SW4A Preview - 2012

Persistence and Determination

William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, is probably the President most closely associated with baseball. Taft, a baseball enthusiast, is credited with starting the tradition of throwing out the first pitch to begin a game when on April 14, 1910 at the season opening game between the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics the President was spontaneously handed a ball after the managers meeting by umpire Billy Evans and asked to throw it to home plate. Taft happily obliged, and the tradition has continued with every President, less one (Jimmy Carter), starting the season with a “first pitch” at least once during their tenure in the Oval Office.

In 1924, Calvin Coolidge became the first sitting President to cheer the “home town team” in the World Series as the Senators won their first American League championship. President Coolidge would address the Senators following the game (the ones from the baseball team and not congress) while nearly 100,000 fans would stand and watch on the White House lawn after clenching the pennant saying: “While baseball remains our national game, our national tastes will be on a higher level and our national ideals on a finer foundation. By bringing the baseball pennant to Washington you have made the National Capital more truly the center of worthy and honorable national aspirations.” The Senators would lose the opening game of the World Series in 12 innings to the New York Giants, with Coolidge in attendance, but would come back to win the seventh game in 12 innings securing Washington’s only Series title. Later, Coolidge would say: “Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.” Juxtapose Coolidge’s quote with this past SW4A baseball season and the 30th President seems to be prophetic.

The 2011 version of the SW4A was loaded with talent like never before. Twenty-one seniors signed National Letters of Intent to continue playing at the next level. Five of the 30, 4A all-staters were from the SW4A. Three of the 17 North Carolina high school athletes selected in the 2011 Major League Baseball amateur draft played in the SW4A. This after a total of four players (Jack Reinheinmer 2010, Ardrey Kell; Richie Shaffer, Providence 2009; David Mailman, Providence 2007; Ryan Morris, South Meck 2006) had been selected from the league in the previous decade, a decade where the SW4A had dominated in the state playoffs having nine teams reach the regional in 10 years, with five advancing to the state championship series. The league had two high school players drafted in the years 1975 (Dickie Noles, Harding; Richard Alexander, Myers Park), ’82 (Kevin Davis, West Meck; Andre Crawford, Harding) ’83 (Steve Wiley, Myers Park; Doug Emery, East Meck) ’84 (Stu Cole, South Meck; Mike Montagnino, Harding) ’89 (Sam Shannon, South Meck; Cornell Caldwell, Independence) ’93 (Chad Griffin, Garinger; Ken Wilson, South Meck) and in ’97 (Barrett Wright, Myers Park; Bennie Harris, Myers Park) but never before had three in the same year. Yet with all that talent, no SW4A team advanced past the sectional round and only Ardrey Kell was playing after the first week of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) playoffs had concluded.

You want more evidence on how deep the talent ran in the SW4A in 2011? How about the conference had co-players of the year, and neither one was the supplemental first round draft pick of the San Diego Padres. More still? OK. There were 18 players on the league’s all-conference roster plus the two co-players of the year. Add the two honorable mention selections and yet a player who was talented enough to be the 46th round draft pick of the Texas Rangers still did not record any league honors.

Providence romped to their third consecutive loop title and second straight league tournament crown going 25-2 behind supplemental first round selection Brett Austin and all-state Jake Fincher before being stunned in the second round of the state playoffs. Ardrey Kell also won 24 games off the strength of all-stater Logan Ratledge’s bat and 35th round selection Chris McCue’s right arm before dropping a heart breaker 2-1 in the sectional. Butler and South Meck were pleasant surprises, both going 16-10. Butler flashed early in the state playoffs, upsetting Central Piedmont Conference champion Davie in the opening round, before stumbling at North Davidson in round two. The Sabres were stopped in the first round for the second consecutive season. In fact while South has appeared in nine consecutive NCHSAA tournaments, they have failed to advance past the second round since reaching the finals in 2005. East Meck was the fifth state playoff qualifier from the SW4A in 2011, playing eventual 4A west regional champion TC Roberson tough in the opening round before the Rams scored late to win 5-2.

