North Carolina playing their first baseball game as the top seed in the NCAA Tournament ever wins their opening night game 6-3. Mike Fox elected like many coaches to hold his best pitcher for the winners bracket game Saturday night didn't quite get five innings from his second best pitcher Benton Moss but the Heels win and advance to the winners bracket in their Region and play Towson a surprise winner over Florida Atlantic at 6pm Saturday night..
Over in Raleigh State scored all they would need in the first inning scoring twice but Binghamton didn't fold under the pressure and gave the Pack a game before faltering 4-1. Elliot Avent has his big horse Carlos Rodon set to pitch the winners bracket game and they will play William and Mary who shocked Mississippi who held their top pitcher to play in the winners bracket game but now must pitch in the lose and go home game against Binghamton. State and William and Mary play at 7pm
The ACC went 5-3 on the day. Virginia Tech was one of the three losses losing at home an will play in the the losers bracket on their home field Saturday afternoon. Georgia Tech and Clemson will be playing to extend their baseball seasons in loser bracket games . Florida State, Miami and Virginia also will be playing in the winners bracket games in their Regional Saturday night. The other two North Carolina teams playing in this year's NCAA Tournament played each other and Elon Beat UNC W 10-7. Elon draws Virginia Saturday night while UNCW plays Army in the Virginia Region losers bracket game.
I don't care what sport it is these days there are no such games that are blow outs any more. There have been times when a #1 seed would ten run rule a #4 seed but there were very few high scoring games in the NCAA Tournament. Carolina won 6-3 and State won 4-1 but there were moments in each where fans we uncomfortable with the tightness of the games. Seems like everybody has at least one good starting pitching and if that one guy is on any body can lose. Let's see as we get to Sunday and see if the scores don't start going up as the pitching for the weekend begins to run low.
I heard that Post 58 was scrambling to get enough players to suit up tonight as a couple of high school graduations depleted the Post 58 roster. Post 58 lost 13-1 in Garner to lose their first game of the season. They play again Saturday afternoon in Garner.
Friday, May 31, 2013
State-Carolina Get It Going Today
The Pack and Heels start their quest to make it to Omaha today when the NCAA Regional baseball tournaments begin all across the country and two in the Triangle. Carolina as the top seed in the Tournament opens at 6pm against Canisius while State begins play against Bingham at 7. So two New York schools come south neither carrying much of a resume's to put fear in the hearts of Pack and Heel fans.
This is the first playoff game ever for Canisius who comes into this Chapel Hill tournament 41-15 and an RPI of 90. Last week Carolina played four games in winning the ACC tournament and all for teams RPI rankings don't add up to 90. N C State may not be happy making the top 8 in the field but they open against Bingham making their second NCAA appearance and an RPI of 171. State has only played two teams all year that have a higher RPI than Bingham.
There is no reason to feel that these two games today should be any more than a good practice for both teams but in sports no one makes tackles for you in football, no one puts it in the basket for you in basketball and no one can hit it for you in baseball they both have to earn their way to the winners bracket of their tournaments.
If you would like to go to either Chapel Hill or Raleigh this weekend here is how it works . Both school have been selling an all games package all week and there is a chance of it taking seven games if the winners bracket team loses once. If you would like to go to a single game be at the park sometime before the game you want to see and they will be selling single game tickets. They clear the stadium out after every game including people who have tickets for all games and then let people back in. Those that bought the entire package will be sitting between the dugouts and the single tickets are where ever you seat is at the time you bought it.
Coleman Pitt Post 58 begins a five games in five days tonight in Garner. The fifth game is a home game Tuesday night at Legion Field. If you have followed Legion Hank Jones will play any body the first couple of weeks not really caring about wins and losses only looking to see who he can count on once conference starts.
This is the first playoff game ever for Canisius who comes into this Chapel Hill tournament 41-15 and an RPI of 90. Last week Carolina played four games in winning the ACC tournament and all for teams RPI rankings don't add up to 90. N C State may not be happy making the top 8 in the field but they open against Bingham making their second NCAA appearance and an RPI of 171. State has only played two teams all year that have a higher RPI than Bingham.
There is no reason to feel that these two games today should be any more than a good practice for both teams but in sports no one makes tackles for you in football, no one puts it in the basket for you in basketball and no one can hit it for you in baseball they both have to earn their way to the winners bracket of their tournaments.
If you would like to go to either Chapel Hill or Raleigh this weekend here is how it works . Both school have been selling an all games package all week and there is a chance of it taking seven games if the winners bracket team loses once. If you would like to go to a single game be at the park sometime before the game you want to see and they will be selling single game tickets. They clear the stadium out after every game including people who have tickets for all games and then let people back in. Those that bought the entire package will be sitting between the dugouts and the single tickets are where ever you seat is at the time you bought it.
Coleman Pitt Post 58 begins a five games in five days tonight in Garner. The fifth game is a home game Tuesday night at Legion Field. If you have followed Legion Hank Jones will play any body the first couple of weeks not really caring about wins and losses only looking to see who he can count on once conference starts.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Hardly Ever Noticed Sportsmanship
Duke won their second Lacrosse title Monday beating Syracuse 16-10 after they were trailing in the second quarter 5-0. By games end Duke was in control and the last couple of minutes for them were the sweetest any athlete can have. Even while the game is in progress you know towards the end you have done what you set out to do win it all.
Duke like all teams had the national championship tee shirts and hats all printed and ready to distribute to each member when the game ended but coach John Danowski made his players remove the tee shirts and hats until after the end of the game handshake. He didn't want to insult Syracuse to have to look at the gear while they waded through the handshake line. Boy, when was the last time you saw sportsmanship like that.
If there was ever a coach that came to a team at the right time Danowski is it. If you remember he became coach after the Rape scandal hit the Blue Devils. The program for all intent and purpose was dropped like a hot cake only to find out lies had been told a coach fired who later sued Duke and won. In walks Danowski and seven years later Duke has two national championships under their belt.
Who would have ever thought that the Triangle area would be the center of the college Lacrosse world. UNC women won the championship giving the Triangle the top two trophies. Two is exactly two more than what the Big Three won in basketball.
UNC and N C State begin play in their respective baseball Regional Friday night. Carolina plays at 6pm and State will begin at 7. By the way all eight ACC teams that played last weekend in the ACC Baseball Tournament are all seeded no lower than #2 in the regional that each is playing. Five are hosting UNC, Virginia, Florida State, N C State and Virginia Tech. Clemson. Georgia Tech and Miami are traveling to other Regional sites. If the ACC doesn't get five to the Super Regional this weekend will be a big disappointment
Duke like all teams had the national championship tee shirts and hats all printed and ready to distribute to each member when the game ended but coach John Danowski made his players remove the tee shirts and hats until after the end of the game handshake. He didn't want to insult Syracuse to have to look at the gear while they waded through the handshake line. Boy, when was the last time you saw sportsmanship like that.
If there was ever a coach that came to a team at the right time Danowski is it. If you remember he became coach after the Rape scandal hit the Blue Devils. The program for all intent and purpose was dropped like a hot cake only to find out lies had been told a coach fired who later sued Duke and won. In walks Danowski and seven years later Duke has two national championships under their belt.
Who would have ever thought that the Triangle area would be the center of the college Lacrosse world. UNC women won the championship giving the Triangle the top two trophies. Two is exactly two more than what the Big Three won in basketball.
UNC and N C State begin play in their respective baseball Regional Friday night. Carolina plays at 6pm and State will begin at 7. By the way all eight ACC teams that played last weekend in the ACC Baseball Tournament are all seeded no lower than #2 in the regional that each is playing. Five are hosting UNC, Virginia, Florida State, N C State and Virginia Tech. Clemson. Georgia Tech and Miami are traveling to other Regional sites. If the ACC doesn't get five to the Super Regional this weekend will be a big disappointment
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
THE CASE: The NCAA Versus Campbell
Every year when the NCAA basketball brackets come out there is always someone who thinks that they should be part of the 68 teams that make the tournament. Every case the NCAA can throw at you statistics and in some case facts as to why a certain team did not get in. Monday when the NCAA baseball brackets were announced N C State had every reason to think that according to the numbers they could have been as high as a five seed because those higher in the final bracket at least four don't have the stats and facts that the Pack has this year. The one thing the Pack has is it is in the tournament and will host a Regional this weekend. On the other hand Campbell who had every reason to plan on practice Monday afternoon was left to pack up the equipment and call it a season.
Campbell has only been to the baseball tournament once since they have gone to division 1 baseball. This years was the best in the history of the school when they won 49 and lost ten. Their winning percentage is the fifth best in the country. You have heard me within the past month preach about RPI and there's is 38 well within the top 64 in the land. They won their division of the Big South with a 19-5 record.. The biggest objection the NCAA can have is they have a strength of schedule of 237. No one who made the tournament that didn't automatically get in has a worse SOS.
The curious problem with not allowing Campbell in is they gave the #3 team in the Big South Coastal Carolina an invite. They trailed CU in RPI 38 to 50 and behind them in the division of the Big South. The only winning point for CC was their SOS was 76 to CU's 237. I can see where Campbell was bumped but here is where I am really disappointed for Ben Fish. The former Rocky Mount Gryphon like every one at Campbell wanted to find out what it is like playing any where country in the NCAA Tournament.
They beat ECU twice this year but as the year has unfolded that didn't help Campbell's RPI with the year ECU had. The real kicker is that Coastal Carolina and Campbell did not meet during the regular season so there is no face to face battle to decide who goes. The bottom line the writing was on the wall for Campbell when they lost their tournament final to Liberty who got in. A victory on Saturday and the Fighting Camels would be playing this weekend.
The Northern Nash football program is sponsoring a Bar-b-que chicken dinner at the high school on June 14th. Plates are selling for $7 and all the profits will go to the football program at Northern. The time is from 11am -2pm and if you company would like to order at least ten plates they will deliver. Help support the Knights as they try to get new coach Randy Raper off and running at Northern Nash.
Campbell has only been to the baseball tournament once since they have gone to division 1 baseball. This years was the best in the history of the school when they won 49 and lost ten. Their winning percentage is the fifth best in the country. You have heard me within the past month preach about RPI and there's is 38 well within the top 64 in the land. They won their division of the Big South with a 19-5 record.. The biggest objection the NCAA can have is they have a strength of schedule of 237. No one who made the tournament that didn't automatically get in has a worse SOS.
The curious problem with not allowing Campbell in is they gave the #3 team in the Big South Coastal Carolina an invite. They trailed CU in RPI 38 to 50 and behind them in the division of the Big South. The only winning point for CC was their SOS was 76 to CU's 237. I can see where Campbell was bumped but here is where I am really disappointed for Ben Fish. The former Rocky Mount Gryphon like every one at Campbell wanted to find out what it is like playing any where country in the NCAA Tournament.
They beat ECU twice this year but as the year has unfolded that didn't help Campbell's RPI with the year ECU had. The real kicker is that Coastal Carolina and Campbell did not meet during the regular season so there is no face to face battle to decide who goes. The bottom line the writing was on the wall for Campbell when they lost their tournament final to Liberty who got in. A victory on Saturday and the Fighting Camels would be playing this weekend.
The Northern Nash football program is sponsoring a Bar-b-que chicken dinner at the high school on June 14th. Plates are selling for $7 and all the profits will go to the football program at Northern. The time is from 11am -2pm and if you company would like to order at least ten plates they will deliver. Help support the Knights as they try to get new coach Randy Raper off and running at Northern Nash.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Carolina Top Seed In NCAA Baseball
UNC fresh off the ACC baseball Tournament title has earned the top spot in this year NCAA Baseball Tournament. N C State is seeded ninth which means they will join Carolina in hosting a Regional this weekend but will have to hit the road in two weeks if they survive their Regional. Elon and UNC Wimington are the only other two teams from North Carolina in the field.
That leaves Campbell with their greatest season ever at home after they played for their conference title on Saturday and lost to Liberty who made the tournament. Campbell was in the winners bracket and Liberty in the double elimination tournament survived to play Campbell in a one game winner take all and Liberty won 2-1. So Campbell lost only once in their conference tournament and that one loss knocked them out of the Tournament.
Eddie Loesner the baseball coach at Northern Nash has resigned and will not return next season as baseball coach. Thinking out loud here but if he turns in an application I think Greg Clifton the former Northern assistant and now the head coach at Faith Christian would be a very good choice. He has been within the program before and has in his two years at Faith raised baseball up at Faith.
I am surprised some what that there has not been an up roar from those that attended the State -Carolina game last Saturday night in Durham. Any tournament you go too theses days will clear the stadium out between games because they sell individual tickets and there are those who buy tickets for all games. They clear everyone out to get the single game ticket holders out so the new batch of single game ticket holders don't have to fight for their seat.
Since TV wanted to get the game started as close as possible to 7pm and the two earlier games had the 7pm game late all 11,000 fans going to the State -Carolina game had to get their tickets scanned and through the gates after everyone from the second game got out. The normal procedure between games is 51 minutes there was not enough time to get the previous crowd out and the monster crowd in by 51 minutes. A couple of thousand who had already been waiting outside a couple of hours to get in didn't get to see the first pitch.
There is one advantage for North Carolina teams playing close to home and of course their fans flock to see the games where hardly any other team has any. The disadvantage is knowing that State-Carolina will draw huge crowds and Saturday's game ending at near 2am Carolina had little time to rest before Sunday's championship game at 1pm.
That leaves Campbell with their greatest season ever at home after they played for their conference title on Saturday and lost to Liberty who made the tournament. Campbell was in the winners bracket and Liberty in the double elimination tournament survived to play Campbell in a one game winner take all and Liberty won 2-1. So Campbell lost only once in their conference tournament and that one loss knocked them out of the Tournament.
Eddie Loesner the baseball coach at Northern Nash has resigned and will not return next season as baseball coach. Thinking out loud here but if he turns in an application I think Greg Clifton the former Northern assistant and now the head coach at Faith Christian would be a very good choice. He has been within the program before and has in his two years at Faith raised baseball up at Faith.
I am surprised some what that there has not been an up roar from those that attended the State -Carolina game last Saturday night in Durham. Any tournament you go too theses days will clear the stadium out between games because they sell individual tickets and there are those who buy tickets for all games. They clear everyone out to get the single game ticket holders out so the new batch of single game ticket holders don't have to fight for their seat.
Since TV wanted to get the game started as close as possible to 7pm and the two earlier games had the 7pm game late all 11,000 fans going to the State -Carolina game had to get their tickets scanned and through the gates after everyone from the second game got out. The normal procedure between games is 51 minutes there was not enough time to get the previous crowd out and the monster crowd in by 51 minutes. A couple of thousand who had already been waiting outside a couple of hours to get in didn't get to see the first pitch.
There is one advantage for North Carolina teams playing close to home and of course their fans flock to see the games where hardly any other team has any. The disadvantage is knowing that State-Carolina will draw huge crowds and Saturday's game ending at near 2am Carolina had little time to rest before Sunday's championship game at 1pm.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Legion Wins Opener
Hank Jones has shaken the bushes all over the area and then some to find the Coleman Pitt Post 58 American Legion team for 2013. Rocky Mount High and Rocky Mount Academy lead the way with 4 players each. Corinth Holder High from Wendell has three players on this years squad.Two players each from Northern Nash and Faith Christian. East Wake, Roanoke Rapids and Hobgood Academy each have one player. Corinth Holder's players come courtesy of Raleigh Area Legion teams having full rosters and these players want to play Legion ball.
This being the first game of the season and Hank Jones wanting to look as many pitchers as possible went three innings each with three different pitchers. Jeremy Johnson got the start but he was greeted in the first inning by a two run homer by Apex's Alex Malinsky. Johnson finished out his three innings not giving up another run and when he left it was tied 2-2. Post 58 struck back in the bottom of the first after Jonathan Aparicio double home Linwood Jones who lead off with a hit. Aparicio scored on an infield single by Abel Hernandez.
