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.

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.

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?

"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.

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.

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.

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.