The 2012 version of the SW4A may not have quite the star power of 2011, nevertheless the persistence and determination will certainly be present. South Meck was loaded with young talent last season that surprised many, finishing third, and will be one of the favorites to win their first league title since 2004 this season. Butler and Myers Park, both full of baseball genius, will be reenergized with new field bosses. Independence and East Meck have shown steady progress and growth under the leadership of coaches Dymecka and Koppe, now in their fifth and third seasons respectively, and should continue to rise up the conference standings. Rocky River will improve as they will have upper classmen for the first time this season and a year’s experience of competing in the SW4A. And while 25-3, and 24-5 sounds nice, nothing less than a drive for the state championship is going to satisfy the persistence and determination of coaches Hignight and Bagwell at Providence and Ardrey Kell.

Next week, the dead period for the NCHSAA baseball teams concludes with the resumption of eight-man and individual workouts. Players, coaches, and fans start looking pass the holidays and forward to the start of regular practice and opening day and before you know it, the season is here. And if you need some encouragement why you can look forward to another exciting season of SW4A baseball action while “the moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gives the luster of mid-day to objects below,” here are two:

Persistence and Determination.

 

For release: November 25, 2011

Ardrey Kell Knights – Coach: Hal Bagwell (312-119) – 6th season (16th SW4A)

2011 Record: 24-5, 9-3 SW4A – 2nd
Last Conference Title: 2008
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: None
Last Play-off Appearance: 2011 – Sectionals
Last State Finals: 2009
Last State Title: 2009

Key Losses: Logan Ratledge – SS (All-State, Co-SW4A POY)
Chris McCue – P (All-SW4A, 35th Round selection, Yankees)
Alex Leach – 1B (All-SW4A)

Top Returns: Trent Thornton – P/OF All-SW4A (North Carolina)
Brad Stone – P (North Carolina State)
Preston Tiller – OF (Appalachian State)
Justin French – P (West Point)

After finishing behind Providence for the third straight season and being upset in the opening round of the SW4A tournament, the Knights advanced further than any SW4A team in the state playoffs, losing a heart breaker 2-1 in the sectionals, a step away from their third NC 4A Western finals appearance in four seasons. And for the first time in four years, Coach Bagwell will not be writing Logan Ratledge into his line-up card. The loss of Ratledge, who holds 13 AK records, including the most hits, doubles, and home runs, leaves a large hole in the Knight’s line-up. In fact, six of the next seven leading hitters for the AK in 2011 are gone. However, the cupboard is certainly not empty. North Carolina signee Trent Thornton, batting next to Ratledge in the line-up, slugged eight HRs (second in the SW4A) while batting .402. Leadoff man Preston Tiller (Appalachian State), who started the season strong but trailed off after several injuries took their toll, will be counted on to frequently set the table if the Knights are to win their first title in four years. If runs will be at a premium for the Knights, scoring against the AK staff will be just as difficult as ever with two ACC signees on the staff. Thornton (7-2, with 2 saves in 2011) will be back for this third season on the hill. The right hander, playing for the South Charlotte Panthers, was also 11-0 (a SCP record) during the Showcase season and concluded his summer session with a two hit, nine strikeout, zero walks complete game shutout at the Perfect Game World Championships in Jupiter against one of the premier showcase teams in the country. Left handed NC State signee Brad Stone with 52 strikeouts in 42 innings (5-1, 1 save) will be part of the regular rotation this season after being a spot start and closer for the Knights in 2011. Behind Thornton and Stone are seniors Brian Hummel (0.42 ERA) and Justin French (1.05 ERA) plus a host of hard throwing probies including Logan Beehler and Doug Norman itching for their chance. Look for Forster Machicote to provide some pop in the Knight’s line-up. Improved run production from Myles Garner and Jacob Gavin and AK will be at or near the top again.