Sam Burman pitched innings 4-7 and Apex touched him for three runs on three hits in the fifth. Alex Malinsky rbi single and Alex Yarem single lead to getting three runs home. Just like the first Rocky Mount responded but got only two to trail 5-4 after five. Nick Vester singled and a David Williams double got the first run and Williams scored on an error at third.
Innings 7-8-9 belonged to Northern's Derrick Carter at he shut the door on Apex striking out 5 and allowed only one hit and walked one batter. Finally in the bottom of the eighth P58 scored six times Andy Morris singled with one out, Spenser Ramsey walked, Linwood Jones hit a come backer to the pitcher who fielded the ball but while trying to throw to first dropped the ball loading the bases. Corey Shirk slapped a single up the middle scoring one. Jonathan Aparicio's single plated two more runs. Adam Bayless walked and Nick Vester single brought home two more. A wild pitch scored run number 10.
Nick Vester who did not start got three hits and 2 rbi. Jonathan Aparicio another three hits and three rbi. Linwood Jones had two hits along with Spenser Ramsey Corey Shirk, Abel Hernanadez legged out an infield hit but was injured at first and left the game in the first inning. Andy Morris and David Williams had the other hits. P58 starts 2013 off with a win 10-5 over Apex.
Derrick Carter did his job keeping Apex at the five run mark and was rewarded for his effort with the win . P58 produced 14 hits on the night while P 58 pitching held Apex to hit hits.
Most folks have Monday Memorial day off and I would like to remind everyone that Memorial Day is the day to remember those who have fallen in battle and did not come home from defending our country. We are able to do the things that we want to because of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Coleman Pitt Post 58 begins the Memorial Holiday with it's first win.
This being the first game of the season and Hank Jones wanting to look as many pitchers as possible went three innings each with three different pitchers. Jeremy Johnson got the start but he was greeted in the first inning by a two run homer by Apex's Alex Malinsky. Johnson finished out his three innings not giving up another run and when he left it was tied 2-2. Post 58 struck back in the bottom of the first after Jonathan Aparicio double home Linwood Jones who lead off with a hit. Aparicio scored on an infield single by Abel Hernandez.
Sam Burman pitched innings 4-7 and Apex touched him for three runs on three hits in the fifth. Alex Malinsky rbi single and Alex Yarem single lead to getting three runs home. Just like the first Rocky Mount responded but got only two to trail 5-4 after five. Nick Vester singled and a David Williams double got the first run and Williams scored on an error at third.
Innings 7-8-9 belonged to Northern's Derrick Carter at he shut the door on Apex striking out 5 and allowed only one hit and walked one batter. Finally in the bottom of the eighth P58 scored six times Andy Morris singled with one out, Spenser Ramsey walked, Linwood Jones hit a come backer to the pitcher who fielded the ball but while trying to throw to first dropped the ball loading the bases. Corey Shirk slapped a single up the middle scoring one. Jonathan Aparicio's single plated two more runs. Adam Bayless walked and Nick Vester single brought home two more. A wild pitch scored run number 10.
Nick Vester who did not start got three hits and 2 rbi. Jonathan Aparicio another three hits and three rbi. Linwood Jones had two hits along with Spenser Ramsey Corey Shirk, Abel Hernanadez legged out an infield hit but was injured at first and left the game in the first inning. Andy Morris and David Williams had the other hits. P58 starts 2013 off with a win 10-5 over Apex.
Derrick Carter did his job keeping Apex at the five run mark and was rewarded for his effort with the win . P58 produced 14 hits on the night while P 58 pitching held Apex to hit hits.
Most folks have Monday Memorial day off and I would like to remind everyone that Memorial Day is the day to remember those who have fallen in battle and did not come home from defending our country. We are able to do the things that we want to because of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Coleman Pitt Post 58 begins the Memorial Holiday with it's first win.
11,392 Got Their Monies Worth
Earlier on Saturday afternoon Virginia and Florida State went 12 innings and those three extra innings pushed the start of the State-Carolina game back to 7.41pm start time. All most all of the 11,392 were waiting outside the gates for game two of the ACC Tournament to get over and then with electronic tickets and each one needing to be scanned about 1,500 were not in their seats when Carlos Rodon tossed the first pitch of the night. Even though some didn't see the start I doubt if there were many complaining by midnight.
In what I have to say is the greatest sporting event I have ever seen and in my case on TV North Carolina beat N C State 2-1 in 18 innings.
It was seen by the most people to ever watch a baseball game in the state of North Carolina. It is the longest game in ACC Tournament history. It started at 7:41pm and ended at 1:51 AM. Carlos Rodon pitched 10 innings gave up 1 run on 1 hit and did not win the game. It was an unearned run while striking out 14. Rocky Mount's Hobbs Johnson struck out 9 in 5.1 innings and was losing when he left the game.
22 Tar Heels struck out while 21 Wolfpack players failed to make contact. State had 10 hits while Carolina only had 6 for the entire game. State had three men on third in the extra innings and failed to score. State committed four errors and two in the 8th caused them to have to play 10 more innings. Carolina's relief pitchers held State scoreless in the last 12 innings. Both teams pitcher pitched almost 600 pitches in the game.
My son Brooks texted me at 10:45 and said his heart was racing at 200 miles per hours. I have never seen a game that every pitch from the 8th inning on was like the 9th inning in game 7 of the World Series. North Carolina has played 32 innings in the last 30 hours. They play again at 1pm today.
This is the second year in a row that State and Carolina have gone extra innings in the Saturday night ACC Tournament game. If you remember Carolina won last year 4-0 in the 12th inning. Those two games Carolina has scored just 1 run in the first nine innings of both last year's game and won both. State has scored only once in the same time frame in those two games against Carolina in 30 innings.. Carolina has outscored State 5-0 in those two games extra innings.
There is no doubt this was a game to be remembered for ever. Now Carolina must focus on this afternoon's championship game
By the way there was no Post 58 Legion game on Saturday so their season opens tonight at 6pm against Apex at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field.
In what I have to say is the greatest sporting event I have ever seen and in my case on TV North Carolina beat N C State 2-1 in 18 innings.
It was seen by the most people to ever watch a baseball game in the state of North Carolina. It is the longest game in ACC Tournament history. It started at 7:41pm and ended at 1:51 AM. Carlos Rodon pitched 10 innings gave up 1 run on 1 hit and did not win the game. It was an unearned run while striking out 14. Rocky Mount's Hobbs Johnson struck out 9 in 5.1 innings and was losing when he left the game.
22 Tar Heels struck out while 21 Wolfpack players failed to make contact. State had 10 hits while Carolina only had 6 for the entire game. State had three men on third in the extra innings and failed to score. State committed four errors and two in the 8th caused them to have to play 10 more innings. Carolina's relief pitchers held State scoreless in the last 12 innings. Both teams pitcher pitched almost 600 pitches in the game.
My son Brooks texted me at 10:45 and said his heart was racing at 200 miles per hours. I have never seen a game that every pitch from the 8th inning on was like the 9th inning in game 7 of the World Series. North Carolina has played 32 innings in the last 30 hours. They play again at 1pm today.
This is the second year in a row that State and Carolina have gone extra innings in the Saturday night ACC Tournament game. If you remember Carolina won last year 4-0 in the 12th inning. Those two games Carolina has scored just 1 run in the first nine innings of both last year's game and won both. State has scored only once in the same time frame in those two games against Carolina in 30 innings.. Carolina has outscored State 5-0 in those two games extra innings.
There is no doubt this was a game to be remembered for ever. Now Carolina must focus on this afternoon's championship game
By the way there was no Post 58 Legion game on Saturday so their season opens tonight at 6pm against Apex at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Show Down In The Bull City
North Carolina used up eight of their nine lives Friday night trailing Clemson 7-2 in the ninth inning but scored five times to send the game into extra innings. Seemed as if Clemson had a chance to win in every inning in of overtime but the last one when Carolina put another five spot on the board and beat Clemson 12-7 in 14 innings. Earlier in the day North Carolina State got great bull pen pitching and timely hitting along with outstanding defense in beating Miami 7-1. It sets up for the first time in their history that North Carolina and North Carolina State play each other in the ACC Baseball Tournament when both teams are 2-0.
It had been announced earlier in the day that the game was a sell out and all available standing room only space has been bought too. This should mean that the crowd tonight should be the largest to ever watch a college baseball game in North Carolina.
I was in Durham for the State game but I need to remind everyone that Virginia Tech has already played their three games in this years round robin and stand 3-0 and will play the winner Sunday for the ACC Championship. There are a lot of people that complain that the tournament in Durham is an advantage for both Carolina and State but the third closest team to Durham Virginia Tech is playing some ball too. Yes there were maybe 3,000 State fans and only 35 Miami fans at the game Friday but when everyone left the State game 400 or so VT fans were waiting to get in their 3pm game.
The Hokies are 35-19 on the season but have won 11 out of their last 12 games. We are all concerned about RPI and Carolina stands #1 in the RPI. State has passed Florida St into 8th but Virginia Tech has moved up to #11. Neither the Tar Heels or the Pack had better think the championship is Saturday night because Virginia Tech is ready to play at 1pm Sunday against tonight's winner.
Coleman Pitt American Legion Post 58 begins their season tonight as they travel to Creedmor. Sunday night at 6pm they will be home when they host Apex.
It had been announced earlier in the day that the game was a sell out and all available standing room only space has been bought too. This should mean that the crowd tonight should be the largest to ever watch a college baseball game in North Carolina.
I was in Durham for the State game but I need to remind everyone that Virginia Tech has already played their three games in this years round robin and stand 3-0 and will play the winner Sunday for the ACC Championship. There are a lot of people that complain that the tournament in Durham is an advantage for both Carolina and State but the third closest team to Durham Virginia Tech is playing some ball too. Yes there were maybe 3,000 State fans and only 35 Miami fans at the game Friday but when everyone left the State game 400 or so VT fans were waiting to get in their 3pm game.
The Hokies are 35-19 on the season but have won 11 out of their last 12 games. We are all concerned about RPI and Carolina stands #1 in the RPI. State has passed Florida St into 8th but Virginia Tech has moved up to #11. Neither the Tar Heels or the Pack had better think the championship is Saturday night because Virginia Tech is ready to play at 1pm Sunday against tonight's winner.
Coleman Pitt American Legion Post 58 begins their season tonight as they travel to Creedmor. Sunday night at 6pm they will be home when they host Apex.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Sunday Home Opener
If you have been involved with Legion baseball as long as I have you know that non-conference games get cancelled, changed, put off or moved in a moments notice. The season starts Saturday with Post 58 on the road. If you have a printed schedule that you have received in the last 72 hours tear it up because it has changed since then.
Sunday night Post 58 will open it's season at home. The old schedule the first home game was not until the first week of June. Opening pitch at the Rocky Mount American Legion field will be Sunday at 6pm. Hold your breath the schedule could change before then.
North Carolina and N C State are on a collision course to meet Saturday night at 7pm with a winner take all for the right to play Sunday for the ACC Baseball Championship. In order for that to happen both must win today. State plays at 11am against Miami and I plan on being there for that one and Carolina and Benton Moss play at 7pm against Clemson. Even though Clemson and Miami have one loss neither have been eliminated as of yet. We know for sure Both State and Carolina win today one of them will play Sunday.
Virginia Tech is in the drivers seat in the other bracket after they beat Florida ST 3-2 Thursday night. FSU and Virginia are out as the best Virginia can do is 2-1 and tie VT but VT beat UVA so they get the tie breaker. So if GT beats VT then they play Sunday.
Any body that keeps up with high school football in North Carolina knows the name Jack Holley. Holley is the all time wins leader in North Carolina football coaches with 412. He coached 44 years and in that 44 years lost only 96 games. Holley died earlier this week at the age of 74.
There is something about football that for those that played and endured the pain, sweat and agony you go through a practice just to be able to set foot on a football field on a Friday night. Those coaches that you think while you are enduring that the coach is the devil. Not to far in your life away from football you realize that what that coach was doing for you was not helping you wins games but was preparing you for life.
Hearing from all those players that played for Jack Holley I can tell you that they like me would run through a wall for him as I would for my high school coach. Holley had that ability not only to win but teach life lessons along the way. The way you have to prepare for a football game is completely different than any other sport. I played all three of the major sports in high school and I was better in baseball than football. What I learned on the practice field of football about getting knocked down and and getting back up for the next play can't be taught in any other sport.
There are coaches who have the touch. Jack Holley had it. The world is a better place because he left a legacy of life. His funeral will be at the Wallace Rose Hill High football Stadium where many of Holley's victories occurred. Many a Friday night that stadium has been run over with people. Why do you think it is being held at the stadium. There is no funeral home can can handle the crowd that will be there. Most of them there will be there to honor the man that made them men.
Sunday night Post 58 will open it's season at home. The old schedule the first home game was not until the first week of June. Opening pitch at the Rocky Mount American Legion field will be Sunday at 6pm. Hold your breath the schedule could change before then.
North Carolina and N C State are on a collision course to meet Saturday night at 7pm with a winner take all for the right to play Sunday for the ACC Baseball Championship. In order for that to happen both must win today. State plays at 11am against Miami and I plan on being there for that one and Carolina and Benton Moss play at 7pm against Clemson. Even though Clemson and Miami have one loss neither have been eliminated as of yet. We know for sure Both State and Carolina win today one of them will play Sunday.
Virginia Tech is in the drivers seat in the other bracket after they beat Florida ST 3-2 Thursday night. FSU and Virginia are out as the best Virginia can do is 2-1 and tie VT but VT beat UVA so they get the tie breaker. So if GT beats VT then they play Sunday.
Any body that keeps up with high school football in North Carolina knows the name Jack Holley. Holley is the all time wins leader in North Carolina football coaches with 412. He coached 44 years and in that 44 years lost only 96 games. Holley died earlier this week at the age of 74.
There is something about football that for those that played and endured the pain, sweat and agony you go through a practice just to be able to set foot on a football field on a Friday night. Those coaches that you think while you are enduring that the coach is the devil. Not to far in your life away from football you realize that what that coach was doing for you was not helping you wins games but was preparing you for life.
Hearing from all those players that played for Jack Holley I can tell you that they like me would run through a wall for him as I would for my high school coach. Holley had that ability not only to win but teach life lessons along the way. The way you have to prepare for a football game is completely different than any other sport. I played all three of the major sports in high school and I was better in baseball than football. What I learned on the practice field of football about getting knocked down and and getting back up for the next play can't be taught in any other sport.
There are coaches who have the touch. Jack Holley had it. The world is a better place because he left a legacy of life. His funeral will be at the Wallace Rose Hill High football Stadium where many of Holley's victories occurred. Many a Friday night that stadium has been run over with people. Why do you think it is being held at the stadium. There is no funeral home can can handle the crowd that will be there. Most of them there will be there to honor the man that made them men.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Gryphon Awards 2012-2013
116 Gryphon Athletes have so far in the 2012-213 Academic year maintained a 3.1 unweighted GPA. Last Thursday night at the Athletic Awards Banquet Alexandra Wicker(Female)and Joshua Neal(male) were named the Scholar Athletes of the year. Following is a list of all the Athletic Awards presented.
