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April 2007
Region 5-AAA stocked with powerhouses
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A little less than a month ago, Inside Pitch broke down Region 5-AAAA and it’s top-heavy group of teams. This week, we drop down a classification to find another Region 5 with similar credentials. Led by unbeaten Dunwoody (9-0), Region 5-AAA has one of the better quartets in Class AAA, thanks to the presence of Riverwood, Westminster and defending AAA champion, Blessed Trinity.
Dunwoody’s equipped with two of the top arms in the region in seniors David Port and Chris Epps. Port is 6-0, allowing 13 earned runs in 35 2/3 innings (2.52 ERA), but Epps has been even better, going 8-0 and allowing just six earned runs in 34 1/3 innings. They’ve combined for 42 RBI at the plate, yet it’s fellow senior Dominik Almanzar whose had the most impact with the bat. Almanzar’s .519 average and 32 RBI lead the team; throw in senior Werner Stroehmberg (.429, 32 runs, 13 stolen bases), and it’s easy to see why Dunwoody is considered on a short list of Class AAA favorites. Plus, the Wildcats have survived two of their three big games in league play, defeating Blessed Trinity and Riverwood. Westminster comes calling a week from today.
“We’ve been fortunate,” said Dunwoody coach Tom Bass, who recently collected his 300th career win. “We’ve been able to beat all the teams behind us.”
Directly behind Bass’ team is Riverwood (8-1), which is led by one of the better all-around players in the region, Tyler Thornburg. The senior is scalding the ball at a .537 clip and has 54 total bases and 33 RBI. On the mound, he mixes a mid-80s fastball with a curveball that gives right-handers fits. Thornburg, fresh off a complete game win over North Atlanta, is 4-1 with a 3.09 ERA and has fanned 50 in 35 innings.
Blessed Trinity (8-1) suffered through one of the more brutal non-region schedules in the state, losing to teams like Collins Hill, Lassiter, Marist, Kell and Parkview. But since league play began, the Titans have looked like the defending Class AAA champions, losing only to Dunwoody, 12-9. Eleven players are hitting .300 or better, led by seniors Evan Tieles (.469, 6 HR, 30 RBI) and Jonathan Kolowich (.450, 24 RBI).
The youngest of the bunch is Westminster, which depends on two freshmen pitchers (Jake Taylor, 3-1, 2.21 ERA and J.D. DeYonker, 3-0, 2.38 ERA); and sophomore Ross Conway (team-high .463 average, .542 on-base percentage). The veterans are accounted for as well — senior Sam Payne is hitting .382 and junior starter Jay Lively has a 2.50 ERA in 36 1/3 innings.
Spartans spreading it around Greater Atlanta Christian is 15-5 and in second place behind Wesleyan in Region 6-AA, thanks to an assortment of able arms. Seniors Taylor Wood and Dillon Geraghty are leading the way on the hill, combining for 83 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched. Wood, who signed with Georgia Tech, is 4-2 with a 2.80 ERA, while Geraghty is 4-0 with a 1.52 ERA, and has driven in 17 runs at the plate. Junior Brent Burrows is 5-1 with a 1.97 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 32 innings.
The Spartans are no slouch at the plate, hitting .330 as a team, led by sophomore Patrick Savage (.453 average with 22 RBI) and junior Mark Edwards (.418, 27 runs scored). Senior Landon Bennett, committed to Wofford, is hitting at a .394 clip with a team-best five homeruns and 21 RBI.
Welcome back South Forsyth senior pitcher Zack Ringel missed the first half of the season recovering from mono, but since his return hasn’t missed a beat. Ringel is 3-0 with a 0.88 ERA for the 16-7 War Eagles.
You’re a freshman? That’s what a few people might’ve asked Chapel Hill rookie Martin Catsro, who’s hitting a team-leading .517 and is 7-2 with 57 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings for the 12-8 Panthers.
No junior accomplishments; Six juniors having big years 1. Mark Pope, Walton. Pope is hitting .417, but on the mound he’s been marvelous: 6-1, 0.65 ERA. 2. Brandon Curson, Etowah. Has a 6-1 record with a 0.90 ERA; Also hitting a team-best .355, with six homeruns and 23 RBI. 3. Bruce Fennell, North Springs. In seven games out of the Spartans’ pen, Fennell is 1-0 with a 1.24 ERA. 4. T.J. Kerins and Kyle Putkonen, Walton. Like Pope, both are 6-1 on the mound for the Region 6A-AAAAA leading Raiders. 5. Shaun Ulrich, Luella. In just 14 2/3 innings, Ulrich is 4-0 with a 1.43 ERA. 6. Cody Davis, Redan. The first baseman has been above .450 for some time, batting in the middle of the Raider’s order.