Butler Bulldogs – Coach: Rick Sambrotto (0-0) – 1st season

2011 Record: 16-10, 8-6 SW4A – T3rd
Last Conference Title: 2007
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2007
Last Play-off Appearance: 2011 – 2nd Round

Key Losses: Brandon McWhirter – P (All-SW4A)
Ryan Hodge – SS
Tommy Hibbard – 3B
Tyler Revell – 2B

Top Returns: AJ Larson – OF (All-State, Co-SW4A POY)
Dalton Eisenbath – P/1B (All-SW4A)
Chase Gehringer – CF (All-SW4A)
Matt Baltimore – P


After 14 seasons under the direction of Kim Cousar, the only head coach the Bulldogs have ever known, the reins have been turned over to Rick Sambrotto who has been Cousar’s assistant since the beginning. And unlike many times when there is a change in management because of less than satisfactory results, Sambrotto inherits a team loaded with experience and talent that is more than capable of winning the SW4A. Only Providence returns more all-league honors players than the Bulldogs. Start with SW4A Co-Player of the Year AJ Larson and his sweet left handed swing who stroked eight HRs (2nd SW4A) and drove in 23. Butler has two other returning all-conference players in 2012. Four year varsity starting center fielder Chase Gehringer, who lead the team in hits (33), average (.363) and stolen bases (14) in 2011 plus three hole hitter Dalton Eisenbath who batted .357 with 30 hits and was 5-3 in 12 starts with a 2.75 ERA. Matt Baltimore became one of the league’s premier relievers last season striking out 28 in 32 innings relieving in 12 games with two saves posting a 1.53 ERA. Look for Tommy Ollis, who hit a two out pinch hit three run homer to send the game into extra innings that the Bulldogs eventually won in 11 versus Hopewell in the East Meck/CBC Spring Break Classic, and Alex Hummel to possibly fill in some of the holes at second, short and third left from graduation. If the Bulldogs play solid defense, they will challenge for the title.


East Meck Eagles – Coach: Clint Koppe (29-22) – 3rd season

2011 Record: 14-12, 6-8 SW4A – 5th
Last Conference Title: 1994
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 1983
Last Play-off Appearance: 2011 – 1st Round

Key Losses: David Daniels – SS (All-SW4A)
Lou Trosch – P/OF (All-SW4A)
Jonathan Crews – P/1B


Top Returns: Logan Sheer – C All-SW4A (Charlotte)
Jackson Reisterer – 2B
Ian Ashworth – P
Justin Strong – 3B

Any team that loses two four year starters, both who were two time All-SW4A selections plus another three year starter could be expected to possibly step backwards in the league ranks in 2012. After finishing in the basement in 2006 & 07, the Eagles have steadily improved increasing their league win total each of the next four seasons. In 2011, the Eagles matched their league win total of the previous year and made the state playoffs for a second consecutive season, losing to a late inning rally by the eventual western 4A champion TC Roberson in the opening round. Gone are the Eagles’ top slugger in David Daniels and unofficial SW4A record holder for career starts (34) Lou Trosch but the Eagles look poised to continue their upward trend. Returning is catcher Logan Sherer who pounded out 34 hits, including 13 for extra bases (4 HRs), while batting .391 as a sophomore earning him all-league honors. Juniors Justin Strong (3B) (.375) and David Marvin (RF) (.342) produced 44 hits and 25 RBIs between the two of them in their first varsity season of SW4A action. And that still leaves the Eagles’ most feared batter in lefty swinging second baseman Jackson Reisterer who homered thrice, driving in 18 while being walked 19 times. Both the speedy center fielder Sport Frazier and left fielder Tennant Gardner return to the Eagle’s line-up in 2012. The Eagles pitching staff will be built around Ian Ashworth. Ashworth demonstrated one of the top curveballs in the league last year fanning 41 in 31 innings of work, mainly out of the pen where he recorded four saves. The only other returning Eagle to see work on the bump was Marvin who allowed opponents to hit just .167 in 10 innings of work. Find some complement to Ashworth on the hill and do not be surprised to see the Eagles continue their rise through the standings as they seek out their first loop title in 18 years.

