The 2024 baseball season did not meet expectations for Park Hill South as they finished under .500 for the first time since 2017.

A year later, the Panthers feel that they are ready to compete again with eyes set on conference and district success.

The Panthers return 10 varsity players, including seven seniors. In his 16th season as head coach, Josh Walker expects his team to improve offensively and be strong in the pitching department and on defense.

“The players are working very hard,” Walker said. “We need to cut down on our strikeouts and put the ball in play. We have great leadership, and my assistant coaches are the best in the state.”

That leadership will come from the return of four all-conference honorees, including shortstop Carsen Lett, outfielder Hayden Vizcarra, pitcher/first baseman Carson Bjorn and catcher/pitcher Max Killoren.

Park Hill South is coming from a 13-19 campaign last year where they lost nine of their last 11 games, ending the year with a 3-0 defeat to Staley in the district quarterfinal. The Panthers were solid defensively but are looking for some significant offensive improvements after scoring just 3.8 runs per game last year.

The Panthers would also enjoy some rivalry success, having lost seven of their last nine against Park Hill and having been shut out in both of last year’s meetings by a combined score of 14-0.

Once again, they will need some offensive production and hope their defense can hold up their end.

The Panthers will have to wait a while before they get their first shot against their rival on May 2.