Prep Zone

By Coach B

May 27, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

Congratulations to my Red Devils. As the middle school coach for the heart of the order, I’m very proud of them. It doesn’t matter that AJC missed the best Final 4 series of Region rivals. It doesn’t matter how many runs Griffin, Salem, or Greenbrier scored, or how many they haven’t allowed. We like that we come in as the team nobody is talking about. Go Get Em Devils!!!

By Melissa

May 27, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Hear, Hear on the Red Devils comments! GO DEVILS!!

By djbrown

May 27, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to SALEM and thanks for a great ride!! This is a team to be reckoned with and has repeatedly showed us their talent and love of the sport. It’s been a great year. Thank you Salem players!! We are so proud of all of you and proud to say “we are from Salem”!! GO NOLES!

By Ryan

May 27, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Cartersville sweept South Effingham.

By Snc

May 27, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Brookwood High School. you have proven you are one of the best…………….Now go finish the job you started this year!!!!!

By Alumni15

May 27, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Thanks for the ride Salem. Represented the school well.

By Casey

May 27, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

I’d like to congradulate the Salem Seminoles on their run through the playoffs. As a Salem alum, and Varsity player for three years there, I’d like to thank them for pressing on with the tradition that we’re apart of. You went further than any team in school history, including our squad in 2001, so congradulations again, and looking forward to next season and seeing what the Seminoles can bring to the table. Best of luck to all the teams left in the state playoffs in all classifications.

By Coates

May 27, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Cartersville Hurricanes hit 7HR’s highlighted by back to back to back HR’s against South Effingham to continue their stellar play. Tate is showing why he’s the Number 3 junior in the country. 2 3-run homers with the 2nd shot hitting the light fixture 50 feet above the fence. Taylor Hightower Aflac-All American has showed why he’s so valueable behind the plate and for 2 series with the stick. His arm gives the Canes an advantage against almost anyone’s catcher. Pitching has been there highlighted by a 5-0 Ben Bridges. You may not have heard much about these Hurricanes but they are looking like a Category 5 at the right time. Plenty of talent for next year to headlined by Tate.

By Adam

May 27, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

How about Cartersville!! The first game in the fourth or fifth inning with back to back to back home runs was one of the most exciting innings of baseball I’ve seen in awhile!! These boys are on fire and for the record, I would pitch around Tate…well, if you walk him he’ll certainly steal second and probably third…the man is good!!

By Greg

May 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Anybody got a spare plane seat to Valdosta this afternoon? I’d sell my right ‘nad to see that Walton vs. Valdosta game today - might even take off work early. I wonder if it’s being broadcast on (web) radio?

By Call it Like it is

May 27, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Greg,

92.1 FM Valdosta will air the game.

GO CATS!!!

By tbrown5300

May 27, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

GO BEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Coach Cassidy, you and your team are very deserving! Good Luck.

By GriffinBearAlum

May 27, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Bears………..always in the hunt for a state championship no matter what sport!!!

By Monty Long

May 27, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Valdosta / Waton game on the web at www.talk92.1.com

By AAAA Fan

May 27, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Salem Fan Casey, We can all see that you received a fine education at Salem. Might want to get spell check (congradulations) Maybe you should have worked as hard in the classroom. Go Devils. The AJC missed out on a great region/playoff game. Hope they can get a little coverage for the FINAL.

By Monty Long

May 27, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Valdosta / Walton live on the web today at 5 PM at www.talk921.com

By Ant

May 27, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Congrats to the Pacelli High School baseball team and good luck in the finals. Go Vikings!

By bh

May 27, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Congratulations Varsity Brookwood Broncos! What an amazing season you have given the family and friends who come to watch you. We believe in you and wish you luck in the State Championship game!

By Nodoginhunt

May 27, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Go Carrollton Trojans!

By Big "A"

May 27, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Nice job Indians. Go to Cartersville Friday and bring it home gentlemen. I am so proud of you. I no longer live in Toccoa but you make me proud to be a one time Indian baseball player. Scalp ‘em

By Patrick

May 27, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this

Top of the 5th, Walton leads Valdosta 5-0.

GO RAIDERS!

By golfer

May 27, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

looks to be a great matchup in class A. Landmark and Pacelli is going to make a great matchup!!!