 

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Independence Patriots – Coach: Matt Dykema (33-59) – 5th season

2011 Record: 11-12, 5-9 SW4A – T6th
Last Conference Title: 2001
Last Tournament Championship: 2001
Last Play-off Appearance: 2009 – 1st Round
Last State Finals: 2004
Last State Title: 1984

Key Losses: Carson Plyler – P/3B (All-SW4A)
Taylor Cook – P
Brandon Wolf – P/2B

Top Returns: Nick Salisbury – SS (All-SW4A)
Tyler Fay – P/OF
Cody Lekavich – OF
Clay Tiderman – P/1B

For the first time in four seasons, Independence did not finish at the bottom of the SW4A standings, tying with Myers Park for sixth while going 11-12 on the season and posting double digit victories for the first time since 2007 when the Patriots were 12-12. Like fellow member East Meck, the Patriots are on the rise. Five one run loses after leading late in games were the only thing that prevented the Patriots from posting their first winning record in five seasons and qualifying for the state 4A playoffs. The Pats lose four year starter and all-conference pitcher Carson Plyler who also hit .459 to lead the team, but return seven regulars to the line-up including the league’s top shortstop in junior all-leaguer Nick Salisbury. The switch hitting diminutive lead-off hitter solidified the Indy defense with his move to short early in the season while setting the table at the plate hitting at better than a .380 clip. Left handed swinging right fielder Tyler Fay was ninth in the SW4A home run race, including two on opening day last season. Converted catcher David Fowler, who hit .355 with 22 hits, 17 RBIs and 13 steals; center fielder PJ Sardinia, back for his third varsity season; first baseman Lane Polk, who was on the all-tournament team at the East Meck/CBC Spring Break Classic; and spark plug left fielder Cody Lekavich all return for their senior season. Senior lanky lefty Clay Tiderman returns to lead the Independence pitching staff and he will be joined by Tim Miller who was a “late April call-up” and went 1-0 with a save down the stretch for the Patriots. Find enough solid pitching for Independence and the Patriots are an upper division team this season.


Myers Park Mustangs – Coach: Matt Burnett (62-39) 5th season – (1st SW4A)

2011 Record: 11-15, 5-9 SW4A – T6th
Last Conference Title: 2003
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2009
Last Play-off Appearance: 2010 – District
Last State Finals: 2003
Last State Title: 1970

Key Losses: Tyler Powell – 3B/P (46th Round Selection, Rangers)
James Snover – OF (All-SW4A)
Matt Hedberg – P


Top Returns: Vinnie Gau – OF
Zack Blalock –
John Beaver – P (Lenior Rhyne)

Mysteriously, the Mustangs started slower than a Mike Hargrove “the human rain delay” at bat, losing eight of their first nine, including their first five league contests, while scoring only 18 runs in those nine games, being shut out three times, and plating only one run twice. And though they won 10 of their next 17, including five of their last seven, the playoffs had spiraled away from their grasp and they were left to play the spoiler roll. With help of some new blood off the JV squad, the Mustang kicked up their heels in the SW4A tournament, scoring four runs in the first inning to upset Ardrey Kell in the opening round 5-4 behind the pitching of Tyler Powell. Next MP took advantage of two South Meck errors in the sixth inning of the tournament semi-finals to score five times and come from behind to upend the Sabres 5-3, advancing to the tournament finals for the second time in three years. There (in the finals) the Mustangs trailed 6-1 before roaring back only to have the would be tying run thrown out at the plate to end the contest, keeping the Stangs out of the state playoffs as the SW4A tournament champion. While many of Myers Park’s top players return in 2012, popular head coach John Spencer is not. Replacing Spencer is Matt Burnett who comes to the SW4A from Southern Lee where he was 62-39 in four seasons including last year where he was 16-10, 10-2 in the Cape Fear Valley Conference capturing the loop crown for the second time in four years. Coach Burnett will find plenty of talent to work with in Mustangland. The Mustangs will have three of the top sticks in the league in catcher Zack Blalock, who will be one of the best receivers in the league, and corner infielder Ross Groom, both juniors, plus senior outfielder Vinnie Gau. It is on the bump where the Mustangs must still prove themselves. The only returning pitchers to record a decision for MP in 2011 are lefty Charlie Gordon, who started the conference tournament championship game for his first SW4A start lasting just an inning plus, taking the loss and John Beaver who was 1-0 as he was the winning pitcher over one win Rocky River. If the pitching is as good as the hitting, the Mustangs will contend.

