News
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 — C1
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C2 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Baseball – Softball 2013 To report news or sports, call 828-245-6431 or email dc@thedigitalcourier.com
Chase Baseball
Young Trojans ready to adjust T
HENRIETTA
o say that the 2013 version of the Chase baseball team is young may be an understatement. Over the past two seasons the Trojans have lost a combined 18 players to graduation. As a result, they only have two players returning to this season’s squad with starting experience on the varsity level. “It’s like we have a whole new team,” said Chase coach Matt Tipton. “Except for a couple of guys, ever ybody played JV last year and even the seniors on the team did not see a lot of playing time last year. There are going to be a lot of new faces on the field.” Tipton admits that the adjustment from JV to varsity is a tough one. “It’s just like other sports,” said Tipton. “Whenever a player moves up a level, the game is so much faster. It takes a while to get used to that.” To help players gain experience, the Trojans schedule is loaded with preseason scrimmages and non-conference contests. In all, Chase will take part in eight such games before conference play begins. “I did that on purpose,” said Tipton of the scheduling. “This team has to get in as many swings and pitches as possible
to race around the base paths. “We have a lot of team speed and we are going to use it to our advantage,” said Tipton. “We are going to play a lot of small ball and with our pitching, I think we will be in a lot of close games.” Tipton, however, is reluctant to say how many of those close games will slide into the win column for Chase, but he does guarantee the Trojans will be competitive. “We have such a young team this year. I’m not going to judge success on wins and losses, especially early in the year,” he said. “What I will judge is improvement. I know young players are going to make mistakes sometimes and that’s okay, as long as they learn from them. I also want to see this team work hard and hustle. That’s something ever ybody can do, whether they have experience or not. If we can Garrett Byers/Daily Courier do those things, we can The Trojans look forward to a season with many new faces on the field. Over the past two seasons the Trojans have beat anybody. I think we lost a combined 18 players to graduation. will compete in ever y game. That doesn’t necbefore conference play a young team, doesn’t standable, but that won’t Ballinger and Tyler essarily mean we will starts, because once it mean I’m going to take change how I coach.” Kuykendall have the come away with a win does you can’t afford to it easy on them,” he As one might expect potential to be a ver y have an off night. We said. “I’m going to treat from a former pitching good staff. They are not ever y night, but as long as this team works hard have to be playing our them the same way I standout, Tipton will going to blow people and gives 100 percent best baseball by then in would a veteran team. rely on a quartet of hurl- away, but they do have effort, I’ll consider this order to compete in the I’m going to coach them ers to lead the Trojans good control and they conference.” the same way and I’m this season. can throw strikes. They season a success no In order to be playing going to expect the “Pitching will be our are going to be the ones matter how many wins we have.” their best baseball come same kinds of things strength this season,” to keep us in games.” Chase begins regular conference season, Tip- out of them. It may take Tipton said. “That’s While the pitching ton says he will have to a young team a little where we have the most staff is keeping the Tro- season play Feb. 27 as they travel to face Polk be tough on the Trojans. longer to grasp certain experience. Kyle Bingjans in the game, fans County. “Just because we are things and that’s under- ham, Josh Epley, Aaron can expect the offense
Chase Softball
Lady Trojans looking for more T
HENRIETTA
he Chase Trojans softball team is coming off three consecutive SMAC conference championships, but bringing home a fourth title in 2013 could prove difficult. The Lady Trojans lost six seniors to graduation from last year’s 15-4 squad, a fact that concerns coach Daniel Bailey. “We have a lot of talent on this year’s team, but we are ver y young,” he said. “We have all the potential in the world, but there is no substitute for experience.” With such a young team, Bailey points to several returning players expected to fill big roles for the Lady Trojans. “Devyn Gowan is just a junior, but I’m expecting big things from her,” said Bailey. “She has tremendous power and can really anchor a lineup. Ashley Brown is another player who can really hit the ball. I’m really excited about our power this season.” If Gowan and Brown can duplicate their 2012 performances, Bailey’s excitement is understandable. The duo combined to hit five homeruns, while scoring 45 runs and boasting a batting average of .463 and .381 respectively. Chase’s power is not limited to Gowan and Brown, however, as seniors Kaitlyn Smart and Ashley Hardin