By Casey

May 27, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

AAAA Fan,

 I'd be more than willing to throw my literary, spelling, grammar, and English skills on the line against you any day partner.  Salem is known as a School of Excellence, so don't let my one mispelled word fool you, junior. 
 Let me know if you'd ever like to try out your athletic skills on for size one day as well, cause we basically smoked ya'll everytime we played when I was in school.  Guess we had to throw ya'll a bone in baseball, cause we're gonna annihilate ya'll in football.  See you this Fall on the gridiron buddy.

By Walton Raiders!

May 27, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Walton defeats Valdosta 10-4!!!

GO WALTON RAIDERS!!!, GO! GO!, GO! GO!

By Vince

May 27, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this

Way to go Walton!! Let’s keep the title in Cobb! It would make it 5 out of the past 10 years and 3 in a row.

By hsfootballfan

May 27, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

From the Valdosta Daily Times, Tuesday evening online edition.

Valdosta’s season ended Tuesday as Walton defeated the Wildcats 10-4 at Bazemore Field.

After Walton built a 7-0 lead, the Wildcats scored four runs in the top of the sixth, but couldn’t defeat the Raiders to advance to the state championship.

By southernpride

May 27, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

Congrats Cook on a fine season. With only one senior, and several sophomores starting this year, Cook managed to go 28-4, win the region, and made it to the FINAL FOUR. Cook returns 8 of their 9 starters, and look to be loaded for a title run the next two years. Great job, 28-6 aint bad at all for a rebuilding year. Hands down, the best team in south Georgia this year in AA ball.

By SEC 123

May 28, 2008 1:27 AM | Link to this

Here we go Griffin Bears!!! Beat Loganville!!!

By BEARMAN

May 28, 2008 4:16 AM | Link to this

GRIFFIN #1, BEAR FANS ARE PROUD OF THE PLAYERS AND COACH CASSIDY AND COACH SAL. I LIKE OUR CHANCES AND WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR STUDENT BODY[KIDS]. NOT THE ROBO COPS WALKING AROUND TRYING TO PUSH HIS AUTHORITY. LET THE FANS CHEER AND BLOW THE HORNS,SAT ON THE TRUCKS AS LONG AS THEY BEHAVE THEMSELVES. WE DON’T GET STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS PLAYED IN GRIFFIN EVERY YEAR. WE NEED BIG SUPPORT FROM THE GRIFFIN COMMUNITY. GO BEARS!!!!!!!

By ebdawg

May 28, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

“Covering baseball all over Georgia”… Not even close!!! Cartersville is 45 minutes north of Atlanta and it’s like we are in a different state. No mention of the sweep of South Effingham, or the seven HR’s in two games… If it wasn’t for the blogs from fans or the fact that we beat Columbus,there would be no mention at all of the Purple Hurricanes. What a shame that the “State” is not covered… unless you consider the “State” the official Metro Atlanta area. Going for their 4th state title in this decade you would think the AJC would at least make mention of this great baseball program. What a waste of cyber space!!

By Coates

May 28, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

I am glad to see some others calling this “great paper” out for the continued disrespect to Cartersville. Not to disrespect but you got Single A games getting big articles over AAAA and AAA. Many on GAVSV from C-ville voice the dislike of the dissing. I mean they cover teams way farther away than Cartersville and that’s why I have a problem. For me it goes back to 04 when I knew then their harboring a grudge against the Canes when there was not 1 mention of them the week prior to the title game. This was the first time a team had the cnance to play for 4 straight in over 50 years. I guess were a little to close for comfort, one day the Canes will be playing their beloved ATL schools and I like our chances.

By Coates

May 28, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

To be fair it is mentioned just have to look really hard ebdawg. They did cover Cartersville in football Allen’s senior year pretty well. Then you have last year tho when the Canes started the year 1 of 3 GA teams ranked nationally but left off the 10 teams to look out for list. When it was called to the man’s attention his reaction was like he was hearing about Cartersville for the first time. Don’t get us wrong were not looking to be in there every week first thing you see when you pick up the paper. But when you have many people of a number of years now noticing the lack of interest from the AJC while it goes out of it’s way to get schools from farther away, it’s not cool.

By What?

May 28, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Why would the AJC have a “grudge” against Cartersville - or any other high school for that matter? Get a grip!

By Who?

May 28, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Well since your so knowledgable, go to Cartersville yourself and ask around pal.

By Greg

May 28, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Kurt,

What!!?? Did you quote Walton HS coach Shane Amos correctly? Valdosta, GA is one of nastiest, meanest places he’d ever played? Naw, say it ain’t so, coach.

Now for NASTY AND MEAN, you should see Lowndes play Valdosta, Coach Amos. Now, that’s when it starts getting nasty and mean (and that’s just the cheerleaders eyeballin’ each other). Your game was like a debutante’s ball.