Superstar performances 1. Grant Hillis, Dunwoody. The junior wasted little time against Therrell, hitting a grand slam and a two-run homerun in a 16-run first inning, helping Dunwoody rout the Panthers, 23-0 and get coach Tom Bass his 300th career win. 2. Heine Rivera, Whitewater. Like Jones, the Wildcat junior hit three homeruns and had eight RBI in a win over Westlake. 3. Thomas Hodo, M.L. King. Hodo beat Union Grove, 1-0, with a complete game, 10-strikeout gem.
Numbers game 27-for-27: North Cobb junior centerfielder Jonathan Taylor hasn’t been caught in 27 stolen base attempts.
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Camden Co. rich in no-hitters
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Jay Stone catches up with teams throughout the state. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’ll be a bear to contend with this season? Find out here in the state baseball report. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
Camden County coach Jay Lasley knew his pitching would be solid, but the numbers the Wildcats have put up are eye-opening. The one that jumps out is four, the number of no-hitters Camden has thrown without the benefit of huge strikeout numbers.
While much of Region 3-AAAAA presents less-than-stellar competition, Camden coach Jay Lasley doesn’t discount the accomplishment.
“You kind of take it in,” Lasley said. It’s not often at any level that a guy can throw a no-hitter. You’re proud of those guys and you’re proud of your defense. A lot of ours is defense.”
The no-hitters:
• Brandon McDonald, in a 20-0 win over Beach: The senior left-hander struck out five and walked two in a game shortened to three innings under the mercy rule.
• Trey Ripley in a 10-0 win over Groves: A junior lefty, Ripley fanned seven and walked one in a five-inning game. Ripley also fired a one-hitter in a 2-0 win over Jenkins, which is likely to make the playoffs from the coastal region.
• Sid Cooper, Kris Dockery, Steven Voigt, in a 13-0 win over Johnson: Cooper and Docker tossed two innings each and Voigt one in a combined no-no over the Savannah school.
• Josh Joiner, Cooper and Dockery in a 14-0 win over Bradwell Institute: Cooper struck out three in his one inning of work in another combined no-hitter.
Camden, much as it has in football, has ruled the region, going 10-0 in league play while posting a 19-3 overall record, and the Wildcats have compiled a 1.88 team ERA. At one point Camden went 20 consecutive innings without giving up a run.
“We’ve got five guys that are solid and throw strikes,” Lasley said. “The big thing is they compete.”
Tough in the clutch: Lanier County has ridden the bats of Ethan McCrae and Greg Sealey to the verge of a Region 1-A playoff berth. McRae, a junior catcher, is hitting .585 with 36 RBIs, while Sealey, a senior third baseman, is at .550 with 14 doubles and 39 RBIs. They provide most of the power production for the Lakeland school, enough that the pitching of junior Nathan Bass (7-1, 1.89 ERA) and Ryan White (4-1, 1.99) gets them by …
Time to shine: Washington-Wilkes pitcher Demont Gresham carries a 7-1 record and a 1.11 into today’s Region 8-AA tournament opener against Rabun County, and he has team-highs with five homeruns and 23 RBIs while batting .481. Teammate Clete Wilson is batting .481 …
Lee .400 club: Brock Bailey, Thomas Nichols and Matt Bacon are all hitting better than .400 for Lee County, which is 13-8 overall and sitting in first place in 1-AAAA. Bailey (.400) has belted six homers, while Bacon (.426) has just three strikeouts in 59 plate appearances. Nichols (.440) has drawn 24 walks and also works as the staff pitching ace, compiling a 5-1 records with a 1.16 ERA …
Thieving sons: LaGrange outfielder Derek Branch, son of coach Donnie Branch, has 20 stolen bases, while Lincoln County’s Tyler Beale, son of coach Billy Beale, has 17. Branch is hitting .350, while Beale is at .545 …
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Pre-Preseason Gwinnett FB Rankings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, we can either break down the compelling region golf tournaments or pretend we have any form of an idea about which football teams will be the best this fall. Since I’m used to not having a clue, I vote for football. As most of the county’s school’s go through spring practice in the upcoming weeks, I present my Pre-Preseason Gwinnett rankings.
