Arkansas' best high school baseball players: Meet the state's top second basemen

By Kevin Bohannon | Photo by Braeden Botts 

With high school baseball season in full swing, SBLive is looking at the best players in Arkansas. Today, we feature another group of middle infielders across all classifications. So many kids cross-train at second base and shortstop to get better and prepare for the next level should they get an opportunity. Players who play multiple positions might be featured on other lists throughout the season. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list as there are hundreds of great second basemen statewide. 

Patrick Engskov | Pulaski Academy | SR

Engskov has been a jack of all trades for the Bruins this spring. He can play anywhere on the infield and is a reliable closer with a three-pitch arsenal that features a fastball in the 88-90 mph range. Engskov will attend Oklahoma next season and has a chance to play early giving his versatility.

Ethan Fender | Springdale Har-Ber | SR

Fender is a two-sport star for the Wildcats and will play baseball at Arkansas State next season. Before that, the smooth infielder will try and get the Wildcats back to the 6A State Championship game. Fender was All Conference in 2021 and has 15 RBI on the season.

Jaylon Johnson | North Little Rock | SR

Johnson is the other part to the Charging Wildcats Dynamic Duo up the middle. Not only does he play defense at a high level, but he is also hitting over .300 on the season leading NLR back to the playoffs. Coach Cody Dillon says, “Jaylon is very reliable on the field and has one of the stronger second base arms I’ve seen in high school”.

Max Reese | Star City | SR

Reese has led the Bulldogs resurgence with solid defense and a big bat. The Senior led Star City to a runner up finish in the 4-8A and qualified for the state tournament. He started conference play off on fire with a 4-4 night at the plate with a couple doubles. Reese will play next year at SAU-Tech.

Luke Crumpler | Bentonville | SR

Another middle infielder that has been a utility guy at the highest level. Crumpler will lead the Tigers into the state tournament this week having been a key part of their success this season at the plate and in the field. He has signed with UA Rich Mountain for next season.

Michael White | Farmington | SR

White is a big-game player and has a knack for showing out in the biggest games this season. He belted a three-run home run in the 1-4A District Tournament Championship game in which the Cardinals defeated Shiloh Christian 13-3. White will play next season at SAU-Tech.

Peyton Voyles | Marion | JR

Voyles is a sweet swinging lefty that could move positions at the next level since he is still adding muscle to his frame. In the Patriots’ win over Greene County Tech, Voyles belted a grand slam homer un and has been a big part their 5A-East Conference Championships this season. Peyton is committed to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa.

Rece Hipp | Rose Bud | SR

Hipp made news in the winter for the Ramblers on the hardwood, but he may be more valuable on the diamond. Coach Taylor Cooper referred to Hipp as their “best overall player.” Hipp hit .323 on the season with 31 runs scored out of the leadoff spot. He also was a terror on the base paths swiping 22 bags. The Ramblers upset Walnut Ridge to advance to the 3A State Tournament.

Levi Lang | Harding Academy | JR

Lang is a Swiss Army knife for the Wildcats capable of playing every position on the field. He has dealt with arm injuries this season but is healthy heading into postseason play. Lang can help the Wildcats on the mound and is a power bat in the middle of their lineup. He will play collegiately at UALR.

Drew Vega | Dardanelle | JR

A two-sport star that plays with intensity every game. Vega is a coach’s son, and it shows with his high baseball IQ. Vega recently led the Sand Lizards to their second straight district tournament championship.

Derek Hatcher | Alma | JR

Hatcher is an infielder with pop as he leads the Airedales with a .448 average on the season with 2 home runs. Hatcher also excels on the gridiron as a wide receiver and in the classroom sporting a 3.8 GPA with a 24 on the ACT.

Sam Reynolds | Wonderview | JR

Reynolds has been the MVP for Wonderview this season. The junior has hit .512 with a 1.146 slugging percentage that includes 5 home runs, 7 doubles and 2 triples. He has been lights out on the mound as well sporting a 1.75 ERA while throwing three one hitters and a combined no-hitter. Reynolds has college offers but has yet to commit at this time.

Kelvin Battles | Sylvan Hills | JR

Battles has been a key player in the Bears 5A-Central Championship run hitting over .300 on the season and burning up the base paths as the Bears lead the state in stolen bases. Battles shifted over to shortstop this season and has potential to stay in the middle at the next level.

Bryce Walls | Rose Bud | SO

Walls has learned a lot from playing alongside Rece Hipp this season. He hit .329 for the Ramblers and has made the combo one of the best in the state defensively. Coach Taylor Cooper said “Walls is a super raw talent with lots of untapped potential. “ He has hit cleanup for the Ramblers most of the season.

Griffin DuVall | Brookland | SO

Duval may only be a sophomore, but his hometown college saw enough early on to offer him, and he committed to Arkansas State shortly thereafter. Duval was named to the all-tournament team at the Magnolia Panther Spring Break Invitational. He went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI in an early season win over rival Greene County Tech and then went 2-2 with a double and triple while playing error free defense in his next game.

Cade Bowman | LR Christian | SO

Bowman had big shoes to fill following his older brother Reid, who is now the starting second baseman for UCA. Cade has stepped in nicely leading the Warriors back to the 5A state tournament and has done it with his bat and glove. Bowman settled in the three hole for the Warriors and became an RBI machine down the stretch. Keep an eye on Cade as he could develop into one of the top players in the 2024 class.

Bowman has followed in the steps of his older brother as the captain of the infield for LR Christian. Cade