Page 16 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Special Supplement to the Daily Mountain Eagle SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017

Transcription

1 Page 16 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, PEAT S Special Supplement to the Daily Mountain Eagle SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017

2 Page 2 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, SCS seniors earn third championship This was supposed to be Sumiton Christian s softball season. With five seniors on the roster, including two of the most decorated players to ever come through the state in Kendall Beth Sides and Jenna Says Me Ergle, the Eagles were going to walk through the State Softball Tournament. It was a given. After all, Sumiton Christian had By Johnathan Bentley beaten the likes of Tuscaloosa County, Northside (the eventual 4A state champ) and Springville (the eventual 5A champ), what hope did 1A teams really have at Lagoon Park? Funny how one bad inning can change the direction of an entire season, but that s exactly what happened. Pleasant Home took advantage of that bad inning, pulling off the biggest upset of this year s state tournament knocking the Eagles to the elimination bracket in the process with a 6-5 loss. Maybe this wasn t going to be Sumiton Christian s season after all. With no room for error, the numbers were not on Sumiton Christian s side heading into Day 2 of the double-elimination tournament. The most important number? Five the number of consecutive games the Eagles had to win in one day to earn the title. Another key number? 100 the temperature reading in my car (my car was parked directly in the sunlight so it wasn t 100 degrees, but let s be clear, it was very hot). Sumiton Christian started day 2 with a rout of Ragland. Wins over Spring Garden and Pleasant Home in a bit of revenge from the previous day followed. While the Eagles battled their way through the loser s bracket, Brantley waited patiently, knowing Sumiton Christian would have to beat them twice if they wanted to take home the championship trophy with the blue map. Top-ranked Brantley had to be confident. Heading into the first game against Sumiton Christian, the Bulldogs hadn t allowed a run since the final game of the regular season, outscoring area, regional and state competition a staggering 82-0 while going a perfect 8-0. What the Bulldogs didn t know is that the Eagles had only gotten better as the day went on. The offense had found its groove. After another in a series of short turnarounds after their third straight win, the Eagles finally got to the championship series. Brantley-Sumiton Christian was the matchup I had wanted to see all season. Not only was it No. 1 vs. No. 2, but the matchup also pitted a pair of state champions against each other. Brantley had won three straight 1A titles while the Eagles had won back-to-back 2A championships. Something had to give. Sumiton Christian held a slim 4-2 lead over Brantley in the sixth inning of their first meeting when eventual state Most Outstanding Player Taylor Whisonant belted a grand slam that sealed the 9-3 victory and forced one final game for the championship. In what turned out to be the game of the tournament at least in my opinion Brantley grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning of the championship game only to see Sumiton Christian respond for six unanswered runs for a 6-2 lead. Just as it seemed the Eagles were AP Photo Sumiton Christian pitcher Kamree Lay won six games in the circle during the State Softball Tournament. going to win the game in a runaway, the Bulldogs struck for six runs in the top of the fifth inning, taking an 8-6 lead. But the Eagles weren t done. With only six outs standing between Brantley and a championship, Sumiton Christian put together one last rally, striking for three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. Savanah Langston cut the gap to a single run, scoring on an error and Angel Whitlow came away the hero, driving in two runs with the biggest hit of her career, a single for the 9-8 lead. Lay shut down Brantley in the top of the seventh with fellow senior Bice catching the final out, leading to a pile of elated Eagles in the outfield. I really believe that had Brantley scored four runs in the top of the seventh, Sumiton Christian would have found a way to win the game with four runs of its own. While the tournament may not have been the walkthrough I thought it was going to be, the run through the loser s bracket was an even better example of what made this team so hard to beat. Sumiton Christian s players knew they (205) GRILL had to win five games in a row so that s exactly what they did. The Eagles didn t play their best in Montgomery not even close but they found a way to get that blue trophy. Sumiton Christian scored 18 runs in two games against Brantley, a team that had allowed a total of 17 runs over their previous 33 games dating back to March. Before playing Sumiton Christian, the Bulldogs hadn t allowed more than six runs in a game this season. Brantley finished the season with a 52-5 record, and that s after losing its last two games. Sumiton Christian s thrilling victory was the perfect send off for seniors Abbey Bice, Jenna Ergle, Savanah Langston, Kamree Lay and Kendall Beth Sides. During the Eagles threeyear run as state champs, the team was Not bad. Much like Curry High School s championship team from last year, that earned two championships, this season marked an end of an era for Sumiton Christian and what a way to end it. 581 Highway 78 - Sumiton, AL (205) Mon.-Wed. 10:30 am to 9 pm Sat. 11:00 am to 9:30 pm $ 5 00 OFF Locally Owned & Operated by the Pedraza Family Thur.-Fri. 10:30 am to 9:30 pm Sun: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Minimum $25 Purchase Excludes Thursdays. One coupon per table, per visit. With coupon only. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 7/15/17 HTV

