Barnwell Tunes Up For the AA Softball Playoffs With 3-1 Win Over Class A Contender Branchville On April, 26

Ashley Ridge, Lexington to begin best-of-3 state title series on Thursday

2-run single by Lions' Miller difference in game

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Hanahan — One year after being swept in the AAA state baseball championship series against Clinton , Hanahan (30-3) knew it would be important to win game one of the championship series against Powdersville at home on May, 20 and the Hawks defeated the visitors 9-5. Game two now shifts to “home fan” friendly Powdersville on Wednesday, where the Hawks hope to have a sweep of their own after a hard-fought 5-4 loss in game two last season against Clinton. “The first game is very important and we know this from our experience last year,” said Hanahan High head coach Skylar Hunter who played on two Hanahan teams who lost state championship games after losing game one games. “Winning game one is massive. We know first hand about having our backs against the wall with Clinton last year after losing game one. “Now their backs are against the wall,” said Coach Hunter. “With the amount of pressure, we put on teams on the base paths, and in the batter’s box, I like our chances of plating well again in game two. However, Powdersville is a very good team and they will respond. They will be ready for us at home on Wednesday and we expect an electric atmosphere.” Hanahan pounded out 10 hits, scored 9 runs, and only committed one error in the win on Monday. The Hawks were led at the plate by RF Landon Gomes , who went 3-for-4 at the plate along with second baseman Jacob Bunting who went 2-of-4 with two RBI’s. catcher Hudson Sprovero had a hit and three RBI’s and left-fielder Joe Furse was 2-of-4 with an RBI. “We had a lot of quality at-bats tonight starting with sophomore catcher Hudson Sprovero who had two Sac fly’s and drove in a couple runs with a double during the game,” said Coach Hunter. “ Landon Gomes had two doubles in the game, and Joe Furse hit a ball off the wall early in the game to score a run. It was just a bunch of guys putting the barrel on the ball today.” Highly regraded Hanahan sophomore center fielder Sterling Coaxum , a lead-off batter, had a hit and covered a lot of ground in the outfield with his 6.4 speed. Coaxum is a Clemson commitment who earned the Coaches Association AAA Player of the Year honors this season. He came into the first game batting .468 with 10 home runs and 30 stolen bases to his credit. He is considered by many to be the top sophomore player in South Carolina. “I will be honest with you, he might not ever play for Clemson because he could be a high draft choice if he keeps playing like he has for us the past two seasons,” said Coach Hunter. “He’s a special player for sure.” Coach Hunter said the message to his players stays the same. “We want our players to stay relaxed and stay composed with focus,” said Coach Hunter. “We know Powdersville will be ready to give us all they have on Wednesday.” Gabe Dotterweich was the starting pitcher for the Hawks working five innings, giving up six hits, and three earned runs. Porter Sprovero relieved Dotterweich in the top of the 6 th and he worked 1.2 innings allowing no hits and two runs. Riley Ballard came in with two outs in the top of the 7th and forced a pop up for the game ending out. Powdersville scored five runs on six hits and they made two errors. First baseman Braden Williams led the Patriots hit going 3-of-3 with two RBI’s including a third inning home run. Starting pitcher Landon Fowler smashed a home run in three at bats. Center fielder Cotes Reid had a hit and also scored a run. Designated hitter Eli Hudgins also had a hit for the Patriots. After the game Powdersville head coach Wade Padgett , told the HSSR, “We knew they hit the ball well, and you do not win 29 to 30 games if you do not hit well,” said Coach Padgett. “Give them credit they got the hits when they needed them and they came up with some good plays on defense so give them credit for playing well against us. “We didn’t get the result we were looking for in coming down here,” said Coach Padgett. “In that last inning I was proud of how our kids fought for every out and that has been our ammo all season. We are looking forward to getting our chances at home on Wednesday. We will get back to work tomorrow, fix a few things, and hopefully be ready to go on Wednesday. “We have a great community and we expect a huge home crowd behind us on Wednesday,” said Coach Padgett. “At this point we hope the series goes to a third game. If it does, we would play at a neutral site this Saturday but we have to win on Wednesday to have a third game opportunity. We have some work to do before Wednesday.” Powdersville is expected to start veteran Blane Jordan on Wednesday. Hanahan will start Riley Ballard who pitched to one batter on Monday.  Photos Courtesy of Cyril Samonte

