Bamberg-Ehrhardt ends spring with a state championship
By Neill Kirkpatrick
Special to the HSSR
Bamberg – On the diamond the Bamberg-Ehrhardt Red Raiders ended up in their usual place as both the baseball and softball teams won the region 4A title and advance into district play meanwhile the Women’s track and field team ended Whale Branch’s three year hold on the class A state title by defeating Dixie 96-92.
The class A meet came down to the final event of the meet the 4x400 relay. The Red Raiders trailed the Hornets 92-90 when the gun sounded and when the race ended they finished in third for a bronze medal but more importantly it gave them six points for the 96-92 win. See page 23 for more on the Red Raiders state championship.
The baseball team played a tough schedule with two state champions among their games in Batesburg-Leesville (AA) and Orangeburg Prep (SCISA AAA). They were awarded the top seed in the district eight tournament drawing a first round bye. They beat rival Branchville 3-2 in 10 innings to advance to the district final where they lost to Johnsonville 5-2.
Senior Weston Stokes was the leader of the team. He was named to the class A all-state team for the second consecutive year and all region for the third consecutive year. He was the ace of the staff and teamed with senior catcher Brent Amaker to form one of the best duos in class A.
“We were a young team heading into the year but to have two seniors like Weston and Brent we knew leadership was not going to an issue,” said head coach Gene Schwarting.
Coach said, “We started slow but got better as the season went on and the young guys gained valuable experience. I’m excited for the future.”
The Red Raiders will return the bulk of their pitching staff in Dakota Black, Cooper Sandifer, Tripp Brewer, Chase Collins, Nasir Singleton, and Davis Ehrhardt. This team will be on of the favorites in the lower state next season.
The Ladies of the Diamond had a good year under long-time head coach Robert Williams winning the region championship and getting the top seed in the district eight tournament. They won their first two games to advance to the finals. The faced class A power Lake View. The Wild Gators were able to win both games to win the district eight title.
The Red Raiders were led by junior pitcher Maddie Hutto. She was named to the class A all-state team by the SCCAWS. She is the 13th ranked junior by the HSSR. She throws in the mid- 60’s.
