BIXBY SPARTANS

Coach: JP SUTMILLER

21-14

OUTLOOK

Bixby may have lost a few key players from a strong year in 2023, but the Spartans are eager to follow up with an even better campaign in 2024. “We will look to build off of a successful 2023 season after losing five seniors and three key starters,” head coach JP Sutmiller said. “We will return senior Sarah Barbee for her third year anchoring the circle along with five other starters. We will be young but hungry to prove ourselves.” Barbee (Sr.) recorded 17 wins in the circle as a junior and had a 3-1 strikeout-walk ratio. Her sister, Shay Barbee (Sr.), had a .305 batting average. “The sisters are more on the quiet side but are always ready to put in the hard work,” Sutmiller said. “While Sarah does most of her work in the circle, Shay will play outfield and is a very good catcher. They are respected on the field and in the locker room by their team. They will enter the season uncommitted looking for opportunities to help schools at the next level.” Junior Emme Friedrichsen was stellar last year hitting .353 with six doubles, earning a spot on the All-District list as a utility player; Similarly, Alli Hancock (So.) hit .353 last year and was an All-District second baseman. “Emme does all the right things for all the right reasons,” Sutmiller said. “We look for Emme to become a major part of this team and to begin to be respected as a very good ballplayer. Several underclassmen will have an impact for the Spartans. The speedy Brynlee Hopkins (So.) went 10-for-10 on stolen bases last year. “Brynlee works hard in everything she does,” Sutmiller said. “She is never above the duty at hand. She is the girl that will help pick up when it isn’t her turn to do it.” Heidi Gruenwald (So.) hit .303 with seven doubles. Addi Shannon will back Barbee in the circle after going a perfect 3-0 her freshman year. “Addi is coming into her sophomore season ready to be a big part of the pitching game,” Sutmiller said. “She had limited experience as a freshman, but we hope she partners with Sarah Barbee as a one-two punch. . . She was a great teammate and took advantage of situations as a freshman. She will enter this year with the chance to make an impact for us.”