Freshman Keaton Blevins also plays center field, Mercer noted, and likely would be the Wardogs’ designated hitter if needed.

No. 4 hitter Henson, who has three home runs, and No. 3 Abell lead the Miami offense.

Abell has signed with North Central Texas College of Gainesville. Henson, who averaged .477 last season with seven home runs, 13 doubles and 39 RBI, is headed for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College of Miami.

Mercer believes North Central Texas has reached the NJCAA World Series in four of the last six years.

Mercer, who’s assisted by Chad Ross and Nick Maxson, said visiting Coweta handed the Wardogs their only loss — 1-0 in a virtual snowstorm.

“We left 12 runners, too,” Mercer said.

Miami resumes in the Shawnee Festival on Thursday against “traditionally strong teams,” Mercer said. The Wardogs play Class 6A Moore at 4 p.m. and 5A Shawnee at 6:30.