3 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 3 Sumiton Christian Eagles season results (57-9) Date Opponent W/L Score Record 3/3 vs. Bob Jones W /3 vs. Thompson W /3 vs. Fayette County W /4 vs. Tuscaloosa Co. W /4 vs. Chelsea L /5 at Hoover W /9 Northside W /13 Jefferson Chr. W /14 Vestavia Hills L /16 at Cordova W /20 vs. Hackleburg W /20 vs. Magnet Cove (Ark.) W /21 vs. De Queen (Ark.) W /21 vs. Central-Phenix City W /22 vs. Cordova W /22 vs. Bryant (Ark.) W /22 vs. Prattville W /22 vs. Fairhope W /29 at Walker W /31 vs. Hewitt-Trussville W /31 vs. Springville W /1 vs. Huntsville W /1 vs. Curry W /1 vs. Lamar County L /1 vs. Springville W /3 Shades Mountain Chr. W /4 at Helena L /6 at Vestavia Hills W /7 vs. James Clemens L /7 vs. Mercy (Kent.) W /8 vs. Wilson-Central (Tenn.) W /8 vs. Brookwood W /8 vs. Baker L /8 vs. Madisonville-North W /10 Walker W /11 at Shades Mtn. Chr. W /13 at Jefferson Chr. W /14 vs. Carbon Hill W /14 vs. Oakman W /15 vs. Carbon Hill W /15 vs. Tuscaloosa County W /15 vs. Vestavia Hills W /18 Cordova W /20 at Northside W /21 vs. Athens W /21 vs. Huntsville L /24 Spain Park L /25 Helena W /27 vs. Hoover W /28 vs. Hatton W /28 vs. Brookwood W /29 vs. Demopolis W /29 vs. Northside W /29 vs. Northside W Class 1A, Area 8 Tournament 5/3 Shades Mtn. Chr. W /3 Jefferson Chr. W South-Central Regional Tournament 5/12 Victory Christian W /12 Maplesville W /13 Ragland W State Tournament 5/18 Marion County W /18 Pleasant Home L /19 Ragland W /19 Spring Garden W /19 Pleasant Home W /19 Ragland W /19 Ragland W Bell Funeral Home SUMITON, AL 510 MAIN STREET SUMITON, AL (205) FORESTDALE, AL 2077 PRATT HIGHWAY BIRMINGHAM, AL (205) Congratulations to all the SCS Lady Eagles fans. You have the best team with the best coaching, making all of us proud to be a home town fan!

4 Page 4 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28,

5 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 5

6 Page 6 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Sumiton Christian Statistics Hitting Player AB Hits R RBI 2B 3B HR SB Avg Savanah Langston Kendall Beth Sides Jenna Ergle Taylor Whisonant Anna Kate Tyree Abbey Bice Amber Hayes Kamree Lay Angel Whitlow Anna Calloway Kaley McCrary Zana Aderholt Lindsey Holloway Lilly Stone Addyson Russell Season Totals Pitching Player IP H R ER BB K W-L-S ERA Kamree Lay Anna Calloway Jenna Ergle Kendall Sides Season Totals Sumiton Christian pitcher Kamree Lay, left, high fives catches Jenna Ergle as they come off the field between innings during a win over Walker this season. Lay and Ergle were two of five seniors on this year s team along with Abbey Bice, Savanah Langston and Kendall Beth Sides. CONGRATULATIONS Sumiton Christian Lady Eagle Softball Team family-owned and family-operated Living Room Dining Room Bedroom Entertainment Home Office Mattresses Accessories Appliances Sharon Blvd. in Dora (205)

