A chat with Latta senior Ryder Perry

Following is a conversation with Latta senior Ryder Perry ahead of the Panthers’ fourth trip to the spring state tournament since 2022. No. 2 Latta (25-3) meets eighth-ranked Christian Heritage (23-12) at 6:30 p.m.Thursday in the first round of the Class 2A-1 State Tournament at Shawnee High School. Latta will attempt to win its first state title since 2005.

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The Ada News: What does it mean for you to get to play in one more state tournament?

Ryder Perry: “It means a lot to me to make another state tournament trip, but the job’s not finished. We’ve said the whole season that our goal isn’t to make it there anymore, our goal is to go win something.”

The Ada News: The Panthers have a talented and large group of seniors. Describe what it’s like being a teammate with those guys?

Ryder Perry:“It’s great. I grew up playing with or against all of them, and they’re guys that I’ve spent countless hours over the last four years with. I wouldn’t want any other group to go make a run at a championship with.”

The Ada News: As a pitcher, you are 5-0 and have given up only five earned runs in over 40 innings this spring. What has made you so effective on the mound this season?

Ryder Perry: “I just have to give a huge shoutout to our pitching coach (Trenton Golden). He’s really helped me get comfortable and come into my own out on the mound. I also have to give a shoutout to Landon Fortner, our catcher, for being the guy to call pitches and just being a stud back there. He’s got me out of a handful of jams. I owe the majority of my success to them and a great defense behind me.”

The Ada News: The Panthers are 25-3 heading into the state tournament. What do you think the key or keys to success have been for the Panthers this spring?

Ryder Perry: “Our pitching and defense have been really good, but I think it’s our offense that leads the way by getting us ahead early and taking pressure off of our defense. Another thing I feel like our success comes from is the hours we’ve put in together — from two-a-days, to offseason, to our 6 a.m. workouts. This is a group that I’m proud to be a part of, and I can’t wait to go make some noise with them.”