High School Sports

Saginaw

Jaxon Hartley outdueled a future Division 1 pitcher, leading Swan Valley to a non-conference sweep of the eighth-ranked team in the state. Swan Valley claimed two wins Wednesday over Hemlock, which is ranked eighth in the state in Division 3. After a 2-0 win in the opener, the Vikings beat Hemlock, 9-1, in Game 2. […]

Published

1 month ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Jaxon Hartley outdueled a future Division 1 pitcher, leading Swan Valley to a non-conference sweep of the eighth-ranked team in the state.

Swan Valley claimed two wins Wednesday over Hemlock, which is ranked eighth in the state in Division 3. After a 2-0 win in the opener, the Vikings beat Hemlock, 9-1, in Game 2.

MORE: Chesaning seniors reach 90 varsity wins before becoming college rivals

Hartley, who had a hit and run on offense, struck out 11 to improve to 3-0. He gave up three hits, one walk and no runs. Hemlock ace Chad Brown, who has signed to pitch for Central Michigan University, struck out 10 and gave up one run in six innings.

Colton Klein drove in the go-ahead run with a fourth-inning double to score Hartley. Brady Stephens walked three times. Dawson Doan, Mitchell Radosa and DJ Lyscas had one hit each for Hemlock.

In the second game, Klein earned the win, allowing six hits and two walks in five innings, striking out five. Beckett Goldensoph struck out three in the final inning.

Hartley, Klein and Jackson Gebauer had two hits each for the Vikings, with Jack Lagan, Hartley and Mike Gerard driving in two runs each. Lagan also walked twice and scored three runs for the 15-5 Vikings.

Doan, Radosa, Brown, Lyscas, Gavin Schmidt and Tim Huston had one hit each in the second game for 13-4 Hemlock.

Baseball

Heritage 2-6, Midland Dow 12-4: After a disappointing loss in the opener, Heritage rebounded to split the Saginaw Valley League doubleheader. In the opener, Heritage led 2-1 going into the bottom of the fifth inning before giving up 11 Dow runs. Brady Boelter led the Heritage offense with two hits, while Blake Stevens added a hit and RBI. Boelter earned the Game 2 win, giving up three walks and three earned runs in 6 2/3 inning, striking out two. Brody Banning earned the save, getting the final out with runners on first and second. Boelter, Banning and Brady Gotham had two hits each for the Hawks.

Midland High 6-2, Davison 0-8: Liam Heinz dominated Davison in the opener, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out two in seven innings for the Midland win. Eli Kell led the offense with three hits and three RBIs. Davison claimed the nightcap, scoring six runs in the bottom of the sixth. Heinz had a hit and RBI, with Cayden Nieto walking four times for the Chemics, who are 7-3 in the Saginaw Valley League.

Softball

Ithaca 1-7, Evart 0-6: Ithaca surprised Evart, sweeping the No. 1 Division 3 team in the state in a pair of one-run games. In the opener, Ivy Davenport threw a one-hitter, striking out 11 for 17-3 Ithaca. The Yellowjackets scored the lone run in the sixth inning after Maeli Akin reached on an error, coming around to score on a ground out by Karley Braman. Akin Struck out 10 to earn the win in the second game. Kennedi Ryan led the offense with three hits, with Davenport adding two, including a three-run triple to beat 12-3 Evart.

Swan Valley 14-14, Hemlock 7-2: Izzy Coffel had four hits, including a homer, and three RBIs in Swan Valley’s Game 1 win in the non-conference doubleheader. Chloe Bryce, Shiloh Charboneau, Alivia Guilbeaux and Layla Shanks added two hits each, with Guilbeaux and Shanks driving in three runs each. Lyndsey Lyscas led Hemlock in Game 1 with three hits, with Brooke Gustin and Lillian Martinez adding two hits. Martines and Carley Noyes drove in two runs each, with Noyes hitting a homer. Mia Robinson earned the win for Swan Valley, striking out seven. Charboneau, Robinson and Hailey Koch had three hits each for the Vikings in Game 2, with Greer Diefenbach adding two hits. Shanks struck out six to earn the win. Audrey Vasher hit a homer for Hemlock.

Millington 6-0, Otisville-LakeVille 1-3: Morgan Matusik earned the Game 1 win for 12-4 Millington, striking out nine and allowing three hits. Logan Matusik paced the Millington hitters in the doubleheader split with three hits and two RBIs.

Marlette 9-36, Caro 4-21: Marlette and Caro combined for 57 runs in the second game of a Marlette sweep. There are no records for most combined runs in a game, but the record for most runs by a single team is 51 set by Kalamazoo Loy Norrix in a 51-2 win over Comstock in 2021. Marlette had 36 hits, an MHSAA record for hits in a game. Shayler McIntyre led Caro, hitting for the cycle. McIntyre had five hits and drove in six runs. Maddie Stefanovsky followed with three hits, while Molly Salgat, Braylon Gutierrez and Kayleigh Harrison added two hits each. Gutierrez drove in four runs and Harrison two. In the opener, Brooklyn Osborn, who struck out six, led the offense with two hits.

Girls Soccer

Hemlock 7, Ithaca 0: Izzy Curry and Izzy Krueger scored two goals each as 5-6 Hemlock earned a Tri-Valley Conference shutout. Curry added three assists. Lexie Rump and Lauren Lagalo added single goals with Grace Murtha and Kristyn Pratt adding assists.

Midland High 7, Bay City Central 1: Alahna Beckett scored three goals as Midland High remained perfect with a Saginaw Valley League win, improving to 11-0. Theresa Wilk, Lizzy Striebel, Jensyn Ardouin and Ameris Blumenschein added single goals. Blumenschein also had two assists, with Ellee Arnold and Cadie McPeak sharing the shutout in goal. Midland outshot Central, 30-5.