1. Norcross: Coach Keith Maloof doesn’t seem worried about having to replace quarterback Bryce Dykes and Alabama signee Darius Hanks. Having superstars Brice Butler and Devonta Bolton helps.
2. Peachtree Ridge: Defending champs boast tons of D-I talent.
3. Brookwood: Broncos have lost more than two games only once in Mark Crews’ tenure - last year.
4. Buford: The county’s best defense is made up of possibly five Division I recruits.
5. Grayson: Needs to take step as a program.
6. Parkview: Improvement is imminent after last year’s 5-6 mark.
7. Collins Hill: In need of a spark, defining win or playoff run.
8. Central Gwinnett: New coach Roland has had success in Gwinnett before.
9. North Gwinnett: Last year’s darlings hit hard by graduation
10. Berkmar: Plenty of athletes, but, as usual, lacking beef on both lines.
11. Duluth: Alex Hunt could be county’s best running back.
12. Dacula: Coach Kevin Maloof is worried about having to replace quarterback and star receiver.
13. South Gwinnett/Shiloh/Mill Creek: I’d have better luck putting these teams in a hat and drawing. Who knows?
14. Greater Atlanta Christian: Can’t beat Buford, but will be in thick of playoff race.
15. Meadowcreek: Does the ’Stangs losing streak end this year?
16. Wesleyan: Sophomore Zac Johnston is a budding superstar.
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What’s Caleb King’s status
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Is Caleb King eligible or not? It’s the hot question from Athens to Gwinnett. I thought my colleague, Georgia beat writer Chip Towers, had the most sensible take on his blog over the weekend.
“As for King’s eligibility, we don’t know yet, and let me tell you why that’s all right by me.
I understand completely how Georgia fans desperately want to know whether a signee is eligible or not and, as a beat reporter, obviously I am interested, too. But try to view it from a 17- or 18-year-old kid’s perspective. It’s hard enough to gain admission to an elite college or university of your choice without the whole world wanting to know every week whether you’ve raised your test score 20 or 100 points or passed all your core classes. I don’t know all the details of King’s academic profile and I’m not supposed to know. There’s a federal law (FERPA is the acronym for it) that guarantees individuals academic privacy. I’ve always respected that law. I remember when my daughter was taking her college boards and how much pressure she felt trying to get into the college she wanted, and she didn’t have sportswriters and Rivals and Scout and every Tom, Dick, and Harry at her high school and all the local alums and fans of the college asking her about it everywhere she went.
The fact is, King has well into the summer to do what he needs to get eligible and nobody is until they’ve graduated high school. Back when I was college editor, I told our beat guys to chill about it until it was time for freshmen to report, then it became news. Of course, that’s not possible nowadays with all the recruiting sites and newspapers competing to have information first.
Meanwhile, I don’t see what the big deal is regarding King’s eligibility. It comes down to this: Either he’s eligible and comes in as the No. 5 tailback on Georgia’s depth chart (remember Jason Johnson) or he comes up short and goes to prep school for a semester or a year and gets the tutoring and extra time he obviously needs, then comes in for next season. So what’s the urgency?”
Just Noticing
Former Norcross star Larry Grant forced a fumble and returned it 80 yards for a game-clinching touchdown in Ohio State’s spring game. Grant, a rising senior, was a backup to superstar middle linebacker James Laurinaitis last season, but is slated to be the Buckeyes’ starter at strong side linebacker this year.
Speaking of Linebackers
Greater Atlanta Christian’s Christian Robinson had an impressive performances at this weekend’s Athens NIKE Camp. Robinson was named the camp MVP at linebacker. Other Gwinnett players that impressed at the camp: Dacula safety Khiry Battle, Peachtree Ridge corner Cameron Demps and Buford linebacker T.J. Pridemore.
Just Saying
What would you rather read about: High school spring sports championships or spring football practice?
Most high schools kick off their spring practices in the upcoming weeks, while soccer, baseball, golf and tennis wind down toward state tournaments. Judging by the turnouts at most spring sports, I’d guess you’d rather talk about football. But I’m sure there’s some diehard tennis fans, also called parents, out there.
