The Barton Community College baseball team under seventh year head coach Brent Biggs have been predicted second for the upcoming KJCCC West Division season according to voting results by member coaches.

Barton's 2020 season left the Cougars ranked 18th nationally boasting a record of 19-3 overall including a 5-1 KJCCC West best in the KJCCC West in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hutchinson Community College was given the nod as the team to beat in the West, with Colby Community College and Cloud County Community College behind the Cougars in the third and fourth predicted slots.

Key returners for the Cougars begin with the pitching staff in Graham Brunner as the sophomore lefty went 4-0 in his freshman season striking out 47 with a 1.78 ERA in 30.1 innings pitched helping the staff to a Region VI leading 3.52 ERA. Along with a host of returners and added talent, Barton will have a stable full of arms.

Barton also returns two of the top four at the top of the lineup and a handful of others that dipped in and out of the starting nine throughout the season. Centerfielder Alex Rodgers set the tone at the top, leading nine different offensive categories and third baseman Carson Pracht batting cleanup.

Season opener is February 12th in Midwest City, Oklahoma, with a two-day three-pack of games against Rose State College before its home opener on February 20th in a weekend doubleheader hosting Western Nebraska Community College.