Football: MVP-Mason Hines--Darkside Award-Tony Batts-- Coaches' Award Dewayne Moore--Billy Smith Award-Micah Varnell
Volleyball: Defensive MVP-Alexus Threatt-Offensive MVP-Evie Hunter--Coaches'Award Casey Cooke
Tennis: MVP- Mackenzie Warner--Coaches' Award Mackenzie Warner
Cross Country Boys: MVP- Mason Holt--Coaches' Award -Zach Shea-- Most Improved Jayquan Pittman
Cross Country Girls: Leadership Award- Alexis Bryant--Coaches' Award- Stephanie Morales-- Most Improved-Andrea Fox
Soccer: Coaches' Award- Nick Ellis,Sam Lilley and Wyatt Phillips
Golf: Most Consistent-Ali Martin-- Most Improved- Bailey Lewis
Basketball Boys: MVP Donte Battle--Most Outstanding Player- M J Gainey-- Defensive Award- Mason Hines
Basketball Girls: MVP J'Kyra Brown-Coaches' Award- Carmen Richardson-- Most Improved- Kelsey Daniels
Swimming Boys: All Around MVP- Patrick Boone--Most Improved- Bradley Lamm- Coaches' Award Spenser Ramsey
Swimming Girls: MVP-Schuler Moss and Sydney Browder--Coaches' Award- Emily Vick
Indoor Track Boys: MVP Mason Holt-Coaches' Award- Mark Shaw and Zachary Shea
Indoor Track Girls: Most Improved- Stephanie Morales-- Coaches' Award- Alexis Bryant
Wrestling: MVP Alex Knight-Coaches Award- Rahshaun Elliot and Joesph Cooper
Cheerleading: MVP-Anna Gold and Brandy Pittman-- Coaches' Award- Kierra Cherry
Baseball: Best All Round-Jeremy Johnson--Most Improved-Trevor Hayworth--Coaches' Award- Spenser Ramsey
Golf: Most Consistent-James Martin--Most Improved- Tyler Holland-- Coaches' Award- Mark Whitley
Soccer: Offensive Player of the Year-Kasey Cooke--Defensive Player of the Year-Che'Kelvia Yarrell--Coaches' Award- Evie Hunter
Softball: MVP- Brittany Stallings--Best All Round- Carmen Richardson--Leadership Award- Alexus Threatt
Tennis: MVP- Zackary Green--Coaches' Award Kevin Ramirez
Track Boys: MVP- Mason Holt and Mason Hines--Coaches' Award Jonathan Romero
Track Girls: MVP- Takeyra Thomas and J'Kyra Brown
Athletes Of The Year: Boys- Mason Hines-- Girls-J'Kyra Brown
Juan Chesson Award Winner: Mason Holt
Rocky Mount won three conference championships; Basketball Boys- Wrestling and Track Girls
Football: MVP-Mason Hines--Darkside Award-Tony Batts-- Coaches' Award Dewayne Moore--Billy Smith Award-Micah Varnell
Volleyball: Defensive MVP-Alexus Threatt-Offensive MVP-Evie Hunter--Coaches'Award Casey Cooke
Tennis: MVP- Mackenzie Warner--Coaches' Award Mackenzie Warner
Cross Country Boys: MVP- Mason Holt--Coaches' Award -Zach Shea-- Most Improved Jayquan Pittman
Cross Country Girls: Leadership Award- Alexis Bryant--Coaches' Award- Stephanie Morales-- Most Improved-Andrea Fox
Soccer: Coaches' Award- Nick Ellis,Sam Lilley and Wyatt Phillips
Golf: Most Consistent-Ali Martin-- Most Improved- Bailey Lewis
Basketball Boys: MVP Donte Battle--Most Outstanding Player- M J Gainey-- Defensive Award- Mason Hines
Basketball Girls: MVP J'Kyra Brown-Coaches' Award- Carmen Richardson-- Most Improved- Kelsey Daniels
Swimming Boys: All Around MVP- Patrick Boone--Most Improved- Bradley Lamm- Coaches' Award Spenser Ramsey
Swimming Girls: MVP-Schuler Moss and Sydney Browder--Coaches' Award- Emily Vick
Indoor Track Boys: MVP Mason Holt-Coaches' Award- Mark Shaw and Zachary Shea
Indoor Track Girls: Most Improved- Stephanie Morales-- Coaches' Award- Alexis Bryant
Wrestling: MVP Alex Knight-Coaches Award- Rahshaun Elliot and Joesph Cooper
Cheerleading: MVP-Anna Gold and Brandy Pittman-- Coaches' Award- Kierra Cherry
Baseball: Best All Round-Jeremy Johnson--Most Improved-Trevor Hayworth--Coaches' Award- Spenser Ramsey
Golf: Most Consistent-James Martin--Most Improved- Tyler Holland-- Coaches' Award- Mark Whitley
Soccer: Offensive Player of the Year-Kasey Cooke--Defensive Player of the Year-Che'Kelvia Yarrell--Coaches' Award- Evie Hunter
Softball: MVP- Brittany Stallings--Best All Round- Carmen Richardson--Leadership Award- Alexus Threatt
Tennis: MVP- Zackary Green--Coaches' Award Kevin Ramirez
Track Boys: MVP- Mason Holt and Mason Hines--Coaches' Award Jonathan Romero
Track Girls: MVP- Takeyra Thomas and J'Kyra Brown
Athletes Of The Year: Boys- Mason Hines-- Girls-J'Kyra Brown
Juan Chesson Award Winner: Mason Holt
Rocky Mount won three conference championships; Basketball Boys- Wrestling and Track Girls
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Hornets Lose Lottery (Thank Goodness)
This is one of those years where it is a good thing to not own the #1 pick in the draft. The Charlotte Bobcats soon to be the Hornets again will pick 4th in the upcoming NBA Draft. There is no clear cut hot going to be great players in this years draft so picking 13th might just be as good as 1st. The good thing is not picking first means the savings will be good for a team that needs to spent their money for a big time free agent.
It might be a good idea going back to the glory days when Charlotte had a decent team. There is only one problem with Charlotte getting back to being decent. They need somebody that can evaluate talent which the entire organization since they have been called the Bobcats hasn't hasn't been able to do and especially since Michael Jordon has been in charge.
The ACC baseball tournament starts today and I think by 5pm Sunday it will break all attendance records. The DBAP is about as good as you can get to host any tournament but there is one thing for sure. It will not hurt and Carolina and State have just as good of a chance as anybody to win it. It will be a shame come Saturday night when they collide that if both are already eliminated from any chance to play in the championship game on Sunday. Somebody maybe two teams just might leave this weekend with three losses and it could be anyone.
I don't know whether you have noticed this or not but the NBA final four is under way and the four teams are Miami, San Antonio, Memphis and Indianapolis. I don't see a New York team, a Boston, Chicago or LA team no where to be seen. Those high money teams have a bad habit of paying a lot of money for average players or old players past their prime while the four left in the playoffs are funding their teams the old fashion way, with good players. Just maybe the Hornets could follow the example of anyone of them.
Carolina beat Florida State in that Monday Night made for TV end of the season baseball game. Knowing that in order to win this week's ACC Tournament you will have to win four games I think both are asking their pitching staffs to be thin for this week's tournament. You know the last few weeks Carolina's bull pen has given up quite a few runs and a tired Saturday or Sunday bull pen is not conducive to holding leads. A tournament like this every team that makes it to Sunday will have to throw a week day starter in the championship game and that is one less person to help in the bull pen. I enjoyed the game but I don't think it was smart using up pitchers.
It might be a good idea going back to the glory days when Charlotte had a decent team. There is only one problem with Charlotte getting back to being decent. They need somebody that can evaluate talent which the entire organization since they have been called the Bobcats hasn't hasn't been able to do and especially since Michael Jordon has been in charge.
The ACC baseball tournament starts today and I think by 5pm Sunday it will break all attendance records. The DBAP is about as good as you can get to host any tournament but there is one thing for sure. It will not hurt and Carolina and State have just as good of a chance as anybody to win it. It will be a shame come Saturday night when they collide that if both are already eliminated from any chance to play in the championship game on Sunday. Somebody maybe two teams just might leave this weekend with three losses and it could be anyone.
I don't know whether you have noticed this or not but the NBA final four is under way and the four teams are Miami, San Antonio, Memphis and Indianapolis. I don't see a New York team, a Boston, Chicago or LA team no where to be seen. Those high money teams have a bad habit of paying a lot of money for average players or old players past their prime while the four left in the playoffs are funding their teams the old fashion way, with good players. Just maybe the Hornets could follow the example of anyone of them.
Carolina beat Florida State in that Monday Night made for TV end of the season baseball game. Knowing that in order to win this week's ACC Tournament you will have to win four games I think both are asking their pitching staffs to be thin for this week's tournament. You know the last few weeks Carolina's bull pen has given up quite a few runs and a tired Saturday or Sunday bull pen is not conducive to holding leads. A tournament like this every team that makes it to Sunday will have to throw a week day starter in the championship game and that is one less person to help in the bull pen. I enjoyed the game but I don't think it was smart using up pitchers.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sharpe Named Big East Softball Player Of The Year
Lindsey Sharpe the Nash Central softball player featured on WRAL-TV last week has been named the Big East player of the year. Sharpe is joined by team mates Dana Kelly Brittani Strickland, Caley Bass and Rachel Pearce on the Big East All-Conference softball team.
Northern Nash has on the team Jessica Ricks,Carolina Jenkins, Shelby Goodwin while Rocky Mount get two players Carmen Richardson and Brittany Stallings. Southern Nash has Madison Bell, Danyelle Noland, Tyreka Nicholson, and Amanda Wood on the team. Nash Central Coach Gary Smith was named the Big East Coach of the Year.
Rocky Mount's Sydney Browder was named the Big East Offensive player of the year in soccer, joining Browder from Rocky Mount are Kasey Cooke, Evie Hunter CheKelvia Yarrell. Nash Central placed two on the squad Scarlett Salter and Rebekah Beal. Northern finds three member on the team. Claire Fleming, Alexus Hill and Quatasia Harris. Southern Nash also places three on the first team. Casey Liles, Laney Ezzell and Harley Crowder. Hunt High's coach Scott Summers was named soccer Coach of the Year while Hunt's Sophia carter was named defensive player of the year.
Baseball named Hunt's Isaiah White as player of the year and Hunt's coach Jon Smith as coach of the year. Rocky Mount places four on the all conference team. Jeremy Johnson, Spenser Ramsey, Micah Varnell and Trevor Hayworth. Nash Central has Tyler King, Colton Vaughn, Kahil Macklin and Ryan Barham on the squad. Northern adds Tyler Barrett, Derrick Carter. The Firebird on the All Conference team is Marques Taylor.
The Big East Golf All-Conference team has Matthew May from Southern Nash along with Josh Harden. Tyler Harden from Rocky Mount make All Big East.
Post 58 has postponed their first two games of the season so now the season opener will not come until Saturday at Mount Olive College in the Wayne County Tournament. Unless a game is added they will not play a home game now until two weeks from tonight. Theses cancellations this week give Hank Jones time to get his team together and find out who can play where before the first game.
Northern Nash has on the team Jessica Ricks,Carolina Jenkins, Shelby Goodwin while Rocky Mount get two players Carmen Richardson and Brittany Stallings. Southern Nash has Madison Bell, Danyelle Noland, Tyreka Nicholson, and Amanda Wood on the team. Nash Central Coach Gary Smith was named the Big East Coach of the Year.
Rocky Mount's Sydney Browder was named the Big East Offensive player of the year in soccer, joining Browder from Rocky Mount are Kasey Cooke, Evie Hunter CheKelvia Yarrell. Nash Central placed two on the squad Scarlett Salter and Rebekah Beal. Northern finds three member on the team. Claire Fleming, Alexus Hill and Quatasia Harris. Southern Nash also places three on the first team. Casey Liles, Laney Ezzell and Harley Crowder. Hunt High's coach Scott Summers was named soccer Coach of the Year while Hunt's Sophia carter was named defensive player of the year.
Baseball named Hunt's Isaiah White as player of the year and Hunt's coach Jon Smith as coach of the year. Rocky Mount places four on the all conference team. Jeremy Johnson, Spenser Ramsey, Micah Varnell and Trevor Hayworth. Nash Central has Tyler King, Colton Vaughn, Kahil Macklin and Ryan Barham on the squad. Northern adds Tyler Barrett, Derrick Carter. The Firebird on the All Conference team is Marques Taylor.
The Big East Golf All-Conference team has Matthew May from Southern Nash along with Josh Harden. Tyler Harden from Rocky Mount make All Big East.
Post 58 has postponed their first two games of the season so now the season opener will not come until Saturday at Mount Olive College in the Wayne County Tournament. Unless a game is added they will not play a home game now until two weeks from tonight. Theses cancellations this week give Hank Jones time to get his team together and find out who can play where before the first game.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Legion Home Tonight
Tonight's Legion game game has been postponed until another date can be set. That also includes Wednesday trip to Cary on Wednesday. Both Cary and Rocky Mount have had high school teams in their districts playing in the State playoffs. Post 58 will start this weekend at Mount Olvie College in a Wayne County Tournament.
Coleman Pitt Post 58 will open their 2013 summer baseball season tonight at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm. Cary will be in town as tonight's opponent. If there is magic with this team this year as has happened a couple of time in the last five years or so then Post 58 just might qualify for the State Tournament which this year will be in near by Fleming Stadium in Wilson.
Earlier this summer I made an afternoon run to Murfreesboro to Chowan College to the Whitaker Library there where I went on their Microfiche machine to look up old copies of the Ahoskie paper the News- Herald which are now stored in the library. I went there to look back at the 1963 American Legion season for Ahoskie Post 102. This year is the 50th anniversary of that team winning it's only legion title ever when they won the North Division.
I was there every step of the way that season as a ten year old bat boy. I have talked to all 14 surviving players and asked them of their experiences that summer and have written 10,000 words which I turned over to the News-Herald in Ahoskie. They are trying to decide now what they can do with it if anything as part of Post 102 50th anniversary that they are going to have sometime this summer.
Ahoskie and Rocky Mount met four times that season. The first one was in Rocky Mount and Post 58 won 3-2 in ten innings. The second meeting was in Ahoskie and Post 102 won 1-0 in ten innings. Game three was the only blow out as Ahoskie won in Rocky Mount 11-5. The final game of the season was played in Ahoskie with both teams tie for first and Post 102 won in the bottom of the ninth innings 4-3. They played four times in 1963 and three of the four games went down to the last pitch of the game.
All four games Post 58 started Jim Best and Post 102 started Jim Hunter. Danny Talbott was on the mound for Post 58 in the ninth inning of the last game. Ahoskie beat Rocky Mount three times in 1963 and I don't think they have beaten them three times since.
Cousin Lauren Doughtie got her second pay day on the LPGA Tour Sunday. She finished tied for 53rd which is her best finish so far on tour. The golfing tours most of the time on weekend play with the top 70 and ties. This week those 70 and ties make for quite a few extra players who cashed in on the money. Earlier this season when Lauren finished in the high 60's she collected more money than yesterday . The good news is she got a check.
Coleman Pitt Post 58 will open their 2013 summer baseball season tonight at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6pm. Cary will be in town as tonight's opponent. If there is magic with this team this year as has happened a couple of time in the last five years or so then Post 58 just might qualify for the State Tournament which this year will be in near by Fleming Stadium in Wilson.
Earlier this summer I made an afternoon run to Murfreesboro to Chowan College to the Whitaker Library there where I went on their Microfiche machine to look up old copies of the Ahoskie paper the News- Herald which are now stored in the library. I went there to look back at the 1963 American Legion season for Ahoskie Post 102. This year is the 50th anniversary of that team winning it's only legion title ever when they won the North Division.
I was there every step of the way that season as a ten year old bat boy. I have talked to all 14 surviving players and asked them of their experiences that summer and have written 10,000 words which I turned over to the News-Herald in Ahoskie. They are trying to decide now what they can do with it if anything as part of Post 102 50th anniversary that they are going to have sometime this summer.