7 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 7

8 Page 8 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 9

9 Page 8 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 9

10 Page 10 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Sumiton Christian rolls through regional By W. BRIAN HALE Eagle Sports Writer TROY Another hurdle for the Sumiton Christian Eagles bid for a third-straight state title has been cleared and another championship plaque w as earned to add to an already historic season. The Eagles capped off an impressive campaign in the South-Central Regional Tournament at the Troy Sportsplex with a 10-0, five-inning victory over the Ragland Purple Devils completing a three-game sweep of their tournament competition by a combined score of Kamree Lay won all three games in the circle, allowing one hit and striking out 39 in 15 innings. Sumiton Christian 10, Ragland 0 (5 innings) Kendall Beth Sides hit a three-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the fifth inning to clinch a 10-0 victory over Ragland and secure both the region title and top qualifier spot. Lay pitched five innings in the shutout win, giving up a hit and striking out 13 batters. At the plate, Savanah Langston went 2 for 2 with two runs scored, two RBIs and two stolen bases, Sides was 2 for 3 with two runs scored, four RBIs, a home run and two stolen bases, Amber Hayes went 1 for 2 with two runs scored, a double and a stolen base, Abbey Bice was 1 for 2 with a run scored, Anna Kate Tyree had a double, Angel Whitlow had a double with two runs scored, Lay and Ergle each recorded a hit and Taylor Whisonant recorded and RBI. Sumiton Christian 14, Maplesville 0 (5 innings) Despite a lengthy weather dela y on Friday, the Eagles remained in top form with a 14-0 win over Maplesville to advance to the championship final. Lay gave up two walks in five no-hit innings, striking out 14 batters. Offensively, Ergle went 2 for 2 with three runs scored, four RBIs and two home runs, Bice was 2 for 4 with two runs scored and a double, Langston went 2 for 4 with two runs scored,tyree was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI, Whisonant went 1 for 3 with a run scored, three RBIs and a home run, Sides was 1 for 3 with two runs scored, three RBIs, a home run and a stolen base, Whitlow went 1 for 3 with two runs scored and a double, Hayes had two runs scored and two stolen bases and Lay recorded an RBI. Sumiton Christian 10, Victory Christian 0 (5 innings The Eagles opened the tournament with a 10-0, five-inning win over the Victory Christian Lions. Kamree Lay pitched five perfect innings in the victory, striking out 12 batters. At the plate, Savanah Langston went 2 for 4 with two runs scored, a double and a stolen base, Kendall Beth Sides was 1 for 3 with a grand slam home run, Abbey Bice went 1 for 3 with a run scored, Anna Kate Tyree was 1 for 3 with an RBI, Jenna Ergle went 1 for 2 with a double, a run scored and an RBI, Angel Whitlow was 1 for 2 with two RBIs, Taylor Whisonant had a hit with two runs scored and La y and Amber Hayes each had an RBI. Daily Mountain Eagle - Jeff Johnsey Sumiton Christian s Abbey Bice makes a running catch in the outfield during the State Softball Tournament in Montgomery. Congratulations Sumiton Christian Girls Softball Team! Bozeman Associated Foods Down Home, Down The Street 2221 Hwy. 78 Dora, AL M-S 7am-10pm Sun. 8am-9pm Main Street Sumiton, AL M-S 8am-8pm Sun. Closed (205)

11 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 11 Congrats Lady Eagles PREMIER HEALTH CENTER Urgent Care/Family Medicine Scott A. Dixon, MD 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Mon. through Fri Highway 78, Suite 100 Dora, Alabama

