Moeller High School 2008-09 Baseball Archives

-路

.--

/'

--路

nr

~-, I : _r~. ~i , ~ ~:--~ 路.~i -.>~;

Moeller Piles on a fifth state 路title

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

lan Hundley (9) dives on top of his jubilant teammates after Moeller defeated Pickerington North 5-2.

Record relay keys Withrow girls' run to second in track

Ross softball wins elusive state title; Badin baseball 2nd

By Frank DiRenna

Brittany Fernandez drove in the winning run and pitched a six-hitter as Ross won its first Division II state softball title with a 4-2 win over Bellville Clear Fork at Firestone Park in Akron.

The Rams (26-7) scored four runs in the fifth to overcome a 2-0 deficit. !I Brett Cisper pitched out of a jam in the sixth inning to help Moeller defeat Pickerington North 5-2 in the Division I baseball championship in Huntington Park in Columbus. The Crusaders (24-5) are winners of 12 straight since losing to Pickerington North (30.4) last month. They won their fifth state title and first since 2004.

B Gnadenhutten Indian Valley scored the winning run on a throwing error in the eighth inning to defeat Badin 7-6 in the Division III baseball championship game at Huntington Park in Columbus. Badin (29-3) was runner-up for the second straight season and third time in five seasons.

Coverage, C4-5

Enquirer contributo,-

COLUMBUS - After being disqualified in the 4-by-200 meter relay, the Withrow girls' track and field team gamely fought back to turri in a strong showing at the Division I state meet Saturday at Ohio State.

The Tigers' second-place performance in the 4-by-400 relay helped the team secure second place in the team standings with 35 points, just ahead of Cleveland Collinwood's 32. Reynoldsburg cruised to the crown wich 82 points.

Earlier, Withrow's 4-by-100 relay See STATE TRACK, Page C7

Members of Withrow's 4-by-100 relay team stand atop the podium after winning the event in a state-record time of 46.53 seconds Saturday.

Tony Tribble for The EnqUirer

AMANDA HOPKINS/STAFF

State champions Sycamore Township Board of Trustees presented Moeller High School's baseball team with a resolution recogruzing them for the school's Division I state championship.

Moeller carries regional hopes

The Enquirer;Jeff Swinger

Lakota West's Marty Greinke (left) crashes into right fielder Ricky Finley but hangs on to the ball for an out in the Firebirds' regional game against Fairmont Thursday. . .

Lakota West's attempt at all-area final foiled ·:::/·· I/.: l

By Shannon· Russell '

.

srussell@enquirer.com

Last year, Moeller and Lakota West advanced to the state semifinals of the Division I baseball tournament.

This season, only one of the teams has that opportunity.

Moeller shut out Glen Este 4-0 in a regional semifinal Thursday at the University of Cincinnati's Marge Schott Stadium, but Lakota West was upset by Kettering Fairmont 10-4 later.

Moeller (21-5) will face Fairmont (21-10) at 5 p.m. today with a final four appearance at stake. Today's winner moves on to Columbus for a June 5 game to be played at Huntington Park.

An all-local regional final was derailed in the fourth inning of West's game when Fairmont took a 2-1 lead.

Weather ·conditions worsened in the next inning when Fairmont went on a tear that included seven hits, eight runs and a 10-1 advantage.

"We really defensively put •ourselves in a hole today. We

The Enquirer/Jeff Swinger

Moeller's Eric Smith (20) is congratulated after scoring on a base hit by Matt Ceddia against Glen Este.

had five errors and a coup1e passed balls and we just really picked a bad time to have a bad day," Lakota West coach Bill Dreisbach said. "And that includes offensively. Offensively, this year, that's been a strength of ours. Today we just didn't get it done at the plate either."

Lightning extended the marathon top of the fifth by 75 minutes. Lakota West rallied after the break as Fairmont starter Alex Lilley struggled to find his bearings. ' See MOELLER, Page.cs

Highlights • Badin and CHCA will meet at 5 p.m. today at Wright State in a Division Ill bas~ball regional final after victories Thursday.

• Ross upset Western Brown, the state's top-ranked Division II softball team, 1-0 in 11 innings to reach Saturday's regional final.

• The Reading baseball team defeated Cincinnati Christian 6-4 in Division IV and will play Delphos Jefferson at 5 p.m. today for a trip to state.

More coverage, CS

~Moeller:

Faces F I

-

for state berth.

From Page Cl:

'

He was replaced by David Steele after the Firebirds tacked on three runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Another lightniilg delay prolonged the four-hour-plus game and breathed m'<ire life into the Firebirds. But The Enquirer's poll champion succumbed to a hot-hitting Fairmont squad that capitalized on multiple opportunities.

Firebirds starting pitcher Nate Smith lasted 4Y.l innings and struck out six. He surrendered five . runs (three earned) and. didn't walk a batter.

Lakota West finished Short of its comeback bid and ended its season 23-6.

-It was a different story for Moeller, which kept its hopes 路 alive with the win over the Trojans (20-8).

Moeller had beaten Glen Este 12-7 earlier, but Crusaders coach Tim Held said it wasn't a good reflettion Of either team. Both saved their top pitchers for, at the time, ensuing league contests.

Held said Trojans ace Matt Marksberry mad~ it "a differ-

'

The Enquirer/ Jeff Swinger

Lakota West catcher Mark Fowler can't make the tag on Fairmont's Tommy Roush iri the fourth inning ofThursday's regional semifinal game at UC.

ent game" Thursday.

'They play with a lot of confidence when Marksberry is on the mound," Held said.

Ditto for Moeller with right-hander Brett Cisper.

The senior had an impressive performance Thursday, improving to 7-1 by striking out s~ven and walking only two路 batters.

Cisper pitched six shutout innings and surrendered three hits before being relieved by senior Ryan Kern.

Ifs been a lorii season for ', _

Cisper, who's glad to have reClaimed his stride.

"I came down with (mononucleosis) and after I started to get back from that, I messed up something right behind my shoulder blade in my back. I've been battling back all year and I'm just starting to feel really good," he said.

Eric Smith scored from second base on a Matt Ceddia shot to left field in the second inning, and, Cisper scored in the fourth inning ori Sage Iacovone's sac-fly RBI. Smith added insurance in 路 the fifth inning with a 'double that drove in two runners for the 4-0 lead.

'Thafs what we preached all year: that if we can get a lead early, we just wantto tack on and tack on," Held said.

"Going from 2-0 to 4-0 as we were going into the siXth and seventh inning just gave us an entirely different feel."

WP: Cisper (7-1. 7Ks). LP: Mari<sbeny (3Ks).

Hitting leaders: M- Ceddia 2-2, RBI; Smith 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI. GE- M.Jones 2'3. Records: M 21-5, GE 20-B. WP: Ulley (7-1, SKs). LP: Smith (7-2, 6Ks).

Hitting leaders: KF Cunningham 2-4; Green 2-4, 4 RBI..LW Fowler 1路2, RS; Greinke .RBI; Beaver 2-4, RBI. Records: KF 21-10, LW 23-6.

Glen Este take first . district softball title .r-J-. <1/r..c-

Enqutre/ sfaff /eporlS

l

Sophomore Kelley Benbase struck out 11 batters and threw a no-hitter as Glen Este won its first-ever district softball championship with a 2-0 win against Fair. field at Lakota East.

Glen Este scored its runs when junior Sydney Schwalbach and sophomore Kierstin Gregory scored on a throwing error ia the fifth.

Glen Este Will play Greenville at 5 p.m. Thursday at : the University of Dayton in the regional tournament.

Colerain 4, Mason 1, Div. I district final: Senior Emily Schwaeble gave up two hits and one earned run.

Ross 5, Kenton Ridge 0, Div. II district final: Ross junior Brittany Fernandez threw a complete-game fourhitter with 11 strikeouts.

1

Roundup Baseball CHCA 8, Brookville 1, Div. IU district final: CHCAjunior

John Lloyd threw a complete game with seven strikeouts.

Reading 10, Franklin Monroe 5, Div. IV district final: Junior Tyler Bessey and sophomore Mason Antoun each went 2-for-3 with two runs. ¡ MoeHer 10, Vandalia Butler 0 (6 innings), Div. I district final: Moeller senior Brett Cisper allowed two ' hits, struck out six and was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Cincinnati Christian 3, Fort Loramie 2 (9 inaings), Div.IV district finals: Senior Micah Parker hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth. Ryan Kirschbaum (6-1) threw a rnp-hitter.

f.

:Moeller: Wins Division I regional title From Page Dl

·,two to come in and just pound the .strike zone ... that's a coach's .. dream."

In seven innings, Sunderman aldowed two runs and four hits, rstruck out six and walked four. , .. The problem was, Moeller ini:tially was confounded with pitch·ing too, coach Tim Held said. Fair•..mont starter Kyle Heath largely '· stymied the Crusaders' bats for four innings. "· "We were just trying to find a "way to figure out their first pitcher.

We were really grinding it out," . coach Tim Held said. "Fairmont ··has had an incredible tournament ·~

run, winning games over Elder and Lakota West (Friday), and that's the kind of way they've won games - confusing the hitters. They had us a mess there for quite a few innings."

Everything changed in the bottom of the fifth inning when the Crusaders went on a five run tear that ultimately decided the game.

Ian Hundley, who finished 2-for-3 with a double and two runs, executed a momentum-changing play by reaching base on a Fairmont error. The Firebirds' first baseman bobbled a ball hit toward him and, after scrambling to reel it in, threw it too late to Heath, who was covering the bag.

r

In the meantime, Keith Rieman scored the go-ahead run from third base. Moeller tacked on four more runs before the end of the inning.

"Ian Hundley is one of the fastest guys on the learn, and it paid off," Held said. "We've been preaching to them since the first practice: You've got to get out of the box as quick as you can and you run everything out. You don't take \nything for granted .... If (Hundley) starts jogging, it's an easy out and we don't score five runs."

Drake said the Firebirds' spotty defense contributed to the game's outcome. Moeller capitalized on Fairmont's four errors.

"We try to tell kids that piranhas

smell blood and they pick and pick and pick until they're done. And (Moeller) smelled blood, and they just picked us apart," Drake said .

The Crusaders last season fell to state runner-up Cleveland St. Ignatius 7-5 in a state semifinal at Cooper Stadium. Now, as they prepare for a return trip to state, Held hopes that history will benefit a club on a 10-game wining streak.

"We should feel more comfortable returning 10 seniors who've been up there once, so we're hoping' that helps with that experience," Held said.