Ahoskie and Rocky Mount met four times that season. The first one was in Rocky Mount and Post 58 won 3-2 in ten innings. The second meeting was in Ahoskie and Post 102 won 1-0 in ten innings. Game three was the only blow out as Ahoskie won in Rocky Mount 11-5. The final game of the season was played in Ahoskie with both teams tie for first and Post 102 won in the bottom of the ninth innings 4-3. They played four times in 1963 and three of the four games went down to the last pitch of the game.
All four games Post 58 started Jim Best and Post 102 started Jim Hunter. Danny Talbott was on the mound for Post 58 in the ninth inning of the last game. Ahoskie beat Rocky Mount three times in 1963 and I don't think they have beaten them three times since.
Cousin Lauren Doughtie got her second pay day on the LPGA Tour Sunday. She finished tied for 53rd which is her best finish so far on tour. The golfing tours most of the time on weekend play with the top 70 and ties. This week those 70 and ties make for quite a few extra players who cashed in on the money. Earlier this season when Lauren finished in the high 60's she collected more money than yesterday . The good news is she got a check.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Prime Time For State-Carolina This Week
The brackets and times of all of the ACC baseball games that begin Wednesday have been announced and during the first four days of the tournament UNC and NCSU will be the head liner in the 7pm prime time game in three of the four days. You can find all games either on Fox Sports South or ESPN2
State gets prime coverage Wednesday as they as the #4 seed play #5 Clemson. Friday night Carolina plays under the lights as they will also take on Clemson. Then hopefully with a chance to play for the ACC championship they both collide Saturday night.
Carolina as ACC regular champs is the number one seed in the tournament and are the head of bracket A. State seeded fourth and Clemson seeded fifth and Miami as the #8 seed all will play each other the first four days. Bracket B has #2 Florida State, #3 Virginia,#6 Virginia Tech and #7 Georgia Tech. the two bracket winners will play each other Sunday for the ACC Championship.
I find it hard to believe that the college world series can have a better set of teams. Carolina is 2nd in RPI, Virginia 3rd, Florida St 4th, N C State 9th, Clemson 12th, Virginia Tech 15, Miami 21st and Georgia tech 22. This sounds like what the ACC Basketball use to be. If the RPI is the magnifying glass of who you have played and how you did I don't understand completely. Cal State Fullerton is 8th in RPI but 50th in strength while State at 9th in RPI is 10th in strength of schedule. All eight ACC teams playing in ACC Tournament had no worse than 20 in strength of Schedule and that is Florida St.
UNC Wilmington is 26th in the RPI and Campbell 43rd. That should keep both in the NCAA Regional regardless of the outcome of upcoming conference tournaments. UNCW is 47 in strength of schedule but here is where Campbell will be nervous this week until the 64 teams are announced their strength is only 242.
Post 58 American Legion baseball kicks off Monday night AT HOME. One of the real challenges of making a schedule is high school playoffs and yes RMA just finishing up yesterday hinders Post 58 but many other Legions have the same problem so games get moved around many times. So if you have one of the early schedules Monday shows on the road to Cary but it is home Monday night.
State gets prime coverage Wednesday as they as the #4 seed play #5 Clemson. Friday night Carolina plays under the lights as they will also take on Clemson. Then hopefully with a chance to play for the ACC championship they both collide Saturday night.
Carolina as ACC regular champs is the number one seed in the tournament and are the head of bracket A. State seeded fourth and Clemson seeded fifth and Miami as the #8 seed all will play each other the first four days. Bracket B has #2 Florida State, #3 Virginia,#6 Virginia Tech and #7 Georgia Tech. the two bracket winners will play each other Sunday for the ACC Championship.
I find it hard to believe that the college world series can have a better set of teams. Carolina is 2nd in RPI, Virginia 3rd, Florida St 4th, N C State 9th, Clemson 12th, Virginia Tech 15, Miami 21st and Georgia tech 22. This sounds like what the ACC Basketball use to be. If the RPI is the magnifying glass of who you have played and how you did I don't understand completely. Cal State Fullerton is 8th in RPI but 50th in strength while State at 9th in RPI is 10th in strength of schedule. All eight ACC teams playing in ACC Tournament had no worse than 20 in strength of Schedule and that is Florida St.
UNC Wilmington is 26th in the RPI and Campbell 43rd. That should keep both in the NCAA Regional regardless of the outcome of upcoming conference tournaments. UNCW is 47 in strength of schedule but here is where Campbell will be nervous this week until the 64 teams are announced their strength is only 242.
Post 58 American Legion baseball kicks off Monday night AT HOME. One of the real challenges of making a schedule is high school playoffs and yes RMA just finishing up yesterday hinders Post 58 but many other Legions have the same problem so games get moved around many times. So if you have one of the early schedules Monday shows on the road to Cary but it is home Monday night.
Eagles Just Could Not Stop Wildcats
Game two of the the 2-A Independent high school state championship goes to the defending champions West Chester of High Point. Game two on West Chester's home field saw the Eagles serve as the home team in game two and West Chester plated a run in the top of the first. RMA responded with three in the bottom of the first but from then on when ever they needed to hold the Wildcats they couldn't. Trailing 7-4 heading to the top of the 6th West Chester score seven times in the last two innings to win 14-4 in a game closer than the final score. Rocky Mount Academy will finished second in 2-A Private school baseball. Sunday night on the All New Sports Show on WHIG-TV you can see their win over Faith Christian which was played Tuesday night that got them to this weekend games against West Chester.
This past Thursday night Rocky Mount High School held their Athletic awards banquet honoring all athletes from all 2012-2013 sports. The Triple Crown award winners combining athletics, Classroom as well as all areas of life were Lindsey Warner and Alexis Threatt. The best male athlete was Mason Hines. The best female athlete was J'Kyra Brown. Mason Holt won the Juan Chesson award honoring former Gryphon Juan Chesson.
Since we are talking about awards I can't go without mentioning my favorite Gryphon baseball player in Dillon Cockrell. Dillon Graduated from Carolina last weekend and he won the 2013 Dashiell-Thurstone Award for having the best Thesis of all the graduating seniors at UNC.
Dillon did his Thesis on the F-MRI. The F-MRI can detect the brain waves of children with autism. Dillon's research was on the different colors of the MRI and what effect those colors have in the brain's performance of Autistic Children.
Dillon was just short of graduating with a 4.0 four year average. Not bad for a student who was the supervisor of recreation at UNC and one of the main players for the Carolina Club baseball team. Graduation day Dillon had to make one of his first choices of adult life whether to go to graduation or play in the Club Regional finals. He chose to go to graduation where he received his award and Carolina lost the Regional without him.
Dillon hopes to go to Medical School but next year he will spend a year working research at Duke University. Dillon is proof that you can be a good athlete and still get good grades. Congratulations Dillon
This past Thursday night Rocky Mount High School held their Athletic awards banquet honoring all athletes from all 2012-2013 sports. The Triple Crown award winners combining athletics, Classroom as well as all areas of life were Lindsey Warner and Alexis Threatt. The best male athlete was Mason Hines. The best female athlete was J'Kyra Brown. Mason Holt won the Juan Chesson award honoring former Gryphon Juan Chesson.
Since we are talking about awards I can't go without mentioning my favorite Gryphon baseball player in Dillon Cockrell. Dillon Graduated from Carolina last weekend and he won the 2013 Dashiell-Thurstone Award for having the best Thesis of all the graduating seniors at UNC.
Dillon did his Thesis on the F-MRI. The F-MRI can detect the brain waves of children with autism. Dillon's research was on the different colors of the MRI and what effect those colors have in the brain's performance of Autistic Children.
Dillon was just short of graduating with a 4.0 four year average. Not bad for a student who was the supervisor of recreation at UNC and one of the main players for the Carolina Club baseball team. Graduation day Dillon had to make one of his first choices of adult life whether to go to graduation or play in the Club Regional finals. He chose to go to graduation where he received his award and Carolina lost the Regional without him.
Dillon hopes to go to Medical School but next year he will spend a year working research at Duke University. Dillon is proof that you can be a good athlete and still get good grades. Congratulations Dillon
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wildcats Clip Eagles In Game One
Game one of the best of three title series in the Independent 2-A State Championship goes to West Chester Country day 7-2, Game two is scheduled for 11am Saturday pending on the weather. The State -Duke series scheduled for 2pm has already been moved to noon. Since RMA could force a third game in the series and second game on Saturday at 3.30 by winning the first game don't be surprised if they play earlier than 11.
J'Kyra Brown has been named as a member of the East-West All star basketball game scheduled for July 22nd in the Greensboro Coliseum. That week is the high school coaches convention and part of the entertainment is all the All Star games in football, soccer, and basketball. This will be the last game for the Rocky Mount Gryphons all time leading scoring in women's history. Next year she will be playing B-ball in Greenville for ECU.
The East-West all Star football game will feature several players from the area. Jarrod Richardson the 5ft 11inch linebacker from Nash Central will play for the East along with Tarboro's Travonne Marshall. Marshall the 5' 11" linebacker will join Richardson. Hunt High has two players that will play. Josh Joyner the All Conference tailback and and Dayquan Barnes a 6'2" tight end will all play for the East squad.
I hope you had a chance to see Tom Suitors Extra Effort Award this week on WRAL-TV. Nash Central's Lindsey Sharpe was the featured student. Sharpe who played volleyball, was the swimmer of the year in the conference and lead the Nash Central softball team winning 17 games and losing only two as their pitcher.
Cousin Lauren Doughtie is playing in her 7th LPGA Golf event of the year. She has played on the weekend only once until this weekend . This week's event is in Mobile Alabama and she has shot a 68-71 which is good for 25th heading into Saturday which means a pay day is coming Sunday.
College baseball regular season ends Saturday and North Carolina is the Coastal Division champion after coming from behind Friday night to beat UVA. N C State can win the Atlantic Division if State beats Duke Saturday and Clemson beats Florida State.
J'Kyra Brown has been named as a member of the East-West All star basketball game scheduled for July 22nd in the Greensboro Coliseum. That week is the high school coaches convention and part of the entertainment is all the All Star games in football, soccer, and basketball. This will be the last game for the Rocky Mount Gryphons all time leading scoring in women's history. Next year she will be playing B-ball in Greenville for ECU.
The East-West all Star football game will feature several players from the area. Jarrod Richardson the 5ft 11inch linebacker from Nash Central will play for the East along with Tarboro's Travonne Marshall. Marshall the 5' 11" linebacker will join Richardson. Hunt High has two players that will play. Josh Joyner the All Conference tailback and and Dayquan Barnes a 6'2" tight end will all play for the East squad.
I hope you had a chance to see Tom Suitors Extra Effort Award this week on WRAL-TV. Nash Central's Lindsey Sharpe was the featured student. Sharpe who played volleyball, was the swimmer of the year in the conference and lead the Nash Central softball team winning 17 games and losing only two as their pitcher.
Cousin Lauren Doughtie is playing in her 7th LPGA Golf event of the year. She has played on the weekend only once until this weekend . This week's event is in Mobile Alabama and she has shot a 68-71 which is good for 25th heading into Saturday which means a pay day is coming Sunday.
College baseball regular season ends Saturday and North Carolina is the Coastal Division champion after coming from behind Friday night to beat UVA. N C State can win the Atlantic Division if State beats Duke Saturday and Clemson beats Florida State.
Eagles Try To Soar
Rocky Mount Academy begins what they hope is a two game sweep winning the 2-A Independent State baseball title tonight and Saturday. They will be in High Point to play the defending champs West Chester Wildcats on their home field.
West Chester is smack dab in the middle of the Triad of North Carolina in High Point-Kernersville- Winston Salem area. They have about 450 students compared to about 250 for RMA. The Wildcats return eight starters off last years team so to say the least the Eagles have a handful for this weekend.
The success that RMA has had this spring is not good for American Legion. Hank Jones the head Legion coach is of course the RMA assistant coach and Pat Smith the head coach of RMA is assistant of the Legion. Now if you were involved in a state championship run which one would you pay attention too? Even the second assistant Ben Fish is tie up right now with Campbell baseball as they won their 44th game of the season last night. The Fighting Camels certainly will be in a regional which will be coming the first weekend in June. Good luck to Hank, Pat and the Eagles we will worry about Legion when they get back.
Speaking of Legion, Monday night is opening night and any one who has a schedule it says and away game Monday and a home game next Wednesday. Got an e-mail from Joe Bell the Athletic officer of Post 58 and the games have been flip-flopped. Post 58 first home game is Monday night at 7.oopm at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field.
The last weekend of the ACC baseball race is underway and North Carolina got clipped by Virginia in Chapel Hill. If the Wahoos win all three they will steal the Coastal division from the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels need one this weekend. N C State beat Duke in game one and they need to sweep Duke and hope Clemson wins two of three at Florida St. They got half of it last night as Clemson wore out FSU. The Wolfpack needs FSU to win once while they sweep Duke and if that happens they win the Atlantic Division.
That rain out game between Carolina and State a couple of weeks back could help both or it could hurt both by the end of Saturday.
The Spurs ended Golden State's season last night and the Knicks a team much like the Dallas Cowboys (lot of hype) survived to play at least one more playoff game beating Indianapolis.
West Chester is smack dab in the middle of the Triad of North Carolina in High Point-Kernersville- Winston Salem area. They have about 450 students compared to about 250 for RMA. The Wildcats return eight starters off last years team so to say the least the Eagles have a handful for this weekend.
The success that RMA has had this spring is not good for American Legion. Hank Jones the head Legion coach is of course the RMA assistant coach and Pat Smith the head coach of RMA is assistant of the Legion. Now if you were involved in a state championship run which one would you pay attention too? Even the second assistant Ben Fish is tie up right now with Campbell baseball as they won their 44th game of the season last night. The Fighting Camels certainly will be in a regional which will be coming the first weekend in June. Good luck to Hank, Pat and the Eagles we will worry about Legion when they get back.
Speaking of Legion, Monday night is opening night and any one who has a schedule it says and away game Monday and a home game next Wednesday. Got an e-mail from Joe Bell the Athletic officer of Post 58 and the games have been flip-flopped. Post 58 first home game is Monday night at 7.oopm at the Rocky Mount American Legion Field.
The last weekend of the ACC baseball race is underway and North Carolina got clipped by Virginia in Chapel Hill. If the Wahoos win all three they will steal the Coastal division from the Tar Heels. The Tar Heels need one this weekend. N C State beat Duke in game one and they need to sweep Duke and hope Clemson wins two of three at Florida St. They got half of it last night as Clemson wore out FSU. The Wolfpack needs FSU to win once while they sweep Duke and if that happens they win the Atlantic Division.
That rain out game between Carolina and State a couple of weeks back could help both or it could hurt both by the end of Saturday.
The Spurs ended Golden State's season last night and the Knicks a team much like the Dallas Cowboys (lot of hype) survived to play at least one more playoff game beating Indianapolis.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
It is A Matter Of Integrity
There seems to be a lot of blown calls by those who are suppose to regulate sports control while sporting events are in progress the umpires or referees. My text lit up Tuesday night from Nash Central fans livid over a fair or foul called during the last inning of the Lady Bulldogs softball playoff game.
The game report in the Rocky Mount Telegram by writer Nick Protrowicz says the ball was clearly fair by at least a foot. I have worked many games either in a pressbox or sidelines with Nick since he has been reporting for the Telegram and I have never heard him in any way root for any of our local teams. I can't say that about myself but for all the guys at the Telegram they are true reporters and not supporters of those that they covering. I have been told by others that Nick was standing along the left field line so he was as close to the ball as you can get without being on the field.
The first question I would have about a call which seems to be clearly blown was why could the right call not be made? Was the umpire blocked off from being able to see the play say the catcher standing up in front of him? If that happeneed did the umpire defer help from the umpire covering the base? If he saw the play and thinks it was foul then I have to ask the question can the umpire see?