Providence Panthers – Coach: Danny Hignight (172-51) – 9th season

2011 Record: 25-3, 13-1 SW4A – 1st
Last Conference Title: 2011
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2011
Last Play-off Appearance: 2011 – 2nd Round
Last State Finals: 1997
Last State Title: 1995

Key Losses: Brett Austin – C (All-SW4A, All-State, 1st Sup R Selection, Padres)
Jake Fincher – SS (All-SW4A, All-State)
Alex Rogers - P

Top Returns: Jackson Campana – 3B (All-SW4A – Clemson)
Ty Buttrey – P/OF (All-SW4A – Arkansas)
Mike Herbert – P/OF (All-SW4A)
Xander Maddox – OF (All-SW4A)
Andrew Maclatchie – C (Furman)
Jacob Rothman – 1B
Josh Black – 2B
Tommy Dejuneas - INF



It is rare when a team can lose a supplemental first round pick and another two time all-state player and still be flat out loaded. And do not be surprised to see the Panthers rated number one to start the season come February when the first preseason rankings come out. The Panthers only had four seniors on the 2011 squad that went 25-3 while winning their third straight SW4A title and swept through the loop tournament for the second year in a row. Coach Hignight, who’s teams have averaged 21.5 wins a season, return seven regulars to the line-up including star pitchers Ty Buttrey, (2.63 ERA) an Arkansas signee, and Mike Herbert (2.15 ERA), both All-SW4A selections from a year ago. The two combine to go 15-2 with two saves and 112 strikes outs. From the pen, both Guy Woodliff and lefty Sam Dugdale (34Ks, 2 saves) return as well as flame thrower Jackson Campana who was 2-0 but only threw a few innings down to stretch as he recovered from an arm injury. All-SW4A center fielder Xander Maddox, who hit .429, returns to anchor the Panther outfield with the Buttry (.427/3 HRs)/Herbert combo in right. Left fielder Andrew MacLatchie (7 HRs, 5th in SW4A) will probably move back behind the plate where he played as a sophomore. Around the horn, the Panthers still have the Clemson signee Campana at third for a third season (8 HRs, 2nd in SW4A), Josh Black, a Prospect Wire 2013 All-American invitee, and Jacob Rothman at first who batted .427 with three HRs. And if you are looking for the next Panther superstar, look no farther than Tommy Dejuneas, a sophomore who got a cup of coffee with the varsity last season and looked like he fit the mold of other Panther greats. With a little luck come May, don’t be surprised to see the Panthers in the championship series.

 

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Rocky River Ravens – Coach: Shawn Schmitt (1-22) 2nd season

2011 Record: 1-22, 0-14 SW4A, 8th
Last Conference Title: None
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: None
Last Play-off Appearance: None
Last State Finals: None
Last State Title: None


Key Losses: None

Top Returns: Devryn Galloway – OF/P (All-SW4A HM)
Ryan Schulte – P
Gabe Hutchings – P