WP: Sundeonan (7·1, 6 Ks). LP: Heath (2-3, lKJ. Hitting leade!S: M-Hundley 2·3. 2B, 2 RS: C1sper 2-3, 2 RBI: Sm1th 2-3. 3 RBI. F-Roush 2-3, RBI. Records: M 22-5, F 21-11.

• HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL

_..., - d•,--, .- . , -!

Joseph l'uqua II

Moeler players raise their regional championship trophy after defeating'Fairmont il1 Friday's final at UC.

·Next stop: state Moeller pounds Fairmont to earn 2nd straight berth

By Shannon Russell sru.'i!idl@enquirer.com

After Moeller junior pitcher Robby Stm.derman struck out the final Kettering Fairmont batter Friday, catcher Sage Iacovone ripped off his mask. He dashed toward Sunderman, picked him up and gave an elated shout as the rest of the Crusaders piled oo.

They had good reason to celebrate.

'The Crusaders beat Fairmont 7-2 in a Division I regional final at the University of Cincinnati's Marge.Schott Stadi-

urn, clinchlng a state semifinals berth for the second straight year.

"It was great," a beaming Sunderman said. "We did it last year, but to do it twice in a row is even better."

Moeller'snextgameis]une5atColumbus' Huntington Park. The opponent will be determined today in a 5 p.m~ regional final at Shelby High School.

Sunderman said he wasn't throwing his best stuff early in a game that saw · two ties by the fourth inning's end. The right-hander said he found his strike

zone about that time and began to relax. As he loosened up, strikes flowed.

That flustered Fairmont, an underdog team coming off its first district title since 1988. "(Sunderman) got in a groove in the second half of the gaine and it didn't matter what be threw. It was over the plate (and) it was right where we were just beating it into the ground," first-year Firebrrds coach Kent Drake said. "To have a number See MOB.LER, Page D7

B6 MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2009

SPORTS

Higll school roundup

Crusaders get rematch vs. Ignatius

By Jeff Wallner Enquirer contributor

¡ It is deja vu for Moeller. But

this year the Crusaders feel they're better prepared.

For the second time in as many seasons under head coach Tun Held, Moeller has advanced to the Division I state semifinals. And for the second straight year the Crusaders' final four opponent is Cleveland St. Ignatius.

The rematch is 4 p.m. Friday at Huntington Bank Park in Columbus. The winner will earn a berth in Saturday's state championship game against the Green/Pickerington North winner.

In last year's state semifinal matchup with St. Ignatius, Moeller led 4-0 after three innings and 5-4 heading into the seventh. But the Wildcats scored three runs in the seventh for a 7-5 victory.

'That loss has been a driving force for us all year," said Held. "We couldn't put them away. They did what good teams do. Hopefully, that experience will pay off for us this time."

Moeller (22-5) enters the state semifinals on a l().game winning streak.

And the Crusaders are relishing the opportunity to a. tone for last year's loss to the Wildcats.

"To get another crack at Ignatius is really something special," said senior pitcher/in-

fielder Brett Cisper. "Last year didn't end the way we wanted it to. It was disappointing. But we've really built UJ}on that and used it as motivation throughout this season."

Moeller baseball has won four state titles, the last coming in 2004 under coach Mike Cameron, who retired in 2007 after 39 seasons.

Held took over for Cameron, Ohio's airtime winningest high S<:hool baseball coach, and has maintained the program's high level of success.

"I just inherited what Coach Cameron built," said Held, who's in his 13th season as a Crusaders coach.

Moeller rolled to the regional title with a 7-2 victory over Kettering Fairmont on Friday.

On Saturday, St. Ignatius (25-7) beat Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 15-7 to win its third straight regional title.

The Wildcats will encounter a different Moeller team than last year.

Moeller relied heavily on pitching and defense last season. With 10 seniors , the experienced Crusaders are more offensive minded, scoring nearly eight runs per game in the postseason.

"Last year's experience has helped us relax more in the tournament," said Cisper.

"We feel the pressure is all on our opponents. We're really starting to click on all cylinders."

Enquirer file/Joseph Fuqua II

Moeller's lan Hundley (getting a base hit vs. Fairmont) is hitting .407 for a balanced Crusaders offense.

Cisper, the Greater Catholic League Player of th.e Year, is 7-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 11 aJ}pearances, while batting .452 with three home runs and a GCL-record 42 RBI. Junior pitcher/infielder Robby Sunderman is hitting .404 and is 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA in nine games. Ian Hundley (.407), Tyler Hutchinson (.432) and senior infielder Eric Smith, who's second on the club with 21 RBI, round out a balanced offense.

"Our offense has carried us all.year," said Held. ¡ BOYS' TENNIS: St. Xavier won its fourth consecutive Division I state team tennis title when it gained a 3-Q advantage against Shaker Heights in the championsliip at Ohio State.

John Fovel and Eric Naugle picked up a 6-2, 6-1 win at first

doubles to clinch the. win for the Bombers.

After defeating Tommy Marx 6-2, 6-1 for third in the state tournament Saturday, Ryan Bandy beat him 6-0, 6-0 in a rematch at first singles.

Sean Bandy picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at third singles.

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL: A combined block from Moeller's Trevor Skove and Mark Holtkamp gave Moeller a 15-13 victory over Elder in the fifth game, and the Crusaders their sixth state championship in school history in the finals at Walsh Jesuit It was the fourth time Moeller defeated Elder, the defending state champion, this season and the third time it took five games to do so. This time, the Crusaders won 21-25, 2624, 19-25, 25-23, 15-13.

t T~e Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II

pitcher Brett Clsper hits a home run in the sixth inning during the Crusaders' victory against Cleveland St. Ignatius in Fcriday's state semifinal game. \~

Qivision I state baseball semifinals: Moeller 6, St. Ignatius 0

Crusaders, Cisper roll io-t-o, into title game

By Dustin Dow

ddow@enquirer.com

COWMBUS - Moeller High School would have been happy with a close, narrow victory Friday in th~ Division I state baseball semifinals.

But since the Crusaders w_ere playing St Ignatius, the team that eliminated Moeller at this stage last season, it was even sweeter for Moeller to overpower the Wildcats 6-0 to advan~e to today's state championship game here at Huntington Park.

Moeller (23-5) will play Pickerington North for the state title at 7 p.m. today.

Moellerplayerscaredmore about the revenge game against St Ignatius (2!>8).

"Last year was very disappointing," senior Brett Cisper said. "So to be able to stick it to them means all the more to us."

Cisper's performance merited reasons to boast He not only threw a complete-game shutout but also hit one of two home runs for the Crusaders, who scored five of their six

runs in the final two innings.

Until Cisper hit, his home run- a shot deep into the leftfield seats - with two outs in the sixth inning, Moeller had collected just one bit off St Ignatius pitcher NeilButara.

That first hit, though, was also a solo home nm from the bat of designated hitter Tyler Hutchinson.

The foUrth-inning blast broke a scoreless tie and ignited the Moeller dugout Hutchinson and Butara jawed at each other¡ after Hutchinson returned to the dugout immediately after hitting the home run. "' might have gotten a little excited," said Hutchinson.

"But thafs because that hit meant a lot It feels really good to beat them."

Moeller turned a reasonably close game into a route by scoring four runs with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, which included three consecutive extra-base hits.

Before that, however. St Ignatius coach Brad Ganor, was frustrated with his team's inability to produce fimely hits.

The Wildcats produced seven hits, but none of them with runners in scoring position Cisper pitched his way out of potential trouble, for instance, in the fifth inning when he got a strikeout and a groundout to end the inning, leaving runners on second and third.

"I don't think their first home run changed things," Ganor said. "Not being able to get it done in that fifth inningthat changed things."

Cisper relied mainly on two pitches when St Ignatius runners got on base. '.'My fastball and curve kept them off balance most of the game," Cisper said.

When Cisper struck out a sixth and final batter to end the game, Moeller players. celebrated, perhaps with a little more enthusiasm than normal for a team with¡ one game still to play.

But they knew they had the rest of Friday and most of today to think about the state final game.

"We've got to try to have a repeat performance now," Held Said.

• HIGH SCHOOLS: STATE FINALS TODAY

The Enquirer/ Joseph Fuqua II

Brett Clsper (left) is congratulated by his Moeller teammates after hitting a home run in the sixth inning of the Crusaders' 6-0 state semifinal win over St. Ignatius.

Area has a sense of entitlement •

Enquirer staff reports

The Cincinnati area could bring home a heavy championship haul today.

Moeller and Badin will play for baseball titles, Ross willtzy for a softball crown, and Withrow leads a strong local contingent in track and ield. · The T~gers girt;; entered the state track mea in Columbus with their eyes on relay championships, and after Friday's perfonnances, Withrow finds itself with a realistic shot at an overall team title.

Withrow qualified first in

the 800, 1,600- and 400-meter relay8, setting a state record in the latter. The Division I running finals begin at 4:30 P·Il1· · · "We're trying to break the' state record in all three. (relays)," said Jade Clingman, who is part of each foursome.

Badin kicks off the day, facing Indian Valley at 10 am. in Division ill baseball Moeller goes for the Division I title at 7 p.m. against Pickerington North.

Also at 7, Ross takes on Community Press/ Anthony Am<irini Clear Fork .for the Division II Rnneytown's Marquis Broosoftball championship. kins finished third in the .

High schools, 06

Division lllongjump.

Moeller nails down 5th title

By Tom Ramstetterb-1 -oc;

Div. I state baseball

tramstetter@enquirer.com

COLUMBUS - Moeller held on for a 5-2 ,win over Pickerington North Saturday night in the Division I state championship game at Huntington Park to win its Mh state title and first since 2004.

Moeller also won -state titles in 1972, 1989 and 1993.

North was making its first appearance in the state finals.

Right-hander Robby Sunderman got the win to improve to 8-1 and Brett Cisper came on in the sixth for his first save of the season.

Kyle Price took the loss for the Panthers.

Moeller took a 3-1lead in the bottom of the first inning.¡ Ian Hundley tapped an infield single over the mound to lead off and stole second when North catcher Kyle Jeffries tried to pick him off with a snap throw. Sunderman sac- . rificed Hundley to third and

The EnquirertEmest Co!er1an

lyler Hutchinson is hoisted by Moeller teammate Max Belza after scoring in the first inning Saturday night.

