SW4A Preview - 2009

The epilogue on another World Series has been written; fall ball is in its waning innings; and the balls, bats and gloves across most high schools are in temporary storage as members of the NCHSAA enter a “dead period” until December when supervised off season baseball workouts can resume.

Sure, there are some “exciting” activities still going at the local high school fields during this time of year, if you like watching the new rye grass grow. Maybe the dugouts received a fresh coat of paint you can watch dry. Possibly you can find a partner to wager a fiver on: “does the bird on the left or right, sitting on the outfield fence, fly away first”; as that seems to be the only flies at the old ball field these days.

Warm summer like nights of a Carolina fall have given way to the frosty reality that grips a high school baseball fan this time of year. Fall ball is over and winter is encroaching. The first day of official practice is more than three months away, games still further down the line. Even the calendar seems against the high school baseball fan this year, as the 1st of March falls on a Sunday, meaning no late February games in 2009 to begin the season. And until the boys are back for real, it is time for speculation, conjecture, and supposition.

Just like on the diamond, nowhere are the deliberations around the hot stove greater than when the talk comes to the SW4A and prospects of the 2009 season.

After a banner year in 2008, where four SW4A teams won 20 or more games, the league could be even better in 2009. The SW4A was 53-26 verses non-league opponents in 2008, a .670 winning percentage, but the real strength of the conference showed in the state playoffs. The league was 14-8 in the 2008 NCHSAA 4A tourney, with four of the eight losses coming to SW4A foes. Of the six other league champions in the West bracket, five were knocked out by SW4A clubs. Ardrey Kell represented the league in the state finals as they defeated fellow loop member Providence in the 4A West Regional series. Weddington was eliminated by Providence in the third round after Weddington bounced South Meck a round earlier.

The strength of the league could be explosive within the conference this year. Six or seven teams will head into the dead period believing that they have a legitimate chance at winning the conference title this coming spring. Yet the reality is, when all is said and done, 56 losses will accumulate on the right side of the teams’ conference win/loss record.

Surprisingly, the league champion has gone 27-1 over the last two seasons despite quality teams throughout the conference. Only Butler’s, the 2007 champion, late inning comeback versus Ardrey Kell in the loop’s opening contest last year has kept the champion from being perfect two years in a row. With the quality depth across the league, it is highly unlikely that a team will remain unblemished though the entire conference schedule. Of course, the same thing could be (and was) said of the league the last two seasons as well.

Everyone looks great on paper, is undefeated, and thinking title this time of year. The facts are that spring will soon be here, and conjecture will win as many games as the Washington Generals did versus the Globetrotters. The proof will not be on paper, but in the reality of what happens on the field. So enjoy your time around the water cool or hot stove speculating on the coming season.

The truth will be here soon.

 

Outlook

For release: November 1, 2008

SW4A Preview – 2009

Ardrey Kell Knights – Coach: Hal Bagwell – 3rd season (13th SW4A)
2008 Record: 28-6, 13-1 SW4A – 1st
Last Conference Title: 2008
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: NA
Last State Finals: 2008

Key Losses: Jordan Darnell – P/1B (All-State, All- SW4A)
Jonny Eaker – SS (All SW4A)
Brett Nyenhuis - DH

Top Returns: Alex Wood – P (Georgia)
Ryan Stetson – CF (All-State, All-SW4A – Appalachian State)
Zico Pasut – (All-SW4A)

Ardrey Kell, the defending 4A West Regional champions, won the SW4A title after completing the league loop with a 13-1 record and has the horses to repeat in 2009. The Knights will be very strong up the middle, anchored by All-State center fielder Ryan Stetson. Middle infielders Jack Reinheimer and Logan Ratledge pick it as well as anyone in the league and catcher Taylor Patterson is a force both behind and at the plate. Right fielder Zico Pasut has the ability to dominate a game. As good as their position players are, the key to winning the SW4A again will be pitching, and AK has two of the leagues’ top hurlers in senior lefty Alex Wood, a Georgia signee, and junior right hander Ryan Butler. Butler was thrown into the fire last year as a sophomore when Wood was sidelined early in the year. He responded by going 6-0 and pitched the Regional clincher sending AK to the 4A state championships. The Knights will be supplemented by a JV squad that won 22 games.


