BENTON — The Benton Panthers put together another strong showing in the 2025 season, finishing with an overall record of 23-9 and 10-4 in the 5A South Conference.
Despite a heartbreaking end to the year in the state tournament, Benton is bringing home the postseason honors for a job well done.
Seven Panthers from this past season have been named to the 5A South All-Conference team while two are basking in the fame of their All-State and All-State Tournament Team selections..
All-State/All-State Tournament Team:
Blake Mitchem was a sophomore star all season for Benton on the mound, finishing with a perfect 8-0 record on the hill. Mitchem, now a junior, threw 63.1 innings of action in 2025, striking out 84 while sporting a sub-zero earned-run average of 0.663.
“He was outstanding this season and quickly became one of the premiere pitchers in the state,” said Head Coach Mark Balisterri. “He handled himself like a senior. He is one you don’t have to worry about. He is going to compete from start to finish. We are looking forward to seeing the jump he will make the next two years with the Benton Panthers. Very proud.”
Marcus Bates put together the best season for the Panthers as a junior, leading Benton in most hitting categories.
He finished with a .395 average with a .509 OBP. 12 of his 35 hits this season went for extra bases while he also drove home 21 runs, stole eight bases and walked 16 times.
In the field Bates was a force, committing only six errors on 88 tries.
“We are looking forward to having him back for one more year. Very deserving,” Balisterri added.
Sawyer Wilson was a stud at the plate for Benton, hitting .359 in conference play to go along with 12 RBIs, 10 walks and a .490 on-base percentage. Wilson would also play stellar in the field, committing only one error in 60 chances.
“On the season he had 33 hits and led the team with 23 RBIs and 28 runs scored. He also led the team with the least amount of strikeouts with eight,” Balisterri added.
Noah Roberson had a difficult start to the season before turning things around and earning his place among the best in the 5A South.
On the year he hit for a .375 average in conference play, complementing his .500 OBP, nine RBIs and 15 runs scored in only 14 games.
“This player I am really proud of because of the way his year started off,” Balisterri said. “He could have shut down and gave up. We told him we had confidence in him but he had to figure it out. He did figure it out and was a big reason for our success this year.”
Evin Campbell followed Mitchem well on the bump, tossing 37 innings while compiling a record of 6-1 with a save. Campbell allowed nine earned runs all season to go along with 40 strikeouts and a 1.70 ERA. Campbell would be near perfect in conference action, winning four games with a 0.926 ERA.
“I am glad we have him back for another year,” Balisterri added.
Sam Shelton proved to be one of the toughest outs in the 5A South, helping pull Benton from chaos many times throughout the season.
Shelton hit .405 in conference play with 17 hits, 13 RBIs and an OBP of .444.
“He came through for us in the toughest moments in a game multiple times,” Balisterri said. “Coaches in the conference said he was tough to get out.”
Mason McDaniel, according to Balisterri, “will go down as one of the best catchers we have had at Benton.”
McDaniel, over his career, caught 576 innings while having only 16 total passed ball with 11 coming his sophomore year. He would also throw out 35 baserunners at Benton.