Having umpired softball games in the past I know that the umpire on the bases should be strattled the right field foul line with no one on base. Once the ball is hit he should be moving toward the area behind the pitchers mound and close to second base so he should be following the flight of the ball on anything hit to the outfield and if it hits fair he should be in position to help the homeplate ump if needed. Since I was not there did the home plate umpire ask for help? If he didn't why didn't the field umpire over rule a wrong call? One of the worse thing any umpire does is if they do see it called wrong they hate to step up and tell his partner in front of everyone you blew it.
Baseball of all sports can be controlled by umpires who think they are more important than the players. I think we all know there are times after the catchers catches a pitch that we all hold our breath because we have no idea how the umpire calls balls and strikes. I have been known to holler at umps to flip his coin faster when making up his mind.
You know we all have memories of whether in the Rocky Mount Regional final whether there was a Webb foul on Rocky Mount's last shot or even goal tending and even further whether when the ball went out of bounds off Webb. I know many Northern Fans still moan about whether Rocky Mount crossed the goal line in football several years ago.
There are not many fans that attend any sporting event just to go watch for the enjoyment. 95% of all people who watch sports are pulling for one side or the other. In our support of our teams we tend to see fair balls when we need a hit and a foul ball when we don't want the other side to get on. I have been on line to the Brunswick Beacon newspaper in Shallotte just to see their version and there is no mention of the play at all. That's what umpires and referees are there for to make sure that both sides have a fair chance. All any of us can ask for is for umpires to do the best they can and if they don't know for sure ask for help.
Those that are in it for the $70 a game or think people came to the game to see them umpire need to find other activities. I have been to many professional games, college, high school, little league and such and I have never gone to a game yet to see the umpire. You know the best umpires are the ones you don't know are there.
Today the sun came up again this morning so the outcome of any sporting event will not stop the world. It is time to move on to the next blown call. I only hope that call goes for me next time. Truly all anyone can ask for as players and fans is that when we leave the game every thing was done to make sure both sides got a fair shake. Our society has become one to blame somebody else because it wasn't my fault. The umpires have to ask themselves too. Did I do all I could to make sure both sides got an equal chance. Umps just like teams get to move forward in the playoffs on their performance. I wonder if this crew advanced?
The game report in the Rocky Mount Telegram by writer Nick Protrowicz says the ball was clearly fair by at least a foot. I have worked many games either in a pressbox or sidelines with Nick since he has been reporting for the Telegram and I have never heard him in any way root for any of our local teams. I can't say that about myself but for all the guys at the Telegram they are true reporters and not supporters of those that they covering. I have been told by others that Nick was standing along the left field line so he was as close to the ball as you can get without being on the field.
The first question I would have about a call which seems to be clearly blown was why could the right call not be made? Was the umpire blocked off from being able to see the play say the catcher standing up in front of him? If that happeneed did the umpire defer help from the umpire covering the base? If he saw the play and thinks it was foul then I have to ask the question can the umpire see?
Having umpired softball games in the past I know that the umpire on the bases should be strattled the right field foul line with no one on base. Once the ball is hit he should be moving toward the area behind the pitchers mound and close to second base so he should be following the flight of the ball on anything hit to the outfield and if it hits fair he should be in position to help the homeplate ump if needed. Since I was not there did the home plate umpire ask for help? If he didn't why didn't the field umpire over rule a wrong call? One of the worse thing any umpire does is if they do see it called wrong they hate to step up and tell his partner in front of everyone you blew it.
Baseball of all sports can be controlled by umpires who think they are more important than the players. I think we all know there are times after the catchers catches a pitch that we all hold our breath because we have no idea how the umpire calls balls and strikes. I have been known to holler at umps to flip his coin faster when making up his mind.
You know we all have memories of whether in the Rocky Mount Regional final whether there was a Webb foul on Rocky Mount's last shot or even goal tending and even further whether when the ball went out of bounds off Webb. I know many Northern Fans still moan about whether Rocky Mount crossed the goal line in football several years ago.
There are not many fans that attend any sporting event just to go watch for the enjoyment. 95% of all people who watch sports are pulling for one side or the other. In our support of our teams we tend to see fair balls when we need a hit and a foul ball when we don't want the other side to get on. I have been on line to the Brunswick Beacon newspaper in Shallotte just to see their version and there is no mention of the play at all. That's what umpires and referees are there for to make sure that both sides have a fair chance. All any of us can ask for is for umpires to do the best they can and if they don't know for sure ask for help.
Those that are in it for the $70 a game or think people came to the game to see them umpire need to find other activities. I have been to many professional games, college, high school, little league and such and I have never gone to a game yet to see the umpire. You know the best umpires are the ones you don't know are there.
Today the sun came up again this morning so the outcome of any sporting event will not stop the world. It is time to move on to the next blown call. I only hope that call goes for me next time. Truly all anyone can ask for as players and fans is that when we leave the game every thing was done to make sure both sides got a fair shake. Our society has become one to blame somebody else because it wasn't my fault. The umpires have to ask themselves too. Did I do all I could to make sure both sides got an equal chance. Umps just like teams get to move forward in the playoffs on their performance. I wonder if this crew advanced?
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
"Boys We Got Practice Tomorrow"
Wrapping up his after the game speech to his player coach Pat Smith started going through the routine. "Somebody get the bases, clean up this dugout", it was normal talk any coach gives to his team after a home game but he ended his talk with "we got practice tomorrow" because in a do or die game Rocky Mount Academy had beaten their arch rival Faith Christian 4-1 and earned a right to play another weekend.
The game pretty much was decided in the first inning after Faith pitcher Chase Roupp walked the third and fourth hitters of the first after getting the first two batters out. Adam Bayless hit a fly ball and as I broadcast the game for a Sunday Night TV game it looked to me as if the ball once it left the bat was going to be short of the fence. The question was could center fielder Luke Roberson or left fielder Braxton Varnell chase it down and catch it. The answer was no as the ball kept going and going until it cleared the fence for a three run homer and RMA had all they would need to knock off their Arch rival.
That didn't mean that a great defensive play wasn't needed as left fielder Andrew Weatherly scooped up a two out hit with a runner on second and fogged a one bounce throw to catcher Allen Hicks who put the tag on what could have been run #2 for Faith but no. Eagle shortstop Trey Medlin was involved in two 6u-3 double plays which help Bayless' pitch count greatly
Faith out hit RMA eight to five but 1-0 in home runs. Bayless also pitched a complete game for RMA who now travels to High Point Friday to play a weekend series for the State Independent 2-A title against West Chester Day of High Point. West Chester is the defending 2-A winners from last year where they won it at Rocky Mount Academy who hosted the state title last year.
The news is not good anywhere else from around the area as Nash Central lost their second round softball game at home 1-0. Hunt lost their second round baseball game 3-0. The Big East baseball teams scored five runs in five playoff games this year. They were 1-4 in the playoffs.
The game pretty much was decided in the first inning after Faith pitcher Chase Roupp walked the third and fourth hitters of the first after getting the first two batters out. Adam Bayless hit a fly ball and as I broadcast the game for a Sunday Night TV game it looked to me as if the ball once it left the bat was going to be short of the fence. The question was could center fielder Luke Roberson or left fielder Braxton Varnell chase it down and catch it. The answer was no as the ball kept going and going until it cleared the fence for a three run homer and RMA had all they would need to knock off their Arch rival.
That didn't mean that a great defensive play wasn't needed as left fielder Andrew Weatherly scooped up a two out hit with a runner on second and fogged a one bounce throw to catcher Allen Hicks who put the tag on what could have been run #2 for Faith but no. Eagle shortstop Trey Medlin was involved in two 6u-3 double plays which help Bayless' pitch count greatly
Faith out hit RMA eight to five but 1-0 in home runs. Bayless also pitched a complete game for RMA who now travels to High Point Friday to play a weekend series for the State Independent 2-A title against West Chester Day of High Point. West Chester is the defending 2-A winners from last year where they won it at Rocky Mount Academy who hosted the state title last year.
The news is not good anywhere else from around the area as Nash Central lost their second round softball game at home 1-0. Hunt lost their second round baseball game 3-0. The Big East baseball teams scored five runs in five playoff games this year. They were 1-4 in the playoffs.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Flip Flop
It was on for Tuesday then changed to Wednesday and now it is back to Tuesday. The second round softball playoff game between the home standing Nash Central Lady Bulldogs and West Brunswick was scheduled for 6pm Tuesday. That is an hour ahead of most scheduled playoff times but due to the two and a half hour drive back home after the game the game was moved up an hour.
Somewhere a conflict arose and the game was moved to Wednesday at 6pm. Some how the conflict has be alleviated and the game has been moved back to Tuesday. So pending any further movement the second round 3-A softball game between Nash Central and West Brunswick will be played at 6pm Tuesday at Nash Central High. The Lady Bulldogs are the only Rocky Mount public school still alive in spring sports.
Tuesday night at RMA they will host a game of all games between Faith Christian and Rocky Mount Academy. The winner will play for the private school state championship in baseball this weekend. This game takes on the same magnitude that the Rocky Mount Gryphon and Northern Nash Knights girls basketball game had in basketball year before last when Rocky Mount beat Northern to win the right to go to the Eastern Regional. These two schools are now in the same conference but RMA with about 250 high school students and Faith with about 125 RMA has dominated in every sport except baseball. This game will be taped for TV to be replayed next Sunday night by WHIG-TV and the All New Sports Show.
Sunday's golf with Tiger winning the Players Championship was about as exciting as any golf fan could ask for regardless of who you pull for. If you listened to the announcers they had already given the Tournament to Tiger by the 10th hole but despite winning Tiger made it interesting hitting one in the water himself and giving up the lead. I thought for a minute that Sergio was going to pull a TIN CUP on the 17th.
We have come down to the last weekend of the College baseball season and Carolina has given up the top spot in the country after their bull pen failed them this weekend. N C State let 1st place in the Atlantic division get away with poor starting pitching. If every team holds their position as it is right now State and Carolina will be in the same bracket when the ACC Tournament comes up in two weeks but there are so many meaningful games left that the brackets can change as much now as when basketball's bracketology kept changing on every shot.
Somewhere a conflict arose and the game was moved to Wednesday at 6pm. Some how the conflict has be alleviated and the game has been moved back to Tuesday. So pending any further movement the second round 3-A softball game between Nash Central and West Brunswick will be played at 6pm Tuesday at Nash Central High. The Lady Bulldogs are the only Rocky Mount public school still alive in spring sports.
Tuesday night at RMA they will host a game of all games between Faith Christian and Rocky Mount Academy. The winner will play for the private school state championship in baseball this weekend. This game takes on the same magnitude that the Rocky Mount Gryphon and Northern Nash Knights girls basketball game had in basketball year before last when Rocky Mount beat Northern to win the right to go to the Eastern Regional. These two schools are now in the same conference but RMA with about 250 high school students and Faith with about 125 RMA has dominated in every sport except baseball. This game will be taped for TV to be replayed next Sunday night by WHIG-TV and the All New Sports Show.
Sunday's golf with Tiger winning the Players Championship was about as exciting as any golf fan could ask for regardless of who you pull for. If you listened to the announcers they had already given the Tournament to Tiger by the 10th hole but despite winning Tiger made it interesting hitting one in the water himself and giving up the lead. I thought for a minute that Sergio was going to pull a TIN CUP on the 17th.
We have come down to the last weekend of the College baseball season and Carolina has given up the top spot in the country after their bull pen failed them this weekend. N C State let 1st place in the Atlantic division get away with poor starting pitching. If every team holds their position as it is right now State and Carolina will be in the same bracket when the ACC Tournament comes up in two weeks but there are so many meaningful games left that the brackets can change as much now as when basketball's bracketology kept changing on every shot.
Show Case Ball Versus Legion
Fifty years ago this summer as a ten year old boy I was the bat boy for the Ahoskie American Legion Post 102. Times have changed. When was the last time you went to a game and a bat boy was on the field for either side. Not many any more. There was a time when the best players from the area played Legion to strut their stuff in the summer time hoping to improved for next year or impress scouts whether college or pro.
Today regardless of the sport travel leagues have over taken every sport to show case talent. They are a money maker for those running the show. I doubt there are many Legion Post that make money providing baseball for the summer so the love of the game is still there. Saturday Rocky Mount Legion Post 58 held their try outs for this year and many players from the area are choosing to play showcase ball this summer. I know when I say this I am coming from the old school because my roots are in Legion but I don't understand where all the hub bub is for showcase ball.
I don't care who you are if you are good the scouts will find you. Legion you are going to be taught when you make mistakes where showcase you are put on display to do your thing. I quite frankly don't see many players who play showcase get better over the summer while playing travel. One of the top ways to improve is to be on the field and in show case ball there are so many players a pitcher may pitch an inning or a fielder get a couple of swings of the bat before somebody else is in there.
I have no idea when Hank Jones picks this year Post 58 team what they will have this year. Just from our local high school season there were no top notch on a grade of 1-10 10 pitchers in the area this year. I don't even know I can even think of one hitter that I would be scared of when he steps to the plate. From that view you would think Legion this season will be average at best. Here is why there is hope. Hank Jones and his coaches will be coaching their butt off to make these players better. Average players who get better could really be good as the season goes forth.
If there was ever a year to make it to the state Tournament this is a good one to make it as the State Tournament is in Wilson. Should Post 58 make it this year then many people to go from the area every time 58 plays.
May 20th is the season opener for Post 58 as they will travel to Cary. Cary will come to Post 58 on the 22nd. Every time you hear this from this point on all home games will be played at Legion Field or the old Rocky Mount High baseball field.
High school season is over for all the public schools but there is still one major game left to play Tuesday. Faith Christian will be at Rocky Mount Academy Tuesday at 7pm and the winner will earn a right to play for the Independent State title. I think TV will be there, hope so but that is not a done deal as of yet.
You know Rocky Mount Academy and Faith have always been in different divisions because of their size. Now that they are in the same conference they are finding like the Nash County public schools have known now for eight years that there are a lot of advantages having your top rivals in the same conference just across the street.
Today regardless of the sport travel leagues have over taken every sport to show case talent. They are a money maker for those running the show. I doubt there are many Legion Post that make money providing baseball for the summer so the love of the game is still there. Saturday Rocky Mount Legion Post 58 held their try outs for this year and many players from the area are choosing to play showcase ball this summer. I know when I say this I am coming from the old school because my roots are in Legion but I don't understand where all the hub bub is for showcase ball.
I don't care who you are if you are good the scouts will find you. Legion you are going to be taught when you make mistakes where showcase you are put on display to do your thing. I quite frankly don't see many players who play showcase get better over the summer while playing travel. One of the top ways to improve is to be on the field and in show case ball there are so many players a pitcher may pitch an inning or a fielder get a couple of swings of the bat before somebody else is in there.
I have no idea when Hank Jones picks this year Post 58 team what they will have this year. Just from our local high school season there were no top notch on a grade of 1-10 10 pitchers in the area this year. I don't even know I can even think of one hitter that I would be scared of when he steps to the plate. From that view you would think Legion this season will be average at best. Here is why there is hope. Hank Jones and his coaches will be coaching their butt off to make these players better. Average players who get better could really be good as the season goes forth.
If there was ever a year to make it to the state Tournament this is a good one to make it as the State Tournament is in Wilson. Should Post 58 make it this year then many people to go from the area every time 58 plays.
May 20th is the season opener for Post 58 as they will travel to Cary. Cary will come to Post 58 on the 22nd. Every time you hear this from this point on all home games will be played at Legion Field or the old Rocky Mount High baseball field.
High school season is over for all the public schools but there is still one major game left to play Tuesday. Faith Christian will be at Rocky Mount Academy Tuesday at 7pm and the winner will earn a right to play for the Independent State title. I think TV will be there, hope so but that is not a done deal as of yet.