Butler Bulldogs – Coach: Kim Cousar – 12th season
2008 Record: 13-11, 7-7 SW4A – T4th
Last Conference Title: 2007
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2007
Key Losses: Mickey Brewer - CF (All-SW4A)
Chris Rawlings – SS (All-SW4A)
Patrick Deckbar – 2B

Top Returns: Tyler Tewell – C/P/OF (All-SW4A – Appalachian State)
Matt Varnadoe – P
Patrick McMahon – P/1B

Any team that has a Tyler Tewell to build around will have a chance to compete for a title. Tewell, an Appalachian State commitment, is probably the league’s top receiver and proved last year that he is also one of the better pitchers as well as swinging one of the most potent bats in the loop as he demonstrated by hitting for the cycle twice in SW4A games. Butler returns their corner infielders in Ryan Glass and Patrick McMahon. Ryan Mas, Brandon Rawe and David Anderson will need to add protection for Tewell in the Bulldog line-up. Matt Varnadoe, who recorded a lot of big outs for Butler out of the pen last season, could move to the starting rotation in ’09 with Tewell and lefty McMahon. Lefty Brandon McWhirter may be called upon to get the tough outs at the end of games. Look for sophomore Jake Fincher to take over at SS for the Bulldogs.


East Meck Eagles – Coach: Chet Greason– 9th season
2008 Record: 3-17, 3-11 SW4A – 7th
Last Conference Title: 1994
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: unavailable

Key Losses: None

Top Returns: Lou Trosch – P (All-SW4A)
Olin Little – P
Leighton Daniels – SS

The Eagles turned the corner last year and should be on their way back up in 2009. Led by pitchers Lou Trosch and Olin Little, the Eagles were able to defeat SW4A tournament champion Weddington twice while throwing scares into the remainder of the league leaders throughout the season. Trosch, just a sophomore, earned All-SW4A honors. Little, a junior, was scheduled to be the Eagles’ number one pitcher last season before a football injury did not allow him to throw for the first month of the season as he recovered from off season knee surgery. The key to East Meck’s season will be finding some consistent run producers. The Eagles were shut out seven times in SW4A contests in 2008 and scored more than three runs in only three SW4A games. If they can plate some runs in 2009 the league better watch out. They may not need many with Trosch and Little on the bump.



Independence Patriots – Coach: Matt Dykema – 2nd season
2008 Record: 5-16, 1-13 SW4A – 8th
Last Conference Title: 2004 (MECA) 2001 (SW4A)
Last Tournament Championship: 2004 (MECA) 2001 (SW4A)
Last State Finals: 2004
Last State Title: 1984
Key Losses: Tyler Elkins – 1B/P
Cody Kursey - OF
Brian Chavis - P

Top Returns: Cody Starnes - C
Carson Plyer – SS
David McRea - OF

Coach Matt Dykema and his young Patriots found the sledding tough going in his first year at the helm in the SW4A. Winning only one of 15 league contests, Indy was 4-1 against competition out of the conference. While Independence should be improved with a year of varsity experience for most of the Patriots under their collective belt and an addition 12 months in the weight room, they will still be facing an uphill battle until they find some pitching that proves they can retire SW4A hitters on a consistent basis. A fifth place finish and a play off birth should be considered an excellent season for the Patriots.

 

Outlook - Part 2

Myers Park Mustangs – Coach: John Spencer – 1st season
2008 Record: 20-7, 10-4 SW4A – T2nd
Last Conference Title: 2003
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2003
Last State Finals: 2003
Last State Title: 1970

Key Losses: Austin Bradham – OF (All-SW4A)
Nate Cudney – P
Hamlin Wade – 2B

Top Returns: Chris Overman – P/DH (All-SW4A)
J.D. Ey – SS (All-SW4A)
Brian Holberton – C


Myers Park, coming off their first 20 win season since their state finals appearance in 2003, is ready to take the final step in their ascent to the top of the SW4A. New coach John Spencer will be taking the helm at MP. Spencer is familiar with the SW4A wars after starring at Independence before playing college ball at Wingate and professionally. In the last three years, under Coach Bobby Simmons, the Mustangs were 12-11 finishing 5th in 2006; 14-11, 3rd in 2007 and 20-7, 2nd in 2008. The 2009 season could be the Greenies year. MP will feature one of the league’s top players in Chris Overman, who has won SW4A honors in 2006 and 2007. Brian Holberton is excellent behind the dish and short stop J.D. Ey earned all-conference honors last season in a league full of top-notch middle infielders. Corner infielder Andy Wilson will help keep the MP defense sparkling. Grant Fisher and Robert Balsley will fill the rotation with Overman and look for Joe Hager and Brent George to make an impact for the Mustangs.