Unlike Providence, who was supplied with talent from South Meck coming off a state title when the Panthers were created in 1989 and shortly become a baseball power themselves leading to a state crown five years later; Butler, who was fortified by Providence in similar circumstances in 1997 and goes to back to back 4A West Regionals in 2000-01; and Ardrey Kell a decade later, drafting enough prowess from both SW4A powers South Meck and Providence that supported two 4A Western Regional championships and a state title by just their third season; Rocky River was not so fortunate. First the Ravens were stocked with players from Independence who had been in a down cycle and second, another new school in the same region was opening at the same time even further diluting the talent in the redistributed pupil assignment zones. It is without doubt that the Ravens will be improved in 2012 after being seasoned in their first year of existence, if you can call 22 straight losses after an opening day win and being outscored 202-30 in SW4A games, seasoning. The Ravens had no seniors and eight of 15 varsity players were freshmen and sophomores in 2011. While quite possibly it will still be a struggle for the Ravens in 2012 to be a top division team in the SW4A, they do have enough players of note that they will be able to catch a sleeping giant. Devryn Galloway was the Ravens leader in 2011 despite just being a freshman. Galloway, batting leadoff, hit .380 and had 27 safeties including two home runs and 14 stolen bases. For his efforts, he was rewarded with All-SW4A honorable mention honors. Galloway also made seven SW4A starts from the bump. Senior Ryan Schulte was the opening day starter for Rocky River and recorded the lone Raven victory with a 5-4 win over Highland Tech. Schulte (1-7) was a workhorse on the mound appearing in 13 of the 23 games the Ravens played. Senior Gabe Hutchings missed five games to start the season but hit .341 when he returned and was tied with Galloway as team RBI leader. Hutching was a regular starting pitcher for Independence his freshman season and will be a key factor on the mound for Raven success this year. The double play combo of senior second baseman Ken Martin (.298) and sophomore shortstop Danny Dunning (.311) will have a year of experience together which will help the middle of the Raven defense. Look for Rocky River to pick up their first SW4A victory this season.


South Meck Sabres – Coach: John Tuscan (32-20) 3rd season

2011 Record: 16-10, 8-6 SW4A – T3rd
Last Conference Title: 2004
Last SW4A Tournament Championship: 2006
Last Play-off Appearance: 2011 – 1st Round
Last State Finals: 2005
Last State Title: 1989


Key Losses: Chris Pearlman – P (All-SW4A HM)
Tim Youtsey – OF
Daniel Brown – OF

Top Returns: Logan Koch – C (South Carolina)
Andrew Mauldin – SS
Earl Oliver – 1B/P
Brooks Kennedy – 2B
Michael Smith – 3B
McKay Wrenn – OF/P

Like in 2010, the Sabres were once again the surprise team of the SW4A. But unlike in the first year of Coach Tuscan’s leadership, where a senior dominated team came together to finish tied for second, this time Tuscan took a group loaded with underclassmen and once again won 16 games. The Sabres started freshmen at second and third and sophomores at first and behind the plate and had three other freshman and sophomores on the varsity roster. And while departed pitcher Chris Pearlman was the only Sabre to record any post season honors, All-SW4A honorable mention, you can expect the SW4A all conference team in 2012 be littered with players from South Meck starting with Logan Koch. The switch hitting junior is a South Carolina early commitment and the top receiver in the league. He led the Sabres with four home runs, eighth in the SW4A in 2011 while batting .330. First base slugger Earl Oliver (.320), also a junior, was the number two starter for the Sabres going 4-2 (3.12 ERA) on the hill. And while it took a half a season or so to become comfortable, sophomores Brooks Kennedy (2B) and Michael Smith (3B) were two of the toughest outs in the Sabre line-up by season’s end. Seniors shortstop Andrew Mauldin, All-SW4A HM in 2010 (.325, 12 SB) and the speedy Adam Nix make the South Meck defense extremely strong up the middle with Koch and Kennedy. Junior OF McKay Wrenn was the Sabres top stick for average at .345. Look for Harris Yett to fortify the Sabre line-up at first or behind the plate when Oliver or Koch is on the hill. Senior Tyler Aiello saw some action out of the Sabre pen and could be counted on heavily in 2012. Effective pitching from the South Meck staff and the Sabres can make a deep playoff run.

 

Schedule Glance

All schedules are subject to change.

