Whitaker Pitches No-Hitter

By Marla Jones Sports Editor marla@southerntorch.com

IDER- Keegan

Whitaker, led the Ider Hornets from the pitcher’s mound Monday, throwing a no-hitter to defeat the

State

FROM PAGE 1 us well. They were athletic” stated Luke Smith. “ We were down. I knew we needed someone to step up and make some plays. I just happened to be that guy at the time.”

The Bears had a 28-26 lead going into the fourth quarter. The Bears increased their lead to 38-33, with a pair of free throws by Jonah Williams, with only :30 remaining in the game.

Midfield (25-6) made the basket and forced a turnover when Plainview was called for traveling. With 15.9 seconds left in the game, Midfield had a chance to tie the

Water Damage

game and force overtime, with a three-pointer.

Plainview only had two team fouls. Coker called timeout and made the decision to make fouls to prevent Midfield from attempting a game-tying 3-pointer.

Jonah Williams hit two free throws to bring the Bear score to 40. In a last-ditch effort, Jones made the halfcourt shot, as the buzzer sounded but missed.

Plainview was 15-of-34 from the field, 4-of-12 from 3-point range, and 6-of-8 from the foul line. The game was tied three times and there were four lead changes.

“This is a resilient group. We didn’t start the season real well, but they showed their character and love for one another, and we figured out our identity” stated Coach Robi Coker. “I can’t say enough about this group’s toughness and how they respond to adversity. Because of that, they deserve to be champions.”

“Forty was engage in trashtalking, and are respectful to opposing coaches, players, and officials.

“These are non-negotiables for his team. Coach Benefield instills respect, discipline, and a strong work ethic in the players he coaches to help them become successful in life after high and football.”

Fyffe Principal Tim W. McCollum praised Benefield’s commitment.

“Coach Benefield’s dedication to our students is not just in developing players who can win football games,” he said. “He strives to develop young men who will play and act with class and respect. Coach Benefield strives to instill in our players a strong work ethic along with dedication and respect so that they are not only successful on the football field, but in life beyond high school. Coach Benefield’s commitment to our program and school has brought a tremendous amount of recognition and pride to our school.” enough today,” Plainview senior Luke Smith said. Luke Smith was named MVP of the Class 3A Tournament Team. Joining Luke on the Tournament Team from Plainview was Landon White. Plainview has now won state titles in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023.

Pisgah Eagles 5-0. The righty allowed zero hits in seven innings, striking out 17 and walking one.

Landon Traylor went 2-for -3 at the plate to lead the Ider Hornets in hits.

Superintendent: Wayne Lyles

Board Members: Randy Peppers, Robert Elliott, Carol Hiett, Monty Darwin, and Kelly Armstrong