Boys Track

TVC Triangular at Bay City John Glenn: Boston Streng-Beougher claimed a pair of wins for Swan Valley in the 200 (:22.51) and 400 (:49.79) in a Tri-Valley Conference triangular that also included Alma and John Glenn. Swan Valley also got wins from Hunter Albrecht in the 110 hurdles, Walker Murphy in the shot put (43-3), Simbad Murtic in the high jump (5-10) and Jamison Pelt in the long jump (20-2). Alma’s winners included Ezekiel Baltierra in the 800 (2:09.72), Thomas Larson in the 1,600 (5:07.30), Kevin Terpstra in the 3,200 (10:11.61), Christopher Churchill in the 110 hurdles (:14.94) and Caylibe Thompson in the discus (131-8).

Coleman Night Invite: St. Charles finished third with 83 points, trailing first-place Lake City. Saginaw Arts & Sciences was sixth (48), Coleman seventh (45) and Merrill eighth (34.5). Coleman earned first places by Asher Hayes in the high jump (5-6) and Dominic Lawrence in the long jump (19-10). St. Charles claimed a first in the 800 relay (1:39.10) behind Jaden Thompson, Tyler Dinninger, Gordon Bailey and Carson Howell.

MMAC Triangular at Durand: Zach Harlan won the 100 (:11.03) and 200 (:22.05) to lead Chesaning in a Mid-Michigan Activities Conference triangular that also included New Lothrop and Durand. Harlan also ran legs on Chesaning’s winning 400 relay and 800 relay. Caleb Walker, who also ran on the 400 relay, claimed victories in the 400 (:50.55) and 110 hurdles (:15.06). Jaxon Hemgesberg took firsts in the 800 (2:09.83) and 1,600 (4:48.45), with a leg on the winning 1,600 relay. Truman Danek won the 300 hurdles (:41.15) with legs on the 400 relay and 800 relay, while Eric Barancik won the high jump (6-2) with a leg on the 1,600 relay. Other Chesaning winners included Karter Brock in the 3,200 (11:43.88), Braden Burtch in the shot put (44-1 ½), Seth Schlicht in the discus (130-9), Damian Obuchowski in the pole vault (11-0) and Landon Qualls in the long jump (19-5).

JPC Quad at St. Louis: Landon Pestrue gave St. Louis a pair of wins in a Jack Pine Conference quadrangular that included Clare, Farwell and Ogemaw Heights. Pestrue won the 1,600 (4:54.46) and 3,200 (11:12.69).

JPC Quad at Sanford Meridian: Tyler Heal, James Schroder and Logan Holzinger gave Sanford Meridian wins at a Jack Pine Conference quadrangular at Sanford Meridian. Heal won the 1,600 (4:36.17), Schroder won the high jump (5-8) and Holzinger claimed the long jump (19-10). Bullock Creek’s Chris Tetloff took first in the shot put (52-2 ½).

Girls Track

TVC Triangular at Bay City John Glenn: Sydney Kuhn claimed two first places, setting a Swan Valley record in the 200 (:24.58) in a Tri-Valley Conference triangular that also included Alma and John Glenn. Kuhn also won the 100 (:12.47). Aubrey Hare gave the Vikings a win in the 300 hurdles (:48.04), with legs on Swan Valley’s winning 400 relay and 3,200 relay. Joy Evans paced Alma with wins in the 800 (2:23.67) and long jump (17-2 ½), with legs on Alma’s winning 800 relay and 1,600 relay. Myra Unruh won the shot put (27-10) and discus (97-2 ½) for the Panthers, with Ezgi Kurt claiming the 1,600 (5:57.66) and running a leg on Alma’s winning 1,600 relay. Alma’s other winners included Anna Johnson in the 3,200 (12:45.42) and Allison Sandro in the high jump (4-10), with Sandro running a leg on the 1,600 relay.

Coleman Night Invite: Ciara Ryan claimed three wins for Saginaw Arts & Sciences winning the 100 (:13.60), 200 (:27.34) and 400 (1:03.30). Morrice won the event (128.5), with Coleman fourth (86), St. Charles fifth (81), Merrill sixth (28) and SASA seventh (21.5). Landry Gomez gave St. Charles a win in the 800 (2:35.70), with Coleman’s Emily VanSickle winning the high jump (4-10).

MMAC Triangular at Durand: Ruby Gross and Makayla Reiber led Chesaning in a Mid-Michigan Activities Triangular that also included Durand and New Lothrop. Gross won the 400 (1:04.22) and 800 (2:42.14), while Reiber claimed the 300 hurdles (:51.64) and high jump (4-8). Both ran legs on Chesaning’s winning 800 relay and 1,600 relay. Annabelle Peters gave the Indians a win in the pole vault (6-6), with Chesaning also winning the 400 relay and 3,200 relay.

JPC Quad at St. Louis: Tess Farkas claimed a pair of wins for St. Louis in a Jack Pine Conference quadrangular that included Clare, Farwell and Ogemaw Heights. Farkas won the shot put (36-5 ¾) and discus (121-10). Sydney Dickman added a win in the high jump (4-6) for the Sharks.

JPC Quad at Sanford Meridian: Mattie Gagne and Autumn Fransen led Bullock Creek in a Jack Pine Conference quadrangular that also included Shepherd, Pinconning and Sanford Meridian. Gagne won the 800 (2:37.11), and Fransen won the 1,600 (5:57.08), with both running legs on the Lancers’ winning 3,200 relay. Bullock Creek, which also took first in the 400 relay, also got wins from Mikenna Nagel in the 3,200 (12:37.87) and Alyssa Marolf in the high jump (4-6).

Boys Golf

TVC Blue Jamboree: Nouvel, which is ranked No. 1 in the state in Division 4, claimed its second consecutive Tri-Valley Conference jamboree title at Valley View Farms, carding a 315. Valley Lutheran was second, Hemlock third and Ithaca fourth. Nouvel teammates Rodney Iamurri and Ian Ziegelmann shared medalist honors with 78s, followed by Nouvel’s Sean O’Grady with a 79 and Alex McCarthy with an 80. Reid Schisler shot an 81 for Valley Lutheran.

Big Thumb Jamboree: Millington won the Big Thumb Conference jamboree Wednesday with a 157, earning first place by 16 strokes. Caro was fifth with 183. Brad Coleman led Millington with a 35, with Bryce Martin shooting a 38 and Landon Germain a 44.