Tyler Hutchinson pulled a 3-1 pitch into right field to drive Hundley home with the tying run. Cisper grounded a double off the third-base bag and down the left-field line, mov-

ing Hutchinson to third. Eric Smith grounded out to first base to plate Hutchinson and Cisper scored on a wild pitch, sliding in under the tag at the plate.

The Panthers had taken a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Alex Bayer singled in a run with a grounder between short and third on an 0.2 pitch. Sunderman escaped a bases-loaded jam, however, and the Crusaders bounced back in their half.

The Panthers drew to within a run in the fourth.

Kenny Yurasek reached on an error and Austin Butler singled to left. The runners moved up on a groundout by Jeffries and leadoff hitter Eric Brindle singled to left to drive in Yurasek.

The Crusaders held on to the lead because Butler was thrown out at the plate. Left fielder Hundley hit first baseman Ryan Grau who fired the ball to catcher Sage Iacovone for the out Moeller (24-5) added a run in the fourth.

Division I state basebaU

Escapes early in game got .crusaders· going Sunderman, Cispershut down North By l• a. .teHer tromstetter@ettqt~irer. com

COLUMBUS - Moeller won-the fifth baseball state title in school hi"story, holding on for a 5-2 victory over Pickerington North Saturday night in the Division I state championship game at Huntington Park. · Moeller also won ·state titles in 1972, 1989, 1993 and 2004. North was malting its The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman first appearance in the state :1i- Moeller's Brett Clsper (24) slides into home just ahead of the tag of Pickerington pitchnals. er Kyle Price to score on a wild pit(:h in the Crusaders' three-run first inning. · , That fifth title seemed like a · longshot for the Crusaders more run through the next for Moeller. Xander Uxley when the Panthers loaded the four innings to get the win and pinch-hit for Knorr and bases with. two outs, already improve to 8-1 this season. reached on an error, sending holding a 1-0 lead in the top of .

Cisper came on in the sixth Yurasek to third .. But Austin the first inning. inning for his first save of the Butler struck out swinging, Junior right-hander Robby season. Kyle Price took the Uxleywaspickedofffirstbase Sundennan walked Kenny loss for the- Panthers. when he couldn't keep himYura5ek to load the bases, but "Robby battled all game," self on the bag after Ryan Mike Knorr grounded out Held said. "He didn't have his Grau··s tag, and Drew W.!lweakly back fo the mound to best stuff. That first inning, for Iiams~ pinch hitting for catchend the threat. · · him to give up three straight er Kyle Jeffries- was called "'started out really rusty," base hits, I don't know if he's out on strikes.

Sunderman said. 'The first "It's stuff that we've been given up three hits in an inguys got a couple hits, and I ning in any of the other tour- preaching an year, that we've just tried to stay calm. I knew nament games he has got to be able to limit that roowe would come back and get pitched. For him to battle, men fum and put a zero up on The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman we've talked all tournament the board when they're hitruns later on. I knew if I could just hold them to a couple Moeller starter Robby Sunthat it's going to be the teams ting," Held said. runs, like one or two, then I derman lays down a bunt that can limit the damage and Moeller (24-5) had lost to knew we'd have a chance. We in the first inning. Sunderhe did that · the Panthers 4-2 in a regulargot outofitwith one and if was man didn't have his best "For us to come out in the season game in May. a big inning because we stuff, but battled and got bottom of the first and capitalThe Panthers finished the (came .back in the bottom of the victory. ize and get those runs, that season 3~. the first)." was a huge, huge inning."

Moeller took a ~1 lead in Hutchinson, and Cisper The Panthers drew to with- ~:: ~: : :l : ~ the bottom of the first inning. scored on a wild pitch, sliding in a run in the fourth at 3-2, but WP: Sundennan (8-1). lP: Price. Sv: Cisper (1). leaders: PN-8nndle 2·3: BajVI' 2-3: Buller 2-3.

Tyler Hutchinson pulled a 3-1 . in under the tag at tl1e plate.

Moeller added runs in the Yurasel< 28. M·Hutl:hinson 2-2: Smith 2-3. 2 RBI; Cisper 28: laoovone 2-3. Records: M 24·5. PN 3o-4.

"Base hits like (Cisper's off fourth and fifth to take control. pitch into right field to drive home Ian Hundley with the ty- the bag), making plays and The Crusaders escaped a ing run. Brett Cisper ground- picking guys off first base, we jam in the top of the sixth. ed a double off the third-base feU things were going our Kenny Yurasek pulled a doubag and down the left-field way," Moellercoach1imHeld ble down the left-field line and NEW•. NOW ALSO AVAIL line, moving Hutchinson to said. that was all for Sunderman.

Robby Sunderman scat- Cisper came on to pitch and Cinciilnati.Com/weektyads third. Eric Smith grounded out to first base to drive in tered five more hits and one Sunderman went to shortstop Search: weekly ads

Stars post gaudy stats

By Mike Dyer

~-lS-01

Spring .all-stars

mdyer®enquirer. com

Moeller senior shortstop/ pitcher Brett Cisper and Colerain senior pitcher Emily Schwaeble are The Enquirer Division I players of the year in baseball and softball, respectively. · Cisper, who has committed to play at Eastern Michigan, was the total team player for the Crusaders, who won the state title for the fifth time.

"He is a tremendous hard worker and was the unanimous pick to be the team captain," Moeller coach Tun Held said. "All the kids looked up to

Inside: Four pages of high school all-stars, C6-9 Online: Want to e-mail The Enquirer's all-star pages to family or friends? Log on to Cincinnati.Com, where you will find downloadable PDFs. Search: all-stars

Emily Schwaeble

Brett Clsper

him. He went about his business and wanted to get better everyday."

Cisper, who hit .456, was the Greater Catholic League South player of the year and a second-team all-state selection. He also went 8-1 with 56

strikeouts on the mound.

Schwaeble finished the season with a 20-8 record, 364 strikeouts, 12 shutouts and a 0.55 ERA in 191~ innings. She was Division I first-team allstate and first-team all-Greater Miami Conference.

Schwaeble, who has committed to play at Northern Kentucky University,. helped the Cardinals to their first state final four appearance.

"I think she is such a competitor," Colerain coach Susan Dayton said. "Nothing

bothers her. Whether she is down 3-0 (in the count) or up 0-2, she has the same temper· · ament ... She just won't quit; she literally plays until the last out or last strike."

Other top players: • BrettMcKinneyofBadin in Divisions II-IV baseball.

• Western Brown senior pitcher Shelby Kelley in Divisions II-IV softball.

• Lakota West senior Wyatt Lippert and Cincinnati Country Day's Joey Fritz in Divisions I and II boys' tennis.

• Mason sophomore Zach Wills and Harrison senior Brittany Wilson-Farley in track and field.

Dla•,••n•

Blke,SIIIIII Rldldng Geu,Home Gym,SnowboMI, Houaehold ' ltema,Toya,Lota More

930

Monday; May" 25: Denver 120, LA. L.akers 101 Wednesday, May27: LA. L.akers 103, Denver94, LA. l.akers lead senes 3-2 Fnday, May 29: LA. L.akers at Denver, 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 31: Denver at LA. L.akers, 8:30 p.m., if necessary

GOLF

AI ~

"'ble Eliminatioll uk-IACiair Sladlulll ~.c.•

"' FridaY, t.iy 29

Game 1- South Carolina (38-21) vs. George Mason (42-12), 3 p.m.

Game 2- East Carolina (42-17)vs. Binghamton (29·20), 7 p.m.

At lloshamer Stadium Chapel Hill, N.C.

PGA Tour Colonial Crowne Plaza lmitational Thunday

. Purse: $6.2 mlllioR Yanlap: 7,204; Par 70 (35-351 F"orst Round

Woody Austin .....•.....•....•.....•••.

Tim Cla11< .....•....

Steve Stricker ..........•.....•....•...

Kenny Penry ..•....••....•....••....•...

Vljay Singh .........•...

Sean O'Hair ..•...............•...••...

Jason Day .............................. . ian Poulter................, ............ .

Kevin Na ..•....•....••....•....•••..••...

Steve Manno .....•••...•....•••...••..

Justin Leonard ...•••...•....•.....••..

Paul Casey ..••....•.....•...........•..

Kevin Suthertand .••........••••...•.•

Harrison Frazar ....................... .

Chad Campbell .....•.......••........

Mal1< Wilson ..•....•...........•.....•..

Joe Ogilvie ............................. .

Rocco Mediate ....................... .

Tommy Armour 111 •••••••••••••••••••• James Nitties ...... ,.................. .

Aron Pnce .....•....•.•.•.•..........••..

Chartie Wi. ....•.....•.•..•..............

David Toms ............................ .

Greg Owen •...•....••....••.............

Kevin Streelman ..................... .

Brtan Gay •....•.....................•..

Adam Scott ........................... .

Stephen Ames ..: .................... .

Tom Lehman .......•..........•........

Ma11< Calcavecchia ........•.........

31·32-63 31-32-63 31-32-63 32-32·64 33-31-64 33-32-65 31-34-65 34-32-66 32·34-66.

32-34-66 30-36-66 33-33-66 34-32-66 33-34-67 32-35-67 33-34-67 31-36-67 34-33-67 32-35-67 32-35-67 34-33-67 34-33-67 32-35-67 33-35-68 37-31-68 35-33-68 34-34-68 35-33-68 37-31-68 30-38-68

friday, May 29 Game 1- Coastal Carolina (46-14) vs. Kansas (37-22), 2 p.m.

Game 2- North Carolina (42-16) vs. Dartmouth (27-16), 6 p.m.

• At Doug Klngsmore Stadium

Clemson, S.C. Friday, May 29 Game 1- Alabama (37-19) vs. Oklahoma State (32-22), 3 p.m.

Game 2- Clemson (40-19) vs. Tennessee Tech (3().22·1), 7 p.m.

AI Russ Chandler Stadium Atlanta Friday, May 29 Game 1- Elan (40-16) vs. Southern Mississippi (35-23), 3 p.m.

Game 2 -Georgia Tech (35·11·1) vs. GeoJllia State (39-20), 7 p.m.

At McKolllu StaoHu. ~.Aa.

Friday, May 29 Game 1 - Miami (36-20) vs. Jacksonville (3620), !p.m.

Game 2- Flonda (39-20)vs. Bethune-Cookman (32·26), 6:30p.m.

AI Dick """- 5tadlulll Tallahassee, Aa. friday, May 29 Game 1- Georgia (37-22) vs. Oloio ~ (40-

171, Noon Game 2- Randa State (42-16) vs. Manst (31· 26), 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 30 Game 3 - Game !loser vs. Game 2 loser, Noon Game 4- Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 4 p.m.

