April 19, 2024

Creston baseball wraps up campaign with banquet

By CARTER ECKL

Pictured are the five outgoing Creston baseball seniors. In the back row, from left, is Garret Dahl and Jaden Driskell. In front, from left, are Michael Scherer, Nathan Pudenz and Dustin Merritt. (CNA photo)

Sunday's Creston baseball banquet in the commons of Creston High School echoed a sentiment that head coach Steve Birchard had said throughout the season.

A season that didn't go as many hoped showed a Panther team what it means to keep pushing forward and growing whatever the score.

Birchard thanked the team for never giving up and battling to the end of every game.

Along with thanking his players, the skipper thanked all the parents and community members that helped put together food for the road trips and working the concessions stands.

Creston ended the year with an 8-24 record after bowing out in the postseason opener against Winterset July 16.

"We never gave up. I guarantee you that ... I'm really proud of this team," said Birchard.

With the all the weather incurred over the summer, Birchard said his praise about the home field as well as joking that the athletes probably had to do less work because of the quality of their facilities after upgrades this most recent offseason.

"They do a lot of work ... Our administration had to back us on that," said Birchard.

The Panthers will lose five seniors to graduation, including Jaden Driskell, Dustin Merritt, Garret Dahl, Michael Scherer and Nathan Pudenz.

Driskell ended the year with the best average at the plate, hitting .429 with four home runs, 25 RBIs and a .657 slugging percentage.

Merritt settled in as the team's primary third baseman while knocking in 19 runs at the dish. The outgoing senior recorded a .379 on base percentage for the Panthers.

Scherer was the second best hitter on the team based on average with a .383 mark. Scherer was the team's leadoff hitter and swiped 21 bases while tracking down balls in center field.

"We got great comments from opposing coaches and umpires of 'boy that kid can go get the ball'" said Birchard.

Dahl put together a .333 on base percentage with 13 hits, seven walks while driving in eight runs.

Pudenz put together a .385 on base percentage with five RBIs in 29 at-bats.

Birchard talked about how proud he was of Dahl and Pudenz for battling through less consistent playing time, working to stay a part of the team and finding ways to contribute.

Creston also had 20 athletes gain academic recognition in the state for playing varsity or junior varsity and posting a team cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.24.

"I don't think we've (ever) not gotten that ... and that's important," said Birchard.

Prior to discussing his seniors, Birchard talked about his handful of juniors and larger sophomore class.

A good chunk of the Creston juniors and sophomores were asked to pick up roles with both the varsity and junior varsity squads while earning their first varsity letters.

Junior varsity coach Brandon Phipps showed his appreciation for the players and the parents after an 11-5 JV season.

"We had a lot of guys step up. JV guys that were playing at the highest level this year and that's what we want," said Phipps. "I get so excited when I see one of these JV guys get to play at the highest level."

Phipps and freshman coach Cole Crawford both mentioned their gratitude to the players and parents for dealing with the postponements and cancellations with weather.

Crawford, in his first season as a coach, added that the freshman team ended the year with a strong work ethic after at one point having seven games cancelled in a row.

Letterwinners

Seniors – Jaden Driskell (4), Dustin Merritt (4), Garret Dahl (3), Michael Scherer (3), Nathan Pudenz (1).

Juniors – Beau Barncastle (3), Bryce Fitzgerald (2), James McDonald (1)

Sophomores – Eli Loudon (3), Luke Latham (2), Jack Frey (1), Hunter Fry (1), Gavin Gillam (1).

Freshmen – Cole Strider (1), Gavin Shawler (1).

Academic All-Conference – Jaden Driskell, Garret Dahl.

Class 3A all-district – 2nd team – Jaden Driskell.

Batting average leader – Jaden Driskell .429

RBI leader – Driskell 25

Home run leader – Driskell 4

Triples leader – Four tied with one

Doubles leader – Eli Loudon 6

Runs leader – Michael Scherer 28

Hits leader – Scherer 44

Walks leader – Luke Latham 20

ERA leader – Beau Barncastle 3.12

Strikeout leader – Barncastle 25