Ardrey Kell

Feb 18 Ft. Mill, MR (scrimmage)
Feb 22 @Mt. Pleasant (scrimmage)
Feb 28 Weddington
Feb 29 @Marvin Ridge
Mar 3 Watauga (E)
Mar 6 West Stanly
Mar 7 Hough
Mar 9 South Meck*
Mar 13 @Independence*
Mar 14 @Hopewell
Mar 16 Myers Park*
Mar 20 @Butler*
Mar 21 West Meck
Mar 23 East Meck*
Mar 27 @Rocky River
Mar 29 @Providence*
Apr 2-5 Jack Sink Tournament – 3 games @ Myers Park
Apr 10 @South Meck*
Apr 13 Independence*
Apr 17 @Myers Park*
Apr 20 Butler*
Apr 24 @East Meck*
Apr 27 Rocky River*
Apr 30 Providence*


Butler

Feb 28 @ Mallard Creek
Feb 29 North Meck
Mar 2 @ Olympic
Mar 5 @ Hickory Ridge
Mar 9 Myers Park
Mar 13 Rocky River
Mar 14 Vance
Mar 16 @East Meck
Mar 20 Ardrey Kell
Mar 23 @Providence
Mar 27 South Meck
Mar 29 @Independence
Apr 2-4 East Meck/CBC Spring Break Classic 3 games @ East Meck
Apr 10 @Myers Park
Apr 11 Olympic
Apr 13 @Rocky River
Apr 17 East Meck
Apr 20 @ Ardrey Kell
Apr 24 Providence
Apr 27 @ South Meck
Apr 30 Independence

East Meck

Feb 18 Northwest Cabarus/Parkwood Scrimmage
Feb 29 Mallard Creek
Mar 2 Berry
Mar 5 @ West Meck
Mar 7 North Meck
Mar 9 Independence
Mar 13 @ Myers Park
Mar 16 Butler
Mar 20 @ Rocky River
Mar 23 @ Ardrey Kell
Mar 24 @ AL Brown
Mar 27 Providence
Mar 29 @ South Meck
Apr 2-4 East Meck/CBC Classic – 3 Games
Apr 9 Hurricane
Apr 10 @ Independence
Apr 13 Myers Park
Apr 17 @ Butler
Apr 18 @ Hopewell
Apr 20 Rocky River
Apr 24 Ardrey Kell
Apr 27 @ Providence
Apr 30 South Meck

Independence

Feb 28 @ Hough
Mar 2 @ North Meck
Mar 5 Hopewell
Mar 7 Vance
Mar 9 @ East Meck
Mar 13 Ardrey Kell
Mar 14 West Charlotte
Mar 16 @ Providence
Mar 20 South Meck
Mar 23 Rocky River
Mar 27 @ Myers Park
Mar 29 Butler
Apr 2-4 East Meck/CBC Spring Break Classic 3 games @ East Meck
Apr 10 East Meck
Apr 13 @ Ardrey Kell
Apr 17 Providence
Apr 20 @ South Meck
Apr 24 @ Rocky River
Apr 27 Myers Park
Apr 30 @ Butler

Myers Park

Feb 28 Garinger
Mar 2 Hopewell
Mar 7 @ Olympic
Mar 9 @ Butler
Mar 13 East Meck
Mar 14 @ North Meck
Mar 16 @ Ardrey Kell
Mar 20 Providence
Mar 23 @ South Meck
Mar 27 Independence
Mar 28 Hough
Mar 29 Rocky River
Apr 2-5 Jack Sink Tournament – 3 games
Apr 10 Butler
Apr 13 @ East Meck
Apr 17 Ardrey Kell
Apr 20 @ Providence
Apr 24 South Meck
Apr 27 @ Independence
Apr 30 @ Rocky River

Providence

Feb 18 @ West Stanly (Scrimmage)
Feb 24 @ Weddington (Scrimage)
Feb 28 @ Hopewell
Mar 1 @ Hough
Mar 3 Cuthbertson
Mar 7 @ East Rowan
Mar 9 Rocky River
Mar 10 @ Alexander Central
Mar 13 @ South Meck
Mar 14 Weddington
Mar 16 Independence
Mar 20 @ Myers Park
Mar 23 Butler
Mar 24 Watauga
Mar 27 @ East Meck
Mar 29 Ardrey Kell
Apr 2-5 Jack Sink Tournament – 3 games @ Myers Park
Apr 10 @ Rocky River
Apr 13 South Meck
Apr 17 @ Independence
Apr 20 Myers Park
Apr 24 @ Butler
Apr 27 East Meck
Apr 30 @ Ardrey Kell