James Island - James Islan d junior third baseman Jake Amman blasted two homers to lead the Trojans to a 5-4 win over Laurens in game one of the Class AAAA state championship series. The best-of-three format moves to Laurens for game two on Wednesday. Amman’s first homer, a two-run shot to left, came in the first inning and put the Trojans up by 3-2. After Laurens tied the game at three, Amman hit another two-run bomb, this one to right center, to give James Island a 5-3 lead. “We showed some nerves early on, which is expected with the atmosphere we had tonight,” James Island coach Matt Spivey said. “We settled down and played well after the first inning. We got the jitters out and played the way we are capable of playing. Jake’s homeruns were big hits and Collin pitched really well.” Laurens scored a pair of runs in the top of the first inning, using two errors to their benefit early. “First pitch fastball in and I just attacked it,” Amman said of his first inning homerun. “It felt good to be able to contribute and I think it helped all of us just calm down and play.” Junior left-hander Collin Anderson went six innings to get the win on the mound. Anderson allowed just three hits and one earned run and did not allow a hit after the second inning. “I knew my guys would back me up and score some runs,” Anderson said. “I just focused on competing and doing my job.” Laurens made things interesting in the top of the seventh, loading the bases after scoring a run on a wild pitch. With the score 5-4, the game ended on a ground ball fielder’s choice at second. “It’s good to get the first one, especially at home,” Spivey said. “The pressure is on those guys (Laurens) now. I think we’re settled in mentally. I think we will be ready on Wednesday.”