Birch Run 177, Byron 193: Birch Run claimed the top three spots in a Mid-Michigan Activities Conference match at Willow Brook Golf Course in Byron. Garett Martinus led the Panthers with a 35, followed by Cole Beldyga with a 41 and Mason Reis with a 42.

MSAC Jamboree: Logan Lorencz led St. Charles in the Mid-State Activities Conference jamboree at the North Star Golf Course in Ithaca. Lorencz shot a 49 to finish ninth, with Allison Zelinko and Charlie Cornford finishing with 55s.

Girls Lacrosse

Heritage 15, Flint Powers 7: Izzy Ella Sopcak led the Heritage scoring with five goals, with Claire Starke and Lily Huffman adding three goals each. Breeghan Hamilton scored two goals, with Michaela Hamilton and Payton Colley adding single goals. Breeghan Hamilton led the Hawks with three assists and two interceptions. Molly Baldwin made two saves in goal.

Girls Tennis

Midland Dow 8, Traverse City Central: In a tennis quad that brought some of the top Division 2 teams in the state to the Greater Midland Tennis Center, Dow claimed its lone win of the day in a shutout of Central. Dow’s singles winners were Dalton DeBoer, Nishi Narayan, Ruby Macheso and Anya Narayan, with doubles winners including Adelyn Wolford-Norah Lacher, Tessa Wood-Sachi Togashi, Alexa Leiti-Elisa Costeux and Lauren Yao-Evie Samocki.

Midland Dow 4, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central 4: Dow, ranked second in the state, tied with Forest Hills Central, ranked sixth in the state in Division 2. Dow won at No. 1 and No. 2 singles behind Dalton DeBoer and Nishi Narayan, with doubles wins coming at No. 2 (Tessa Wood-Sachi Togashi) and No. 4 (Lauren Yao-Evie Samocki).

Birmingham Seaholm 6, Midland Dow 2: Birmingham Seaholm, ranked No. 3 in Division 2, claimed a win in its showdown with No. 2 Dow. The Chargers’ wins came at No. 1 doubles with a 6-3, 6-4 win for Dalton DeBoer and at No. 2 doubles with a 2-6, 7-6, 11-9 win over Tessa Wood and Sachi Tagoshi.

Hemlock 8, Alma 0: Hemlock, ranked 10th in the state, earned a pair of 8-0 wins over Alma and Ovid-Elsie to improve to 11-2. Singles winners against Alma were Carly Siler, Victoria Hauffe, Anna Nurnberg and Lindsey Tausch, with doubles wins going to Claire Beck-Allie Watson, Bree Bierman-Lily Wenzel, Alathea McMillan-Olivia Ann Chasnis and Lani Wardin-Kennedy Krabill.

Hemlock 8, Ovid-Elsie 0: Hemlock’s singles winners were Carly Siler, Victoria Hauffe, Ann Nurnberg and Lindsey Tausch. Doubles winners Claire Beck-Allie Watson, Bree Bierman-Lily Wenzel, Jyllian Corwin-Alathea McMillan and Lani Wardin-Kennedy Krabill.

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High School Sports

Humble Kingwood vs. Forney

Forney is in the state finals for the third time in school history and will look to be the first team to win a Class 6A Division II title in UIL history. Meanwhile, Humble Kingwood is hoping to win state title No. 1. This is the first time Kingwood has been in the finals since […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Forney is in the state finals for the third time in school history and will look to be the first team to win a Class 6A Division II title in UIL history.

Meanwhile, Humble Kingwood is hoping to win state title No. 1. This is the first time Kingwood has been in the finals since a 3-2 loss to Lewisville in 2013.

In Division II, Kingwood has been one of the state’s hottest teams down the stretch. The Lady Mustangs have won 10 in a row since a regular season loss to Humble Summer Creek and are unbeaten in the playoffs. Their pitching staff has allowed just 14 runs in nine playoff games, and their offense has produced plenty to advance.

Forney, the 2018 Class 5A state champion, brings one of the most complete resumes in the field. The Lady Jackrabbits have outscored opponents 366-69 this year and showed plenty of grit in their semifinal series against Denton Guyer. After dropping Game 1, they got clutch homers from Ryann Harris and Cailey Slade to win the next two and punch their ticket to the final.

First pitch is schedule for 1 p.m. Saturday at McCombs Field in Austin. You can watch the game (subscription fee required) on NFHS Network.

About Kingwood

Playoff record: 9-0

Key players: Hunter Quentel (P/UTIL) .462 / 17-3; Mia Gagliardi (C/3B, sr.) .442; Addyson Sheppard (SS/UTIL, sr.) .459; Lyndsie Gilman (P, jr.) 5-0; Leilani Garcia (2B/SS, sr.) .451; Hunter Quentel (P/UTIL, soph.) .462; Samantha Trezecki (DH/C, fr.) .317; Kendall Yates (1B/P) .316 / 2-1; Frei Pizarro (P/3B, jr.) .286 / 9-0.

About Forney

Playoff record: 8-1

Key players: Cailey Slade (P/1B, sr.) .479 / 17-0; Emmit Santos (P/OF, soph.) .333 / 17-2; Eva Daniels (SS/2B, sr.) .462; Emma Boren (2B/SS, sr.) .409; Ryann Harris (C/3B, fr.) .388; Domiana English (3B/LF, soph.) .397; Ashlyn Oscar (1B/UTIL, sr.) .429; Maddy Dickey (CF/SS, sr.) .389; Juliana Tamburine (LF/2B, soph.) .388.

Follow High School on SI – Texas for complete coverage of the UIL Texas high school softball state championships, including scores, highlights, and player updates throughout the weekend.

In the meantime, check out our Class 1A-3A previews, as well as previews for 4A, 5A and 6A state championships.

You can also check out other state championship game results from Thursday’s games for Class 2A Division I, Class 2A Division II, Class 3A Division I, and Class 3A Division II, or read up on Coahoma making history.