Providence Panthers – Coach: Danny Hignight– 6th season
2008 Record: 21-10, 10-4 SW4A – T2nd
Last Conference Title: 2006
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2005
Last State Finals: 1997
Last State Title: 1995
Key Losses: Will Helms – LF/P (All-SW4A)
Eric Semeniuk - OF
Greg Lawson - C


Top Returns: Richie Shaffer – 3B/P (All-State, All-SW4A - Clemson)
C.A. Clayton – SS (All-SW4A)
Tyler Zupcic – CF (All-SW4A - – Appalachian State)

After a slow start to the season, when Providence dropped four of their first five games, the young Panthers played their best ball at the end as they roared through the state playoffs, reaching the 4A West Regional’s before falling to SW4A foe Ardrey Kell in the state semi finals. The majority of that team returns, poised to make another run for Providence’s first state title since 1995. Led by all-stater Richie Shaffer, the Panthers also feature all-league stars at short stop in C.A. Clayton and center field in Tyler Zupcic. Wingate signee Matt Lee will take over the catching duties to handle the Panther pitchers that include Shaffer and junior Kurt Semeniuk who help key the Panther playoff run last season. Add sophomore Brett Austin to the mix and the Panthers are loaded once again. Do not be surprised to see the Panthers make another deep run this year.


South Meck Sabres – Coach: Chad Jurecka– 3rd season
2008 Record: 10-17, 5-9 SW4A – 6th
Last Conference Title: 2004
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2006
Last State Finals: 2005
Last State Title: 1989

Key Losses: Daniel Glenn - P
John Coppedge - P


Top Returns: Joe Shealy – P (All-SW4A)
Spence Shuey – 1B (All-SW4A)
Deuce Wright - C

The South Meck Sabres are looking to return to the top of the SW4A standings, a place they have not been since 2004, and they have the talent to do it. After going through a transition period the past two seasons, the Sabres return all eight position player starters and an all-league pitcher from last season. South features two standout outfielders in Caleb Cunningham and Casey Gebhardt. Heavy hitting all-league first baseman Spencer Shuey plus a solid left side of the infield featuring Derrick Rowe (possibly the Sabres’ most complete five tool player) and one of the loops most improved players in SS Matt Youtsey. Junior catcher Deuce Wright has been receiving rave reviews after a strong summer and fall seasons on the showcase circuit. Add all-league pitcher Joe Shealy to the mix along with Stephen Hastey and Michael Atz and the Sabres have the talent to contend for the title. South picked up their first 4A state play-off win since they appeared in the state finals in 2005, when they knocked out a number one seed in the opening round last year before falling to fellow SW4A member Weddington in round two. Expect an even longer run this year from the Sabres.




Weddington Warriors – Coach: Travis Poole – 2nd season
2008 Record: 21-8, 7-7 SW4A – T4th
Last Conference Title: None
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2008
Key Losses: Tyler Pilkington – P/1B (All-SW4A)
Brent Watkins – IF/P (All-SW4A)
Chris Fogleman – P/IF

Top Returns: Brad Collins – 1B/3B (All-SW4A)
Anthony Boone - OF
Peter Hendel – P/OF

The Weddington Warriors most likely will feel the effects of school zone reassignments this season. After the senior-dominated squad led the Warriors to the SW4A tournament title in 2008, Weddington will have few seniors this year after most of what would be their rising seniors were rezoned into the Marvin Ridge district where they helped lead the Mavericks to a 19-5 record and a South Piedmont 3A championship in the school’s first year. All-League corner infielder Brad Collins does return for his senior campaign as well as center fielder Danny Yelverton. SW4A teams better not look past the Warriors as they still will feature a number of future collegiate prospects in junior Anthony Boone and sophomores Peter Hendel and Braden Wint. The key for Weddington will be if Handel and the other young pitchers, who have been excellent in retiring hitters at the JV level, can have the same success versus SW4A varsity hitters. If they do, the Warriors can contend again.

 

Pre-Post - TBR Poll Results

1. Ardrey Kell 59 (5)
2. Myers Park 53 (1)
3. Providence 50 (2)
4. South Meck 39
5. Butler 35
6. Weddington 25
7. East Meck 16
8. Independence 10

(First Place Votes)

 

Schedule Glance

Schedule Glance is not a complete schedule for all teams.

Ardrey Kell

3/2 West Meck
3/4 Marvin Ridge
3/7 Watauga @ USA Training Center, Cary
3/10 @ Olympic
3/13 @ Butler
3/14 Richmond Sr
3/17 East Meck
3/18 North Meck
3/20 @ Independence
3/24 @ Myers Park
3/26 Providence
3/31 @ South Meck
4/2 @ Weddington
4/7-10 JST @ Myers Park
4/14 Butler
4/15 Hopewell
4/17 @ East Meck
4/21 Independence
4/24 Myers Park
4/28 @ Providence
5/1 South Meck
5/4 Weddington