Sunday, May 31 Game 5- Game 3 winnervs. Game 41oser, Noon Game 6- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 4

HOCKEY

p.m.

NHL playoff schedule

p.m., ff necessary

CONFEJIENCE ANAL$ (Best-of·7l EAS1DIN CONFER£NCE Carolina ... Plltsbulllh Monday, May 18: Pittsburgh 3, Carolina 2 Thursday, May 21: Pittsburgh 7, Carolina 4 Saturday, May 23: Pittsburgh 6, Carolina 2 Tuesday, May 26: Pittsburgh 4, Carolina 1, Pitts· burgh wins series 4-0

WESTERN CONFEJIENCE Delnlitvs.Chicago Sunday, May 17: Detrort 5, Chicago 2 Tuesday, May 19: Detrort 3, Chicago 2, OT Fnday, May 22: Chicago 4, Detroit"3, OT Sunday, May 24: Detroit 6, Chicago I Wednesday, May 27: Detrort 2, Chicago I, DT, Detroit wins series 4-1

STANLIY CUP ANAlS

Monday, Jwe 1 Game 7 - Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7

AI Jim l'lttenon 5tadlulll Loulsdle, Ky. Friday, May 29 Game 1- Middle Tennessee (43-16) vs. Vanderbin (34-25), 3 p.m.

Game 2 - LouisYIIe 144-15lvs.lndiana (32· 251,7 p.m.

Salunlay, May 30 Game 3 -Game lloservs. Game 2 k>ser,3 p.m.

Game 4- Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 1 p.m.

Sunday, May 31 Game 5 - Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 3 p.m.

Game 6- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7 p.m.

Mond.,,J_1

Game 7- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7 p.m., ff necessary

necessary

Friday, May 2!i Game 1- Missaun (34-25) vs. Western Kentucky (39-18), 4 p.m.

Game 2 - Mississippi (40-17) vs. Monmouth, NJ. (32-23), 8 p.m.

At Alex BoxSiadi-.

Tuesday, June 9: Detrort at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m., ff

necessary

-~.u.

Friday, May 29

Frtday, June 12: Pittsburgh at Detrott, 8 p.m., ff necessary

Game 1-I.SU (46-16) vs. Southern U. (30-15 ), 2 p.m.

Game 2- Minnesota (38-17) vs. Baylor (29-24 ), 7p.m.

TENNIS French Open results Thursday Paris Purse: $2L8 million (Grand Slam) Surface: Clay.()utd-

Sincles Men

Second Round Jeremy Chardy, France, del. Simone 8olelli, Italy, 6-2, 6-3,4-6, 4-6, 6-1.

Tommy Robredo (16), Spain, del. Daniel Gimeno-Traver, Spain, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

Maximo Gonzalez, Argentina, del. Andreas Seppi, rtaly, 7-6 (8), 6-3, 6-3.

Nikolay Davydenko (10), Russia, del. Diego Jun· queira, Argen~na. 4-6, 6-3, 6-0, 6-2.

Juan Martin del Potro (5), Argen!Jna, del. Viktor Troickl. Serbia, 6-3, 7-5, 6-0.

Igor Andreev (25), Russia, del. Martin Vassallo Arguello, Argen~na, 1-6, 7-5, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Roger Federer (2), Switzertand, del. Jose Acasuso, Argentina, 7-6 (8), 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-2.

Chrtstophe Rochus, Belgium, del. Arnaud Clement, France, 6-1. 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.

Tommy Haas, Germany, del. Leonardo Mayer, Argentina, 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-6,4-6, 6-3.

Jurgen Me~er (24), Austria, del. Guillaume Rufin, France, 6-2, 7-5, 6-4.

Paui-Henn Mathieu (32), France, del. Pablo An· dujar, Spain, 6-2, 6-3, 6·4.

Gael Monfils (11), France, del. Vtetor Clivoi, Romania, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3.

Marc Gicquel, France, del. Andreas Beck, Germany, 6-4, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3), 7-5.

Jo·Wilfried Tsonga (9), France, del. Juan Monaco, Argentina, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. 7-6 (8).

Andy Roddick (6), United States, del. lvo Minar, Czech Republic, 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (2).

Ptlilipp Kohlschreiber (29), Germany, vs. Juan Cartos Ferrero, Spain, 6-4, 2-6, 6:4, 6-7 (3), susp., dal1<ness.

Novak Djokavic (4), Serbia, leads Sergiy Stak· hovsky, Ukraine, 6-3, 6-4, susp., da11<ness.

Women Second Round Tathiana Garbin, Italy, del. Manon Bartoli (13), France, 6-3, 7-5.

Jelena Jankovic (5), Serbia, del. Magdalena Rybankova, Slovakia, 6-1, 6-2.

Svetiana Kuznetsava (7), Russia, del. Galina Voskoboeva, Kazakhstan, 6-0, 6-2.

Jarmila Groth. Australia, def. Mariana Duque Ma· nno, Colombia, 6-2, 7-6 (9).

Lourdes Dominguez Uno, Spain, def. Alexa Glatch, Untted States, 7-6 (0), 7-5.

Aleksandra Wozniak (24), Canada, del. Petra Martie, Croatia, 6-3, 6-3.

Venus Williams (3), United States, del. Lucie Sa·

Moeller 4, Glen Este 0 Falnmm 10, ukota West 4 DiYisiott II llegion 5 Parma Padua vs. Chardon NDCL, susp. 4th inning to Fn. 5/29 louisville vs. Poland Seminary, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Region 6 Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit vs. Bay Village Bay, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Uma Shawnee vs. Bellville Clear Fol1<, ppd to Fn .

5/29, 2:00p.m.

At L Gale Mitcboll Palk Norman, Olda.

Friday, May 29 Game 1 - Ar1<ansas (34-22) vs. Washington State (31-23), 2 p.m.

Game 2- Oklahoma (41-18) vs. WicMa State (3().25), 8 p.m.

At Reclding Palk

Housllln

Friday, May 29 Game I - Kansas State (41-16-1) vs. XaYier (38-191, 3 p.m.

Game 2 - Rice (39-15) vs. Sam Houston State (36-22), 7 p.m.

Salunlay, May 30 Game 3- Game lloservs. Game 21oser, 3 p.m.

Game 4 -Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 31 Game 5 - Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 3 p.m.

Game 6- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7

· Frankb 9, McNicholas 4 llhision m llegion 9 Garfield Hts. Tnnrtyvs. Warren Champion, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Garrettsville Garfield 5, Can. Cent Cath. 0

..,.. 10

Defiance Tinora vs. Coldwater, ppd to Frt. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Milan Edison vs. Richwood N. Union, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 2:00p.m. llegion u Gnadenhutten Indian Valley 11, Proctorville Fairland 5 Wheelersburg 7, Chillicothe Zane Trace 6

..,.. 12 Ctn. Hils Clu1slllll Acaolemy 11, New Leba·

non Dixie 6 innings Badin 9, Manon Pleasant 4

Dhlsioa IV ..,.. 13 Crestline vs. New Middletown Spnng., ppd to Fn. 5/29, 2:00p.m.

Hartville Lake Center Chrtstian vs. Gates Mills Gil· mour, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

llegion 14 Hamler Patnck Henry vs. Miller Crty, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00 p.m.

Tol. CMs~an vs. Bascom Hopewell-loudon, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 2:00p.m.

llegion 16 Delphos Jefferson 3, Sidney Lehman 2 Reading 6, Clnc:imgti Christian 4

·

Division H Repaul s..illnals AIIJIIMnlty of 11aytoa F - 9, McNicloolas 4

WP-Biackford (11-0) 9K; LP-Hain (4·4). Leaders: F-Bray 2-4, 2B, 3B; Saporito 3B, 2 RBI; Davis 2-3; Martin 2-4; Gauze 3-4, 2B, 2 RBI. M-Fraid 2 R; Powers 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI; Cunan 2-4; Niehaus 2-3. Records: F 23·5, M 21-10.

Softball Division I llegion I Hudson 10, Willoughby S. 5

Region 2 Brecksville-Broadview Hts. vs. Elyrta, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 3.

Region 3

Hilliard Darby 2, Pickerington Cent 0 Region 4 Glen EsteO, Greenville 0, susp in 14th inning to Fri. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Divisioa II llegion 5 Mogadore Field vs. Poland Seminary, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m. llegion 6 Tol. Cent Cetll. vs. laGrange Keystone, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m. llegion 7 Byesville Meadowbrook 1, Circleville Logan Elm 0, 9 innings llegion 8 Ross 1, Western Brooni 0, U inninp Tipp City Tippecanoe 2, Newal1< Ucking Valley I

Game 1 -Texas A&M (36-22) vs. Oregon State (35-17), 3 p.m.

Game 2- TCU (36-16)vs. Wnght State (33-28), 7 p.m.

At UFCU OiscM. . F"oeld

Austla, Texas Friday, May 29 Gamel- Texas State (41-lS)vs. Boston College (33-24), 2 p.m.

Game 2 -Texas (41-13-1) vs. Army (34-19), 7 p.m.

At Packard Sladianl Tempe, Ariz.

Friday, May 29 Game 1- Oral Roberts (31-13) vs. Gal Poly (3719), 5 p.m.

Game 2- Arizona State (44·12) vs. Kent State (42-15), 10 p.m: At llniNter llallparll

!nine, Call.

Friday, May 29 Game 1 ~Virginia (43-12·1) vs. San Diego State (40-21), 7 p.m.

Game 2- UC Irvine (43-13) vs. Fresno State (3228), 11 p.m.

AI Goodwin F"oeld Fllletton, Calif.

Friday, May 29 Game 1- Georgia Southern (42-15) vs. Gonzaga (35-16), 6 p.m.

Game 2- Gal State Fullerton (42-14) vs. Utah (26-29), 10 p.m.

.. _ ----- .. _- _.. -- .. ------ •

Cine

5; I< Ham

IS. E Tipp1 Sl H

I er) I 22.71 Part<) 50.2! nals)· tesso• ters(( Part<) (lockl 300M

4. Pe Shrod (Prelir 1:33.: lims)· 8:04.

8:12.! chnst Deer Ubert Oslin! bur) I Grant derso 13-lC Brem ly (Ci (Rea<

Gir Grah WaYJ Unio Bloo Clea an L 0.5( (Me' 2001 4. Lf

(Ta!t Jum1 Stan 00, 8100 (Atte Ao)'( 2. Fi Man1 16.2 an r 4x10 Wyot cllol< 1:49 4><& Oakl 9:40 9:43 10:3 nals) (W"l

4. Fl cl\ol, (Chn 11.

Division Ill llegion 9 Youngs. Ursuline 2, Wellington 1 llegion 10 Elmore Woodmore vs. Magnolia Sandy Valley, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m. ' RegionU Frankfort Adena 2, Wheelersburg2, suspendedp.