Chase battered opponents by averaging 8.5 runs per game while surrendering 3.4 per contest. “Chase has been known for our power offense for a long time and this year is no different,” Bailey said. “Our approach is a little different than most teams. They focus on pitching, speed, and defense. We are looking to hit the ball and it’s given us a lot of success over the years.” A team cannot live by power alone, so Chase will send a talented, but inexperienced pitcher to the circle in 2013. Sophomore Dakota Reid, who spent most of last season at shortstop, will make the potion change to help bolster a staff that was hampered by the departure of Alyssa Macopson. When she was not in the field, Reid did see limited action as a pitcher, posting a 3.06 ERA in 32 innings while collecting one save. “Dakota is going to have to anchor our staff,” said Bailey. “She threw some for us last year, but she is going to see a The Lady Trojans have three consecutive SMAC conference champi- lot more innings this season. onships under their belt with sights set on bringing home a fourth She is a ver y capable pitcher and with our offense, she title in 2013. knows she doesn’t have look to provide pop at the on this team. They can hit for pitch the perfect game bottom of the lineup. average and power and that’s for us to win.” If the Lady Tro“Ashley and Kaitlyn are exactly what we need.” jans can find that both seniors, so they know Bailey and the Lady Trowhat to expect,” said Bailey. jans are no stranger to power combination of pitching and power, “I expect them to be leaders packed lineups. In 2012, STORIES BY JACOB CONLEY • PHOTOS BY GARRETT BYERS SPECIAL TO THE DAILY COURIER
Bailey believes his team can push for a conference and even a state title. “Our goal ever y year is to win a state title and that doesn’t change just because we are a young team,” he said. “What has changed is that we don’t talk about it a lot because it puts too much pressure on the team. They already have enough pressure living up to the high standards we have at Chase, so for right now, we are going to take one game at a time.” Taking things one game at a time will be challenging enough for Chase. They are slated to face perennial state title contenders Owen and Kings Mountain in addition to the always-tough SMAC competition. “I wanted to challenge a young team early,” said Bailey. “That way they will know what to expect come conference and playoff time. I think we were a little unprepared when we got to the playoffs last year so facing quality programs out of conference will help us. That’s not even mentioning teams like East and R-S. Anytime you face quality programs like that, it helps prepare you for anything. If we can compete with those teams, I think we will have a ver y successful season.” That season begins on March 8 as Chase travels to face Kings Mountain.
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 — C3
Baseball – Softball 2013 To report news or sports, call 828-245-6431 or email dc@thedigitalcourier.com
East Baseball
New team, same high expectations F O R E S T
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ast Rutherford baseball is nothing short of a state power. Head coach Bobby Reynolds expects nothing less from this group, no matter how young and inexperienced they might be. “We lost six starters and three of our top five pitchers. Most people would say that’s a time to rebuild but we try not to do that,” Reynolds said. Instead, it’s up to new Cavaliers to fill voids. “We try to lay down a foundation where seniors like Trent Self and Will Randall and others that have sat to get up and contribute,” Reynolds said. “Up there on that ball field is where you show what you can do.” The three-player core of Brock Helton, Tripp Hamrick and Brandon Wellmon is joined by an influx of fresh talent, most notably on the mound. John Bennet is up from the JV team as well as John Padgett,” Reynolds said. “Ethan Stewart is a freshman pitcher who will probably contribute on varsity right away. You can come to two conclusions on that. Either we aren’t very good on the mound or maybe he’s got a chance to be pretty good. The jury is still out on
that does everything in order to win. Every night might be a different Cavaliers team. “We generally fix our style of baseball based on what we think we need to do to win the game,” Reynolds said. “If it’s with bunting and stealing to waiting on the 3-run homer. We know that we have parts of the team where we have speed and others where it’s to drive in runs and speed isn’t a factor.” The collection of new pieces and veteran players have the same goals as any East Rutherford team. Win. “We generally win the conference every year so that’s the challenge,” Reynolds said. “Shelby and Burns should have fine teams coming back. On paper we should probably finish behind them but we don’t give yet.” And it’s no secret that the expectations don’t end with a conference Garrett Byers/Daily Courier crown, they end with a East Rutherford Head coach Bobby Reynolds (right) expects nothing less from his team, no matter how young and state title. But Reynolds inexperienced they might be. Having lost six starters and three of their top five pitchers The Cavaliers still plan to doesn’t put the carriage play hard for the win. in front of the horse. “You got to get in it that.” can’t afford any injuries the bullpen and general my areas of concern,” before you can win it,” The Cavs will rely to those two and hope youth of the team also Reynolds said. “I guess Reynolds said. heavily on their two they can go into the fifth provides a challenge for I’m excited to see if East starts 2013 returning starting inning of the ball game,” the coaching staff. we as coaches will Wednesday, Feb. 27 pitchers, Helton and Reynolds said. “If we have “The lack of have them ready when they travel to Wellmon. to dip into the bullpen a experience and to perform.” Kings Mountain. “We hope that we’re lot it’s unproven there.” proven-ness among The 2013 Cavs First pitch is top-heavy there. We The question marks in some of the new kids are hope to be a team scheduled for 7 p.m.
