Hawks soaring as end of regular season nears

Hawks soaring as end of regular season nears

By Rob Gantt

Special to The HSSR

 HANAHAN - The Hanahan Hawks have their sights set on another deep playoff run in baseball.

The Hawks, who played for the Class 3A state title two years in a row, improved to 12-5 this spring with a 10-2 victory over Philip Simmons April 10.

“We’re finding our way,” HHS coach Skylar Hunter said. “I knew how young we were going into the season. I knew the schedule early on was a gauntlet. It’s paying off for us. We’re playing our best baseball... We’re hoping to keep this train rolling. We’ve got a chance to make a little noise.”

The win over Philip Simmons was the fourth straight for the Hawks. Hanahan catcher Hudson Sprovero blasted a three-run home run and third baseman Wyatt Muirheid cranked a two-run shot for his first varsity homer. Sprovero also scored three runs and outfielder Nolyn Nickels drove in two runs.

Hanahan starter Chris Polm struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, to earn the win on the bump.



On the season, leadoff hitter Joe Furse, an outfielder, and infielder Bo Brabham have been setting the table nicely for Sprovero in the third spot.

Hanahan’s No. 1 starter Riley Ballard, a Citadel signee, has a broken finger on his non-pitching hand and could miss the remainder of the regular season. Polm has shown he can hold his own on the mound, as has eighth-grade southpaw Nickels. Nickels just beat 5A Ashley Ridge April 3, going 4.2 innings with eight strikeouts.

Muirheid, Sprovero, and Gunnar Haulbrooks are the other arms behind Ballard.

The Hawks compete in the Hanahan Invitational Tournament April 14-17 before taking on Oceanside Collegiate April 22 and April 25. The Hawks host the second game of the series, which could determine the region champion.

The Hawks cap the regular season Tuesday, April 29 at Philip Simmons and with a non-region game at home versus Academic Magnet Friday, May 2.