Why do you think they call it “Winnersville”, coach?

By ebdawg

May 28, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Yes they covered Lyle and have covered football… but I am referring specifically to baseball. I don’t think it’s a “grudge”… I think it’s just lousy coverage. Whatever is easy.. Whatever can be posted at 10:30am…. 10:30am??? Are you kiddin’ me!! Just plain lazy!!! The AJC needs to find someone who cares to cover HS baseball. Obvioulsy these guys don’t. Oh, and by the way Coates.. did you see the article on the “Top 50 HS Football programs for NOW”…?? No mention of Cartersville… Call it what you will, but like I said, it’s like we live in another state.

By Response To Greg

May 28, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Re: “Why do you think they call it “Winnersville”, coach?” I don’t think Valdosta was calling it Winnersville after losing 2 of 3 to Walton. Wow, Valdosta never left home during the play-offs, played a couple of weak-sisters and still can’t make it to the finals (without buying a ticket). Yeap, that’s definitely a Winnersville tradition.

By steve

May 28, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

ebdawg:

Yes, it’s true, you DO live in another state: it’s called “Delusion”.

The Hurricanes ARE one of the best ib AAA baseball this year, that much is undeniable. But there are a lot of other good teams in GA that don’t get banner coverage, and it’s not limited to just baseball.

As for not being included in the AJC’s Top 50 list, so what?? There are how many football programs in the state, 200-plus? cartersville had had good seasons and playoff runs, but how many titles hang in the school hallway from the past 10 years or so> When the Hurricanes can dominate their classification like Northside WR and Lincoln County do in AAAA and A, respectively, or like Buford and Charlton have done in AA, THEN come back and whine about being left out.

By Carl Hubbell

May 28, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Response To Greg

If you’ve ever played high school sports in this certain Georgia town you’d know what Greg’s talking about. It’s not always lollipops and ponies - players get used to the “adverse atmosphere.” Coach Amos’ comments usually come from a somewhat naive coach - which coach Amos’ surely is not. I’m certaub Walton will do well in the finals against Brookwood.

And that last comment about “buying tickets” kinda of sounds like Walton in the football season (snort).

By Coates

May 28, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

O.K. Let’s get one thing straight I am on your side. I was just trying to cover ourselves on the things the paper has said. I really don’t care about the List but I do care when the Canes are there at the end and the AJC looks over them for someone even farther away from the ATL. Like they just made it there by luck. From a fairweather fans point the Canes along with Griffen who has Georgia’s best senior and Loganville just snuck into the Title Game.

By Coates

May 28, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

Steve it’s not like us two are saying the Hurricanes are the only good team in GA. We are saying the only good teams exclusively put on the short end of reporting is the Hurricanes. If there is anyone who visits www.gavsv.com you will see there are plenty of Canes fans who feel they are routinely left out of the big picture. I have bought the AJC for a week now and the only thing about the Canes is the scores to the game. For a team that hit 7 HR’s one that the 3rd overall junior in the country beamed the light fixture 50 feet above the fence at C-ville hit you would think the AJC could sell some paper with that. Plenty of talent across Georgia no doubt but when it comes to covering baseball the AJC is behind. My last statement is this from 01 to 03 the Canes didn’t drop a playoff game. 02 had 88 homeruns a state record were they in the AJC no. All we are saying is that usually teams with that kind of clout get in the AJC.

By ebdawg

May 28, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Hey Steve…. There are 5 classifications… 2 teams left in each… that makes 10 teams… How hard is it to cover them all. We are not asking for headlines… just some better coverage…. as far as football goes… I know all about Charlton county.. while in AA the Canes played them several times, and even beat them. I understand what it is to dominate a classification. Look up the numbers, and you will see what I am saying. Top 10, no. Top 20, no. But top 50… without a doubt. One note about that blog.. the guys who wrote it and posted the list.. came back later and agreed with me. Now excuse me while I go back to Cartersville.. it’s in the state of delusion.

By Hmmmm!

May 28, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

Too: By Response to Greg Maybe it is too bad Walton didn’t send its baseball team to play N. Gwinnett in the dome for football. You definitely could of used some of that pitching on your football teams defense. What was that score again?

By Derrick Mahone

May 28, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

Under Class AAA you will see a write up on the Cartersville vs. South Effingham game. All five of the state championship games this weekend will be staffed.