East Softball
Cavalier softball: Young but strong F O R E S T
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his season for East Rutherford softball will see plenty of youth, and as head coach Julie Powell hopes, plenty of runs. “One thing that makes us unique is that we only have one senior. We’re very young,” Powell said. “We hope to put more runs on the board than in the past. In the past we’ve relied on our pitching to keep us in games, and we still will this year, but I hope we have the offense to back it up and then some. We have a very good hitting team so far. We still have some holes to decide and some kids fighting for positions.” On a team with six freshmen, Powell is looking to her veteran core to provide much-needed leadership. “I’m counting on my senior, Klinnin Carson, returning and we have three juniors,” Powell said. “I’ve been talking to those a lot in the offseason about how I need them to be the core for this team and provide a lot of leadership.” Of the young Cavaliers, freshman Savannah Davis will be called to handle a large portion of the pitching load in 2013. With a powerful lineup, Powell is stressing defense in practice. “Defensively we have a couple kinks we need to work out. And the spots we need to fill we’re looking to freshmen to step in,” Powell said. “I think the youth will be our biggest
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
An interesting mix of veteran leadership and youth make up this year’s Lady Cavs Softball team. challenge. We realize we’re putting a lot of pressure on our younger kids.” As worrisome as a young team can be, it also provides some intrigue. “I’m most excited about the youngsters ironically,” Powell said. “We have a really good group of freshmen. They’re excited and ready to get after it. They don’t seem to be intimidated yet.” With such an interesting mix of veteran leadership and youth, this year’s Lady Cavs have a different feel to them. “It seems like a whole new dynamic with this team, we seem a
lot more team oriented than we have in the past,” Powell said. This dynamic could be more important to this team than wins and losses. “They want to win conference and that the goal you want them to have,” Powell said. “Coaching wise, I just want them to stay team-oriented. In the past we’ve had great athletes, but as far as building that team concept, we fell short. Our goal this year is to maintain the team and keep everyone together.” The Lady Cavaliers start the season Wednesday, Feb. 27 when they host Cherryville. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
STORIES BY TRAVIS DURKEE • PHOTOS BY GARRETT BYERS TDURKEE@THEDIGITALCOURIER.COM
GARY BRIDGES 828-429-4725
gwbridges@bellsouth.net
ROBERT GREENE 828-289-1879
robertgreene3@aol.com
C4 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Chase Schedules Chase Baseball 2013 Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Polk County, 6 p.m. Saturday, Mar. 2 at North Henderson, 3 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 5 vs. Bandys, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 7 at West Henderson, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 8 vs. Hunter Huss, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 vs. Patton, 7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 at R-S Central, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 at Burns, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 21 at Shelby, 7 p.m. Monday, Mar. 25 at Hunter Huss, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 vs. Asheville, 4 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 vs. Freedom, 7 p.m. Monday, Apr.1-5 McNair Tournament, TBA Tuesday, Apr. 9 vs. East Rutherford, 7 p.m. Friday, Apr. 12 at Patton, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 vs. R-S Central, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 17 at Crest, 7 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Burns, 7 p.m. Monday, Apr. 22 vs. Shelby, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Freedom, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at East Rutherford, 7 p.m.