Forney goes to bat first in top of 1st. Game started about 15 minutes later than planned

Hunter Quentel works around a leadoff double. Going to the bottom of the 1st

Leilani Garcia with a double for Kingwood but she gets stranded at 3rd.

After 1, 0-0

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High School Sports

The Arizona Daily Star's top high school athletes, coaches and moments of the 2024

Southern Arizona student-athletes dominated in their respective sports this past season, leading to unforgettable moments and wins. Here are our top moments, athletes and coaches who made the 2024-25 season special. Plus, we’ll share the winners of last week’s reader’s choice polls. Top fall athletes Dezmen Roebuck, Marana High School A star on offense and […]

Published

5 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Arizona Daily Star's top high school athletes, coaches and moments of the 2024

Plus, we’ll share the winners of last week’s reader’s choice polls.

Top fall athletes

Dezmen Roebuck, Marana High School

Salpointe vs Marana, HS football | Aug. 30, 2024 — A star on offense and defense, Marana’s Dezmen Roebuck jumps for joy after making the game-icing interception in the final seconds of the Tigers’ win over Salpointe Catholic on Aug. 30, 2024, in Marana.

Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star

Marana senior and wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck made history this past September when he broke the state receiving record with 283 career receptions during a game against Higley. He finished his high school football career with 352 receptions. ALA-Gilbert North’s Brandon Phelps previously held the record with 282 career receptions. Although the Tigers didn’t win the AIA Open State Championships this past season, the team went undefeated in the regular season with a 10-0 record.

Roebuck also received numerous awards for his exceptional career with the Tigers, including Arizona’s 2024 Gatorade State Player of the Year and the prestigious Ed Doherty Award. He committed to the University of Washington last year.

Amelia North, Rincon/University High School

Amelia North | Oct. 16, 2024 — Rincon/University cross country runner Amelia North climbs a hill with a teammate on the first lap of a 5K during a meet at Reid Park on Oct. 1, 2024.

Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star

Rincon/University senior and cross country runner, Amelia North, snagged eight (no, that’s not a typo) first-place wins during the fall season. During October’s Eye of the Tiger Invitational at Marana High School, she set a personal best time of 17:44.0 in the 5,000 meters. Her record was the fastest in the state across all divisions. Throughout the season, she has been ranked No. 1 in the state in girls cross country, beating out runners from the Phoenix area. In the fall state tournament, she took home second place in the 5,000 meters.

Earlier this month, North committed to the University of Arizona, where she will compete in cross country and track and field.

Honorable mentions

Malaysia Roebuck, Marana High School flag football

– When it comes to Southern Arizona high school football, the Roebucks are a household name, including flag football player Malaysia Roebuck, the sister of Dezmen and Sean. Malaysia had 17 touchdowns this season and made it onto the national leaderboards for touchdowns, total points and punt return yards.

Soso Okpara, Mica Mountain High School girls volleyball

– Mica Mountain senior Soso Okpara had a killer volleyball season last fall. The Air Force Academy commit had 300 kills this past season. For reference, the national average is 52. With Okpara in tow, the Thunderbolts went 15-2 in the regular season, making it all the way to the championship match of the state tournament before losing 3-0 to Estrella Foothills.

Emiliano Caldera, Catalina High School cross country

– Catalina’s Emiliano Caldera had a junior year for the books. Throughout the fall cross country season, he snagged three first-place wins in 5,000-meter events, including the TUSD XC Championship. At the state championship, he finished in 11th place with a personal best of 16:20.1. During a conversation with the Star last year, Caldera said he hopes to compete for NAU after graduating high school.

Top winter athletes

Sergio Vega, Sunnyside High School

Wrestling dominates the winter sports season in Tucson, so it’s no surprise that we had to choose wrestling royalty as our top athletes for this season.

Sunnyside senior Sergio Vega is one of the best wrestlers in the nation. In the fall and winter, he was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in the 138-pound weight class. Since then, he’s bumped down to No. 3, but being in the top five in the country is still an accomplishment to be proud of. Vega has numerous wins under his belt, including at the prestigious FloWrestling’s Who’s Number One tournament and USA Wrestling’s Junior National Championships. On a local level, he ended his career with four state championships.

Vega, a multi-generational wrestler, was previously committed to Ivy League Cornell but flipped to Oklahoma State, where he will wrestle this fall.

Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith, Pueblo High School

Mentioning Tucson’s wrestling royalty wouldn’t be complete without putting Pueblo’s Elizabeth Valenzuela Smith in the mix. She may only be a sophomore, but Valenzuela Smith is a third-generation state champion, preceded by her father, Josiah and grandfather, Orlando Smith. Her first state championship was a first for Pueblo and the Tucson Unified School District. She added a second state championship to her résumé earlier this year.

Currently, Valenzuela Smith is ranked No. 18 in the U.S. in the 115-pound weight class.

Honorable mentions

Leo Gutierrez, Salpointe Catholic High School boys soccer

– Salpointe’s Leo Gutierrez is one of the best soccer players to touch the pitch in Southern Arizona. During the winter season, Gutierrez was No. 1 in the nation in goals and points. The star player even received an offer from New York City FC, but he ultimately opted to return home to Salpointe for his senior year. It’s a good thing he did because he helped lead the team to its record fifth straight state championship earlier this year.

America Cazares, Pueblo High School girls basketball

– Pueblo had an incredible season in the 5A conference, losing only two regular-season games. A big part of the Warriors’ success is due to junior America Cazares, who put up serious numbers. She recorded 759 points, 116 rebounds and 120 steals this season. She ranked No. 43 in the U.S. for points per game with 28.1.

America Romero, Douglas High School girls soccer

– Douglas sophomore and goalkeeper America Romero had 171 saves this season, placing her on multiple leaderboards. She ranked No. 11 in Arizona and No. 63 nationally for her saves. With Romero in the box, the Bulldogs only lost one regular-season game, ending the season with an 11-1 record.

Top spring athletes

Austin Cohen, Catalina Foothills High School

Foothills senior tennis star Austin Cohen is the top player in Arizona and No. 65 in the nation in the 2025 recruiting class. Before even attending Foothills, Cohen had already recorded 450 wins. The senior has multiple state championships, including this season’s team championships (the school’s 18th overall) and his second straight individual title. As an individual, he has a 30-0 record.