You know Rocky Mount Academy and Faith have always been in different divisions because of their size. Now that they are in the same conference they are finding like the Nash County public schools have known now for eight years that there are a lot of advantages having your top rivals in the same conference just across the street.
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Big East Springs Sports Exit Early From Playoffs
Every conference where they show dominance in the playoffs can be proud of the quality of the level that it shows when comparing other areas of the state.. This year football sent a team to the Eastern Finals. Basketball was within ten seconds of making the state championship game. Even the teams that didn't make the playoffs can say look what our conference has done in the playoffs. This year so far every spring sport in the Big East has suffered in the playoffs.
Baseball only has one team alive after the first round and that is Hunt and they only were able to win 2-0 over a fourth seeded team. Hunt 14-8 gets another home game in round two against the #1 from the Waccamaw West Brunswick 18-4 The three other teams from the Big East were taken down opening night. #2 Rocky Mount lost to a #3 4-2. Fike lost 3-2 to a #1 seed and Nash Central took it on the chin against maybe the best team in the east Conley 10-0.
Softball has done no better as the Big East #1 is the only team still playing after the first round. Nash Central 19-1 will play round two at home Tuesday against the #1 from the Waccamaw in West Brunswick 15-6. Everyone else in the Big East is packing their equipment away after a disappointing first night. Southern Nash lost at Currituck 4-2. Northern the #2 lost at home to Conley 8-0 and Fike lost at South Central 7-1.
Tennis only sent two teams to the playoffs and both lasted only just long enough to be shutout. To say the least the team sports of the spring have not fared well this year in the Big East.
It just might be the most important game game ever played between Rocky Mount Academy and Faith Christian Tuesday as the two schools square off at RMA with a shot at going to the state baseball finals. Now that every public school is out of the playoffs expect a big crowd there for this one as anytime the private schools play important games the public school crowds will show up when their teams are done.
Thursday Captital One announced the All-District Academic team throughout college baseball and Rocky Mount High's Benton Moss has been named to the team from North Carolina. Moss has two numbers that he is judged by one on the baseball field is his ERA of 2.95. He also went eight innings last night which is the longest outing of his career at Georgia Tech giving up no runs in picking up his 8th win with 1 loss. The other is his GPA in the classroom and that is 3.93 which qualifies him on the academic level. Capital One will announce the All-American Academic team in late June from all the district winners. If 3.93 isn't good enough to make all-American I would like to know the person better than that.
Baseball only has one team alive after the first round and that is Hunt and they only were able to win 2-0 over a fourth seeded team. Hunt 14-8 gets another home game in round two against the #1 from the Waccamaw West Brunswick 18-4 The three other teams from the Big East were taken down opening night. #2 Rocky Mount lost to a #3 4-2. Fike lost 3-2 to a #1 seed and Nash Central took it on the chin against maybe the best team in the east Conley 10-0.
Softball has done no better as the Big East #1 is the only team still playing after the first round. Nash Central 19-1 will play round two at home Tuesday against the #1 from the Waccamaw in West Brunswick 15-6. Everyone else in the Big East is packing their equipment away after a disappointing first night. Southern Nash lost at Currituck 4-2. Northern the #2 lost at home to Conley 8-0 and Fike lost at South Central 7-1.
Tennis only sent two teams to the playoffs and both lasted only just long enough to be shutout. To say the least the team sports of the spring have not fared well this year in the Big East.
It just might be the most important game game ever played between Rocky Mount Academy and Faith Christian Tuesday as the two schools square off at RMA with a shot at going to the state baseball finals. Now that every public school is out of the playoffs expect a big crowd there for this one as anytime the private schools play important games the public school crowds will show up when their teams are done.
Thursday Captital One announced the All-District Academic team throughout college baseball and Rocky Mount High's Benton Moss has been named to the team from North Carolina. Moss has two numbers that he is judged by one on the baseball field is his ERA of 2.95. He also went eight innings last night which is the longest outing of his career at Georgia Tech giving up no runs in picking up his 8th win with 1 loss. The other is his GPA in the classroom and that is 3.93 which qualifies him on the academic level. Capital One will announce the All-American Academic team in late June from all the district winners. If 3.93 isn't good enough to make all-American I would like to know the person better than that.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
JaQuell Bryant State Champion
Jaquell Bryant will become the first athlete at the new Rocky Mount High School to have his name on the wall of champions joining all those names from the first 60 years of Rocky Mount High that now grace the wall in the new Gym. Bryant cleared six feet six inches in the high jump winning the event by two inches.
Here is the run down of all Nash County Athletes who scored a point in their event today.
Jaquell Bryant - Rocky Mount High Jump 1st place 10 points
Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount Girls High Jump 5th place 4 points
Jalynn Westry- Nash Central 8th place 1 point
J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount Girls discus 2nd place 8 points
Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount girls long jump 3rd place 6 points
Mason Hines- Rocky Mount Boys long jump 8th place 1 point
J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount girls Shot put 5th place 4 points
Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount Girls triple jump 5th place 4 points
Damian Silver-Nash Central boys 110 meter hurdles 2nd place 8 points
George Corbin- Nash Central 1600 meter run 4th place 5 points
Mason Holt- Rocky Mount 3200 meter run 7th place 2 points
4x400 meter relay girls-Nash Central Tynajia Pullen,Jalynn Westry,Natalie Manning and Krystal Atkinson 8th place 1 point
4x400 meter relay boys- Nash Central Brian Williams,Ricky Evans,Jason McKinnon and Tyler Williams 2nd place 8 points
Rocky Mount girls finished 9th with 26 points while Nash Central was 48th 1.5. Nash Central boys finished 12th scoring 20 points overall while Rocky Mount claimed 18th 13 points and Southern Nash 49th win 1 point.
Here is the run down of all Nash County Athletes who scored a point in their event today.
Jaquell Bryant - Rocky Mount High Jump 1st place 10 points
Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount Girls High Jump 5th place 4 points
Jalynn Westry- Nash Central 8th place 1 point
J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount Girls discus 2nd place 8 points
Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount girls long jump 3rd place 6 points
Mason Hines- Rocky Mount Boys long jump 8th place 1 point
J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount girls Shot put 5th place 4 points
Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount Girls triple jump 5th place 4 points
Damian Silver-Nash Central boys 110 meter hurdles 2nd place 8 points
George Corbin- Nash Central 1600 meter run 4th place 5 points
Mason Holt- Rocky Mount 3200 meter run 7th place 2 points
4x400 meter relay girls-Nash Central Tynajia Pullen,Jalynn Westry,Natalie Manning and Krystal Atkinson 8th place 1 point
4x400 meter relay boys- Nash Central Brian Williams,Ricky Evans,Jason McKinnon and Tyler Williams 2nd place 8 points
Rocky Mount girls finished 9th with 26 points while Nash Central was 48th 1.5. Nash Central boys finished 12th scoring 20 points overall while Rocky Mount claimed 18th 13 points and Southern Nash 49th win 1 point.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Two Not Enough
Tonight on the campus of the new Rocky Mount High School soccer and baseball played their first ever playoff games on the new campus and both teams scored twice but neither scored enough to win.
Soccer went to overtime in a 2-2 game only to see Conley get a penalty kick in overtime to take a 3-2 lead. Soccer plays overtime the entire length of time but the Lady Gryphons lose in the second round after they were never able to score again to tie.
Across campus shoddy defense lead to an unearned run for West Carteret in the first, they scored again in the second and that held up until Rocky Mount plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game only to see the Patriots score twice in the top of the seventh to win it 4-2.
Rocky Mount could get but five hits but missed chance after chance of scoring but could not. Andy Morris lead off the bottom of the first with a double off the left field wall. Ben Yates trying to sacrifice laid down a bunt that went for a hit and by the end of the game the Gryphons would only get three more hits.
Jeremy Johnson kept the Gryphons in the game on the mound but never pitched with the lead giving up seven hits, four base on balls and struck out eight. the Gryphons had two errors on the night. Cody Dakin went the distance for WC striking out only two , he walked three and two errors help in Rocky Mount's two runs scoring.
West Carteret will now make a second round playoff trip to Currituck who beat Fike 3-2. Rocky Mount finishes the baseball season 12-9 while WC ups their record to 15-7.
Conference softball Nash central was a winner 9-1 while Northern Lost 8-0
Soccer went to overtime in a 2-2 game only to see Conley get a penalty kick in overtime to take a 3-2 lead. Soccer plays overtime the entire length of time but the Lady Gryphons lose in the second round after they were never able to score again to tie.
Across campus shoddy defense lead to an unearned run for West Carteret in the first, they scored again in the second and that held up until Rocky Mount plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game only to see the Patriots score twice in the top of the seventh to win it 4-2.
Rocky Mount could get but five hits but missed chance after chance of scoring but could not. Andy Morris lead off the bottom of the first with a double off the left field wall. Ben Yates trying to sacrifice laid down a bunt that went for a hit and by the end of the game the Gryphons would only get three more hits.
Jeremy Johnson kept the Gryphons in the game on the mound but never pitched with the lead giving up seven hits, four base on balls and struck out eight. the Gryphons had two errors on the night. Cody Dakin went the distance for WC striking out only two , he walked three and two errors help in Rocky Mount's two runs scoring.
West Carteret will now make a second round playoff trip to Currituck who beat Fike 3-2. Rocky Mount finishes the baseball season 12-9 while WC ups their record to 15-7.
Conference softball Nash central was a winner 9-1 while Northern Lost 8-0
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Playoff Doubleheader On Campus Friday
You will be able to go on campus of Rocky Mount High school for the first time ever Friday night and watch two playoff events in the same day in a sport other than basketball as there have been many girls/boys playoff game doubleheaders.
Friday at 5pm girls soccer will host a second round 3-A playoff game against D H Conley 13-6-1. Rocky Mount 13-3-2 the number three seed from the Big East won their opening round game knocking off a number one seed while Conley the number three from the Coastal took out Fike after the overtime was over and won in a shootout. This year the Big East has the tie breaker with the Coastal and since both teams are three seeds the Lady Gryphons earn the home match. The winner of this match will travel next week to the winner of South Brunswick/Jacksonville game.
So the Lady Gryphons first playoff game ever at the new Rocky Mount High starts at 5 and the normal time for a soccer game is about an hour and forty five minutes so that gives you an opportunity to go watch soccer and at about 6:45 go across campus where the baseball team plays 7pm their first playoff game ever on campus.
The boys12-8 will be hosting the number three seed from the Coastal West Carteret 14-7 in the opening round of the baseball 3-A playoffs. The winner of this game if it is West Carteret they will travel to either Currituck 17-3 or 19-3 Fike. If Rocky Mount wins they could host Fike but travel to Currituck.
Hunt has a home playoff game. Nash Central opened the playoffs tonight at D H Conley and the baseball season is over for them as Conley takes out the Bulldogs 10-0
while Fike is on the road Friday.
Nash Central, Northern Nash and Southern Nash begin softball playoff runs Friday night.
Several athletes from many different schools are taking part in the State Track championships this weekend.
Friday at 5pm girls soccer will host a second round 3-A playoff game against D H Conley 13-6-1. Rocky Mount 13-3-2 the number three seed from the Big East won their opening round game knocking off a number one seed while Conley the number three from the Coastal took out Fike after the overtime was over and won in a shootout. This year the Big East has the tie breaker with the Coastal and since both teams are three seeds the Lady Gryphons earn the home match. The winner of this match will travel next week to the winner of South Brunswick/Jacksonville game.
So the Lady Gryphons first playoff game ever at the new Rocky Mount High starts at 5 and the normal time for a soccer game is about an hour and forty five minutes so that gives you an opportunity to go watch soccer and at about 6:45 go across campus where the baseball team plays 7pm their first playoff game ever on campus.
The boys12-8 will be hosting the number three seed from the Coastal West Carteret 14-7 in the opening round of the baseball 3-A playoffs. The winner of this game if it is West Carteret they will travel to either Currituck 17-3 or 19-3 Fike. If Rocky Mount wins they could host Fike but travel to Currituck.
Hunt has a home playoff game. Nash Central opened the playoffs tonight at D H Conley and the baseball season is over for them as Conley takes out the Bulldogs 10-0
while Fike is on the road Friday.
Nash Central, Northern Nash and Southern Nash begin softball playoff runs Friday night.
Several athletes from many different schools are taking part in the State Track championships this weekend.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Baseball Brackets Set
***Lady Gryphon Soccer made the long ride to Currituck as they swamped Currituck 9-0 in the opening round of the state soccer playoffs. Southern Nash as a #4 seed lost at Jacksonville 6-0 while the Big East #1 seed Hunt beat Washington 6-1. Fike lost in a shoot out to D H Conley so Rocky Mount will get a home game on Saturday against Conley ***
The 2013 state playoff baseball brackets have been released this morning so the answer to the question who do the Gryphons play is West Carteret the #3 seed from the Coastal conference. They have and overall 14-7 record compared to the Gryphons 12-8. Game time is set for 7pm Friday night as the new stadium will host it's first playoff game.
If overall records are any indication this game should be a toss up which will put a premium on scoring runs. All Gryphon fans know that pitching and defense is the Gryphon strength so those two parts of the puzzle need to work to perfection Friday. I think you can count on Jeremy Johnson to be on the hill for the Gryphons and you know the best that Patroits have will be on the mound for them.
Currituck 17-3 who is the #1 in the Northeastern Coastal will host Fike 17-3 the Big East #3. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Rocky Mount-West Carteret game. If the Gryphons win and Currituck wins that game would be at Currituck. Should the Gryphons win and Fike win then round two would be played in Rocky Mount.
Nash Central drew the short straw and will start out the playoffs playing the team most likely the favorite to win the east in D H Conley 21-2. That game of course will be at Conley. The Big East #1 Hunt 13-8 will host the #5 from the Coastal West Craven who has a record of 11-13.
The playoffs begin Friday with the second round scheduled for Tuesday and the third round Thursday of next Week. This will leave for the winners that are still alive play round four that following Monday or Tuesday but here is a pet peeve of mine. That creates that the two teams left playing for the east title will start a two out of three on that Thursday which could mean a team has to play four games in one week. That is way too many games in one week. How many teams even the great ones have that many pitchers to pitch four games.
The 2013 state playoff baseball brackets have been released this morning so the answer to the question who do the Gryphons play is West Carteret the #3 seed from the Coastal conference. They have and overall 14-7 record compared to the Gryphons 12-8. Game time is set for 7pm Friday night as the new stadium will host it's first playoff game.
If overall records are any indication this game should be a toss up which will put a premium on scoring runs. All Gryphon fans know that pitching and defense is the Gryphon strength so those two parts of the puzzle need to work to perfection Friday. I think you can count on Jeremy Johnson to be on the hill for the Gryphons and you know the best that Patroits have will be on the mound for them.
Currituck 17-3 who is the #1 in the Northeastern Coastal will host Fike 17-3 the Big East #3. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Rocky Mount-West Carteret game. If the Gryphons win and Currituck wins that game would be at Currituck. Should the Gryphons win and Fike win then round two would be played in Rocky Mount.
Nash Central drew the short straw and will start out the playoffs playing the team most likely the favorite to win the east in D H Conley 21-2. That game of course will be at Conley. The Big East #1 Hunt 13-8 will host the #5 from the Coastal West Craven who has a record of 11-13.
The playoffs begin Friday with the second round scheduled for Tuesday and the third round Thursday of next Week. This will leave for the winners that are still alive play round four that following Monday or Tuesday but here is a pet peeve of mine. That creates that the two teams left playing for the east title will start a two out of three on that Thursday which could mean a team has to play four games in one week. That is way too many games in one week. How many teams even the great ones have that many pitchers to pitch four games.