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Inside Pitch: Metro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Kurt Aschermann Jr. blogs about who’s hot and who’s not in the metro Atlanta baseball scene. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
Henry County puts three on its dance card
Henry County and Eagle’s Landing Christian grab a majority of the headlines in Henry County, and with good reason: both are veteran teams that look poised to take home state titles in Class AAA and Class A, respectively. But another Southside team — Union Grove — is making strides in coach Allen Franklin’s first season. The Wolverines went 4-7 during a tough non-region schedule, but since Region 2-AAAAA play began, they’ve taken control, going 8-1.
The main reason is workhorse Jeremy Riehn. The senior has logged 44 innings in compiling a 6-3 record and has struck out 66 batters. Riehn’s also helped at the plate, hitting .357 with a team-high 17 RBI. Junior catcher Marcus Smith has swiped 12 bases while hitting .328; and sophomore designated hitter Ryan Griffin is hitting .441 in 34 at-bats.
Rams playing well
Staying in Class AAAAA, Grayson has put together a 12-6 mark thanks to a strong senior class. Marc Nellist is 3-1 with two complete games and has walked one batter in 28 2/3 innings. Mound mate Matt Hill is 4-0 with a 2.46 ERA. Nellist and Robert Jones have also helped in the bullpen, collecting three saves each. Grayson, tied atop Region 8-AAAAA at 4-1, is steady at the plate with seniors Kenny Duckett (.333 average, 15 RBI) and Jhamel Williams (.367), and junior Josh Halford (.292, 14 RBI) leading the way.
Defending champs erasing slow start
The defending Class AAA champion Blessed Trinity Titans began defense of their title by going 4-6 through the season’s first month. Things have been much better lately at the Roswell school. During the San Diego Lions Tournament over spring break, Blessed Trinity defeated three California teams before losing to a fourth, Point Loma, in the semifinals. Since returning to the Peach State, the Titans have bombarded three Region 5-AAA opponents by a combined score of 40-2. Not surprisingly, senior Evan Tieles is setting the tone offensively. Tieles, who has signed with the University of Georgia, is hitting .447 with a team-high 17 RBI. Fellow seniors Jonathan Kolowich (.341, 11 RBI), Matt Batteh (.357) and Jimmy Coleman (.348) have contributed to an offense averaging more than eight runs per game.
Two teams’ two-way threats
1: Grayson Garvin and Ben Tucker, Wesleyan: Garvin has been the Wolves’ most dependable pitcher, gobbling up 45 2/3 innings and a 4-1 record in nine starts. He’s also struck out 64 batters and completed three games and at the plate, he’s hitting .381 with 12 RBI. Tucker is 5-0 on the hill and his .459 average leads the team.
2: Brandon Cumpton and Pat McGowan, Greenbrier: Cumpton has helped the defending Class AAAA champions on the hill (1.47 ERA, five walks in 19 IP) and with the stick (.421, 4 home runs). McGowan is a .350 hitter and has an 0.78 ERA in 18 innings on the mound.
Pitcher of the Week
Marietta starter Garrett Brown threw a complete game, one-hitter and drove in the only run in a 1-0 win over McEachern, the Indians first loss since March 22.
By The Numbers
7 — Number of North Gwinnett players hitting .375 or better, led by junior Jim Moreland (.475 with a .568 OBP) and senior Mitch Rider (.459, 27 RBI, 54 total bases).
Hack away: Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Kurt? Send an e-mail.
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Rounding The Bases: State
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Jay Stone catches up with teams throughout the state. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’ll be a bear to contend with this season? Find out here in the state baseball report. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
Bright spot: It’s been an otherwise forgettable year for Benedictine. The Cadets, who lost seven starters from last year’s state playoff team, entered the week on a three-game losing streak. But the Savannah school has had bright spots. Senior Michael Patton, a left-hander who has committed to North Georgia College, struck out 17 batters in a 4-0 win over Burke County.
Gale force: Cartersville’s Lyle Allen is averaging two RBIs per game for the Hurricanes, who are 18-2 overall and 8-0 in Region 6-AAA. Allen leads the team with six homers while hitting .500 (35 for 70). Donavan Tate, son of former Georgia running back Lars Tate, is at .480 with three homers, while Benji Farr is 8-0 with 0.40 ERA, having allowed two earned runs in 35 innings of work.
Bright spot, II: Hardaway, usually a state playoff fixture, has also struggled this spring, but catcher Jake McCoy his hitting .407 with four homers and 17 RBIs for the Hawks, who play in perhaps the toughest region in Class AAA.