Cohen is set to attend William & Mary in Virginia this fall.

Kendall Freidinger, Empire High School

Empire pitching ace and senior Kendall Freidinger is one of the top softball players in Southern Arizona. She had 281 strikeouts this season, placing her at No. 62 on the national leaderboards. She also notched a 1.13 ERA this season. Freidinger and the Ravens battled to the very end of the season, earning their second straight state championship earlier this month. Despite the state tournament being a stressful time, Freidinger lived for each moment, eager to play the tougher games and figure out how to improve for the next game.

Freidinger is heading to Weber State this fall to study health administration.

Honorable mentions

Amelia Streuber, Canyon del Oro High School softball

– CDO ace Amelia Streuber ended her season with 100 strikeouts and a 0.88 ERA. While the Dorados didn’t come home with a state title this year, falling 4-0 in the championship game, they went undefeated in the regular season, thanks to Streuber. Off the field, Streuber has documented her college recruitment journey online, helping other athletes in similar positions. She will attend Oregon State this fall on a scholarship.

Bryan Martinez, Bisbee High School baseball

– Bisbee baseball star Bryan Martinez and the Pumas went undefeated this season, going 17-0 in the regular season. Martinez excelled this season with a 0.44 ERA and a batting average of .458. For his winning record, Martinez is ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 21 in the nation.

Lacey Kaufman, Salpointe Catholic High School girls tennis

– Salpointe sophomore Lacey Kaufman is making a name for herself in the local tennis scene. Kaufman took home the state title for the Div. II singles event at this year’s state championship. The Lady Lancers also took home the title for the team event.

Coaches of the year

Pat Nugent, Mica Mountain football

Mica Mountain 4A football state championship | Dec. 6, 2024 — Mica Mountain head coach Pat Nugent holds the trophy after his team’s victory in the 4A football state championship on Dec. 6, 2024, in Tempe.

Evan Barcanic, Arizona Republic

Mica Mountain football head coach Pat Nugent led the Thunderbolts to their first state championship in just three years as a varsity program. Soon after the state championship, Nugent retired, with 27 seasons as a head coach at multiple schools under his belt.

“You always want to keep fighting and battling but to end up being a champion and 14-0 with a special group, it’s a special way,” Nugent previously told the Star. “It’s always hard to leave but it’s a great opportunity to step away from the game.”

Nugent previously coached at Flowing Wells, Canyon del Oro and Cienega. He has a combined 172-66 career coaching record.

Shannon Woolridge, Empire softball

Empire Softball 2024 | May 11, 2024 (copy) — Empire’s Eva Peace rounds third for home with a high five from coach Shannon Woolridge after Peace’s two-run home run put Empire up 4-0 en route to an eventual 10-6 win over Valley Christian on May 11 in the Arizona Class 3A state title game in Tempe.

Courtesy Katie Moore, Empire High softball

Empire softball head coach Shannon Woolridge guided the Ravens to their second consecutive state championship this spring. Before taking home the state title, Empire had quite the season. The Ravens were on a 39-game winning streak that dated back to last season. With the championship title in hand, Empire finished the season with a 28-1 record.

But if you were to ask what made the Ravens’ season so spectacular, Woolridge would give all the credit to his athletes.

“… To see these kids come in as bright-eyed, inexperienced freshmen to young women that are ready to lead and take on the world … I mean, the wins are great. The championships are great. But seeing them develop into young women who are ready for that next step is probably the most gratifying,” he previously told the Star.

Memorable moments of each season

Roebuck breaks state record

– Marana football star Dezmen Roebuck broke the state receiving record with 283 career receptions during a game against Higley in September. He ultimately finished his high school football career with 352 receptions.

Johanna Simpson joined Nogales’ inaugural flag football team to try something new and ended up loving it. Four games into the school’s debut flag football season, she already logged 279 rushing yards.

Courtesy of Estefan Ruiz Photography

Nogales debuts girls flag football team

– Nogales High School debuted its girls flag football this past fall. The team went 9-3 in its inaugural season.

Catalina Foothills girls win 13th state swimming championship

– Foothills’ girls swim and dive team won its 13th state championship (since 2000) last November.

Salpointe girls and boys teams win state soccer tournament

– Salpointe soccer dominated the 4A conference in the winter, with both teams bringing home state titles. The boys took down Scottsdale Saguaro 7-2, and the girls defeated Prescott, 1-0, in the championship games.

Flowing Wells celebrates 50 years of Lady Cabs basketball

– More than 50 community members and alumni showed up last winter to celebrate 50 years of Flowing Wells girls basketball. The Lady Cabs have won 19 region championships, been to 11 state finals fours, were state runner-up six times and won the 2008 state championship since its inception in 1975.

Catalina vs Pueblo, MLK Coaches for Charity Classic — Pueblo Warriors America Cazares (3) collects the rebound during the MLK Coaches for Charity Classic at McKale Center, Jan. 20, 2025.

Grace Trejo, Arizona Daily Star

Local student-athletes participate in the MLK Basketball Classic at McKale Center

– Numerous basketball players from Southern Arizona high schools competed in the annual MLK Basketball Classic in January. The event, which is hosted by Coaches for Charity, raises money for elementary school sports equipment and scholarships.

Empire wins back-to-back state softball titles

– Empire winning its second straight state championship was not only a memorable moment for the team, but for all high school sports enthusiasts in Southern Arizona. The Ravens defeated Yuma Catholic, 1-0, in extra innings for the state title.

Rincon/University boys volleyball wins TUSD tourney

– Rincon/University boys volleyball won the TUSD invitational in March, taking down Pueblo, Canyon del Oro, Cholla and Palo Verde Magnet, with an overall score of 8-0. The win is a first for new Rincon/University boys coach Sean Haynes, who led the Rangers to an 11-6 season.

Timothy Tran - Rincon/University volleyball — Timothy Tran, a senior varsity volleyball player at Rincon/University High School, serves the ball during a game against Salpointe Catholic, April 12, 2025.