Quite A few Great Ones
I have had a great privilege during my broadcast career to cover many players who went on to greatnesss. Many of them at the time while I was covering them you could tell they were headed for more days on ball fields or basketball courts.
Kelvin Bryant and Dominque Wilkinsall went on to great pro careers. There was one that I had the chance to cover once but at the time I had no idea that what I was telling the community was the first step to the Hall Of Fame..
The time was the fall of 1975. The Ahoskie radio station for the first time was going to carry a couple of Chowan Junior College football games on the radio. Chowan under the direction of Jim Garrison was developing into a power house in the Junior College ranks. Back then Chowan was a good place to go if you were a good athlete but not strong in the class room. Spend two years at Chowan graduate and then spend two years at a D-1 school.
The second game that we carried was a weekday afternoon I think a Tuesday and the freshman team from N C State was on campus in Murfreesboro. Obviously Chowan was full of Freshman and Sophomores while the Wolfpack had all freshmen.
Before the game was over Chowan had won the game but not before a skinny back from High Point had riddled the Braves for 264 yards rushing. The next Saturday that skinny freshman was on the varsity at NC State and before his college career was over Ted Brown had become the all time leading rusher in the history of the ACC. He is still the all time leading rusher.
Yesterday Ted Brown was named to the College Football Hall Of Fame. I can't remember if that game at Chowan was his first college game or not. It was my second college game in the booth. Ted Brown spent I think eight years in pro football where he was great at catching passes out of the back field.
One of the things that I really like about sports is at any game you might see someone that you had no idea could do it play the the greatest games of their life. Then from that point on they play that way all time time. Ted Brown didn't make the varsity until the season was under way. Today he is on the way to the Hall Of Fame. We never know when any event starts that on this particular day we might be getting ready to watch greatness at work. That's why I keep going. You never know what future holds for some of these athletes.
Kelvin Bryant and Dominque Wilkinsall went on to great pro careers. There was one that I had the chance to cover once but at the time I had no idea that what I was telling the community was the first step to the Hall Of Fame..
The time was the fall of 1975. The Ahoskie radio station for the first time was going to carry a couple of Chowan Junior College football games on the radio. Chowan under the direction of Jim Garrison was developing into a power house in the Junior College ranks. Back then Chowan was a good place to go if you were a good athlete but not strong in the class room. Spend two years at Chowan graduate and then spend two years at a D-1 school.
The second game that we carried was a weekday afternoon I think a Tuesday and the freshman team from N C State was on campus in Murfreesboro. Obviously Chowan was full of Freshman and Sophomores while the Wolfpack had all freshmen.
Before the game was over Chowan had won the game but not before a skinny back from High Point had riddled the Braves for 264 yards rushing. The next Saturday that skinny freshman was on the varsity at NC State and before his college career was over Ted Brown had become the all time leading rusher in the history of the ACC. He is still the all time leading rusher.
Yesterday Ted Brown was named to the College Football Hall Of Fame. I can't remember if that game at Chowan was his first college game or not. It was my second college game in the booth. Ted Brown spent I think eight years in pro football where he was great at catching passes out of the back field.
One of the things that I really like about sports is at any game you might see someone that you had no idea could do it play the the greatest games of their life. Then from that point on they play that way all time time. Ted Brown didn't make the varsity until the season was under way. Today he is on the way to the Hall Of Fame. We never know when any event starts that on this particular day we might be getting ready to watch greatness at work. That's why I keep going. You never know what future holds for some of these athletes.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Soccer Playoffs Begin Wednesday
Girls playoff soccer swings into action Wednesday and Hunt as the #1 seed from the Big East will be at home to take on the #5 seed from the Coastal Washington. Fike the #2 from the Big East will host #3 from the Coastal D H Conley. Rocky Mount the #3 from the Big East gets that enviable ride as they head to #1 Currituck from the Northeast Coastal. Southern Nash the #4 from the Big East heads to Jacksonville to take on the #1 in the Coastal. Round two for the winners starts Saturday.
Unlike soccer who got four teams into the playoffs the Big East only got two slots in boys tennis and glad we didn't get any more as the two got shutout last week during the Duels. Southern Nash who was the #1 from the Big East and undefeated on the season got whitewashed by visiting Chapel Hill 6-0. Fike the #2 had to travel to Raleigh where they meet Cardinal Gibbons who was the #1 in the Carolina Conference and they shutout 9-0. So the top two teams in tennis didn't even win one game. This week is the week that the team action stops and individual play begins so there are players throughout the conference in action but not any more Big East teams.
Monday State golfing Championships got rained out Monday and they will try again Tuesday.
Every one who qualified in track and field last weekend at West Carteret will swing back into action starting Friday at the state track and field championships.
Everybody wants to know who will be playing Rocky Mount later this week in the baseball playoffs but the brackets are yet filled out. We will probably know sometimes Wednesday where and who every one plays Friday.
This week Charles Simmons who is the Athletic Director at Hertford County High School will receive from the NCHSAA the Athletic Director of the year award. I was there back when Charles first came to Ahoskie to be the basketball coach at then Ahoskie and later Hertford County.
I can tell you Hertford County has been caught like Rocky Mount use to be when they were in the 4-A conference. Ahoskie and Hertford County has for the last 30 years been a 3-A school when they needed to be 2-A. Yes they were big enough to be 3-A but when you are stuck in the corner so far from others your size it is hard when you have to play Monroe in a non-conference game. Nobody wants to ride to Ahoskie for a non-conference game. Mike Gainey and Charles Simmons have worked together since Rocky Mount dropped to 3-A. Next year Hertford County will be small enough that they will be in the 2-A ranks. I think you will see their athletics blossom just like Rocky Mount has when they drop from 4-A to 3-A.
I know Charles is near the end of his ride very soon as basketball coach and athletic director. It sure would be nice if before he retires the Bears could win a title when they will be playing on a level field. It was good for Rocky Mount and hopefully it will be good for Charles Simmons and the Hertford County Bears.
Unlike soccer who got four teams into the playoffs the Big East only got two slots in boys tennis and glad we didn't get any more as the two got shutout last week during the Duels. Southern Nash who was the #1 from the Big East and undefeated on the season got whitewashed by visiting Chapel Hill 6-0. Fike the #2 had to travel to Raleigh where they meet Cardinal Gibbons who was the #1 in the Carolina Conference and they shutout 9-0. So the top two teams in tennis didn't even win one game. This week is the week that the team action stops and individual play begins so there are players throughout the conference in action but not any more Big East teams.
Monday State golfing Championships got rained out Monday and they will try again Tuesday.
Every one who qualified in track and field last weekend at West Carteret will swing back into action starting Friday at the state track and field championships.
Everybody wants to know who will be playing Rocky Mount later this week in the baseball playoffs but the brackets are yet filled out. We will probably know sometimes Wednesday where and who every one plays Friday.
This week Charles Simmons who is the Athletic Director at Hertford County High School will receive from the NCHSAA the Athletic Director of the year award. I was there back when Charles first came to Ahoskie to be the basketball coach at then Ahoskie and later Hertford County.
I can tell you Hertford County has been caught like Rocky Mount use to be when they were in the 4-A conference. Ahoskie and Hertford County has for the last 30 years been a 3-A school when they needed to be 2-A. Yes they were big enough to be 3-A but when you are stuck in the corner so far from others your size it is hard when you have to play Monroe in a non-conference game. Nobody wants to ride to Ahoskie for a non-conference game. Mike Gainey and Charles Simmons have worked together since Rocky Mount dropped to 3-A. Next year Hertford County will be small enough that they will be in the 2-A ranks. I think you will see their athletics blossom just like Rocky Mount has when they drop from 4-A to 3-A.
I know Charles is near the end of his ride very soon as basketball coach and athletic director. It sure would be nice if before he retires the Bears could win a title when they will be playing on a level field. It was good for Rocky Mount and hopefully it will be good for Charles Simmons and the Hertford County Bears.
Monday, May 6, 2013
When And Where?
The high school baseball playoffs begin Friday and at this point all we know for sure is Hunt and Rocky Mount will be home while Nash Central and Fike will travel in the first round.The past several years the 1st round has been the only game played the first week and it will either be Tuesday or Wednesday before the NCHSAA releases the playoff brackets. I am sure today just about every team will know who they play and will start setting up times to play. Here's all I can tell you right now.
Hunt the #1 Seed from the Big East will host the #5 from the Coastal. #2 Rocky Mount will host the Coastal #3. Nash Central as the Big East #3 will travel to the Northeastern Coastal #1 while Fike at #4 in the Big East will travel to the #1 from the Cape Fear.
Playing only once this week you can bet that every team will pitch the best pitcher they have in the opening round. Rocky Mount will get a number three team from the Coastal. Don't say well they can't have nothing finishing third. Just suppose they have a Tyler King like the #3 team from our league Nash Central has. Rocky Mount has not produced many runs per game and have totally depended on pitching to get them second place. So if they run into a fire baller they won't score many runs. But, when you look at the Big East this year that is every team in this conference. As soon as we know who and where we will pass along where and when our teams will be playing.
Despite not playing this weekend North Carolina held on to the top spot in the RPI ratings. Virginia is 3rd, Florida State 5th and N C State 7th. There is still two weeks to play in the regular season of college baseball but for the first time ever N C State stands in the ratings at this point good enough should they win a Regional they could host a Super Regional for the first time. That has become old hat for Carolina but in Raleigh they want to host one.
They have a mid week game with UNC Wilmington this week who is rated 27th in the RPI. This game is so important to N C State that they have saved their normal Sunday starter for this game because if they want a Super Regional they can't afford any losses outside of the conference. Should they get by UNCW they have Florida State this weekend and that is a battle for first in the division.
Jim Valvano said once that the more you win the more important the next game is. Remember last weekend series with Carolina was the most important in a long while for the Wolfpack. This up coming week might be the biggest week as far as important in the history of the program.
Hunt the #1 Seed from the Big East will host the #5 from the Coastal. #2 Rocky Mount will host the Coastal #3. Nash Central as the Big East #3 will travel to the Northeastern Coastal #1 while Fike at #4 in the Big East will travel to the #1 from the Cape Fear.
Playing only once this week you can bet that every team will pitch the best pitcher they have in the opening round. Rocky Mount will get a number three team from the Coastal. Don't say well they can't have nothing finishing third. Just suppose they have a Tyler King like the #3 team from our league Nash Central has. Rocky Mount has not produced many runs per game and have totally depended on pitching to get them second place. So if they run into a fire baller they won't score many runs. But, when you look at the Big East this year that is every team in this conference. As soon as we know who and where we will pass along where and when our teams will be playing.
Despite not playing this weekend North Carolina held on to the top spot in the RPI ratings. Virginia is 3rd, Florida State 5th and N C State 7th. There is still two weeks to play in the regular season of college baseball but for the first time ever N C State stands in the ratings at this point good enough should they win a Regional they could host a Super Regional for the first time. That has become old hat for Carolina but in Raleigh they want to host one.
They have a mid week game with UNC Wilmington this week who is rated 27th in the RPI. This game is so important to N C State that they have saved their normal Sunday starter for this game because if they want a Super Regional they can't afford any losses outside of the conference. Should they get by UNCW they have Florida State this weekend and that is a battle for first in the division.
Jim Valvano said once that the more you win the more important the next game is. Remember last weekend series with Carolina was the most important in a long while for the Wolfpack. This up coming week might be the biggest week as far as important in the history of the program.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Four Nash County Athletes Win Regional Events
Nash Central's Damian Silver won two events Saturday in the East Regional Track and Field championships winning the 110 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles Rocky Mount's Mason Holt won the 3200 meter run. Rocky Mount's Jaquell Bryant won the high jump. The only girls winner was Rocky Mount's Fantacy Bryant who won the triple jump.
The team totals saw Nash Central boys finish second to the winner Cleveland 84 points to 68. Rocky Mount finished 4th with 42 while Northern Nash scored 19 and Southern Nash 18. On the girls side the home team West Carteret took first with 84. Rocky Mount finished 3rd with 56, Nash Central 25, Southern Nash 18 and Northern Nash 14.
Here is a complete list of all the athletes who scored points during the day. First place is worth 10 team points while second gets 8, third 6, fourth 4, fifth 2 and sixth 1 point.
Girls:200 Meter run- JalynnWestry-Nash Central-6th 1 point.
400 Meter run- Elquana Ferguson-Northern Nash-3rd 6 points
3200 Meter run- Michaela Williams-Nash Central-5th 2 points
100 Meter hurdles-Rema Hedgepeth- Northern Nash- 2nd 8 points--Olympia Williams- Rocky Mount- 3rd 6 points
300 Meter hurdles-Krystal Atkinson-Nash Central- 2nd 8 points--Ivey Harris-Southern Nash- 5th 2 points-Alea Singletary-Southern Nash-6th 1 point
4x100 Relay-Southern Nash-Victoria Ellis,Ivey Harris,Amanda Johnson and Dasia Moore-2nd-8 points
4x400 Relay-Nash Central-Tynajia Pullen,Natalie Manning,Jalynn Westry and Krystal Atkinson- 4th 4 points
4x800 Relay-Rocky Mount-Alexis Bryant,Nefertiti Thigpen,Stephanie Morales and Breaonor Dillard- 4th 4 points--Nash Central-Tynajia Pullen,Natalie Manning,Allie Brown and Michaela Williams- 5th 2 points
High Jump-Jalynn Westry- Nash Central- 2nd 8 points--Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount- 4th 4 points
Long jump-Takeyra Thomas-Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points--Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount-4th 4 points
Triple jump-Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points
Shot put-J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 point
Discus- J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points
Boys:
400 Meter-Jason McKinnon-Nash Central-4th 4 points
800 Meter-Steven Whitehead-Northern Nash-4th 4 points--Lance Williams Nash Central-6th 1 point
1600 Meter-Mason Holt-Rocky Mount-2nd 8 points--George Corbin- Nash Central- 4th 4 points--Steven Whitehead- Northern Nash- 5th 2 points
3200 Meter-Mason Holt-Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points
110 Meter Hurdles-Damian Silver- Nash Central- 1st 10 points
300 Meter Hurdles-Damian Silver- Nash Central- 1st 10 points
4x100 Relay-Tyler Williams,Jariuss Richardson,Damien Silver and Jarod Richardson- Nash Central-3rd 6 points
4x400 Relay-Brian Williams,Tyler Williams,Ricky Evans and Jason McKinnon-Nash Central-2nd 8 points
4x800 Relay-Brian Williams-Alex Corbin,Lance Williams and Ricky Evans- Nash Central- 2nd 8
points
High Junp-Jaquell Bryant- Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points--Aaron Ware- Southern Nash- 4th 4 points
Pole vault-Russell Langley-Nash Central-3rd 6 points--John Eatmon-Southern Nash-4th 4 points
Long Jump-Mason Hines-Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points
Triple Jump-Mason Hines-Rocky Mount-4th 4 points
Shot Put-Chris Alston-Nash Central-3rd 6 points
Discus-Rissell Hillard-Nash Central-4th 4points--Tyler Harmonson-Rocky Mount- 5th 2 points--Michael Drake- Nash Central- 6th 1 point
Girls:200 Meter run- JalynnWestry-Nash Central-6th 1 point.