Chase Softball 2013
Thursday, Feb. 28 vs. Asheville Tr., 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 8 at Kings Mountain, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 vs. Patton, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 at R-S Central, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 at Burns, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 vs. Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 vs. Asheville Tr., 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 vs. Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 9 vs. East Rutherford, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 12 at Patton, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 vs. R-S Central, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Burns, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Shelby, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 24 at Owen, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 at East Rutherford, 4:30 p.m.
East Schedules East Rutherford Baseball 2013 East Rutherford Softball 2013 Wednesday, Feb. 27 at Kings Mountain, 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 vs. TC Roberson, 7 p.m. Monday, Mar. 4 vs. Cherryville, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 5 at Polk County, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 7 at Owen, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 vs. R-S Central, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 14 at R-S Central, 7 p.m. Monday, Mar. 18 vs. Polk County, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 21 vs. Burns, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 vs. Freedom, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 vs. Shelby, 7 p.m. Monday, Apr.1-5 McNair Tournament, TBA Tuesday, Apr. 9 at Chase, 7 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 11 at R-S Central, 7 p.m. Monday, Apr. 15 at Cherryville, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 vs. Patton, 7 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 18 vs. Kings Mountain, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Burns, 7 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 25 vs. Freedom, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Freedom, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 2 vs. Chase, 7 p.m. Monday, May 6 vs. Crest, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 27 vs. Cherryville, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 at Cherryville, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 5 at McDowell, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 6 at Crest, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 vs. R-S Central, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 13 vs. McDowell, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 at Patton, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 20 vs. St. Stephens, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 21 vs. Burns, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 vs. Burns, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 at Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 at Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 9 at Chase, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 11 at R-S Central, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 12 at R-S Central, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 vs. Patton, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 17 at St. Stephens, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Crest, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Burns, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 26 vs. Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 30 at Shelby, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 5 vs. Chase, 4:30 p.m.
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 — C5
Central Schedules R-S Central Baseball 2013 Wednesday, Feb. 27 at East Henderson, 7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 vs. Bessemer City, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 5 at North Gaston, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 7 at West Henderson, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 8 vs. Pisgah, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 at East Rutherford, 7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 vs. Chase, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 at Freedom, 7 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 vs. Patton, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 vs. Shelby, 7 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 at Burns, 7 p.m. Monday, Apr.1-5 McNair Tournament, TBA Monday, Apr. 8 vs. Polk County, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 11 vs. East Rutherford, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 at Chase, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 17 vs. McDowell, 7 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Freedom, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Patton, 7 p.m. Friday, Apr. 26 at Shelby, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 vs. Burns, 7 p.m. Monday, May 6 at Pisgah, 4:30 p.m.
R-S Central Softball 2013 Wednesday, Feb. 27 vs. Asheville, 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 at McDowell, 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 5 vs. West Henderson, 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 8 vs. Brevard, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 12 at East Rutherford, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 14 at Brevard, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 vs. Chase, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 at Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 vs. Patton, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 vs. Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 27 vs. McDowell, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 28 at Burns, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 10 at West Henderson, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 12 vs. East Rutherford, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 at Chase, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Freedom, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Patton, 6 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 25 at Shelby, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 vs. Burns, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 vs. TC Roberson, 5 p.m.