Bright spot, III: Shortstop Jody Hobbs is the lone senior starter for Vidalia, which fell to 8-11 overall in 3-4 in 4-AA with a 6-4 loss Tuesday against rival Toombs County. Hobbs leads the Indians with a .417 average and 12 RBIs, while a pair of juniors — third baseman Chris Dykes and leftfielder Michael Madison — are both hitting better than .380.
Heating up: In his last three starts, Social Circle pitcher Chris Anderson has allowed just one earned run, and teammate Tyler Jones is hitting .533 over his past two games.
Double streakin’: North Oconee’s Justin Roberts had an 11-game hitting streak, improving his average to .468. Meanwhile, on the mound he has put up a 14-inning scoreless streak covering three games. Teammate Bryson Smith is putting up one of the most complete offensive seasons in the state, hitting .551 with three homers, 28 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 13 attempts.
Fearsome foursome: Ryan White, Nathan Bass, Greg Sealey and Ryan Allen are carrying the load for Lanier County, which is 14-5 and 8-1 in Region 1-A. Bass is 5-1 with 50 strikeouts and only four walks in 42 innings pitched, while White is 4-1 and Allen is 5-3. Sealey is hitting .561 with a team-high 28 RBIs.
Tiger, Tiger: Washington-Wilkes’ Demont Gresham is 5-1 with a 0.92 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 46 innings pitched, according to coach Rob Jackson, whose club is 11-4-1 and 6-2 in Region 8-AA South. Teammate Clete Wilson his hitting .500.
Make your pitch. Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Jay? Send an e-mail.
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Rounding The Bases: State
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Jay Stone catches up with teams throughout the state. Who’s hot? Who’s not? Who’ll be a bear to contend with this season? Find out here in the state baseball report. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
The big idea? ‘Lets win’
Calhoun had pummeled all comers, so the players at Gordon Lee might have gotten a pass had they felt intimidated going against one of the best teams in Class AA. Plus, Gordon Lee had to face Calhoun ace Josh Smoker, regarded as one of the top pitchers in the state.
Gordon Lee junior Zack DeBord took care of the intimidation, belting a first-inning grand slam off Smoker, who struck out 14 batters in his team’s 11-10 loss. Gordon Lee, which has yet to lose to a Georgia team in compiling a 10-4 record, handed Calhoun its first loss.
Daniel White also hit a grand slam off a Calhoun reliever.
“We went down there with the idea we could beat them,” said Gordon Lee coach Greg Payne, whose club played in the Class A semifinals last year. “All these kids have worked hard to accomplish what they have.”
DeBord, who leads the team with 24 RBIs, is tied with senior second baseman Derek Duran with a .489 batting average, and the Trojans are batting .360 as a team.
Bearing up: Griffin is 13-2 for the first time in Jamie Cassady’s 15 years as the Bears’ coach, and they’ve won four games in which they’ve trailed in the sixth inning or later. The springboard for their success, Cassady said, was a win over Fayette County in which Griffin trailed 6-0 in the seventh before rallying to tie and then winning in extra innings.
“The kids are playing with confidence,” Cassady said. “They don’t push the panic button.”
Leading the charge is junior shortstop Tim Beckham, who is hitting .440 with three homers and nine stolen bases.
Bouncing back
Lowndes (12-4, 5-1 Region 1-AAAAA) suffered a gut-punch loss to Warner Robins March 30, when a walk-off homer sullied its region record, but since then the Vikings have been golden, whipping Colquitt County and Houston County in back-to-back region games.
The Vikings, who are hitting .332 as a team, have a pair of batters over .400. First baseman Colby Yates is at .485 with four homers and 18 RBIs, as well as pitching to a 3-0 record with a 2.14 ERA. First baseman/designated hitter Chad Fender is at .429.
Callaway two-way
Justin Shaw is getting it done both on the mound and at the plate for Callaway (15-4, 10-0 5-AA). He’s 6-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings, while hitting .510 with seven doubles. Teammate Malcolm Leath injured his shoulder in the Cavaliers’ second game, prompting a move from shortstop to second base, but it hasn’t affected his offensive game. He leads the team in stolen bases with 15 in 15 tries, and the Cavs are 55-for-65 in steals as a team.
Devil, Devil
Most observers know about Tift County’s Israel Troupe, the Georgia football signee who powered the Blue Devils’ baseball playoff run last year and helped the football team make the state semifinals. But the Tifton school is led in hitting by sophomore shortstop Chance Veazey (.400). Troup is at .397 with 19 RBIs for Tift (14-4, 4-2 in 1-AAAAA).
