Every team in Class AAAAA that is north of coastal Camden County (14-3) has lost at least five games this season, but if a leading contender is emerging among the parity, it’s Parkview.
After a 3-5 start, the Panthers (14-5 overall, 9-0 in Region 8-AAAAA) have won 11 consecutive games. Five of the victories have been blowouts of at least 10-run margins, although they had to survive a 16-13 shootout with Dacula on Monday.
Parkview held the No. 1 ranking for much of last spring with a young lineup that produced a 25-5 record, but a second-round playoff exit. The current team returned seven starters, led by junior pitcher/first baseman Matt Olson, who has made junior All-America teams.
Late heroics punctuate Lassiter’s run
With six 2010 starters now playing in college, Lassiter largely is rebuilt after reaching the AAAAA final, but is tied with Etowah for first in 5-AAAAA. Both teams have 14-6 overall and 5-1 region records. Lassiter came from 2-0 down in the final inning to defeat Etowah 8-2 on Wednesday. Andy Rief and Wes Burns each hit two-run homers in Lassiter’s six-run eighth inning. Lassiter has won three of its past four games in its final at-bat. Earlier this month, Lassiter trailed South Gwinnett 5-0 in the bottom of the sixth and won 6-5 on Burns’ walk-off single.
Centennial powers up in 6-AAAAA
After suffering through a 12-14 season with a young team last year, Centennial (14-5, 4-1) is leading 6-AAAAA after a 4-3 victory in eight innings over Alpharetta (10-9, 4-2) this week. Centennial’s calling card has been the long ball. The Knights have hit 24 home runs and average 7.8 runs in 19 games. Ten players have hit at least one homer. Clemson-bound shortstop Jay Baum (.550, 5 HRs, 25 RBIs) and first baseman Patrick Sammons (.452, 7 HRs, 26 RBIs) lead the way. Sean Mueller (5-0, 2.96) has been the top pitcher.
Luella wins 2-AAAAA showdown
Luella was a surprise AAAAA semifinal team in 2010, returned seven starters and figured to be a leading state contender this year. There’s been no disappointment as the Lions (14-4, 7-1) are leading Region 2-AAAAA. Chase Scott, a preseason All-American, hit the game-winning home run in a 7-6 victory this week over East Coweta (12-5, 6-3). Scott (.397, 6 HRs, 16 RBIs), shortstop Julius Gaines (.378), a pro prospect, and outfielder Vincent Jackson (.400) have been the top hitters as returning starters, but a key to the team’s success has been the work of junior pitcher Matt Kelly (5-0, 0.24 ERA), who is new to the rotation.
No lead is safe
Etowah defeated Hillgrove 17-16 last week in an amazing game of comebacks between teams leading their AAAAA regions and ranked in the state’s top 10. Etowah trailed 10-0, took a 15-11 lead, fell behind 16-15, then scored two runs in the top of the seventh and final inning to win. Chris Vermilya was 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBIs, and Cameron Sperry was 3-for-4 with three runs scored.
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