4A State Championship -- Hough (West) vs Middle Creek (East)

Very quiet out there... Maybe because it isn't Providence vs. Rose or someone like that but both of these teams are very exciting to watch. Let's get it started!

 

You are right....it is quiet! Its because there are so many opponents to the current championship format. All the talk of every round being best 2 out of 3....and these opponents are mostly from these "power" programs that have recently dominated the later rounds of the playoffs. So when two relative "unknowns" make their way through the gauntlet everyone is quick to say that something is wrong. I myself do honestly believe that the 2 out of 3 would enable and determine the best overall team to win the title. The first 4 rounds are so stressful with so much emotion on every single pitch, every single at bat, every single out, etc. That typically lends itself to teams not playing well or "showing up" and in one night or 21 outs later their season is over. However, with that being said, we should not discredit or downplay what Hough and Middle Creek have accomplished. They are playing for a state championship and that is ALL that matters. Good luck, gentlemen! Go get 'em!

 

While I don't necessarily disagree with a series format I would argue that it wouldn't necessarily provide for the best overall team to win. The deepest overall team yes. I would also say that if the playoffs are 2 of 3 then league play should be the same so that the seeding is consistent with the format.

Now back to the topic---as Braves said it gets quiet on here as the HS season winds down. Most people post when they are still playing and move on when their team does. Fewer posters from those schools is my guess.

As for the best team--Middle Creek and Hough still had to win 6, sudden death playoff games in a row to be here. Not easy as we all know. And Hough did it this year without having NC State signee Johnny Piedmont on the mound. The year that Brandon Gragilla had stepping up into the main guy roll was amazing. This is a second year program that played with no Sr's last year and have really gelled in year two. Congrats to all of them as well as Coach Jimmy Cochran for putting together an outstanding year.

 

I'd love to hear JM15's take on the series (since he recently coached at Green Hope.) But I understand why he doesn't. There are some Hough supporters on TBR, so the only thing I can figure is they must have been told to keep a low profile.

It sure would be nice to get some detailed information of both teams.

 

Green Hope? Come on man!

We are looking forward to the series with Hough.

Someone give Luis a ride!

 

Hough Huskies

Well, I can provide a little flavor on Hough (emphasis on a little). Here is what I have seen after attending about 6-7 of their games:

* Brandon Gragilla has stepped up as the #1 starter after Johnny Piedmont was sidelined from pitching after Tommy John surgery. Gragilla is a big lefty, but is not a power pitcher. He relies on finesse, placement and a big curveball. He just seems to get outs and I haven't seen him rattled.

* Piedmont has blistered the ball on many occasions and is a big target and very capable at first base

* Jared Sobo is a heady second baseman and all out competitor and a good clutch hitter

* Shortstop Eric Siler is smooth in the field and makes all the plays

* Catcher Nick Daddio is a very capable backstop and has been hot lately with timely RBIs

* AJ Girting is the DH and he has had a hot bat during the second half of the season, getting clutch hits and driving in runs with regularity

* Spencer Vanator and Zach Moore have been very strong completing the rotation and have pitched and won big games, hanging tough and holding the opposition to minimal output

* CF Will Champion had a career game vs. South Caldwell with a breakout offensive output and stole a 3-run HR with a fantastic grab over the fence to thwart a rally by the Spartans.

I know there are others that have produced, but I can't remember them all and have only been to a handful of their games. I will say that their team spirit is high and they are believers.....a credit to the coaches and to the players. As I have noted on here before, They beat Ardrey Kell handily (9-2 I think) and had Providence beat until some unimaginable errors undid the win (I know, that is part of the game). They beat S. Caldwell, who owned a 26-2 record I believe....so there is no doubt that Hough is capable of winning it all in only their second year in fielding a baseball program. The North Mecklenburg area is a hotbed for youth baseball and Hough sits right in the middle of that zone.

 

Nice try Braves

WOW - nice try Braves to get JM15 to reveal all of Middle Creek's secrets - but did you need to stoop so low as to accuse a life long Cary man as being a Green Hope guy ?

I'm sure JM15 has been given the gag order from coach Thompson. Although this is a unique chance to get the inside scoop on Middle Creek. The one thing I do know is that MC does have a home field advantage - crowd, field, lights, etc. - and that is something they won't have in the finals.

 

Congrats to Hough..
I think you're on to something with the conference best of 3 idea. The SPC teams play each conference opponent twice in a week, why not 3 times and do away with the conference tourney? That would add an extra week and do something similar to what the NCAA does 4 team regionals... yeah I know it aint gonna happen.

 

LOL.....I was hoping to get you to post.

 

I have a feeling we'll see a very detailed post from J4...on Sunday.