Ardrey Kell wins 4A State Title

Congrats to AK from a Sanderson parent

What a great series.

AK jumped on Sanderson early in game one and then Sanderson made it a 6-5 game going to the top of the seventh. AK then turned the lights out with 3 more runs for a 9-5 win.

Saturday’s second game was just the opposite. The two pitchers, AK's Ryan Butler and Sanderson's Max Gagnon, pitched an excellent game. Each only allowed four hits but AK got one run in the top of the first on one hit and two nice deep shots to the outfield for basically sacrifice flies. That was some nice hitting. That was the only run Gagnon gave up in 22.2 innings in the 2009 playoffs.

I feel the big defensive play for AK was when your 2B Derrick Ham backed up the overthrow to first base on 1B Charles Wolfe's hit in the first inning that kept Wolfe on first. Otherwise Wolfe would be on 2B when Gagnon hit a single up the middle that would have brought Wolfe home.

Sanderson had their chances but could not do what they had done in the playoffs -- getting timely hits at the right time.

I soaked in the moments after the game looking across at both teams & fans. The extreme range of emotions was very touching as you knew that every player left it on the field. I was looking at my son, holding the runner up plaque, his head down and the look of disappointment. Over on AK’s side the players, coaches and fans were over come with joy on a job well done. It was worth the $8 admission!

Great job AK you earned and deserve the championship. I see on your roster that you have a good nucleus of juniors coming back next year as seniors. The future looks good for you.

Sanderson will be losing 8 starters and I am sure Coach Laughlin will get the most out of the boys. Be on the lookout for our freshman 3B/P Daniel Adams in the future - - he is a gamer.


Bob Gagnon -- Max's dad

 

Sanderson Played Great

Clearly Sanderson deserved their trip to the finals - great team. Congrats on a great season.

Where is Gagnon going to play college ball? Will he be a catcher, a pitcher, or both? He is the real deal swinging a great stick, a hose for an arm at catcher, and a very talented pitcher.

How about Wolfe? The program listed him at 6' 4" but he looks taller than that...

 

Max has signed with UNC Pembroke as a catcher.

Charles Wolfe has signed with Wingate and I believe he is 6' 5" but closer to the 6' 6" range.

 

How'd you celebrate?

Saw on Softball sight the police lead the Alexander Central team bus into town for big gathering in Taylorsville. Did you get a Charlotte police escort?

 

Nah....I got a ticket

 

Congrats....

BagMan from TheHorns I'll catch up ith ya in GBoro next month!