By Coates

May 28, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

One last thing: Cartersville is still to this day the only public school to have won the Directors Cup and they did it 2 times in either A or AA. Even then was there anything nope, 6 years neither A or AA has had a public school win a directors cup. I rest my peace. GO MIGHTY HURRICANES!!!!!!!!!!

By dooder

May 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

you rest your peace? well thank god for that.

By bill

May 28, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

For everyone complaining about their baseball team not getting appropriate coverage….

NO HS baseball team gets appropriate coverage by the AJC. Yes, the big named metro schools get most of the coverage, but given the talent in this state, no one gets the coverage. Just look at the HS front page, it’s all football. In the quarterfinals, we could barely get scores, but you could read a 2 page article about some kid going to “long snapper camp”. I thought it was a joke until I read part of the story to see that there really is a “long snapper camp” and actually rank long snappers, nationally. If football produced talent on a national level that was on par with baseball (~10 national top 100 prospects to football’s 2), we’d have football 24/7/365.

By Yo

May 28, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Congrats to Walton. Now, let’s keep that baseball title in Cobb County and Region 6 for another year.

By Greg

May 28, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

I agree with bill.

Baseball doesn’t get the level of coverage that football does. But if you look at the stands in your typical HS baseball game vs. your typical HS football game you can probably guess why.

STILL, I’d certainly appreciate more coverage of these HS baseball teams and atheletes.

By SCHS Indian '94

May 28, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

Congratulations to Stephens County for making it to the state championship series for the first time in 35 years and to Ethan Martin for being recognized as the Gatorade state player of the year! As a former Indian player myself, it thrills me to see my alma mater returning to prominence in AAA. I no longer live in Toccoa, but my parents still do and have told me that this team has really energized the town with a tremendous outpouring of support from the fans. The parents and coaches of these kids from tee ball through high school deserve a lot of credit for teaching and supporting them to prepare them for this ultimate goal. Guys I have enjoyed reliving my baseball glory days from 15-20 years ago through you this season, so let’s bring the state championship back to Stephens County by destroying those Cartersville Purple Hurricanes!

By zellner's mom

May 28, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

As a mom of a former Loganville youth player, i can sure believe this! WAY TO GO YOUNG MEN! my son played for years with these boys, until moving away with his father to Sequayah. I can say, i knew this group of guys would make it all the way. Next year should be just as good, if not better! Miss me some baseball, as we are a 100% dedicated Grayson football player now, lol.

By Red Devil Fan

May 28, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this

To coates- Obviously you’ve never seen the Red Devils play!!! Just because your team didn’t make it all the way, don’t knock another. Loganville beat Rome, then traveled to Augusta to beat the GREAT GREENBRIAR 3 games out of 4 to go onto the Final 4. Salem is a great team and had fought their way to the Final 4 also and Loganville came out on top. We’ve been underdogs all the way and rose to the top of the pile. Whatever happens in Griffin, we are all proud of our Devils.

GO LOGANVILLE!!!!

By AJC Sports

May 29, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

bill - In looking at the daily proof printouts of the online HS index page and since May 12, we’ve given HS baseball the main centerpiece/photo-headline area without exception. Hopefully, you’re not confusing the HS index with the Recruiting index. They’re markedly different in style and content focus.

We’re always trying to cover as many games as we can with severely limited resources and we’re fine with constructive criticism but the fact is, we’ve spotlighted baseball as a priority on the HS front during playoffs in our central area while continuing to offer football coverage, recruiting updates and other prep sports news for our audience that isn’t necessarily as baseball-focused.

The ajc.com staff continues working to make this website as reader-friendly as possible and we welcome your comments. Please continue helping us make ajc.com/hs a great resource for high school sports news with your feedback. Thanks. - Eds.

By JB

May 29, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Can we move on and talk about the games this weekend? Save your compalining for the letters to the editor - don’t waste celebrating the accomplishments of the teams still playing this Friday and the ones that have played so hard all season. Love the game, not the press coverage.

Go Lovett!

By GHSBRAT83

May 29, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Congrats GHS BEARS!!!!!! All coaches & fans, we haven’t been here since ‘80 & ‘81. All team mates, are great, you have made it!!! Look forward to celebrating Friday, looks like another full house at the BEARS DEN!!! GO BEARS, congrats!!! Love Yall!!!

By azcat225

May 29, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Coach Amos’s comment about the atmosphere down in Valdosta may have arisen from the fact that a Valdosta fan was ejected from the park for using obscenities. I doubt that happens very often. No mention of that in the AJC’s or the Valdosta paper’s coverage.