Make your pitch. Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Jay? Send an e-mail.
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Inside Pitch: Metro
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Each week, staff writer Kurt Aschermann Jr. blogs about who’s hot and who’s not in the metro Atlanta baseball scene. Scroll down to comment on this blog.
Bats bolster Warhawks’ surge
After Henry County followed its Class AAAA state championship in 2005 with a disappointing 12-16 record and second-round exit in 2006, the McDonough school fell a bit below the radar. Then came reclassification, and a drop to Class AAA under new coach Jason Shadden. It’s safe to say the Warhawks are back.
Thanks to a potent offense that averages more than eight runs per game, Henry County (15-2) has rolled to nine consecutive wins and a 6-0 mark in Region 4-AAA. Led by senior first baseman/outfielder Jason Heyward (.432 average, five home runs, 22 RBI), senior catcher Tyler Norton (22 RBI) and junior outfielder/pitcher Jeremy Boyd (.525 OBP, 17 RBI), the Warhawks’ only losses have come to Alabama schools Cullman and Russell County. Shadden said Boyd’s production hitting behind the dangerous Heyward, who has been intentionally walked 16 times, has made a big difference.
“[Boyd’s] making it hurt [pitching around Heyward],” Shadden said. “[For the 2007 season] I had high expectations; I was pretty confident.”
Shadden has called on the services of nine different pitchers, including senior Mitchell Lee, a four-game winner, and junior Shawn Gallagher, who has won three games and saved three others.
Eagles hanging with the big boys
Mt. Paran’s 3-3 mark in a tough Region 5-A that includes defending Class A state champion Eagle’s Landing Christian has a lot to do with two-way threat Donovan Brown. Brown is 3-2 with a 2.15 ERA and holding opponents to a miniscule .175 batting average. At the plate, he’s hitting .475 with 11 RBI, but is just one of a quintet of hitters helping the Eagles stay in the playoff race. Austin Gibbs (.400, 13 RBI); Jeremiah Clark (.383, 12-12 SB); Daniel Bennett (.382, 12 RBI) and Will Thompson (.333, 10 RBI) have been steady with the sticks all year.
Devils feasting on Class A pitching
Bremen has won six consecutive games, three in Region 6-A, and averaged more than 13 runs per game during the streak. Andrew Gray (.566 average) and Chris Lambert (5-1 on mound) have led the way for the Blue Devils.
Pitchers of the week
Will Casey, Kennesaw Mountain: In a dominating 10-0 win over South Cobb, the southpaw allowed one hit and struck out 13 in six innings to improve to 4-1 and lower his ERA to 0.43.
Tim Jones, Redan: The senior right-hander no-hit Luella, 8-0, striking out 16 in the gem.
Hack away: Got a team you’d like to see profiled here or just want to talk ball with Kurt? Send an e-mail.
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Freshman impact: Who makes one?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gwinnett County produced 23 Division I signees in February, the most in at least the last 20 years and possibly ever. But how many of those freshmen-to-be will actually see the field this fall?
Last year, Grayson’s Brandon Erwin started all 14 games for Purdue at safety and would be named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.
At Connecticut, Berkmar’s Terence Jeffers moved into the starting line-up midway through the season and flourished. The 6-2 freshman wide out caught 17 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.
So which 2007 signee will make the biggest impact this fall?
Ohio State defensive lineman Cameron Heyward (Peachtree Ridge): The Buckeyes return only one starter on the defensive line, but have several players with experience back.
Central Florida receiver Sidney Haynes (Peachtree Ridge): Coach George O’Leary’s team returns just three receivers who earned letters last year and only one senior pass catcher. If he grasps the scheme quickly, Haynes has the size and confidence to compete for playing time immediately.
Georgia linebacker Rennie Curran (Brookwood): He was as dominant as any player in Gwinnett this year. But, at Georgia, Curran will be hard pressed to find any playing time right away. At 5-11, can he play linebacker in the SEC or is a switch to strong safety imminent?
Georgia running back Caleb King (Greater Atlanta Christian): King will have his work cut out for him, if he wants to see the field as a freshman. He’ll first need to qualify academically, before trying to work his way into a crowded Bulldog backfield featuring seniors Kregg Lumpkin and Thomas Brown and hotshot redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno, who was impressive in Georgia’s spring game.