Blazers claim first state title since 2006

By Billy G. Baker Publisher Hopkins —The Gray Collegiate War Eagles edged out tradition rich Bishop England (75-72) and 30 other AA girl’s track teams, to earn the school’s first SCHSL Track & Field state championship hosted by Lower Richland High School on May, 18. The next 10 teams in the AA girl’s finals were: Fairfield Central (59), Oceanside Collegiate (50), Woodland (48), Hampton County (42), Greer Middle College (38.5) Landrum (36) Mid-Carolina (34.5), Academic Magnet (28), Keenan (24), and Marion (23). Bishop England, coached by Tony Colizzi , had been seeking their 14th state title. Gray Collegiate, won the state title with just 9 state qualifiers. The Griffins are coached by former Orangeburg-Wilkinson and Clemson track athlete Jackie Robinson . “The good thing is that we won as a team, and it was not just from one person,” said Coach Robinson. “It was everybody collectively, and all season long these ladies have sacrificed, and they did not complain while putting in the work. They came to work every practice and it paid off for them today. “To win a state championship it takes a lot of hard work and dedication and you have to put in the hours,” said Coach Robinson. “You have to be disciplined and true to your focus of self-improvement. Getting involved in year-round track programs certainly helps you to become better. Track has become a year-round sport now, and it takes a lot of hard work “I knew coming in we had a chance but only if we had several PR’s in a few events and it trusted each other to do our very best,” said Coach Robinson. “Winning a championship with only 9 state qualifiers is a testament to those young ladies. We have a lot of quality, but not quantity, on both our teams at Gray.” The War Eagles took three first place finishers in individual events from Tresta Miller in the 400 meters (58.33), Aubrey Guy in the 100-meter hurdles (15.42) and Tamara Steward in the 400-meter hurdles (1:05.00). Miller picked up two second place finishes for GC in the 100-meters (12.04) and the long jump (5.51m) producing 16 additional points for her team. Guy was third in the 400-hurdles ((1:08.60) and Steward was 5 th in the long jump (5.02m). Zaria Gaines contributed points in the 100-meters (12,57) and in the 200-meters (26,27) with a 7 th and 8 th place finish respectively. GC placed second in both the 4x100 (48.98) and the 4X100 Relay (3:27.82) to earn 16 total points. The 4X100 was ran by Steward, Gaines, Taylor Jones and Guy. The 4X400 was run by Steward, Amariah Gonzalez , Taylor Jones and Gaines. While Gray and BE competed back-and-forth throughout the even, Fairfield Central senior Sharmelle Holmes was dominating the competition once again, with three individual gold medals and another gold medal as a participant on the winning 4X100 relay. Holmes set a new state record in the 100-meters (11.45). when she ran the anchor leg. Holmes, She was first in the 200-meters (23.57) and took gold in the long jump (19-02.75). Holmes has signed to run track at Kentucky . She produced 32.5 points for her team and is the leading candidate for the 2024 HSSR-SCHSL Miss Track awards in South Carolina. After the majority of the gold medal winners left their moment of honor, on the victory podium at the meet, the HSSR asked them to share how they were able to beat the field in the respective event. Holmes was among the most enthusiastic performers interviewed. “This is the second year that I have won four gold medals and it makes all the hard work worthwhile,” said Holmes. “I participated in four individual events last year and this year I traded out the 100-hurdles to run anchor on the 4X100 relay. It’s a woo-woo moment for me with the state record! “I had hoped to set a state record but I will tell everybody who competed with me that it takes hard work to win gold medals at a state track meet,” said Holmes. “I am really grateful to God for all of my success. I am excited to be going on to the University of Kentucky. Go Wildcats!!” Tresta Miller (Gray Collegiate-junior) won the 400-meters (58.33 and she has a 57.01 personal best earlier this season) and she told the HSSR , “My goal is just to take off fast, maintain a steady speed, and leave something in the tank for a strong kick down the stretch,” she said. “Next year my goal is winning the 200 and the 400 and I hope to run a 55 flat in the 400 next seasons.” Freshman Aubrey Gray of Gray Collegiate won the 100-meter hurdles (15.42). “I would love to set a state record in the 100-hurdles by my senior year,” she said. “I also want to also be a double winner with a win the 400 hurdles in the future.” Batesburg Leesville’s sophomore Ja’Quan Corley won gold in the discus with a personal best of (157.01.75). “I would love to get a track scholarship by my senior year,” said Corley. “My technique is to always turn my left foot and get across the circle.” Oceanside Collegiate senior Joyce Siobhan was a double winner in the 1600-meters (4:59.03) and in the 3200 (11:06.09). She was proud of finally running a sub-five-minute 1600 that had been her goal all season. She will be running track at South Carolina next year. “My strategy is to stay near the front of the pack in either race and then kick it hard at the end,” said . “At South Carolina I will be more of a 5-K runner in cross country.” Oceanside Collegiate junior Kailen Kramer won the pole vault (3.80m). “My winning jump was 12’ 6” and I missed at my personal best attempt at 13’ 1”,” said Kramer. “My technique is not to slow down on my last few steps down the lane and hitting it hard, dropping my shoulders back and shooting for the sky ,” she said. “My goal is 14’ at the state meet next year and I would love to compete in college.” Senior Sinead Joyce of Oceanside Collegiate won the 800-meters (2:18.19) for the second year in a row. “I usually start out not super conservative but at a steady pace, but today I probably started out a little too fast,” she said. “I will be running at South Carolina next season. My goal is to respond to good college coaching and keep improving.” The AA girl’s shot put (10.77m) was won by Eau Claire junior Sytiria Bethel . “If feels great to see all the all- hard work pay off,” she said. “My goal by next year is 38 feet. My technique is using the power throw. I never change my technique.” Senior Sydney Price of Landrum won the Javelin toss (15.66m) for the third year in a row at the AA meet. “I have improved every year but today I threw around 128 feet and my personal best is 134,” said Price. “Everybody thinks it is your arm in throwing the Javelin but it really more the use of your hips and legs,” said Price. “Getting a good block and then throwing your hips into it is very important.” Price has actually signed to play softball at North Greenville College . She is a middle infielder with 30 career home runs. Keenan High senior Lauren Hannibal won the triple jump (11.02m). “I hit the board just right today on my final spring and I knew it was going to be among my best jumps ever and it was,” said Hannibal. “It feels great to go out with a gold medal my senior year.”

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