot of people last year, but I don’t think anyone in our locker room was surprised at our success,” Nail said. “Everyone has bought into what we’re trying to do. It’s nice to have the work you’re putting in manifest into success on the field, and we’re bringing that confidence with us as we start a new season.”
A New Look on the Mound
Replacing last season’s ace, Drew Nash — now pitching at the collegiate level — presents a challenge. But Nail believes sophomores Kellen Davis and Cole Lacy provide a formidable one-two punch atop the rotation.
“We don’t really have a true number one starter like we did last year,” Nail said. “But we have two starters who will really contribute to the success of our team this year. That’s where everything begins, and we’re excited about what we’re seeing on the mound so far.”
Davis brings maturity beyond his years, according to Nail.
“He understands that every pitch matters — every pitch has a purpose,” Nail said. “Understanding what to throw in certain situations will impact his performance a lot and keep opposing batters guessing.”
Lacy complements him with a strong baseball IQ and composure. In a recent preseason game against Siloam Springs, Lacy surrendered three consecutive hits before calmly working out of the jam with a pop-out, strikeout, and fly out.
“He doesn’t let a lot bother him,” Nail said. “That’s the type of composure and maturity you like to see.”
Junior Bryson Woodall is expected to add depth to the rotation as he works back from offseason injuries, giving Gentry multiple reliable arms.
A scheduling change in the 4A-1 Conference could also work in the Pioneers’ favor. Teams will now play home-and-home series against the same opponent in back-to-back days each week — allowing Gentry to utilize Davis and Lacy in consecutive starts. Not every conference opponent has that luxury.
Defense and Leadership Across the Field
Senior Ty Jones will anchor the catching position. Though relatively new to the role, Jones has embraced the challenge.
“He controls the controllables,” Nail said. “What he lacks in experience, he makes up for in effort. He’s really getting better with the technical side of the position.”
Davis will play first base when he’s not pitching, while senior Jaxon Holt will split time at first and third. At 6-foot-3, Holt provides a large target and defensive versatility.
“He’s the first to pick up younger guys when they make a mistake,” Nail said. “That leadership means a lot.”
Sophomore Dylan Nash returns at second base after earning significant varsity time as a freshman. Sophomore Zack Hill, an All-Conference center fielder last season, shifts to shortstop while Woodall recovers. Nail calls Hill one of the team’s most versatile players.
“He’s played a lot of baseball in his life,” Nail said. “He’s a tremendous outfielder, but he’s also a really good shortstop.”
Lacy and Holt will handle duties at third base.
In the outfield, senior Talan Williams starts in left field. The school’s starting quarterback — and a future college football player — Williams chose to finish his senior baseball season rather than focus solely on football.
“I think football is his first love, but baseball is his best friend,” Nail said. “At the end of the day, he’s a competitor. He really enjoys the game and the team, and he’s put in the work to have a great senior season.”
Senior Aiden Blevins has earned the nod in center field after improving his offensive game in the offseason.
“He has great speed and can run down balls with the best of them,” Nail said. “He’s put in the work and will be aggressive at the plate.”
Right field remains competitive, with sophomore Jackson McQuiston, junior Harrison Roberts, and junior Tate Simmons and Freshman Jake Barger all vying for playing time.
Offensive Firepower
Woodall served as the team’s leadoff hitter last season and is expected to reclaim that role upon his return. Until then, Hill’s plate discipline and ability to put the ball in play will spark the offense from the top of the lineup.
Williams is slated to hit second, using his bat control to move runners. Davis and Lacy anchor the middle of the lineup, bringing power and run-producing ability.
Eyes on the Prize
The 4A-1 Conference remains highly competitive, with eight teams battling for four regional playoff spots. Every conference game carries weight.
“Going to the state tournament is a solid goal every year,” Nail said. “There are a lot of teams — us being one of them — who think they’re capable of winning a state title if all the dominos fall right. We certainly have the opportunity to prove we’re capable of that on the field.”
Nail, a former first baseman at Conway High School who played collegiately at Hendrix College, is in his third season leading the Pioneers. He previously served as an assistant at Sheridan and was a head coach for six seasons at Ouachita High School before coming to Gentry.
With confidence built from last season’s breakthrough, experienced leadership, and strong pitching depth, the Pioneers believe last year’s success was not a surprise — but a foundation.
And they plan to build on it.
Baseball Roster
0 – Harrison Roberts, Junior
1 – CJ Bolinger, Junior
2 – Dylan Nash, Sophomore
3 – Jaxson Holt, Senior
4 – Talan Williams, Senior
5 – Julius Corder, Sophomore
7 – Bryson Woodall, Junior
8 – Kellen Davis, Sophomore
9 – Jesse Ballard, Sophomore
10 – Jackson McQuiston, Sophomore
11 – Nick Monti, Sophomore
12 – Tate Simmons, Junior
13 – Brayden Lane, Freshman
15 – Elliot Morgan, Freshman
17 – Jake Barger, Freshman
20 – Leland Hall, Freshman
21 – Aiden Blevins, Senior
23 – Zack Hill, Sophomore
24 – Cole Lacey, Sophomore
28 – Tristain Hoelscher, Sophomore
32 – Ty Jones, Senior
COACHES: Anthony Nail, Drew Golden, Matt Morgan
MANAGERS: Ben Valdepena, Dylan Arnott, Wade Bombagi, Ty Foreman
Varsity Home Schedule
· Thursday, March 5 vs. Grove (Okla.), 5 p.m.
· Tuesday, March 10 vs. Berryville, 5 p.m.*
· Tuesday, March 17 vs. Huntsville, 5 p.m.*
· Monday, March 30 vs. Green Forest, 5 p.m.*
· Tuesday, April 7 vs. Shiloh, 5 p.m.*
· Monday, April 13 vs. Pea Ridge, 5 p.m.*
· Thursday, April 16 vs. Siloam Springs, 5 p.m.
· Friday, April 17 vs. Springdale, 5 p.m.
· Tuesday, April 21 vs. Prairie Grove, 5 p.m.*
· Friday, April 24 vs. Elkins, 5 p.m. (Senior Night)
· Monday, April 27 vs. Gravette, 5 p.m.*
· May 7-9, Regional Tournament