Butler

3/3 North Meck
3/4 Berry
3/6 @ Vance
3/13 Ardrey Kell
3/16 @ West Charlotte
3/17 Providence
3/20 @ Myers Park
3/24 @ East Meck
3/26 @ South Meck
3/31 Weddington
4/2 @ Independence
4/6-10 CFYSI @ Wilmington
4/14 @ Ardrey Kell
4/17 @ Providence
4/21 Myers Park
4/24 East Meck
4/28 South Meck
5/1 @ Weddington
5/4 Independence

East Meck

3/2 A.L. Brown
3/4 @ Garinger
3/6 @ West Meck
3/10 West Meck
3/11 East Gaston
3/13 South Meck
3/17 @ Ardrey Kell
3/20 Weddington
3/23 North Meck
3/24 Butler
3/26 @ Myers Park
3/31 @ Independence
4/2 @ Providence
4/6-8 Berry Tournament
4/14 @ South Meck
4/17 Ardrey Kell
4/21 @ Weddington
4/22 Porter Ridge
4/24 @ Butler
4/28 Myers Park
5/1 Independence
5/4 Providence

Independence

3/2 @ Vance
3/4 Olympic
3/6 @ Porter Ridge
3/11 @ West Charlotte
3/12 @ Berry
3/13 Myers Park
3/17 @ South Meck
3/18 Porter Ridge
3/20 Ardrey Kell
3/24 @ Providence
3/26 @ Weddington
3/31 East Meck
4/2 Butler
4/14 @ Myers Park
4/17 South Meck
4/21 @ Ardrey Kell
4/24 Providence
4/28 Weddington
5/1 @ East Meck
5/4 @ Butler

Myers Park

3/4 West Meck
3/5 Olympic
3/6 @ Hopewell
3/11 @ Mallard Creek
3/12 @ North Meck
3/13 @ Independence
3/16 Hopewell
3/17 @ Weddington
3/20 Butler
3/23 @ West Meck
3/24 Ardrey Kell
3/26 East Meck
3/31 Providence
4/2 @ South Meck
4/7-10 JST @ Myers Park
4/14 Independence
4/17 Weddington
4/21 @ Butler
4/24 @ Ardrey Kell
4/28 @ East Meck
5/1 @ Providence
5/4 South Meck

Providence

3/3 Olympic
3/6 @ North Meck
3/7 JH Rose @ USA Training Center, Cary
3/11 Hopewell
3/13 Weddington
3/14 Alexander Central
3/17 @ Butler
3/20 South Meck
3/24 Independence
3/26 @ Ardrey Kell
3/31 @ Myers Park
4/2 East Meck
4/7-10 JST @ Myers Park
4/15 @ Weddington
4/17 Butler
4/21 @ South Meck
4/24 @ Independence
4/25 Watauga
4/28 Ardrey Kell
5/1 Myers Park
5/4 @ East Meck

South Meck

3/2 Charlotte Catholic
3/5 @ Lake Norman
3/6 @ Fort Mill
3/11 Charlotte Catholic
3/12 West Meck
3/13 @ East Meck
3/17 Independence
3/20 @ Providence
3/24 @ Weddington
3/26 Butler
3/31 Ardrey Kell
4/1 Marvin Ridge
4/2 Myers Park
4/7-10 JST @ Myers Park
4/14 East Meck
4/15 @ West Meck
4/17 @ Independence
4/21 Providence
4/24 Weddington
4/28 @ Butler
4/29 Mallard Creek
5/1 @ Ardrey Kell
5/4 @ Myers Park

Weddington

3/4 Hopewell
3/13 @ Providence
3/17 Myers Park
3/20 @ East Meck
3/24 South Meck
3/26 Independence
3/31 @ Butler
4/2 Ardrey Kell
4/15 Providence
4/17 @ Myers Park
4/21 East Meck
4/24 @ South Meck
4/28 @ Independence
5/1 Butler
5/4 @ Ardrey Kell

 

Going to be a good year for baseball in he SW4A

 

The name of the players may change, but it still appears most are just reloading.

There were a couple of players that I have recently seen that were very impressive

- Cody Starnes- Independence
- Patrick McMahon- Butler

Both players come from a rich family baseball background and I expect to see both players play key roles in the success of their teams. It was a real pleasure to meet both these guys. They are not only standout players, but very impressive young men as well. Both familes should be proud in raising them.

Mincmi- you hit a Homerun!!!!!

 

Braves....be careful, if you praise him too much Mincmi will start wanting more money......

Seriously Mincmi......great job, it will be fun to watch how this confrence shakes out and competes against one another this year.

 

Too late

 

Early poll results have AK taking the conference......you better get on line and vote for your school unless you are just going to go ahead and give the SW4A to AK.....