Grace Trejo

Pusch Ridge wins first state golf title

– In the final push of the spring season, Pusch Ridge returned to Tucson with its first-ever golf state championship. The team edged Phoenix-area schools, Phoenix Country Day (604) and Valley Christian (605), with a final score of 603.

Reader’s choice

– Tucson’s top girl student-athlete of the fall season: Vita Carr, Tucson High School swim

– Tucson’s top boy student-athlete of the fall season: Emiliano Caldera, Catalina High School cross country

– Tucson’s top girl student-athlete of the winter season: Sarah Perez, Sahuarita High School wrestling, and America Romero, Douglas High School soccer (Results showed a 50/50 tie)

– Tucson’s top boy student-athlete of the winter season: Kameron Pippen, Palo Verde High School basketball, and Leo Gutierrez, Salpointe High School soccer (Results showed a 50/50 tie)

– Tucson’s top girl student-athlete of the spring season: A three-way tie among Amelia Streuber and Molly Herman, CDO High School softball; Lourdes Gamez, St. Augustine Catholic High School softball; and Claire Achilles, Tanque Verde High School softball

– Tucson’s top boy student-athlete of the spring season: Milo Mandolini, Sabino High School track and field

Contact Elvia Verdugo, the Star’s community sports editor, at everdugo@tucson.com. A journalism and history graduate from the University of Arizona, she shares stories highlighting what makes Tucson and its community special.

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ALL-STATE BASEBALL: Athens Bible’s Murrell headlines local contingent with 1st-team honors Published 5:00 am Saturday, May 31, 2025 1 of 1 Several local standouts recognized by ASWA Athens Bible’s Luke Murrell earned first-team honors following the release of this year’s All-State baseball team on Saturday. Murrell, who also received a first-team nod last year, was […]

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6 hours ago

May 31, 2025

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ALL-STATE BASEBALL: Athens Bible’s Murrell headlines local contingent with 1st-team honors

Published 5:00 am Saturday, May 31, 2025

1 of 1

Several local standouts recognized by ASWA

Athens Bible’s Luke Murrell earned first-team honors following the release of this year’s All-State baseball team on Saturday.

Murrell, who also received a first-team nod last year, was joined on the honorary squad by Athens’ Hudson Marks and Elkmont’s Corder Hobbs, both of whom secured second-team accolades. Athens’ Ashton Dickey and Athens Bible’s Ethan Barnes, meanwhile, were honorable mentions.

The All-State baseball team is decided by the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s prep committee, which chooses from a list of athletes spanning seven classifications across the Alabama High School Athletic Association. The Alabama Independent School Association is also part of the annual selection process.

See below for capsules on local players spotlighted by the ASWA as well as the full All-State baseball team.

Name: Luke Murrell

School: Athens Bible

Class: 1A

All-State Status: First-Team Infielder

Highlights: Compiled a .565 average with a .610 on-base percentage, 1.528 OPS, 48 hits, 35 runs, 28 RBIs, 19 stolen bases, 15 doubles, 10 walks and six triples.

Name: Ashton Dickey

School: Athens

Class: 6A

All-State Status: Honorable Mention Outfielder

Highlights: Compiled a .350 average with a .418 on-base percentage, .893 OPS, 28 hits, 15 runs, 13 RBIs, nine walks, eight stolen bases, four doubles and three triples.

Name: Ethan Barnes

School: Athens Bible

Class: 1A

All-State Status: Honorable Mention Utility

Highlights: Compiled a .416 average with a .511 on-base percentage, 1.030 OPS, 32 hits, 26 runs, 26 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and six doubles.

Name: Hudson Marks

School: Athens

Class: 6A

All-State Status: Second-Team Utility

Highlights: Compiled a .360 average with a .453 on-base percentage, .958 OPS, 32 hits, 19 runs, 17 RBIs, 11 doubles, 11 walks and five stolen bases. Compiled a 2.80 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 50 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched. Held opponents to a .261 batting average against.

Name: Corder Hobbs

School: Elkmont

Class: 3A

All-State Status: Second-Team Designated Hitter

Highlights: Compiled a .421 average with a .602 on-base percentage, 1.444 OPS, 32 hits, 29 RBIs, 29 walks, 11 doubles and seven home runs.

CLASS 7A

Player of the year

Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville

Pitcher of the year

Tanner Hermesch, Bob Jones

Hitter of the year

Rock Gearhart, Fairhope

Coach of the year

Nick Richardson, Tuscaloosa Co.

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Brady Cavanaugh, Enterprise, Jr.

P: Christian Helmers, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

P: Tanner Hermesch, Bob Jones, Sr.

P: Brady Richardson, Enterprise, Sr.

C: Mikey Vanderheyden, Enterprise, Sr.

IF: Steele Hall, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

IF: Kole Nicholson, Tuscaloosa Co., Sr.

IF: Walker Turner, Enterprise, Jr.

IF: Wyatt Williams, Thompson, Jr.

OF: Will Adams, Hoover, Jr.

OF: Rock Gearhart, Fairhope, Sr.

OF: Cross Tonsmeire, Vestavia Hills, Jr.

UT: Ma’Kale Holden, Thompson, Sr.

UT: Zack Johnson, Bob Jones, Sr.

DH: Will Langston, Vestavia Hills, Sr.

DH: Jaxson Wood, Hoover, Jr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Jackson Lyles, Robertsdale, Sr.

P: Brooks Mellown, Tuscaloosa Co., Jr.

P: Hudson Mitchell, Hewitt-Trussville, Fr.

P: Will Whatley, Auburn, Sr.

C: Perrin Gomez, Dothan, Jr.

IF: Sam Brown, Central-Phenix City, Sr.

IF: Charlie Cassingham, Grissom, Sr.

IF: Steven Cavaco, Huntsville, Sr.

IF: Gavin Smith, Vestavia Hills, Jr.

OF: Dillon Adkins, Bob Jones, Sr.

OF: Anderson Harris, Thompson, Sr.