12 Page 12 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Eagles close state with 5 straight wins SC wins 57 games for 2nd straight year By W. BRIAN HALE Eagle Sports Writer MONTGOMERY The Sumiton Christian Eagles would not be denied their third-consecutive state c hampionship. Despite beginning Friday in the loser s bracket following Thursday night s loss to Pleasant Home, and forcing the Eagles into a five-game gauntlet whic h included back-to-back contests against defending three-time state c hampion Brantley Sumiton Christian earned victory in each bout, culminating with a 9-8 win in the tournament final. Taylor Whisonant was named as the Tournament MOP, with J enna Ergle, Kendall Beth Sides, Savanah Langston and Anna Calloway being named to the All-Tournament Team. The Eagles (57-9) also benefited from the strong performance from Kamree Lay in the circle, who pitched 31 and 1/3 innings throughout the five games, surrendering a total of 24 hits and striking out 20 batters. Sumiton Christian head coach Jessica Aderholt stated that the team s performance in the face of adversity has earned it a unique place in her heart. Last night was very tough for us, it wasn t expected and there were a lot of things that went on. We just talked after the game and just decided that it w as a challenge that would make winning the title that much sweeter, Aderholt said. Everything happens for a reason and our slogan has been Walking in Faith into the Fight, that s what these girls did. They fought until the very end. This is the most memorable state championship we ve won I told the umpire that in the fifth inning, Sides said. After we lost (Thursday) in the second game, I had a little doubt coming into today, but the more I thought about it, I realized that we had to fight just like we have all season. The doubt went away. Championship Final Game 2 Sumiton Christian 9, Brantley 8 Facing a two-run deficit in the bottom of the sixth inning, Sumiton Christian drove in three runs to help secure a 9-8, championship victory over the Brantley Bears. Lay pitched seven innings in the win, giving up six hits and recording six strikeouts. Offensively, Langston went 2 for 2 with two runs scored, Anna Kate Tyree was 1 for 2 with a run scored, a double and three RBIs, Amber Hayes went 1 for 3 with a run scored, Angel Whitlow was 1 for 3 with a double and two RBIs, Whisonant had a hit with a run scored and two RBIs, Abbey Bice recorded a hit with a run scored, an RBI and a home run, Ergle scored two runs and Sides scored a run. After Brantley scored two runs in the top of the first inning, Sumiton Christian cut the lead to one on a solo home run by Bice, 2-1. The Eagles took command in the bottom of the third inning on a three-run double by Tyree, 4-2. Whisonant hit a two-run single in the bottom of the fourth inning to help push Sumiton Christian further ahead, 6-2. The Bulldogs answered with six runs in the top of the sixth inning to regain the lead, 8-6. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Langston scored on an error and Whitlow drove in two runs on a single for the 9-8 win. Championship Final Game 1 Sumiton Christian 9, Brantley 3 Sumiton Christian forced a second championship final game with a 9-3 win over Brantley in the Eagles fourth contest of the day. In the circle, Lay gave up seven hits, two walks and recorded a strikeout in the victory. At the plate, Lay went 3 for 3 with a run scored and a double, Whisonant was 2 for 4 with two run scored, five RBIs and a stolen base, Bice went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a double, Tyree was 1 for 3 with three RBIs, Sides recorded a hit with a run scored and an RBI, Langston had a hit with two runs scored, Whitlow recorded a hit and Ergle scored two runs. Following two scoreless innings, Sumiton Christian took the lead after an RBI single by Whisonant and a sacrifice RBI by Tyree, 2-0. The Eagles answered a fourth-inning score by the Bulldogs with a two-run single by Tyree to retain command, 4-1. After Brantley cut the lead to two with a run in the top of the sixth inning, Whisonant emptied the bases with a grand slam home run, followed by a one-run single by Sides for the 9-2 advantage. Loser s bracket Game 1 Sumiton Christian 13, Ragland 4 Lay pitched three and one-third no-hit innings, giving up a w alk and striking out three batters. Calloway pitched three innings in relief and Sides had two-third innings in relief. Offensively, Sides went 3 for 3 with three runs scored, two triples, three RBIs and five stolen bases, Langston was 3 for 4 with three runs scored, three RBIs, a home run and two stolen bases, Ergle went 2 for 3 with three RBIs and a home run, Hayes was 2 for 2 with a run scored, Tyree went 2 for 4, Whisonant was 1 for 3 with two RBIs and a home run, Calloway recorded a double and Bice had a double and a run scored. Game 2 Sumiton Christian 13, Spring Garden 6 Lay pitched the first four innings, striking out four batters. Calloway pitched the final three innings in relief. At the plate, Langston went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, two RBIs and two stolen bases, Whisonant was 2 for 4 with two runs scored, four RBIs and two home runs, Hayes went 2 for 4 with a run scored, a double, an RBI and a stolen base, Sides was 1 for 3 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base, Ergle went 1 for 2 with two runs scored, a double, an RBI and a stolen base, Bice and Tyree each recorded a hit with a run scored,an RBI and a home run and Whitlow, Calloway and Lay each scored a run. Game 3 Sumiton Christian 5, Pleasant Home 1 In seven innings in the circle, Lay gave up five hits and struck out six batters. Offensively, Sides went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, an RBI, a home run and a stolen base, Langston was 3 for 4 with two runs scored and a stolen base, Whisonant went 2 for 3 with a run scored, a double, two RBIs and a home run, Bice, Tyree and Lay each recorded a hit and Ergle had an RBI.