Georgia punter Drew Butler (Peachtree Ridge): The son of former Georgia kicker Kevin Butler will have a chance to win the starting nod at punter. Junior Brian Mimbs is the frontrunner, although kicker Brandon Coutu out-performed him in the spring game. Coach Mark Richt doesn’t want to have Coutu handle both the punting and place-kicking duties. So if Mimbs doesn’t solidify his position as the starter, Butler could be the guy.
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Gwinnett’s Biggest Recruit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Who’s the most sought after football recruit in Gwinnett?
Last year, it was Caleb King, hands down. He was the top-rated running back on numerous recruiting sites and had more than 60 scholarship offers. A broken leg midway through his senior season reduced the hype, and King would end up passing on national powers like USC and Florida and settling on Georgia.
By the end of the season, an argument could have been made that the Ohio State-bound Cameron Heyward, was the most sought after recruit out of Gwinnett. Brookwood’s Rennie Curran belongs in the argument, too, but he committed to Georgia way before the season, which diminished the talk.
This year, the title of Gwinnett’s biggest recruit is up for grabs. Norcross receiver Brice Butler and Buford defensive tackle Omar Hunter appear to be the frontrunners, although Notre Dame’s courting of Duluth running back Alex Hunt has raised some eyebrows.
But, at least in terms of national publicity, no one in that threesome is close to where King was last year. In fact, no Gwinnett County player is listed in the top 100 to watch on either Scout.com or Rivals.com. That should change when the first official 2008 recruiting rankings are released in June.
Butler, a physical, playmaking wide out, has already secured more than 30 scholarship offers, including ones from Southern California, Florida and Notre Dame. Hunter is equally in demand and has approximately 40 offers. Buford coach Jess Simpson called the 6-foot, 300-pounder the most sought after prospect since Darius Walker.
So, right now, who’s the biggest recruit in Gwinnett?
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Mixing the young and the old
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia high school baseball isn’t just about upperclassmen sharpening their skills for a leap to Division 1 or, possibly the pros. Freshmen and sophomores play a vital role and several teams have been able to win with a mixture of both young and old.
The senior class has carried East Coweta (11-4 and 3-0 in Region 4-AAAAA). Starter Rico Reid, fresh off a complete game, two-hitter against Mundy’s Mill, is 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA and both of his losses were of the one-run variety. Reid’s nine strikeouts against the Tigers gave him 43 whiffs in just 37 innings pitched.
At the plate, infielder Ben Inman and catcher Chris Ramos lead the team with 15 RBI each; outfielder Jeremy Capshaw is hitting .400. But it’s freshman hurler Cam Bedrosian (son of former big leaguer and current East Coweta pitching coach Steve Bedrosian) who’s raising eyebrows on the mound.
Bedrosian followed Reid’s gem with a one-hit shutout of Tri-Cities and is 2-0 in his varsity season.
“He’s a freshman pitching on a Class AAAAA varsity team,” said East Coweta coach Franklin DeLoach. “We’re very pleased with how he’s done.”
Northview (11-3, 3-1 Region 6-AAAAA) has a nice mix as well, incorporating senior ace Ryan Roberts (two of three region wins) and senior second baseman Brian Hacker (team-leading .450 average) with sophomore catcher Drew McWhorter (4 HR). The four seniors (David Nakano and Ryan Holland are the others) went through difficult times in the Titans’ first two varsity seasons, including last year’s 9-15 team that won only one game in league play.
Meanwhile, McWhorter leads a sophomore class that’s played together for two years.
“All those guys suffered through the last couple seasons,” coach Chan English said of his seniors. “[But] they put in a lot of effort in the offseason; got bigger, stronger, and they helped motivate a lot of the younger guys. And last year we let our sophomores stay together; they played on the junior varsity [as freshman] and they learned how to win.”
Riverwood is 10-4 and riding seniors Tyler Thornburg (.564 with 23 RBI; 3-0, 2.05 ERA) and Jonathan Arogeti (18 RBI). On the mound, sophomore Ian Shaw is 3-1 after a complete game shutout of Forsyth Central. Raiders’ coach Mike Santuro loves the senior-sophomore combo.
“[Thornburg’s] probably the best athlete in our school,” said Santuro. “And [Shaw’s] giving us some real big innings.”
If Santuro’s bunch is to make a deep run in the Class AAA playoffs, other pitchers will have to step up. Thornburg and Shaw are a combined 6-1 with a 2.15 ERA; the rest of the staff if 4-3 with a 10.69 ERA.