TJCA Schedules Thomas Jefferson Baseball 2013
Thomas Jefferson Softball 2013
Saturday, Feb. 23 Friday, Mar. 1 vs. CSD, Lincoln Charter, vs. WCAA, 4:30 p.m. Davisdon Day (V), 10 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 6 Wednesday, Feb. 27 vs. Cherryville, 4:30 p.m. at Bessemer City (JV/V), 4:30 Tuesday, Mar. 12 p.m. at Mitchell*, 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 1 Friday, Mar. 15 vs. WCAA (V) Upstate Eagles vs. Avery* 4 p.m. (JV), 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 Wednesday, Mar. 6 at Madison*, 4 p.m. vs. Highland Tech (V), 6 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 20 Friday, Mar. 8 Anath Christian (V), 4:30 p.m. at Cherryville, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Mitchell * (V first), 4 p.m. vs. Mtn. Heritage*, 4 p.m. Friday, Mar. 15 Monday, Apr. 1 vs. Avery*, 4:30 p.m. at Hendersonville, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 19 Tuesday, Apr. 9 at Madison*, 4:30 p.m. vs. Owen*, 4:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 22 Friday, Apr. 12 vs. Mtn Heritage*, 4:30 p.m. vs. Mitchell *, 4:30 p.m. Monday, Mar. 25 Tuesday, Apr. 16 at Highland Tech (V), 6 p.m. at Avery*, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 26 Friday, Apr. 19 at Polk*, 4:30 p.m. vs. Madison*, 4:30 p.m. Monday, Apr. 1 Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Hendersonville*, 4:30 p.m. at Mtn. Heritage*, 4 p.m. Thursday, Apr. 4 Tuesday, Apr. 30 vs. Walt Disney World, TBA Tuesday, Apr. 9 vs. Hendersonville*, 4:30 vs. Owen, 4:30 p.m. p.m. Friday, Apr. 12 Friday, May 3 vs. Mitchell*, 4:30 p.m. at Owen*, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 16 at Avery* (Varsity first), 4 p.m. Friday, Apr. 19 vs. Madison*, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 23 at Mtn heritage*, 4 p.m. Friday, Apr. 26 vs. Polk*, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 30 vs. Hendersonville* 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 at Owen*, 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 1st Round State Playoffs, ?
C6 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
Baseball – Softball 2013 To report news or sports, call 828-245-6431 or email dc@thedigitalcourier.com
Central Baseball
Hilltoppers baseball: A year older R U T H E R F O R DTO N
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here’s no substitute for experience, or at least that’s how R-S Central head baseball coach, Chad Fowler, views the 2013 Hilltoppers. “We’re a year older,” Fowler said. “I think we had five sophomores that played a lot last year and lost a lot of close games. Being a little more seasoned will have a big impact for us. Watching this young team grow and become more of a team excites me.” The offseason work will benefit Central the most on the mound. Three sophomore pitchers anchored the Hilltoppers staff last season. “Obviously our strength is pitching,” Fowler said. “We don’t have a guy who’s going to run it up there at 90 mph but we feel we have 3-4 solid guys that we can run in ever y night.” The young hurlers aren’t the only fresh faces that the Central coaching staff is excited about. “Two kids that we’re real excited about are two sophomores, SS/3B Joel McDaniel who we envision hitting third as just a sophomore and also Brent McCullum who can play center or right field and run a little bit,” Fowler said. “We expect them to be the new faces of this program.” As young as the 2013 Hilltoppers are, there are still key pieces in place to solidify the program. Tyler Morgan, catcher, is expected to be the main leader in 2013. “Morgan is our team leader that really makes us go,” Fowler said. “Alex Owens will be hitting in the middle of the lineup and those are our biggest veteran guys.”
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Being a little more seasoned the R-S Central Hilltoppers are looking forward to the 2013 season, which for them kicks off Wednesday, Feb. 27 at East Henderson. Even with a few players need to find out who can do figure out how we’re going to questions, the focus is still on who have created an identity what for us.” manufacture runs.” the rest of the season. on the team, the entire From early indications, a Fortunately for Central, “We play in a tough league. team identity is yet to be powerful offense won’t be the offense isn’t what the Our No. 1 goal each day is to established. identity the Hilltoppers are Hilltoppers are known for. get better,” Fowler said. “We “We know for a fact going looking for. “When you come out to want to be playing our best in that we aren’t going “I know it’s early, but see R-S Central play you’ll see baseball come playoff time.” to sit back and hit from what we’ve seen, we us play extremely hard and Central kicks off the the 3-run homer, have to swing the bat a do things the right way and regular season Wednesday, we just don’t have little better than we have play fundamental baseball,” Feb. 27 at East Henderson. that type of player,” this winter and spring,” Fowler said. First pitch is scheduled for 7 Fowler said. “We Fowler said. “ we need to With all the early p.m.
Central Softball
Lady Hilltoppers return seven RUTHERFORDTON
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nlike several teams in the county, R-S Central softball is returning the bulk of there starters from 2012. Shortstop Adrienne Alexander and catcher Kaley Holmstrom have both graduated and left the Lady Hilltoppers with two spots on the lineup card that need filling.
