Ardrey Kell

Ardrey Kell's game with Watauga


There are so many things to mention about this game:

It was my first trip to Knight's (K)astle and the place was gorgeous. To see all of the things that Coach Hal Bagwell has done to his field and the behind the scene (fence) work is nothing short of amazing! The hitting cage behind the RF fence was something drawn up by an architect and with Bagwell's direction it turned into a masterpiece. Ya gotta see it to believe it...take that Coach Hignight:throwrock:...and this is just the beginning. The plans that he has for the dugouts, bleachers, backstop, kiddie area, scouts lounge, locker room and (down the road) dome will be state of the art. Mark my words...Knights Kastle will be the centerpiece for all HS baseball fields to achieve.

I also had the chance to see my friend, Coach Pete Hardee. It's always a pleasure to see Pete and to watch his teams. They are always a tough team and this year may be the Pioneers best JV team in a long time. They are extremely talented.

I wish I had a program because there were so many AK players that I didn't know, but wish I had. This team is loaded...I mean loaded....with talented young players. They could actually field two competitive teams in their conference. It is led by junior sensation Jordan Darnell, but the supporting cast is amazing. The Sexton kid in CF is a soph, but may become the best in the city. The kid has 6.4 speed and will go after the ball and he has the bat to match. He is a perfect leadoff man and will start many AK rallies this year. Also there is another kid that caught my attention quickly. He is a switch hitting 2nd baseman with power (he wears #10]. I can't pronounce his name, but I will learn it quickly.

My opinion is that AK will win some games this year they shouldn't and will lose a game or two that they should have won. Those are the growing pains when fielding a quality team, but with little varsity experience. This is the type of team that I would hate to play.They have quality pitching in Darnell and Miller to compete with anyone in any game.

I can't wait to watch the Butler vs AK game. That will be the game of the week in Charlotte: Andrew Smith vs Jordan Darnell....that should be a dandy!

Coach Cousar (Butler) has been very quiet this year....which spells trouble for the SW4A. In my opinion, Butler is the team to beat. They have not received the recognition they deserve...just how Cousar likes it.

 

What was the score????

 

Sorry..it was announced in the "scores" thread. 11-4 AK

 

I'll stick with Providence and Weddington

I don't see Butler winning consistently. They'll be solid due to Crump (C) and Miller (P) but not as strong as Providence by a long shot. And not nearly as well coached.

 

AK with No Seniors

Let's make sure it's clear that AK will compete in the SW4A this year without seniors! AND win...............some.

 

aguyyouknow....I agree with you, I think Providence is still the team to beat in the SW4A.

But, with that said it will still come down to pitching and what the match ups will be on any given day. South Meck, Butler, Myers Park, Weddington and even AK have starters that can potentially match up with anyone and hold your offense to minimal runs.

I've seen several of Ardrey Kells, South Mecks, and Providence games so far this year and it is refreshing to see the "Coaching" going on at the Ardrey Kell games and to see a group of young talented players coming together playing as a team so quickly at the Varsity level.

Granted, they will take their "lumps" as any young, first year team would...but they are going to also surprise a lot of teams by being in games and winning more than anyone thought they would.

Good start Ardrey Kell....I can't pick you to win the SW4A yet, but I think you will turn a lot of heads this year....Good luck with the rest of your season.

 

AK's Ryan Stetson

Braves - I think the player you are referring to in CF for AK is Ryan Stetson. You are correct about his speed, bat, arm and glove; he is a very solid ball player. SW4A pitchers / catchers better watch out when he gets on base, always a threat to steal.

I can't wait for the Butler / AK game as well (3/13 @ Butler?), should be a good game and we'll see who gets the clutch hit. I really think that all the SW4A teams are going to beat up on each other this year, making it tough for me to pick a top team this early. I guess call me chicken!

 

Ak will be fun to watch this year....

I hope Cousar (Butler head coach) lets his guys play and gives them some room to enjoy and just play ball this season...He has definitely got the talent and nucleus to do it if he'll not change up all season long....The last few seasons have been pretty erratic and unpredictable...Underachieving for some reason..There has to be something to it? Who knows maybe a different year this year and he lets his players determine the outcome, talent wise and mentally!!

If so, I think they'll compete and be a sleeper, if not, they'll underachieve as they have the past few years......We'll see!!

 

corrections

Andrew Smith is the pitcher from Butler that I was referring to (not Miller).
And the AK CF I believe is Kyle Stetson.

 

AK correction

Kyle Stetson (Jr), older brother of Ryan - plays IF, I believe SS
Ryan Stetson (Soph) - plays CF