6th inning, will resume Fn. 5/29 5:00 p.m.

Hebron Lakewood vs. Piketon, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 2:00pm Region 12 Cots. Ready 7, Ce!lisle 0

Divisioa IV Region 13

-y,hno1

FortW-,Texas Friday, May 29

16;: 13;!

su 9. c

llegion 15 Newal1< Cath. 11, Racine Southern 1 Willow Wood Symmes Valley at Toronto, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 12:00 p.m.

p.m.

Game 7- Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7 p.m., ff necessary At Luplon Baseball Stadium

06.(

Region 7 Cambndge 6, Waverty I Canal Winchester 10, New Philadelphia 9, 8 in· nings llegion 8 Cols. DeSales 9, Bellefontaine 0

At Oxfoni-UniwersiiJ StadiMno Oxfanl, Miss.

Delrollvs. Plltsbulllh Saturday, May 30: Pittsburgh at Detroit, 8 p.m.

Sunday, May 31: Pittsburgh at Detroit, TBA Tuesday, June 2: Detrort at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 4: Detroit at Pittsburgh, 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 6: Pittsburgh at Detro~. 8 p.m., ff

KegiOIIS

Tol. St. Francis vs. Whttehouse Anthony Wayne, ppd to Fn. 5/29, 5:00p.m.

Region 4

Crestline vs. Mogadore, ppd to Fri. 5/29, 5:00 p.m.

Region 14 Convoy Crestview 16, Antwerp 3 Region 15 Franklin Furnace Green I, Portsmouth Clay 0, 14 innings Region 16 Ansonia 4, N. Lewisburg Triad 0

(Sun ''Tlon 05,: (Cen 11. F Chri1 4-10 Hills

lims}

layMins COur Willfi (Ve~

39..(

(DeC 01.2 boil<

Bo

Divisioa II Re&lonal Semifinals At Mason Ross 1, Western a.-n 0 (U innings) WP-Femandez (18-5); LP-Kelley (28-2). Leaders: R-l.akes2B. W-Attinger2-5; Kelley2-4, 2B; Henry 2B. Records: W 28-2, R 23-7.

Note: Ross advances to play Tippecanoe, Satur· day at Noon at Northmont

fa~

Boys' track and field Divisioa II Regional toumamenl AI Oayton T - scores: I. Granville 20, 2. Eastrnoor Academy 19; 3. Germantown Valley View 10; 3. Fin· I tc.a1a1 neytown 10; 3. Urbana 10; 6. Middletown Madison 8; Aln 6. Eaton 8; 6 Dayton Stivers 8; 6. Tipp City Tippecanoe \"psrl, 8; 10. North COllege Hill 6; 10. Mer 6; 10. Pl. City wast Jonathan Akler,13. New Richmond 5; 13. Dayton Oak· Lake wood 5; 15. Casstown Miami East; 15. St. Pans Grarr.a.,.e ham local4; 17. Johnstown-Monroe 3; 17. AmandaCiearcreek 3; 17. Blanchetser 3; 17. Lewis Cen. Olen Orange 3; 21. Indian Hill 2; 21. Cal. East; 23. Spr Northeaster 1; 23. Monroe 1; 23. Mitton Union 1.

Wind Top four in finals advance to state Event winners: lOOM (Prelims)· I. Brookins Sout Ri¥er (Finneytown) 11.03; 200M (Prelims)· 6. Grace (North Evan Rock Gate

r:. ______ 11_

Fn

£\,. __ - - -

Top seeds are set for baseball, softball i ~/qloq ¡

By Tom ~amstetter

High schools

Western Brown's fastpitch softball team is 2().() and anxious to get the postseason started.

The Broncos have the No.1 seed in the Division II Cincinnati sectional tournament after Sunday's draw.

The Broncos will play Taft (4-3) May 12.

"Offensively we're a whole lot better than we were last year," coach Blaine Wallace said.

New Richmond (8-4) has the No. 2 seed in the Division II Cincinnati bracket.

Ross (13-6) has a No.2 seed in the Division II Dayton bracket.

In Division I, Lakota West (14-3) has the No.1 seed and will play in the Cincinnati 2 sectional. Madeira (M) is a No. 1 seed in Division III. Reading (12-5) is No. 1 in Division N. In the baseball draw, Badin (19-1) locked up the No.1 seed in Division III Dayton sectional.

"It means that you're getting the respect from the coaches because the program does so well," coach Rick Kunkel said. "But it also dictates where you want to go in relationship to the bracket. But other than that you have to play everybody, all the good teams."

Moeller (12-5), a team Badin beat last week, will have the top seed in Division I while Oak Hills (14-5) will be the No.2 seed. The Crusaders are in the Cincinnati 2 bracket and Oak Hills is in the Cincinnati 3 sectional.

Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (16-3) drew the top spot in the Division Ill Cincinnati sectional and Reading (13-2) is No. 1 in DivisionN. Badin lost in the Division III state final last season and is looking to finish the job. â&#x20AC;˘ Go go Cincinnati. Com to see the complete sectional pairings. Search: hlgll

tramstetter@enquirer.com

'

school sports

â&#x20AC;¢ HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL 11-

The Enquirer/Michael E. Keating

Moeller's rrThamann fights off a pitch f~om Badin's Brett McKinney during the Rams' 6-4 victory over the Crusaders Monday. Badin improved to 15-0. Story, more hllh scbools, C6

High school roundup

Hanison gets bats

~?c~vs. '!~.s!h~~ &~ The Harrison baseball team compiled 17 hits in a 14-8 victory over Western Hills on Tuesday.

Harrison junior pitcher Tim Brockert threw five innings with seven strikeouts to earn the win. Senior first baseman Justin Foley went 3-for-4 with a triple, a double and two RBI. ''We knew our focus would be off a little bit," said Harrison coach Shawn Sowders. "Yesterday we lostto Glen Este for the league championship."

Moeller 9, McNicholas 7: Brett Cisper and Tyler Hutchinson each hit their second home runs of the season to lead Moeller to its 14th win of the season.

Junior Ryan Curran hit a home run for McNicholas.

Talawanda 4, Northwest 1: Talawanda clinched the FAVC Scarlet championship with a 9-lleague record. Talawanda senior¡ Steven Kuehn pitched the final four innings to earn his sixth victory of the season. He also went 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Softball St. Ursula 4, Northwest 2

18 innings): After leading off the top of the eighth with a single, St. Ursula junior Megan Flenniken advanced to second on a passed ball and to third on a sacrifice bunt. Senior third baseman Erin Ellis then drove in Flenniken wi~ a single to left field.

Flenniken (14-6) pitched a complete game and struck out 13 batters.

Glen Este 6, Loveland 0: Glen Este (19-3) finished with a 10-0 league record to capture the FAVC Buck-

ley Benhase pitched four innings to improve her record to 14-2..

Colerain 3, Lakota East 0: Emily Schwaeble recorded her l,OOOth career strikeout for Colerain in the top of the fifth inning.

The senior now has a school record 1,005 for her career.

Schwaeble struck out 13 batters to earn her 13th win of the season for the Cardinals.

Milford 5, Anderson 0: Milford sophomore pitcher Sarah. Alley threw the complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts. Sophomore left fielder Kara Atwell went 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and three RBI. ceo 12, Seven Hills 11: Junior pitcher Anna Lemen proved to be the difference as she went 5-for-6, including two doubles, and picked up the win from the mound for CCD. Mt. Notre Dame 1, McAuley 0: Pinch runner Rebecca Gomez scored in the bottom of the fifth inning on Melanie Bums' infield single.

MND's Sarah Young (11-5) and McAuley's Kayla Owens each had nine strikeouts.

FOOTBALL: Elder senior long snapper Curt Graman (6 feet 5, 210 pounds) has committed to Michigan as a preferred walk-on, Elder coaGh Doug Ramsey said.

BOYS' BASKETBALL: Middletown senior M forward Tony Peters has committed to play at Grand Valley State (Mich.), Middletown coach Bob Ronai said. Peters averaged 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists last season.¡

High school notebook .r~

z s ... o5

Powers square off in regional baseball E1fqllirer staff reports

Moeller baseball coach Tm1 Held expects Glen Este to come out swinging today in the first game of the Division I tegional toumament at the University of Cincilmati.

'They have a number of good players who hit the ball very well that we will have to be careful with, because one mistake by our pitcher could result in a game-changing hit," Held said.

Moeller (20-5) plays Glen Este (20.7) at 2 p.m. before Lakota West (23-5) plays Kettering Faim1ont (20-10) at 5 p.m.

The winners play at 5 p.m. Friday in the regional final at UC. Lakota West, which has won 17 consecutive games, has not lost since April17 (1.() at Lakota East). The Firebirds are led by junior Jacob May (.444 batting average) and senior Ricky Fmley (.423). Pitcher Nathan Smith has more than 80 strikeouts.

'They are playing great right now and we need to be at our best in order to advance," Lakota West coach Bill Dreisbach said.

Fainnont beat Elder 1.() in the district final.

SOf1BAl.l.: Teays Valley (2;r5) scored four runs in the top of the fifth to beat Lebanon 7-2 in a Division I regional semifinal in Columbus Wednesday.

TI1e Warriors tied the game atl-1 in the bottom of the third but managed just one more run in the bottom of the seventh and ended their season with a 2'lr7record.

1INNIS: Senior Max Hennessy and sophomore Mason Bourbon eamed wins in first and second sil1gles, respectively, and the tean1 of senior Stuart Zorn and sophomore Gustav Plattenburg won in first doubles as Wyoming defeated Seven 'Hills 3-1 to move on to the

state team tournament final four Sunday in Columb~s.

BOYS' 'VOlJ.ÂŁYBM.l: Several area teams are in the state tournanlent this weekend at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cl;lyahoga Falls.

In Division I quarterfinal matches Saturday, Elder plays Mount Vernon at 2 p.m.; Hilliard Darby plays Moeller at 3:30 p.ni. and Lakota West plays Lakewood St. Edward at.

6:30 p.m. TI1e Division I championship is 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Roger Bacon plays St Charles in a Division II seritifinal match at 11 a.m. Saturday.