OF: Gavin Maund, Enterprise, Sr.

UT: Joshua Burrell, Grissom, Sr.

UT: Miles Drew Johnson, Fairhope, Sr.

DH: Cooper Huffman, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

DH: Angelo Santiago, Auburn, Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Cam Norton, Central-Phenix City, Jr.

P: Will Sparks, Fairhope, Sr.

C: Drew Ollis, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

C: Hudson Smith, James Clemens, So.

IF: Cam Martin, Bob Jones, Sr.

OF: Trey Harville, Austin, Fr.

OF: William Tonsmeire, Vestavia Hills, Sr.

UT: Emory Yohn, Central-Phenix City, Sr.

DH: Jashaun Moten, Tuscaloosa Co., Jr.

CLASS 6A

Player of the year

Aiden Hughes, Chelsea

Pitcher of the year

Jace Meadows, Hartselle

Hitter of the year

Caiden Combs, Gardendale

Coach of the year

Brad Phillips, Hartselle

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Aiden Hughes, Chelsea, Sr.

P: Cooper Loftin, Cullman, Sr.

P: Jace Meadows, Hartselle, Sr.

P: Jack Ross, Homewood, Sr.

C: Hudson Gilman, Oxford, Sr.

IF: Sam Arnold, Muscle Shoals, Sr.

IF: Andrew Beaverson, Hazel Green, Jr.

IF: Caiden Combs, Gardendale, Sr.

IF: Easton Nelms, Hartselle, Sr.

OF: Trey Greenwell, Decatur, Sr.

OF: Santae McWilliams, Saraland, Sr.

OF: Nick Richardson, Oxford, Sr.

UT: Asher Doepel, Hartselle, Jr.

UT: Andrew Oelke, Buckhorn, Sr.

DH: Cruise Baker, Hartselle, Jr.

DH: Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook, Sr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Evan Malone, Northridge, Jr.

P: Cade Mason, Saraland, So.

P: Bryant Diddell, Mountain Brook, Jr.

P: Connor Stiles, Hartselle, Jr.

C: Price Stephens, Gulf Shores, Jr.

IF: Braden Abernathy, Buckhorn, Sr.

IF: Will Dobbins, Homewood, Sr.

IF: Ty Marsh, Hartselle, Sr.

IF: Jacob O’Bryan, Gulf Shores, Jr.

OF: Jaden Charles, Hazel Green, Sr.

OF: Cole Miles, Hartselle, Jr.

OF: Lakelon Ray, Spanish Fort, Sr.

UT: Newton Gardner, Spanish Fort, Sr.

UT: Hudson Marks, Athens, Jr.

DH: Colton Armstrong, Russell Co., Sr.

DH: Paul Barnett, Mountain Brook, So.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Mitchell Adams, McGill-Toolen, Jr.

P: Corbin Driskell, Southside-Gadsden, Sr.

C: Peyton Moss, Pell City, Sr.

C: Harris Penley, Decatur, Jr.

IF: Reid Maniscalco, Oxford, Sr.

IF: Thomas Woolf, Northridge, Sr.

OF: Jackson Stallworth, Stanhope Elmore, Sr.

OF: Ashton Dickey, Athens, Sr.

UT: Marcus Lawler, Oxford, Jr.

UT: Paxton Stallings, Chelsea, Sr.

DH: Jake Franklin, Rehobeth, Sr.

DH: Jarret Scott, Helena, Sr.

CLASS 5A

Player of the year

Eric Hines, American Christian

Pitcher of the year

Jack Doyle, Madison Academy

Hitter of the year

Eric Hines, American Christian

Coach of the year

Owen Davis, Elberta

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Jack Doyle, Madison Academy, Sr.

P: Brady Harrison, Elberta, Sr.

P: Tyler Pierce, Boaz, Sr.

P: Seth Turner, Marbury, Sr.

C: John Stowers, St. Paul’s, Jr.

IF: Tee Foster, Madison Academy, Sr.

IF: Bennett Green, Northside, 27

IF: Edward Mcleod, St. Paul’s, Sr.

IF: Bryce Rivers, Mobile Christian, Jr.

OF: Eric Hines, American Christian, Sr.

OF: Evan Lightsey, American Christian, Sr.

OF: Conner Nelson, Leeds, Sr.

UT: Shea Darnell, Elmore Co., Sr.

UT: Parker Frost, Lawrence Co., Sr.

DH: Myles Johnson, Madison Academy, Sr.

DH: Brooks McDonald, St. Paul’s, Sr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Riley Hall, Faith-Mobile, Sr.

P: Ivan Hand, Briarwood, Fr.

P: Bradley Irish, St. Paul’s, Sr.

P: Carter Samueslon, Springville, Sr.

C: Trent Wilson, Scottsboro, Sr.

IF: Sage Bennett, Boaz, So.

IF: Jace Dean, Headland, Fr.

IF: Cade Durrett, American Christian, Sr.

IF: Chase Vaznaian, Charles Henderson, Jr.

OF: Brayden Entrekin, Russellville, Fr.

OF: Adan Ramey, Elberta, Sr.

OF: Fisher Roberts, Northside, Sr.

UT: Ty Bedell, Leeds, Sr.

UT: Jacob Driver, Marbury, Sr.

DH: Hunter Elmore, American Christian, Fr.

DH: Koen Sampley, Marbury, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Riley Cravey, Andalusia, Jr.

P: Sam Hill, Corner, Sr.

C: Jackson Allred, Elberta, Sr.

C: Caden Norwood, Lawrence Co., Sr.

IF: Kaden Baxter, Carroll-Ozark, Jr.

IF: Austin Davis, Elmore Co., Sr.

OF: Damien Gatson, Mobile Christian, Sr.

OF: Zechariah Lemon, Jacksonville, Sr.

UT: Ty Waters, UMS-Wright, Jr.

CLASS 4A

Player of the year

Garrett Reid, Deshler

Pitcher of the year

Macain McMillan, Bibb Co.

Hitter of the year

Damon DeVine, Etowah

Coach of the year

Justin Cantrell, Deshler

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Brody Black, Oak Grove, Sr.