“We lost two players last year so we’re all a little older and more experienced,” head coach Melvin Digh said. “[Shortstop and catcher] are always hard to fill but I think we’ll do a nice job replacing those.” Luckily for Digh, he has a duo of impact freshmen stepping into a Hilltopper uniform. “Katie McEntire, a
freshman, will come in and make an impact pretty quick. She’ll be valuable for us,” Digh said. “Taylor Beam will probably get some spot chance to make an impact as well.” Aside from the fresh faces coming up, Digh has his fair share of veterans that he’ll lean on throughout 2013, starting on the mound. “Makayla Crain is
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returning and she’ll be our main pitcher,” Digh said. “Brandy Whitener and Shelby Smith have been on the team the previous three years. Khadedra Hines is is returning and she’ll hit in the middle of the lineup.” Even with an array of veteran players and young talent, the Hilltoppers are focused on being a better team each day. “I think being consistently good will be a bit of a challenge and something we’ll need to do,” Digh said. Another concern is the lack of hitters in the Hilltopper lineup. “Pitching and defense are our strengths. We have to improve our hitting,” Digh said. “I think you’ll see a lot of small ball with some power mixed in the lineup. I hope you’ll see a lot of aggressiveness.” As the start of the season nears, expectations are lofty for this group of Lady Hilltoppers. “I think we can claim the top 3A spot in the conference and finish in the top-3 overall. Those are two
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
Unlike several teams in the county, The Lady Hilltoppers are returning with the bulk of their starters from 2012. good goals for us,” Digh said. “So far I’m excited about the willingness of the girls to get better. They’ve been working hard and tr ying to get better.
I’m just excited about getting started and seeing what we can do.” The Lady Hilltoppers start their season Wednesday, Feb. 27 against Asheville. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Central.
STORIES BY TRAVIS DURKEE • PHOTOS BY GARRETT BYERS TDURKEE@THEDIGITALCOURIER.COM
www.thedigitalcourier.com • The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 — C7
Baseball – Softball 2013 To report news or sports, call 828-245-6431 or email dc@thedigitalcourier.com
I
TJCA Baseball
Higher expectations for Gryphons hardball AV O N D A L E
n their short three-year histor y, the Thomas Jefferson baseball team has reached the playoffs twice. In their fourth season, coach Chris White and his Gr yphons have higher aspirations. “We can’t be satisfied with just making the playoffs anymore,” White said. “The program has progressed to the point where we should expect to challenge for the 1A conference championship and make a deep run in the playoffs.” Those goals seem well within reach as TJCA returns a wealth of experience from last year’s squad that finished with a .500 record. “We have seven seniors on this team, but we have to replace five position players,” White said. “The good thing is that a lot of these younger kids did see some playing time last year so they know a little of what to expect. That’s going to help a lot and I think this team will mold together quickly.” White points to one player in particular who he expects to lead the team in 2013, catcher David Mendez. “David is a four year starter for us behind the plate,” White said. “He provides excellent defensive support and always seems to get a big hit when we need it. He is also a ver y vocal leader on the field and in the locker
Garrett Byers/Daily Courier
In their three-year history, the Gryphons have reached the playoffs twice. For this season they have higher aspirations. room.” Another key cog in the Gr yphons defense looks to be sophomore speedster Mason Martin, who will be patrolling centerfield this season. “Defensively, Mason could be the best outfielder in the conference,” White said. “He has tremendous speed and gets a great jump on the ball and we need that because our corner outfield spots are a big
question this year.” When they are at the plate, fans can expect Thomas Jefferson to play a lot of “small ball”, using their speed to scratch out runs. “We are not a team with a lot of power,” White said. “McKinnon Martin and Caleb Bishop have some power, but they are gap hitters. We are going to score our runs by being aggressive. I’ve always
liked to play an aggressive Nathaniel Devon comes off style of baseball so we are the gridiron to split time going to run and look to between first base and the take an extra base at ever y mound. opportunity. We have a lot of “Both of those guys are team speed and we want to going to see key innings in take advantage of it.” relief for us and maybe even a While the spot start or two,” Gr yphons may White said. “You In order to bolster lack power at their staff, TJCA will may even see a the plate, they sophomore come turn to the soccer do possess a up from JV to pitch and the pair of power help out at some arms on the football field. David point. We are just mound. Bishop Snyder, who has not going to have to and McKinnon piece together played baseball Martin were those relief since middle school, innings.” among the best is expected to be the pitching duos The Gr yphons in the Western will need all Gryphons top Highlands those pieces to reliever, while Conference last come together in Nathaniel Devon season, and order to compete comes off the White expects in the Western this year to be no gridiron to split time Highlands different. and between first base Conference “I fully expect the state playoffs. and the mound. Caleb to be one “It’s going to of the top arms be tough,” said in the conference because White of the conference he was last year,” White slate. “Since we are in a split said. “McKinnon is the kind conference, we are going to of pitcher that consistently have a hard time competing throws strikes and is ver y with the 2A schools. I do effective. We have a good 1-2 think we have a great chance punch, but we don’t have any of challenging Hendersonville depth.” for the 1A title. We beat them In order to bolster their twice last year, but they got staff, TJCA will turn to the the number one seed based soccer pitch and the football on their overall record. This field. David Snyder, year we want that number who has not played one seed in the playoffs. baseball since middle That’s our goal. If we can school, is expected do that, I think we can to be the Gr yphons make a deep run in the top reliever, while playoffs.”