400 Meter run- Elquana Ferguson-Northern Nash-3rd 6 points
3200 Meter run- Michaela Williams-Nash Central-5th 2 points
100 Meter hurdles-Rema Hedgepeth- Northern Nash- 2nd 8 points--Olympia Williams- Rocky Mount- 3rd 6 points
300 Meter hurdles-Krystal Atkinson-Nash Central- 2nd 8 points--Ivey Harris-Southern Nash- 5th 2 points-Alea Singletary-Southern Nash-6th 1 point
4x100 Relay-Southern Nash-Victoria Ellis,Ivey Harris,Amanda Johnson and Dasia Moore-2nd-8 points
4x400 Relay-Nash Central-Tynajia Pullen,Natalie Manning,Jalynn Westry and Krystal Atkinson- 4th 4 points
4x800 Relay-Rocky Mount-Alexis Bryant,Nefertiti Thigpen,Stephanie Morales and Breaonor Dillard- 4th 4 points--Nash Central-Tynajia Pullen,Natalie Manning,Allie Brown and Michaela Williams- 5th 2 points
High Jump-Jalynn Westry- Nash Central- 2nd 8 points--Takeyra Thomas- Rocky Mount- 4th 4 points
Long jump-Takeyra Thomas-Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points--Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount-4th 4 points
Triple jump-Fantacy Bryant- Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points
Shot put-J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 point
Discus- J'Kyra Brown- Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points
Boys:
400 Meter-Jason McKinnon-Nash Central-4th 4 points
800 Meter-Steven Whitehead-Northern Nash-4th 4 points--Lance Williams Nash Central-6th 1 point
1600 Meter-Mason Holt-Rocky Mount-2nd 8 points--George Corbin- Nash Central- 4th 4 points--Steven Whitehead- Northern Nash- 5th 2 points
3200 Meter-Mason Holt-Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points
110 Meter Hurdles-Damian Silver- Nash Central- 1st 10 points
300 Meter Hurdles-Damian Silver- Nash Central- 1st 10 points
4x100 Relay-Tyler Williams,Jariuss Richardson,Damien Silver and Jarod Richardson- Nash Central-3rd 6 points
4x400 Relay-Brian Williams,Tyler Williams,Ricky Evans and Jason McKinnon-Nash Central-2nd 8 points
4x800 Relay-Brian Williams-Alex Corbin,Lance Williams and Ricky Evans- Nash Central- 2nd 8
points
High Junp-Jaquell Bryant- Rocky Mount- 1st 10 points--Aaron Ware- Southern Nash- 4th 4 points
Pole vault-Russell Langley-Nash Central-3rd 6 points--John Eatmon-Southern Nash-4th 4 points
Long Jump-Mason Hines-Rocky Mount- 2nd 8 points
Triple Jump-Mason Hines-Rocky Mount-4th 4 points
Shot Put-Chris Alston-Nash Central-3rd 6 points
Discus-Rissell Hillard-Nash Central-4th 4points--Tyler Harmonson-Rocky Mount- 5th 2 points--Michael Drake- Nash Central- 6th 1 point
Friday, May 3, 2013
Gryphons Clinch Second
Rocky Mount beat arch rival Northern Nash on a cold blustery night 6-1 in the final regular season game of the year. Over at Hunt the Warriors were beating Fike and combined with the Rocky Mount win and Fike loss the Gryphons capture second place in the Big East and in doing so get a first round home game next week.
Spencer Ramsey pitched a complete game five hitter for the Gryphons walked four and struck out 12 in securing the 2nd spot for Rocky Mount. Ramsey served up a base hit on the first pitch of the game but before the first inning was over had picked a runner off first and second base. In all my years of watching baseball I have never seen two picked off in one inning.
The Gryphons wasted little time getting three straight hits in the bottom of the first but could score but once on a fielders choice by Trevor Hayworth. Rocky Mount scored again in the third but in a quite unusual way. The scored on a bases loaded walk after two were out and three straight men walked to give them a 2-0 lead.
Northern touched home their only time in the top of the fourth when Dylan Hodges drove in a run after there were two outs and no one on base. Rocky Mount got two in the bottom of the fourth on another three hits in a row with Micah Varnell getting a rbi. Rocky Mount added two more in the fifth one scored on a Jeremy Johnson double and another on a Knight error.
Jeremy Johnson had three hits and an rbi and Ben Yates had another three hits. Three other singles were added by Andy Morris,Micah Varnell and Josh Carter. Northern was lead by Dylan Hodges who had two hits and the lone rbi. Garth Daniel also had two hits and Jacob Green had a single. Northern season ends while Rocky Mount will wait and see who they draw in the opening round of the playoffs. Playoffs start next Thursday.
There are a lot of people who go to NASCAR races just to watch the wrecks. In the first year of the new high school baseball stadium with a full house tonight there were plenty of fan reactions every time a foul ball headed to the parking lot. I think at least three cars have either broken windshields or rearranged fenders at the game tonight.
Spencer Ramsey pitched a complete game five hitter for the Gryphons walked four and struck out 12 in securing the 2nd spot for Rocky Mount. Ramsey served up a base hit on the first pitch of the game but before the first inning was over had picked a runner off first and second base. In all my years of watching baseball I have never seen two picked off in one inning.
The Gryphons wasted little time getting three straight hits in the bottom of the first but could score but once on a fielders choice by Trevor Hayworth. Rocky Mount scored again in the third but in a quite unusual way. The scored on a bases loaded walk after two were out and three straight men walked to give them a 2-0 lead.
Northern touched home their only time in the top of the fourth when Dylan Hodges drove in a run after there were two outs and no one on base. Rocky Mount got two in the bottom of the fourth on another three hits in a row with Micah Varnell getting a rbi. Rocky Mount added two more in the fifth one scored on a Jeremy Johnson double and another on a Knight error.
Jeremy Johnson had three hits and an rbi and Ben Yates had another three hits. Three other singles were added by Andy Morris,Micah Varnell and Josh Carter. Northern was lead by Dylan Hodges who had two hits and the lone rbi. Garth Daniel also had two hits and Jacob Green had a single. Northern season ends while Rocky Mount will wait and see who they draw in the opening round of the playoffs. Playoffs start next Thursday.
There are a lot of people who go to NASCAR races just to watch the wrecks. In the first year of the new high school baseball stadium with a full house tonight there were plenty of fan reactions every time a foul ball headed to the parking lot. I think at least three cars have either broken windshields or rearranged fenders at the game tonight.
On The Line
Tonight is the final game of the regular season in Big East Baseball. Only thing settled so far this year is who will not play next week. The four teams that have earned playoff spots it is now down to who wins Friday and where does that stack them in the conference standings and who gets the home games and who is on the road.
The game where outright first place could take place is at Hunt. They control their own destiny. Win and they are the champs. Lose and no telling where they might land. Fike could tie with a win and Rocky Mount lost so they still have as much to play for as Hunt. If Fike and Rocky Mount wins get out the short straws for there will be a three way tie for first.
Rocky Mount is hosting Northern who has nothing to play for other than a chance to really stick it to the Gryphons. It is Rocky Mount's senior night so no one ever knows how emotions act on Senior night. A Rocky Mount win and they can still take first if all the coins come up heads for them. A loss and for sure they hit the road next week in round one of the playoffs.
Nash Central needs to beat Southern Nash. They also need both Fike and Rocky Mount to lose in order that they still get a shot at second place. Any thing is possible for all four teams who will be continuing their seasons next week.
It is possible that a Hunt lost and they could fall to third in the tie breakers. It is possible for Fike to win a tie for first in the tie breakers. It is possible for Rocky Mount to still finish first in the tie breakers. It is still possible for Nash Central to finish second in a tie breaker. It is possible for Fike and Rocky Mount to still fall to the fourth seed.
One thing is for sure tonight that wins can only help and losses hurt all four playoff bound teams. The All New Sports Show with Wes Bradshaw will be taping the RM/NN game. If it is as good as the last one 1-0 there will be a real game for sure to see.
The game where outright first place could take place is at Hunt. They control their own destiny. Win and they are the champs. Lose and no telling where they might land. Fike could tie with a win and Rocky Mount lost so they still have as much to play for as Hunt. If Fike and Rocky Mount wins get out the short straws for there will be a three way tie for first.
Rocky Mount is hosting Northern who has nothing to play for other than a chance to really stick it to the Gryphons. It is Rocky Mount's senior night so no one ever knows how emotions act on Senior night. A Rocky Mount win and they can still take first if all the coins come up heads for them. A loss and for sure they hit the road next week in round one of the playoffs.
Nash Central needs to beat Southern Nash. They also need both Fike and Rocky Mount to lose in order that they still get a shot at second place. Any thing is possible for all four teams who will be continuing their seasons next week.
It is possible that a Hunt lost and they could fall to third in the tie breakers. It is possible for Fike to win a tie for first in the tie breakers. It is possible for Rocky Mount to still finish first in the tie breakers. It is still possible for Nash Central to finish second in a tie breaker. It is possible for Fike and Rocky Mount to still fall to the fourth seed.
One thing is for sure tonight that wins can only help and losses hurt all four playoff bound teams. The All New Sports Show with Wes Bradshaw will be taping the RM/NN game. If it is as good as the last one 1-0 there will be a real game for sure to see.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
A Catch 22 Income Versus Inconvenience
We live in a world now where when we go get on a plane you just about have to strip down to your underwear to get on a plane. Just to go to a high school sporting event you have to empty your pockets and go through a detector. The Boston Marathon has shown us once again why we have to do these things.
High schools do any and every thing they can to create income in order to provide players in any sport with new uniforms where possible and equipment on a yearly basis. This spring the athletic directors decided that a good way to bring in more income was to play both the JV and Varsity in the same location the same day. I think if you ask any school whether their income has gone up from this they will tell you it has. Not only the ticket sales but the hot dog stand has had a better year than those of the past because people will stay from one game to the next.
JV Softball and baseball plays starting at 4.30 and are suppose top be finished by 6:15. How do you stop a game in the last ending with the home team losing without a chance to get their last bat. About 50% of the time the JV baseball doesn't make the 6:15 dead line. A week ago the Rocky Mount at Nash central varsity baseball game didn't start until 7:35.
Once the JV game is complete the field is raked and the batters box repainted. If you are really good at it you might get that done in 40 minutes. Then both teams get infield practice and if it is done properly each team gets 10 minutes for that practice. The meeting at home plate and then the lineups and National Anthem. Not many games this year have started by 7pm.
A normal high school baseball game takes about and hour and forty five minutes. You get a game when the pitchers walk eight or nine and it take two and a half hours to complete. When that happens you are pushing 10pm on a school night and one team has to drive home. it is really good that 22 miles is the longest conference road trip for any team in the Big East.
I think next year we need to start the JV games at 4pm. One reason when they moved them to 4:30 so kids would not need to get out of school before the end of the day in order to get to the game. Every consequence in life in order to fix one problem in many cases creates another. We need to be able to honestly answer this question. Where do we hold back our children's education? Letting them get out of class early to go to a 4:30 game or making them wait until 10pm to go home and go to bed in order to go back to school the next day. Neither answer is perfect? Which would you choose?
High schools do any and every thing they can to create income in order to provide players in any sport with new uniforms where possible and equipment on a yearly basis. This spring the athletic directors decided that a good way to bring in more income was to play both the JV and Varsity in the same location the same day. I think if you ask any school whether their income has gone up from this they will tell you it has. Not only the ticket sales but the hot dog stand has had a better year than those of the past because people will stay from one game to the next.
JV Softball and baseball plays starting at 4.30 and are suppose top be finished by 6:15. How do you stop a game in the last ending with the home team losing without a chance to get their last bat. About 50% of the time the JV baseball doesn't make the 6:15 dead line. A week ago the Rocky Mount at Nash central varsity baseball game didn't start until 7:35.
Once the JV game is complete the field is raked and the batters box repainted. If you are really good at it you might get that done in 40 minutes. Then both teams get infield practice and if it is done properly each team gets 10 minutes for that practice. The meeting at home plate and then the lineups and National Anthem. Not many games this year have started by 7pm.
A normal high school baseball game takes about and hour and forty five minutes. You get a game when the pitchers walk eight or nine and it take two and a half hours to complete. When that happens you are pushing 10pm on a school night and one team has to drive home. it is really good that 22 miles is the longest conference road trip for any team in the Big East.
I think next year we need to start the JV games at 4pm. One reason when they moved them to 4:30 so kids would not need to get out of school before the end of the day in order to get to the game. Every consequence in life in order to fix one problem in many cases creates another. We need to be able to honestly answer this question. Where do we hold back our children's education? Letting them get out of class early to go to a 4:30 game or making them wait until 10pm to go home and go to bed in order to go back to school the next day. Neither answer is perfect? Which would you choose?
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Clear As Mud
Here is what we know to be true from Big East baseball action on Tuesday. Jacob Williams pitched a complete game for Hunt and they beat Nash Central 3-1. Jeremy Johnson pitched a complete game for Rocky Mount and they beat Southern Nash 4-0. Fike beat Northern Nash 5-0 and anytime you can't score it is hard to win.
Here are the facts from the results of Tuesday night. Northern Nash is out of the playoffs. Hunt, Fike, Rocky Mount and Nash Central will be in the playoffs next week. Right now we just don't know what seed each will be.
If Hunt wins Friday over Fike they are the conference champs. Rocky Mount can get second with a win Friday and a Hunt win. Fike can tie for first if they beat Hunt and Northern Beats Rocky Mount. There will be a three way tie for first if Fike wins and Rocky Mount wins. They would tie Hunt who would have lost to Fike. There will be a three way tie for second if Fike loses, Rocky Mount loses and Nash Central wins.
Gryphons fans I think should hope for Hunt to win the title and then they beat Northern on Friday night. That would give Rocky Mount second and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Any kind of three way tie for first and there is always a chance to lose in the draw or ever how a three way is decided and get knocked down to third and a road game in the playoffs. If it should wind up a three way tie for second then who knows how that scramble works out for second and the home game in the playoffs.
Everybody tonight took the Tuesday game as a game they all had to have. There was no hoping we win tonight and lets pitch our best Friday. Everyone played tonight as a must win night. Jacob Williams tossed for Hunt, Tyler King for Nash Central, Jeremy Johnson for Rocky Mount and Derrick Carter for Northern. Friday will be put in the hands of the second best pitcher on each team and that to me favors Rocky Mount against Northern Nash on Senior night. Nash Central should be ok against Southern Nash and I suspect Hunt has the edge with Fike for Friday.
All we know for sure right now is without knowing who wins on Friday we don't know where anybody sits as far as seeding for next week which makes it as clear as mud.
Here are the facts from the results of Tuesday night. Northern Nash is out of the playoffs. Hunt, Fike, Rocky Mount and Nash Central will be in the playoffs next week. Right now we just don't know what seed each will be.
If Hunt wins Friday over Fike they are the conference champs. Rocky Mount can get second with a win Friday and a Hunt win. Fike can tie for first if they beat Hunt and Northern Beats Rocky Mount. There will be a three way tie for first if Fike wins and Rocky Mount wins. They would tie Hunt who would have lost to Fike. There will be a three way tie for second if Fike loses, Rocky Mount loses and Nash Central wins.
Gryphons fans I think should hope for Hunt to win the title and then they beat Northern on Friday night. That would give Rocky Mount second and a home game in the first round of the playoffs. Any kind of three way tie for first and there is always a chance to lose in the draw or ever how a three way is decided and get knocked down to third and a road game in the playoffs. If it should wind up a three way tie for second then who knows how that scramble works out for second and the home game in the playoffs.
Everybody tonight took the Tuesday game as a game they all had to have. There was no hoping we win tonight and lets pitch our best Friday. Everyone played tonight as a must win night. Jacob Williams tossed for Hunt, Tyler King for Nash Central, Jeremy Johnson for Rocky Mount and Derrick Carter for Northern. Friday will be put in the hands of the second best pitcher on each team and that to me favors Rocky Mount against Northern Nash on Senior night. Nash Central should be ok against Southern Nash and I suspect Hunt has the edge with Fike for Friday.
All we know for sure right now is without knowing who wins on Friday we don't know where anybody sits as far as seeding for next week which makes it as clear as mud.
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