13 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 13

14 Page 14 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Daily Mountain Eagle - Jeff Johnsey Sumiton Christian players greet Anna Kate Tyree (21) at the plate after her home run during the State Softball Tournament in Montgmery. Daily Mountain Eagle - Jeff Johnsey Sumiton Christian s Kendall Beth Sides reacts during a game at the State Softball Tournament. CONGRATS! Sumiton Christian School Lady Eagles ON THE 3R D STRAIGHT YEAR AS STATE CHAMPS! Automotive Specialists LLC Wayne Greathouse Owner/Automotive Specialist 2316 Hwy. 78 Sumiton, AL JASPER 803 Airport Rd. S. (205) SUMITON/DORA 2371 Old U.S. 78 (205) SMITH LAKE Duncan Bridge (205) ASE Certified Imports and Domestics Brakes, Heater Cores, A/C Services, Engine Repairs & Tune-Ups

15 State Softball Champions Fast Pitch A-Buckhorn; 6A-Hazel Green; 5A-Springville; 4A-Northside; 3A- Pisgah; 2A-Hatton; 1A-Sumiton Christian A-Sparkman; 6A-Chelsea; 5A-Springville; 4A-Curry; 3A-Hale County; 2A-Sumiton Christian; 1A- Brantley A-Baker; 6A-Wetumpka; 5A- Springville; 4A-Curry; 3A-Hale County; 2A-Sumiton Christian; 1A-Brantley A-Sparkman; 5A-Hartselle; 4A-Alexandria; 3A-Winfield; 2A-Hale County; 1A-Brantley A-Sparkman; 5A-Hayden; 4A-Haleyville; 3A-Pisgah; 2A-Hatton; 1A-Parrish A-Sparkman; 5A-Chelsea; 4A-Haleyville; 3A-Saks; 2A-Hatton; 1A- Ragland A-Dothan; 5A-Mortimer Jordan; 4A-Dallas County; 3A-Pisgah; 2A- Hatton; 1A-Ragland A-Hueytown; 5A-Athens; 4A- Ardmore; 3A-Sumiton Christian; 2A- Hatton; 1A-Ragland A-Sparkman; 5A-Mortimer Jordan; 4A-Alabama Christian; 3A-West Morgan; 2A-Ider; 1A-Speake A-Hueytown; 5A-Mortimer Jordan; 4A-St. James; 3A-Pisgah; 2A- Ider; 1A-Athens Bible A-Baker; 5A-Gulf Shores; 4A- Alabama Christian; 3A-Leeds; 2A-Oakman; 1A-Kinston A-Sparkman; 5A-Hueytown; 4A-St. James; 3A-Alabama Christian; 2A-Ider; 1A-Waterloo A-Baker; 5A-Hueytown; 4A- St. James; 3A-Pisgah; 2A-Flomaton; 1A- Waterloo A-Hoover; 5A-Buckhorn; 4A- Alexandria; 3A-Alabama Christian; 2A- Pisgah; 1A-Ragland A-Baker; 5A-Hartselle; 4A- Demopolis; 3A-Alabama Christian; 2A- Pisgah; 1A-Waterloo A-Hoover; 5A-Hartselle; 4A- Trinity; 3A-Alabama Christian; 2A-Pisgah; 1A-Athens Bible A-Hoover; 5A-Oak Mountain; 4A-St. James; 3A-Madison Academy; 1A- 2A-Pisgah A-Grissom; 5A-Hartselle; 3A- 4A-Brooks; 1A-2A-Madison Academy A-Thompson; 4A-5A-Mortimer Jordan; 1A-3A-Alabama Christian A-Hoover; 4A-5A-Thompson; 1A-3A-Alabama Christian A-Hoover; 4A-5A-Robertsdale; 1A-2A-Trinity MARKS AUTOMOTIVE Domestic / Imports Toyota / ASE Master Certified 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, Page 15 Sumiton Pit Stop WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS Icees Boiled Peanuts NEW LOCATION Dippin Dots Fidget Spinners New Location: 515 Bryan Rd., Sumiton (formerly across from Wal-Mart) Congratulations to the Sumiton Christian Eagles! Greg Marks / David Gunter Technician / Service Director Hwy. 78 E. Jasper, AL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE Call us for all your plumbing needs. (205)

16 Page 16 3-PEAT Jasper, Ala., Sun., May 28, PEAT S Special Supplement to the Daily Mountain Eagle SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2017