STORY BY JACOB CONLEY • PHOTO BY GARRETT BYERS SPECIAL TO THE DAILY COURIER
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C8 — The Daily Courier, Sunday, February 24, 2013 • www.thedigitalcourier.com
TJCA Softball
Contributed photo
For the Thomas Jefferson Lady Gryphons, a new coach and an influx of talent have the team hopeful about the 2013 season. Hailey Crowder (right) is the lone senior returning to the field this year.
New hope for Gryphons softball T
AVONDALE
he Thomas Jefferson softball program has seen its share of struggles over the past few seasons, but a new coach and an influx of talent has improved the Gr yphons outlook for 2013. “We are going to be a much more competitive team this year,” said first year head coach Adrienne Boler. “We have a lot of talent coming up from the middle school team that we are excited about. I’m really looking for ward to helping this team grow.” That talented freshmen class is headlined by pitcher Brianna Kale who found success under Boler’s tutelage at the middle school level. “I’ve worked with Brianna for the last few years as coach of the middle school team,” Boler said. “She will be a great pitcher on the high school level. It will just take some time to adjust because high school softball is a whole new level. I’ve talked to her and the other young players about that. They just need to stay positive while they adjust to the game.” Helping Kale and the other underclassmen adjust to the rigors of high school softball will be pitcher Hailey Crowder, the lone senior on the Gr yphons roster.
“Hailey is a said Boler. “That’s not tremendous athlete, but something an opposing an even better leader defense sees ever y day. on the field,” said Boler. We are going to use that “I’m really counting on to our advantage and her experience to lead keep the defense on the team and help keep their toes.” them focused.” Whether pitching, With Kale and defense, and slap Crowder splitting time hitting will bring wins in the circle this season, to Avondale this season Boler believes pitching remains to be seen, will be the strength of but Boler says that no the team in 2013. matter what happens, “Our pitching is going 2013 will be a success. to be really strong this “You know, I’ve kind season, but our defense, of left that up to the girls especially up the middle to decide what goals and in the outfield, is they have for this season much improved too,” and what success would she said. “Anytime you look like to them,” she can put a strong pitcher said. “That definition on the field could change with a good throughout “We have some defense the year. For left-handed slap behind her, me though, hitters,” said Boler. softball is you have a chance to much more “That’s not win softball than wins something an games.” and losses. “Softball is opposing defense Softball also a mental sees every day. We teaches game,” Boler are going to use leadership continued. skills, that to our “And I’ve got teamwork, advantage and some really and how to keep the defense stay positive bright girls on this team. on their toes.” in tough They always situations. — Adrienne Boler Those are seem to be head coach lessons the thinking one step ahead team can use and that will even after be a big advantage once they graduate. Teaching the season starts.” them that is the most Another advantage important goal for the for the Gr yphons is the season and I’m ready for fact that they boast it to start.” a number of leftTJCA opens their handed bats in season March 1 when their lineup. they take on the WCAA “We have Trailblazers at Crowe some left-handed Park in Forest City. First slap hitters,” pitch is set for 4:30 pm.
STORY BY JACOB CONLEY • PHOTO BY GARRETT BYERS SPECIAL TO THE DAILY COURIER
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