News and Notes • Say one thing for the Cedar Grove Saints: they can run. The Saints have had trouble winning games and getting outs (team ERA of 7.10), but four players are in the top 10 on DeKalb County’s stolen base leader board. Junior Xavier Avery, who leads the county in hitting at .677, has stolen 31 bases; senior Armani Grant has 26; junior Trence Harvey and senior Robert Milton have 14 each.
• In Camden County’s last four Region 3-AAAAA games, all shutout wins, the pitching staff has thrown three no-hitters and a one-hitter.
Pitcher of the week: Cam Bedrosian, East Coweta. Bedrosian threw a complete game, one-hitter (an infield hit), beating Tri-Cities, 7-0 and kept the Indians unbeaten in Region 4-AAAAA.
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Dodge County still a force
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With Dodge County, opponents have not had the luxury of picking their poison, and the Indians’ opponents may feel as if they’re facing a bunch of clones.
Only two of them have the same last name, but in rolling to a 15-1 record, the Indians have four hitters sitting above .400. Dodge was not expected to be as dominant after losing Division I signees Ross Smith (Auburn) and Matt Smith (Mississippi) to graduation.
“When we went to the park with them we expected to win,” said Dodge coach Ray Hardin. “This year, we didn’t know what to expect.”
Leading the charge are twin brothers Justin and Josh Huff. Justin shares the team lead in hitting at .453 (tied with second baseman/pitcher Jared Reaves) and leads the club with five homers. He’s also 4-1 on the mound with a 3.62 ERA.
Josh, a strong-armed catcher who has allowed just two stolen bases, is hitting .431. Reaves, meanwhile, leads the team in RBIs and is 4-1 with a 1.55 ERA. He has 38 strikeouts with one walk in 27.1 innings of work. Senior Spencer Butler is also a two-way threat, hitting .405 and striking out 39 in 27 innings pitched.
Unbeaten: Entering the middle portion of the season, Calhoun is pushing its ungodly statistics to even higher levels when most teams find their numbers leveling off.
The Yellow Jackets (14-0) have pushed their team batting average from .401 to .429 over the past two weeks. Pitcher/third baseman Brodie Pullen belted four homers in a win over Temple last week, and has 14 homers and 36 RBIs through 14 games.
He’s one of three Yellow Jackets hitting .500 or better, led by Charlie Culberson, who has raised his averaged from .529 to .595 the last two weeks. Senior left-hander Josh Smoker, meanwhile, has allowed just one hit in his last two starts, including a no-hitter against Armuchee March 27. … . Heritage has scored 10 runs or more nine times in 13 games, but the real story is the Patriots’ pitching. Their team ERA is 1.46 spread among seven different pitchers. Three of them, Chase Ware, Tyler Austin and Tim Eisenman, have yet to allow an earned run. Eisenmen is hitting .542 … .Harris County carried a 13-0 record into Wednesday’s showdown with Region 2-AAA power Columbus. …. .Savannah’s Calvary Day has used the pitching of Brad Hutson and Mike Allegretti en route to its 14-0 record. Hutson is 6-0 with 41 strikeouts, just two walks and a 1.20 ERA, while Allegretti is 5-0 with a 0.48 ERA.
Once-beaten: Schley County, tucked away in the southwest portion of the state, might have flown under the radar, but the Wildcats are proving to be a force.
Their only loss is a 4-3 setback to defending state champion Eagle’s Landing Christian, and Georgia Southwestern signee Bud Fuller and Brian Devereaux have anchored the rotation. Fuller, a right-hander, is 4-1 with a 1.12 ERA, while Devereaux, a transfer from Lee County, is 3-0.
Jeremy Royals, who is 27-3 since the beginning of the 2005 season, is 3-0 this spring with a 1.90 ERA and is hitting .370.
On the mend: Lee County started 4-5 but has won three straight, riding hot hitting from the middle of its batting order. Thomas Nichols, Jack Posey and Colt Glover combined to go 9-for-10 in a blowout win over Bainbridge Tuesday. Nichols and second baseman Matt Bacon are both hitting .500.
The young ones: Gainesville freshman third baseman Sloan Strickland is hitting .538 and went 6-for-7 in his first two starts … Jones County sophomore catcher Tyler Roberts is hitting .459 with three homers and 14 RBIs …
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