The return of baseball signifies a telltale sign that spring is around the corner. With a talented group of upperclassmen, the Montezuma-Cortez Panthers have their sights set on bringing an exciting brand of baseball to McAndrew Field this season, eyeing the top spot in the Intermountain League.
Coming off an 8-8 campaign from a season ago, head coach Tim Passell has the Panthers heading in the right direction.
Three all-IML returners, along with a motivated core of upperclassmen, will take leadership roles for a team looking to push deep into the 3A postseason.
Senior Trinidad McDonell headlines the Panther returners, making the IML honorable mention list from a year ago. The dual threat looks to serve as one of Passell’s primary hurlers this season, after striking out a batter per inning in 2021. When not on the mound, McDonell will help anchor the Panthers infield, and look to put up strong offensive numbers.
Joining McDonell in the infield, junior Evan LaMunyon looks to shift from second base to shortstop, filling the spot vacated by all-league performer Ty Blackmer. LaMunyon broke onto the scene in a big way during his sophomore campaign, joining McDonell as an honorable mention selection. He’ll look to build on a solid hitting resume, which saw LaMunyon bat .364 last season, finishing near the top of the team in hits and RBIs.
Perhaps no Panther carries more pop in his bat than junior Braden Hallman – as a sophomore, the catcher was an extra-base machine. A year after making the all-IML first team, Hallman looks to drive in runs from the middle of the batting order.
Senior JT Carver has become a mainstay in the Panther outfield, while junior Jake Blackmer will likely fit into the Panther pitching rotation and provide options for Passell with his infield alignment.
Seeking their fourth trip to the regional round of the 3A tournament in the past five years, the Panthers will see a number of players seeing role adjustments from their ’21 campaign.
Juniors Jeremy Ozment and Gabriel Crowley join a talented class of ’23 crew that has been together since their early playing days, a major factor, according to Passell, in developing the chemistry he hopes to see on the field.
“This group of juniors have been tremendous for helping us set our goals this year,” said the Panther head coach, “they’re driven to help us battle for a league title and make a deep postseason run.”
Sophomore Miles Frost provided a big offensive threat every time he stepped to the plate as a freshman last year, and along with an exciting freshman group, the Panthers will see strong competition for playing time at each position.
“The program keeps developing,” said Passell of the steady growth for Panther baseball, “and that speaks to the dedication of the student-athletes and coaches.”
Part of the continuity within the coaching staff has been instrumental in keeping consistent expectations for the Panthers. “We’re excited to have Jason Hernandez back with us again this year,” said Passell, “and to bring on Les Likes to coach the junior varsity, along with M-CHS alum Dylan Muzzy to work as pitching coach.”
The Panthers open the season at home this weekend, facing off against Dove Creek for a pair of contests, along with a dual with Durango’s JV.
After a trip to take on Battle Mountain, North Fork, and Gunnison over the weekend of Mar. 18-19, the Panthers get set for a home contest against Delta, the team that eliminated them from postseason play a year ago.
A home game with Rangely on April 2 helps M-CHS prepare for league play to begin on April 8, when they travel to Alamosa. Defending league champion Bayfield visits Parque de Vida on Saturday, April 23, while the Panthers will celebrate Senior Day on May 7 at home against Centauri.
“We keep setting the bar higher for what Panther baseball means,” added Passell, “and we’re excited to show the fans what a strong group of brothers can do when they take the field.”