Rocky River

Feb 28 West Meck
Mar 1 @ Parkwood
Mar 2 @ Harding
Mar 5 @ Porter Ridge
Mar 9 @ Providence
Mar 13 @ Butler
Mar 16 @ South Meck
Mar 20 East Meck
Mar 21 @ Vance
Mar 23 @ Independence
Mar 26 Garinger
Mar 27 Ardrey Kell
Mar 29 @ Myers Park
Apr 5-7 Wheels Tournament – 3 games @ Cherry Park, Rock Hill
Apr 10 Providence
Apr 13 Butler
Apr 17 South Meck
Apr 20 @ East Meck
Apr 23 Independence
Apr 27 @ Ardrey Kell
Apr 30 Myers Park

South Meck

Feb 18 @Mt. Tabor (scrimmage)
Feb 23 @ North Meck (scrimmage)
Feb 29 Charlotte Catholic @ Jack Hughes
Mar 2 Weddington
Mar 6 @ Weddington
Mar 7 Cox Mill
Mar 9 @ Ardrey Kell
Mar 13 Providence
Mar 15 Marvin Ridge
Mar 16 Rocky River
Mar 20 @ Independence
Mar 21 Hough
Mar 23 Myers Park
Mar 26 @ Hickory Ridge
Mar 27 @ Butler
Mar 29 East Meck
Apr 2-5 Jack Sink Tournament – 3 games @ Myers Park
Apr 10 Ardrey Kell
Apr 13 @ Providence
Apr 17 @ Rocky River
Apr 20 Independence
Apr 23 @ Myers Park
Apr 27 Butler
Apr 30 @ East Meck

 

it was stated "The 2012 version of the SW4A may not have quite the star power of 2011"

this screams the star power is probably better: 2012 Arkansas, Clemson, NC vs 2011 NCSU, NCSU, NCSU

 

I believe he was referring the "star power" to the guys that got drafted last year. But it remains to be seen what happens this year. One thing you can count on is the talent level in the SW4A never declines...it just reloads.

 

All three NCSU signees were all-state, two of them repeat selections, two (not the same two) were a pair of best hitters in the state last year. One was a first round draft pick. You also omitted the two other players that were UNC signees, one that was also drafted, plus a host of other D1 signees.

None of the players that have signed with a school to date this year will be a two time all-state player and the probability of the SW4A having any players drafted, less three, are much lower this year than last season.

Evaluating players based upon the name of the school they signed with is not the best method of evaluation. Maybe you should attend more SW4A games, even this year you won’t be disappointed.

 

Sabre Rattling

Excellent write-up as always Mincmi.

There is no question Providence has the talent and coaching to go all the way again this year. Buttrey has potential to be an early-round MLB guy and a healthy Campana, along with MacLatchie, Maddox, Rothman, and Herbert makes a strong senior nucleus for Coach Hignight's mad science. Who cares about BBCOR....

The real question is who will be the contender...MP or SM? I believe SM will be the team to challenge this year. They are well-coached and dangerous. Koch, Mauldin, Nix, Big Earl and company give Coach Tucsan all the talent he needs to push the Sabres to the top.

MP - always dangerous but PHS and SM are simply too loaded to be afraid of anyone else.

 

I guess I missed the excitement on this thread

I see that Baylee has taken on the honor of becoming the king of sandbaggers...nowhere did he mention the talent at AK. Hmm...if you listen to Baylee, he will try to convince you that AK is a middle of the pack team this year.

This will be the year to find out if SM is a contender or pretender. They certainly have the cupboards full and Coach Tuscan is tough as nails. So I expect his team to reflect him. They certainly won't be flying under the radar.