The Division II state final is 5 p.m. Sunday. biRI.s' BASICElQAl.l.: Southem California said it has not released Mount Notre Dame's Kendall Hackney from her letter of intent Hackney, who was Ohio's Ms. Basketball, requested her. release May 20. Ed Hackney, Kendall's father, said his daughter requested her release because of a "change and turnover in personnel at USC." USC has 30 days to respond to the foffilal request If the school does not release her, Hackney will have to go through an NCM appeals process. If not released, an individual is required to sit out one season before playing for another school "At this time, USC has not released Kendall Hackney from her letter of intent, but is allowing her to explore her options in the hope that she remams a Trojan," the school said in an e-mail. "She is a wonderlul, gifted player and would be a great addition to the Women of Troy program."

Hackney signed with USC in November, but Mark Trakh resigned as coach in April and was replaced by fom1er NBA star Michael Cooper in May. -Mike Dyer

Glen Este sophomore pitcher Kelley Benhase threw a no-hitter. as the Trojans beat Harrison .Win a Division I sectional softball final played at Fairfield middle school.

Benhase recorded 12 strikeouts and improved to ~1. Benhase also went 1for-4 with an RBI. ....... 2, Feldt)' 0, OMlion II sec:tiOnll tlul: Sarah Hammitt gave up two hits and struck out eight batters.

Hammitt also went 2-for-3 with a double. l.alralll East 10, St. Ursula 0 (six ............ Dhlsiolll sectional flnll: Erin Pollock threw all six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and two hits allowed. l.alralll West 2, Killp 0, DiYillon I l8dloul flnll: West sophomore pitcher Alex Caudill threw a completegame shutout, allowed four hits and struck out eight.

Baseball ....... 9, . . . . . . 2,01Yillolll sectloulflul: Moeller junior Qitcher Robby Sunderman threw five innings and struck out two batters in leading the Crusaders.

Elder 1, La Sale 0, Dhillon I sec:11on11 flnll: Tun O'Connor scored from second base as Elder advanced to districts vs. Fairmont at 11 a.m~ Saturday at Princeton. · ' .....,.. West 4, Talawanda 0, DlwiiiGn I seclloul final: West senior pitcher Nathan Smith broke a school record with 14 strikeouts in his complete-game effort.

The record of 13 strikeouts was held_by Matt Klinker and Kyle Donawerth.

Bad• 7, Clntw Maule I, Diwlllon Ill l8dlonal final: Brett McKinney pitched a three-hit complete game with 11· strikeouts. McKinney also went 2-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI.

'

C6 TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2009

SPORJS

High school baseball: Badin 6, Moeller 4

McKinney and Rams remain undefeated

By Tom Ramstetter tramstetter@enquirer.com

Brett McKinney had to make a pitch with his undefeated Badin Rams clinging to a 54 lead Monday at the Blue Ash Sports Complex, and he made it Moeller junior right fielder Keith Rieman had just doubled in two runs to pull the Crusaders to within a run in the bottom of the sixth and was standing on third base representing the tying run with two outs and junior Kevin Thamann standing at the plate. McKinney threw a 1-0 fastball in on Thamann's hands, and Thamann's lifted a popup to right fielder Bud Brown to end the threat The Rams added a run in the top of the seventh, and McKinney (4-0) set down the Crusaders in order as Badin, ranked No.1 in the Enquirer Division II-IV coaches' poll, held on to win 6-4 over the

Crusaders and improved to 15-0 overall, 8-0 in the Greater Catholic League.

Moeller (11-4, 2-1) is ranked No. 2 in the Division I poll.

"Fastball in," McKinney said. "I was just trying to keep it on the hands. I got it where I wanted it It's the pitch I rely on most That and the slider.

The slider is my strikeout pitch. The fastball is what I throw most of the time."

Senior catcher Tony Cassano said the pitch was called from the dugout "Coach McKinney calls it, and I put my glove where I want it to be," Cassano said.

"But (Brett McKinney is) one of those pitchers that can throw it wherever and get people out" Badin took a 5-0 lead after four innings, but the Crusaders started to make some noise in the bottom of the fifth. Thamann singled in a pair of runs to make the score 5-2 with the bases loaded.

The Enquirer/Michael E. Keating

Moeller's Brett Clsper is out on a steal attempt as Badin's Zach Wurzelbacher applies the tag. "(1) just left a couple balls up," McKinney said. "I wasn't

hittir.g spots like I had earlier.

Kind of got a little tired. I walked the first kid and I hit the next kid. That never results in c. good inning."

Rieman singled to load the bases with nobody out before Thamanr1 got Moeller on the board and tum the lineup over to the top of the order, but.McKinney recovered by striking :out the next three.

"I knew I had to get outs," McKinney said. "I wasn't necessarily ::rying to strike them out Just get outs to keep from having a huge inning."

Riema:1's two-run double in the sixth provided another opportunity to make big pitches. With 15 wins and no losses, however, confidence

runs high for the Rams.

"It was nerve-wracking but at the same time, this is a team that will play in those kind of situations all year and we'll come out," Cassano said. "I have enough confidence in this team that we can win any kind of game."

McKinney finished with nine strikeouts, and allowed six hits. The senior walked two and hit two batters. McKinney had no intention of coming out, especially with last season's 10.0 loss to Moeller still fresh in his mind.

The Rams will host Purcell Marian (0.12) at 4:30p.m. today.

WP: Mcllinney. LP: Sundennan. Leaders: B-anNatta 2B;Toemer2B. 2 RBI; Mcllinney2-4. 2B, 2 RBI. M·Hutclllnson 2B; Rieman 2·3, 2B, 2 RBI; Thamann 2 RBI. Records: B 15-0, B-0 GCL Central; M 11-4, 2·1.

Higb school roundup

Fairfield gets payback with win vs. Colerain Enquirer staff reports.

t'{JA'/ D'f

Junior Jaisa Fox had eight strikeouts en route to pitching a complete game as the Fairfield softball team won 2-0 at Colerain Thursday.

The Cardinals are ranked fourth and the Indians sixth in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll. The previous time they played, Colerain took home a 2-0 win at Fairfield's ballpark.

"After losing to them a week ago, we worked hard getting the girls focused on seeing the balls better," Indians coach Brenda Stieger

said.

Fairfield scored its first run in the fourth inning on an RBI hit from senior Kelsey Berryman. In the seventh, Jessica Flick singled in Angela Taylor, a courtesy runner for Fox.

Baseball Moeller 5, Oak Hills 4: Senior Brett Cisper pitched 5% innings and gave up two runs and four hits to help the Crusaders, ranked No.3 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll, defeat the topranked Highlanders.

In the top of the seventh inning with one out and the bases loaded, senior closer Ryan Kern got the next two batters to pop out to preserve the win for Moeller.

Junior catcher Tyler Hutchinson led the Moeller offense, going 3-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Summit 11, Cincinnati Counby Day 1: Senior pitcher Henry Meininger gave _up only five hits to help Summit to victory.

Summit senior left fielder Brian Reynolds went 3-for-3 with two RBI, and Kenny Kerr and Robby Hertzel both went 2-for-3 with two RBI. Goshen 8, Bethel-Tate 7:

With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, senior Darren Garrett singled to left field, driving in Derek Koch from third base to lift Goshen.

FOOTBALL: Aaron Fitzstephens has been named Fairfield's new head coach, pending Board of Education approval. The next board meeting is May 7.

Fitzstephens will replace Doc Gamble, who announced he is stepping down in June.

Fitzstephens, a physical education teacher at Fairfield Middle School, has been a varsity assistant coach at Sycamore for the past three years.

Fitzstephens, a former junior varsity head football coach at Fairfield, also has been a varsity assistant at the school.

HALL OF FAME: Mariemont is opening nominations for its athletic hall of fame. Nominations can be sent to athletic director Tom Nerl, Mariemont High School, via e-mail at tnerl@mariemontschools.org or mailed to his attention at Mariemont High School, 3812 Pocahontas Avenue, Cincinnati, 45227. Deadline: May 11.

BOYS' BASKETBALL: With. rowseniorpointguardJoshua Reid has signed with Cincinnati Christian University.

Reid, who is 5 feet 10, averaged 16.4 points and 4.5 points for the Tigers.

BOYS' SOCCER: Elder senior Jason Modafari and Amelia senior Paul Orleck have committed to play at Mount St. Joseph.

GIRLS' SOCCER: Harrison senior Ashley Niehaus has committed to play at Mount St. Joseph.

BOYS' SWIMMING: Middletown senior Matt McKee, an Enquirer Division I all-star, has signed with Miami University.

- MikeDyer \

Tony Tribble for The Enquirer

Moeller shortstop Brett Clsper connects for a double during Wednesday's 17-6 victory over St. Xavier.

High school roundup

Crusaders blast by rival Bombers Entptirer news services

1

Junior third baseman Kevin Thamann hit a two-run home run, his first of the season, in the top of the third inning to put Moeller on the board as the Crusaders went on to defeat Greater Catholic League-South rival St. Xavier 17-6 Wednesday evening.

Thamann's home run followed a solo blast by St. Xavier senim Andrew Vehr in the bottJm of the second inning, whkh gave the Bombers (2-1, GCL ().1) a 1-0 lead.

Later in the third, Josh Hoooer hit a three-run home run¡ as the Crusaders (2-1, GCL 1-0) scored five runs in the decisive inning and never looked back. Hooper, a junior first baseman, finished with RBI. "To win any GClrSouth game early in the year is definitely huge as far as getting off on the right foot in the GCLSouth race," said Moeller second-year head coach Tim Held. "It' seven better to beat a team like St. Xavier on their home field."

Senior second baseman Eric Smith added a three-run home run in the seventh inning and senior shortstop Brett Cisper added a double and two RBI for the Crusaders.

Junior Robbie Sunderman pitched five innings to earn his first victory of the season.

Hamilton 18, Princeton 9:

Junior Blake Castator went 2for"2 with two doubles and six RBI and senior Andrew Ruecking went 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI to lead the Hamilton offense.

Junior Scott Geisz added his first home run this season for the Big Blue (1-1).

Glen Este 8, Loveland 0: Senior pitcher Matt Markesberry recorded 19 strikeouts en route to his first completegame no-hitter in the easy Glen Este win. He also went 3for-4 at the plate with two RBI. Roger Bacon 12, Purcell Marian 6: Sophomor~ pitcher Brian Bien struck out six and picked up his first victory of the season to lead Roger Bacon. Bien also went 2-for-3 at the plate, drove in four runs and stole three bases.