P: Macain McMillan, Bibb Co., Sr.

P: Garrett Reid, Deshler, Jr.

P: Price Thornton, Deshler, Jr.

C: Jacob Alexander, Deshler, Sr.

IF: Matt Ashberry, Straughn, Jr.

IF: Fleming Hall, Trinity, Sr.

IF: Wiley Hicks, Oak Grove, Jr.

IF: Jameson Scissum, Etowah, Sr.

OF: Cash Harrell, Opp, Jr.

OF: Ty Morris, Houston Academy, So.

OF: Hayden Pope, New Brockton, Sr.

UT: Damon DeVine, Etowah, Sr.

UT: Memphis Scott, Madison Co., Sr.

DH: Cole Dean, Bayside Academy, Sr.

DH: Brue Milner, Tallassee, So.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Bray Goode, Alexandria, Sr.

P: Ethan McMillan, Bibb Co., Jr.

P: Porter Nelson, Opp, So.

P: Dylan Rainey, Westbrook Christian, Sr.

C: Cooper McNutt, Haleyville, Sr.

IF: Jace Duckett, Madison Co., So.

IF: Bodie Giddiens, Bibb Co., Sr.

IF: Mason Holloway, Hamilton, So.

IF: Carson Tittle, Cherokee Co., Sr.

OF: Jay Fuller, Oak Grove, Sr.

OF: Gabe Glover, Houston Academy, Sr.

OF: Jay Marbutt, Haleyville, Sr.

UT: Dawson Cambron, New Hope, Sr.

UT: Reed Bruce, Central-Florence, Jr.

DH: Xavier Boswell, Trinity, Sr.

DH: Antonious Steele, Bibb Co., Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Patton Mitchell, Trinity, Fr.

P: Matthew Steele, Orange Beach, Sr.

C: Dalton Luker, White Plains, Sr.

IF: Will McCullar, Haleyville, Sr.

IF: Carter Stephens, West Morgan, Sr.

OF: Dylan Heald, Indian Springs, Sr.

OF: Xavier Rhine, Bibb Co., Sr.

UT: Brady Carden, Westbrook Christian, Jr.

UT: Tucker Hicks, Satsuma, Sr.

DH: Elijah Lambert, Central-Florence, Jr.

DH: Colton Shields, Hokes Bluff, Sr.

CLASS 3A

Player of the year

Mason McCraine, Glenwood

Pitcher of the year

Tyler Sykes, Glenwood

Hitter of the year

Mason McCraine, Glenwood

Coach of the year

Hunter Cornelius, Vinemont

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Blake Bowman, Prattville Christian, Jr.

P: Blake Dobbins, Fyffe, Sr.

P: Tyler Sykes, Glenwood, Sr.

P: Skylar Tucker, Lauderdale Co., Sr.

C: Ethan Walls, Prattville Christian, Sr.

IF: Diego Bryant, Thomasville, Sr.

IF: Carter Judah, Glenwood, Jr.

IF: Mason McAteer, Collinsville, So.

IF: Bo Mitchell, Rogers, Sr.

OF: Mason McCraine, Glenwood, Sr.

OF: Jase Neel, Gordo, Sr.

OF: Tabor Offord, St. James, Sr.

UT: Drew Colon, Wicksburg, Sr.

UT: Luke Holbrook, Whitesburg Christian, Sr.

DH: Jackson Burton, Alabama Christian, Jr.

DH: Jake Hale, Vinemont, Sr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Hudson Campbell, Glenwood, Jr.

P: Charlie Cutler, St. James, Jr.

P: Kyson Key, Winfield, Jr.

P: Isaac Parten, Thomasville, Jr.

C: Seth Williams, Wicksburg, Jr.

IF: Brooks Canady, Providence Christian, Jr.

IF: Walt Hennicke, Winfield, Sr.

IF: Jordon Lankford, Geraldine, Fr.

IF: Owen McKinney, Vinemont, Sr.

OF: Hayden Ballard, Winfield, Jr.

OF: Jack Diefenderfer, Prattville Christian, Jr.

OF: Kayden Henderson, Vinemont, Sr.

UT: Gavin Lang, Collinsville, So.

UT: Brady May, Winfield, Sr.

DH: Corder Hobbs, Elkmont, Sr.

DH: Brandon Whitley, Winfield, Fr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Eli Hubbert, T.R. Miller, Jr.

P: Xavier Luna, Ohatchee, Jr.

C: Jaylen Gangar, Sheffield, So.

C: Jeremiah Killian, Collinsville, So.

IF: Noah McClendon, J.B. Pennington, So.

IF: Chase Utley, Whitesburg Christian, Fr.

OF: William Marks, Montgomery Academy, So.

UT: Cole Austin, Piedmont, Fr.

UT: Dylan Castle, Colbert Co., Sr.

DH: Sam Jackson, Lee-Scott, Sr.

CLASS 2A

Player of the year

Aiden Poe, Vincent

Pitcher of the year

Colton Glass, Sumiton Christian

Hitter of the year

Olsen Howard, Decatur Heritage

Coach of the year

Will Austin, Pike Liberal Arts

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Luke Barron, Pike Liberal Arts, Sr.

P: Colton Glass, Sumiton Christian, Fr.

P: Braylon Morris, Cottonwood, Sr.

P: Aiden Poe, Vincent, Sr.

C: Wells Ganey, Ariton, Jr.

IF: Luke Gilbert, Pisgah, Sr.

IF: Olsen Howard, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

IF: Jack Malone, Bayshore Christian, Sr.

IF: Ty Reynolds, Red Bay, Sr.

OF: Grayson Gulde, Vincent, Sr.

OF: Jamarkius Smith, Reeltown, So.

OF: Bryant Sparkman, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

UT: Landon Archer, Vincent, So.

UT: Cam Isbell, Mars Hill Bible, Sr.

DH: Nate Crooms, Bayshore Christian, Sr.

DH: Austin Hubbard, Sumiton Christian, Jr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Landon Dearmon, Washington Co., Jr.

P: Austin Evans, Ariton, