Lions sign five players in the early period

Missouri Southern baseball coach Bryce Darnell has announced the signing of five players to national letters of intent to attend Southern and play baseball beginning in the 2011 season.

The group of players includes three high school athletes as well as two junior college transfers.

"We are excited about this group of young men," Darnell said. "We feel like we needed to address our pitching depth and this class has done just that."

William "Bubba" McGaughy is a 6-1 right handed pitcher and a native of Conway, Mo. where he played four years at Conway High School. He comes to Missouri Southern after two years at Crowder College.

At Conway, McGaughy started four years as a pitcher, outfielder and infielder for coach Clay Bilve where he was an All-Conference selection three times, as well as a three-time All-District pick and an All-State pick his junior season. He holds the Conway HS record with 20 strikeouts in one game and he helped the Bears to back-to-back district championships in 2007-08, as well as a third place finish in the state tournament in 2008.

McGaughy is the son of Lynn and Dana McGaughy and is undecided on a major at Southern.

"Bubba is a power pitcher and has the ability to strikeout hitters," Darnell said. "He will compete for a starters roll in 2011."

Brett Abell is a 6-3 left handed pitcher and a native of Miami, Okla., where he played four years for coach Chris Mercer. He transfers to Southern  from North Central (Texas) College in Gainesville, Texas. In limited action last season at North Central, Abell threw 14 innings, allowed just two earned runs, while striking out 22. He had a 3-0 record with a 1.29 ERA.

At Miami, Abell was a four-year starter for the Wardogs, where he was an All-Conference selection three times and was an All-State pick his senior campaign. The son of Jerry and Becky Abell, Brett plans on majoring in business at Southern.

"We believe that Brett will compete for a starters roll in 2011," Darnell said. "He has had success at the JUCO and we expect that success to continue at MSSU."

Ryan Taylor is a 5-11 right handed pitcher and a product of Olathe Northwest High School in Olathe, Kan. A two-year starter for coach Novecek and the Ravens, Taylor was an honorable mention All-Sunflower League pick this past season, and finished the season with three wins and one loss and a 3.35 ERA. As a sophomore, he finished the season with a 2.86 ERA. Taylor helped his team to a regional championship in 2009.

The son of Mike and Marcy Taylor, Ryan plans on majoring in pre-pharmacy at Southern.

"Ryan has a live arm," Darnell said. "His arm strength will help him compete for solid innings as a freshman."

Zach Campbell is a 6-0 first baseman from Blue Eye, Mo., where he played four years at Blue Eye High School for coach Jack Dickey. A three-time All-Conference selection, Campbell was a second-team All-State Academic selection. Campbell has helped the Bulldogs to a conference champ his freshman season, as well as a district championship his sophomore season.

The son of Steve and Jayne Campbell, Zach plans on majoring in elementary education.

"Zach is a left hand hitter who will provide pop from that side," Darnell said.  He will compete for time as a freshman at first base DH and outfield."

David Reese is a 6-4, right handed pitcher from Olathe South High School where he played for three years for coach Perkins and the Falcons. An All-Conference selection this past year, he was named the team's Rookie of the Year as a sophomore. The son of David and Peggy Reese, the younger David plans on majoring in biology at Southern.

"David has an outstanding breaking ball and will compete for innings as a freshman in 2011," Darnell said.

Darnell expects one more signing.