Senior Ryan Jester hit a pinch-hit solo home run in the seventh inning, the first of his career, for the Spartans.

Softball Cincinnati Country Day 15,

Wrthrow 9: Junior Anna Lemen struck out 20 batters to pick up the win in CCD's season opener.

Lemen also starred at the plate" going 3-for-4 with a dou. ble and seven RBI. Anderson 17, Winton Woods 0 15 innings): Sammy Starks struck out eight batters over five innings and didn't give up a hit in the Anderson win. The JUntor right-hander also scored three runs.

GCL baseball preview

McNicholas could give Badin run in Central GCL South will be up for grabs again

By Tom Ramstetter tramstetter@enquirer. com

Badin fell one game short of adding a Division III state baseball championship to its Greater Catholic League Central title last season, and the Rams are the front-runners again for the league crown.

Another run at a state title may also be in the cards for Badin with 12 seniors, five of which are pitchers, on the club this season.

"Pitching should be solid," Badin coach Rick Kunkel said. "Senior pitchers must step up. We have a good nucleus of starters returning and will be deeper on the bench than last year."

Senior pitcher Brett McKinney should lead the staff after compiling a 9-2 record in 2008 with two saves and an earned-run average of only 1.87 in 60 innings. He added 75 strikeouts last season.

Seniors Josh McFarland (0.84 ERA), Andrew Fritsch and Jake Clear are also back.

Senior infielder Zach Toerner hit .398 last season with 11 doubles and 32 RBI in and will be joined in the lineup by senior outfielder Cory VanNatta who hit .360 with four home runs, 11 doubles and 27 RBI. VanNatta scored 33 runs and stole 10 bases while Toerner added 24 runs.

Senior outfielder/infielder Scott Starrmann hit .407 in 2008 with 27 RBI and 17 runs scored. Senior catcher Tony Cassano is also back for the Rams after hitting .341 with 24 RBI and 30 runs scored a season ago.

The Rams finished with .a 26-7 record in 2008 and were 10-3 in the Greater Catholic League before falling to Canton Central Catholic 8-0 in the state final, but McNichotas is hoping to catch up with Badin in 2009. The Rockets were 20-11 in 2008 and 7-7 in the GCL for a second-place finish in the Central Division.

"Although we lost several players to graduation, we look to reload behind the pitching of senior lefty Mike Hain and hitting of]ake Powers, Andy Jostworth and Craig Hyson," McNicholas coach Willy Corbett said.

"Inexperience may hurt us early in the season but wealways expect to make a solid run towards the end of the season and into the tournament"

Provided photo

Badin seniors B•ett McKinney (SP), Corey Van Natta (CF), Tony Cassano (C); Zach Toerner (18) want to improve on last year's Division Ill state runner-up finish.

Hain compiled a 5-0 record in 2008 with a 2.36 ERA and 2:> strikeouts in 29.2 innings. He'll be throwing to Dillor. Sears, vho hit .370 last S€'ason in limited at-bats.

Senior outficlder Powers hit .369 and scored 26 runs while s:enior ir.fieider J ostworth hit .288 with 14 runs.

Hyson, a junior first baseman, hit .338 with 22 RBI and 13 rur.s in 2008.

"We expect there to be several young guys to compete for the six open spots in the lireup," Corbett said.

Roge::- Bacon (6-11, 4-8 in 2008) ru:d Purcell Marian (318, 2-11) are long shots in the Central.

Co<:ches in the GCL South are preparing for another dogfightfor the league title. Moeller took the title in 2008 vith an 11-3 league record (25-7 01"erall) and wound up in the Division I state s:er.illinals, while Elder, St Xa\ier and La Salle all finished at 10-4 in the league.

Moeller will be young even with 10 seniors on the roster because coach Tim Held said his team lost its top four pitchers from last season to graduation.

"We will be tairly young and looking for :mr starting pitchers to step up big in big ball ga:nes since we graduatedourtopfourp:~chersfrom

last season," Moeller coach Tim Held said. "If some startin.s pitchers perform well md stay consistent, then \\:e should have a very solid season."

Senior shortstop/righthanded pitcher Brett Cisper compiled a 0.60 ERA in 11% innings last season with 16 strikeouts and hit .286 with three :::tome runs, 26 runs and 23 RBI. Senior right fielder Keith Rieman hit .323

with 18 runs and 10 RBI. A trio of juniors figure to be key contributors in 2009.

Right-handed picher and third baseman Andrew Hendrix, already heavily recruited in football as a quarterback, second baseman and right-handed pitcher Robby Sunderman ..------= and catcher Tyler HutchinsJn are players to wa~.ch.

Sundennan had a 13: ERA in 5¥.! '="c=-1......,."""""__, innings in sper 20G8 while hitting .330 with 23 runs and 18 RBI. "Offensively, I think we will have some juniors joining us that can make us more dynamic on tl1e bases," Held said. "Defensively, I think we will be more athletic than in 2008 and able to cover more ground in both the infield and outfield."

La Salle won a sectional titie last season and is led by three-year starters Dan Ems, a senior ca:rcher, and senior outfielder Blake Lehmann, who hit .35? last year.

Senior outfielder Josh Hugentobler led the Lancers with a .366 batting average in 2008 and junior outfielder Jake Meister hit .354. Junior Reid Rizzo hit .264 last season.

'This year's tezm will be led by its returning starters and its senior leadership," La Salle coach Pat O'Connor said. "We return six players from our sectional championship team from last year.

We have talent on the mound."

O'Connor is ei.ght wins shy of his 100th on the Laneers bench, entering the season with a 92-65 record and

four-straight winning seasons.

St Xavier returns Indiana University recruit Michael Basil, who hit an eye-popping .473 in 2008 with six home runs, 46 runs, 25 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Also back is Tyler Hollstegge, a University of North Carolina Wilmington recruit, who went 4-0 with a 4.59 ERA in 2008 while hitting .272 with 26 RBI. Sam Male hit .357 and Josh Neiser hit.339 with 18 runs last season.

"Good team speed, good senior leadership, great work ethic," Bombers coach Don DiGiacomo said. "Our lineup will be senior-dorninated and should produce runs. We will. be very solid on defense. Starting pitching will be good."

Elder will be an inexperienced bunch this season, but with 20 consecutive winning seasons, Mark Thompson's club must always be considered a contender.

"Only two returning starters back," Thompson said. "(We) have a lot of holes to . fill. Must stay healthy since we lack the depth of previous years. If the juniors learn quickly, we could be good. If not, we will struggle."

The returning starters are shortstop Zac Asman and leftfielderNickGramke.Asman hit .270 with 16 stolen bases, 16 runs and 12 RBI and Gramke hit .352 with 22 RBI and 15 runs.

The Panthers will also look to left-handed pitcher Brian Korte to lead the pitching staff after going 4-1 with a 1.88ERAand37strikeoutsin 26 innings last season.

Catcher Earl Hemberger and infielder/pitcher Brandon Wood should also play big roles.

Cameron back in Moeller. dugout Local legend will assist with frosh ~12-DCJ

he winningest baseball coach in Cincinnati · high school history is back in the dugout. · Mike Cameron, after a . year's coaching retirement, · has rejoined the Moeller staff · as assistant freshman coach.

"I'm getting attached to ' the kids again, getting the fever again to coach," Cameron said. "1 missed the kids and ' the game." ' Cameron was Moeller's · varsity coach for 39 years before retiring after the 2007 season. The Ohio High School Athletic Association ...-=--. Web site lists Cameron with a 768-304 record, the second-most wins in Ohio history and t9ps in Cincinnati.

Tom Cameron now 1'-......t.- will assist Moel· \11~11:11 1 ler head freshman coach Ron Roth.

With Roth set to replace the late Glenn Sample as Cin• cinnati Relts official scorer for 2009, Roth needed help · for days when Reds games ' will take him away from Moeller.

"That's why Mike is com• ing back," Roth said. "I'm • really excited to have him."

Cameron will.i<>in another Moeller assistant freshman coach, Rob Siemers, to keep the frosh going when Roth is awav. ·

T

0

' 0

-

°

Cameron coached Moeller state champion teams in 1972, 1989, 1993 and 2004. He coached eight future majorleague players including Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin and Buddy Bell.

Cameron, 64, still teaches health and physical education at Moeller.

Tim Held, a former Cameron assistant, enters his second season as Moeller varsity coach. Held, who took Moeller to the 2008 state tournament, said Cameron has been an enthusiastic presence at workouts.

"He's still got that taste, that love for the game," Held said. "To have a guy with that much experience on the freshman level, it's just tremendous."

Cameron loves his new role, free of the demands that come with being head coach.

"I think I made the right decision to step down/' Cameron said. "It was time, and I feel good about that. I'm just here to help out."

SPEAKING OF: The OHSM spring calendar lists "first contest'' days of March 28 for track and March 30 for baseball, softball and tennis.

MUSCARO HONORED: Former OHSM commissioner Clair Muscaro has been selected for induction into the National Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame.

Muscaro was OHSM commissioner from 199(}.

2004. Noteworthy events in that span included expansion of the football playoffs from five to six divisions, and expansion of the annual number of football playoff teams from 96 to 192.

Other national Hall inductees this year include Bob Hurley, one of the nation's most successful boys' basketball coaches at St. Anthony in Jersey City, N.J.; and 1970s baseball phenom David Clyde (Houston, Texas), one of the most dominant high school pitchers ever.

0

' '

.â&#x20AC;˘

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer .com

Enquirer file photo

Mike Cameron retired as Moeller head baseball coach in 2007 but now will assist the freshman team.

'

.

THE ENQUIRER 3 / ;z' -:

It)

I

HIGH SCHOOLS

GCL baseball preview

McNicholas could give Badin run in· Central GCL South will be up for grabs again

By Tom Ramstetler tramstetter@enquirer.com

Badin fell one game short of adding a Division III state baseball championship to its Greater Catholic League Central title last season, and the Rams are the front-runners again for the league crown.

Another run at a state title may also be in the cards for Badin with 12 seniors, five of which are pitchers, on the club this season.

"Pitching should be solid," Badin coach Rick Kunkel said. "Senior pitchers must step up. We have a good nucleus of starters returning and will be deeper on the bench than last year."

Senior pitcher Brett McKinney should lead the staff after compiling a 9-2 record in 2008 with two saves and an earned-run average of only 1.87 in 60 innings. He added 75 strikeouts last season.

Seniors Josh McFarland (0.84 ERA), Andrew Fritsch and Jake Clear are also back.

Senior infielder Zach Toerner hit .398 last season with 11 doubles and 32 RBI in and will be joined in the lineup by senior outfielder Cory VanNatta who hit .360 with four home runs, 11 doubles and 27 RBI. VanNatta scored 33 runs and stole 10 bases while Toerner added 24 runs.

Senior outfielder/infielder Scott Starrrnann hit .407 in 2008 with 27 RBI and 17 runs scored. Senior catcher Tony Cassano is also back for the Rams after hitting .341 with 24 RBI and 30 runs scored a season ago.

The Rams finished with a 26-7 record in 2008 and were 10-3 in the Greater Catholic League before falling to Canton Central Catholic 8-0 in the state finijl, but McNicholas is hoping to catch up with Badin in 2009. The Rockets were 20-11 in 2008 and 7-7 in the GCL for a second-place finish in the Central Division.

"Although we lost several players to graduation, we look to reload behind the pitching of senior lefty Mike Rain and hitting of] ake Powers, Andy Jostworth and Craig Hyson," McNicholas coach Willy Corbett said.

"Inexperience may hurt us early in the season but we always expect to make a solid run towards the end of the season and into the tournament"

Provided photo

Badin sanlors Brett McKinney (SP), Corey Van Natta (CF), Tony Cassano (C); Zach Toerner (18) want to improve on last year's Division Ill state runner-up finish.

Rain compiled a 5-0 record in 2008 with a 2.36 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 29.2 innings. He'll be throwing to Dillon Sears, who hit .370 last season in limited at-bats.

Senior outfielder Powers hit .369 and scored 26 runs while senior infielder Jostworth hit .288 with 14 runs.

Hyson, a junior first baseman, hit .338 with 22 RBI and 13 runs in 2008.

'We expect there to be several young guys to compete for the six open spots in the lineup," Corbett said.

Roger Bacon (6-11, 4-8 in 2008) and Purcell Marian (318, 2-11) are long shots in the Central.

Coaches in the GCL South are preparing for another dogfight for the league title. Moeller took the title in 2008 with an 11-3 league record (25-7 overall) and wound up in the Division I state semifinals, while Elder, St Xavier and La Salle all finished at 10-4 in the league.

Moeller will be young even with 10 seniors on the ro1;1ter because coach Ttm Held said his team lost its top four pitchers from last season to graduation.

"We will be fairly young and looking for our starting pitchers to step up big in big ball games since we graduated our top four pitchers from last season," Moeller coach Trm HeL:l said. "If some starting pitchers , p~orm well and stay conststent, then we should have a very solid season."

Senior shortstop/righthanded pitcher Brett Cisper compiled a 0.60 ERA in 11% innings last season with 16 strikeouts and hit .286 with three home runs, 26 runs and 23 RBI. Senior right fielder Keith Rieman hit .323

with 18 runs and 10 RBI. A trio of juniors figure to be key contributors in 2009.

Right-handed pitcher and third baseman Andrew Hendrix, already heavily recruited in football as a quarterback, second baseman and right-handed pitcher Robby Sunderman and · catcher Tyler Hutchinson .are players to watch. Sundermanhada 1.31ERAin 5~ Cl =ngs in sper 2008 while hitting .330 with 23 runs and

18RBL "Offensively, I think we

will have some juniors joining us that can make us more dynamic on the bases," Held said. "Defensively, I think we will be more athletic than in 2008 and able to cover more ground in both the infield and outfield."

La Salle won a sectional title last season and is led by three-year starters . Dan Ems, a senior catcher, and senior outfielder Blake Lehmann, who hit .357last year.

Senior outfielder Josh Hugentobler led the Lancers with a .366 batting average in 2008 and junior outfielder Jake Meister hit .354. Junior Reid Rizzo hit .264 last season. '"This year's team will be led by its returning starters and its senior leadership," La Salle coach Pat O'Connor said. 'We return siX players from our sectional champi~ onship team from last year.

We have talent on the mound."

O'Connor is eight wins shy of his lOOth on the Lancers bench, entering the season with a 92-65 record and

four-straight winning seasons.

St Xavier returns Indiana University recruit Michael Basil, who hit an eye-popping .473 in 2008 with six home runs, 46 runs, 25 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Also back is Tyler Hollstegge, a University of North Carolina Wilmington recruit, who went 4-0 with a 4.59 ERA in 2008 while hitting .272 with 26 RBI. Sam Male hit .357 and Josh Neiser hit.339with 18 runs last season.

"Good team speed, good senior leadership, great work ethic," Bombers coach Don DiGiacomo said. "Our lineup will be senior-dominated and should produce runs. We will be very solid on defense. Starting pitching will be good."

Elder will be an inexperienced bunch this season, but with 20 consecutive winning seasons, Mark Thompson's club must al"\tays be considered a contender.

"Only two returning starters back," Thompson said. "rNe) have a lot of holes to fill. Must stay healthy since we lack the depth of previ· ous years. If the juniors learn quickly, we could be good. If not, we will struggle."

The returning starters are shortstop Zac Asman and left fielder Nick Gramke. Asman hit .270 with 16 stolen bases, 16 runs and 12 RBI and Gramke hit .352 with 22 RBI and 15 runs.

The Panthers will also look to left-handed pitcher Brian Korte to lead the pitching staff after going 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 26 innings last season.

Catcher Earl Hemberger and infielder/pitcher Brandon Wood should also play big roles.

Pitchers give L·akota West veteran edge Won state title as sophomores 3-12 .. 0'1

By Chris Delofell

Enquirer c011tributor

Two years ago, sophomore pitchers Nathan Smith and Bryan Beaver emerged to help lead Lakota West to a Division I state baseball championship. Last season, the two helped pitch the Firebirds to the state semifinals for a second straight year. This season, in addltionto their roles as anchors of the pitching staff, Smith and Beaver will be expected to perform as leaders on and off the field during their senior seasons.

"Experience is key," West coach Bill Dreisbach said.

"Right now, because we still have some key contributors who have won at that level, the other guys look to them for leadership, and they provideit."

Smith is the staffs un. questioned ace, Dreisbach said. The Furman recruit went 11-1 last season, suffering his only loss in the state semifinals against Lakewood St. Edward. Beaver has the experience of being the winning pitcher in the 2007 state championship game, and he is the team's top returning hitter.

"I'm pleased to be able to put people out there who have been through the battles," Dreisbach said. "But we've got to be able to field it. Right now, defense is our ·focus."· Dreisbach said his team was hit hard by graduation losses in the infield, and he will need newcomers to perform at a high level if the Firebirds are to win a wideopen Greater Miami Conference.

"With the core group we have coming back, we hope to be able to contend for a conference title," he said.

... ere are "Th four or ji1)e teams who can win it this year. The GMC is really deep."

Lakota West caac:ll II Dreisbach "But I think there are four or five teams who can win it this year. The GMC is really deep." · Hanlilton coach Dan Bowling said his players are eager to forget about last season. The Big Blue went 9-9 in the league, snapping a streak of 25 consecutive winning seasons in conference play. Bowling said he thinks the frustration oflast season,· however, will pay off this year, especially on the mound.

'They were all young," M said. "We return 10 of our 13 wins, so I think our strength will be our pitching staff. I have seven quality starters."

Princeton, which will be short-handed while its basketball team continues a run through the tournament, returns a number of key players from last season. The Vikings' leader will be junior pitcherI outfielder Marcus Davis. He led the team '\\ith a .417 batting average as a sophomore, and he is considered a top recruit in football, basketball and baseball.

Senior pitcher Eric Britton returns after winning six of seven decisions last season.

Oak Hills also boasts a strong core. The Highlanders return two top offensive weapons in seniors Jake Proctor and Matt Malloy.

Proctor led the teatn with a .434 average, while Malloy tied for the league lead with eight home runs.

Cameron.]

back in Moeller dugout Local legend will : assist with frosh 3

~22-D<f

_The winningest baseball . coach in Cincinnati high school history is back in the dugout _ Mike Cameron, after a , year's coaching retirement, _has rejoined the Moeller staff as assistant freshman coach.

"I'm getting attached to the kids again, getting the fever again to coach," Cameron . said. "I missed the kids and the game." : Cameron was Moeller's _varsity coach for 39 years be- fore retiring after the 2007 season. The Ohio High â&#x20AC;˘ School Athletic Association ~'""'="~-. Web site lists Cameron with a ' 768-304 record, the second-most wins in Ohio history and tops in Cincinnati. now Torn willCameron assist Moel~ ler head freshman coach Ron Roth.

With Roth set to replace the late Glenn Sample as Cincinnati Reds official scorer for 2009, Roth needed help for days when Reds games will take him away from Moeller.

'1'hat's why Mike is coming back." Roth said. "I'm really excited to have him."

Cameron will join another Moeller assistant freshman coach, Rob Siemers, to keep the frosh going when Roth is away.

Cameron coached Moeller state champion teams in 1972, 1989, 1993 and 2004. He coached eight future majorleague players including Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin and Buddy Bell.

Cameron, 64, still teaches health and physical education at Moeller.

Tlill Held, a former Cameron assistant, enters his second season as Moeller varsity coach. Held, who took Moeller to the 2008 state ' tournament, said Cameron has been an enthusiastic presence at workouts.

"He's still got that taste, that love for the game," Held said. "To have a guy with that much experience on the freshman level, it's just tremendous."

Cameron loves his new role, free of the demands that come with being he11tl "I thinlr 1

-.~ul

-""'t mat. I'm just

..a-e to 'help out." . .SP£AK1HG OF: The OHSAA spring calendar lists "first co" test" days of March 28 for track and March 30 for baseball, softball and tennis.

MUSCARO HONORED: Former OHSAA commissioner Clair Muscaro has been selected for induction into the National Federation of State , High School Associations Hall of Fame.

Muscaro was OHSAA commissioner from 19902004. Noteworthy events in that span included expansion of the football playoffs from five to six divisions, and expansiQn of the annual num~ ber of football playoff teams from 96 to 192.

Other. national Hall inductees this year include Bob Hurley, one of the nation's most successful boys' basketball coaches at St. Anthony in Jersey City, NJ.; and 1970s baseball phenom David Clyde (Houston, Texas), one of the most dominant high · school pitchers ever.

, E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer .com

Enquirer flfe photo

· Mike cameron retired as ' Moeller head baseball • coach in 2007 but now will assist the freshman team.

I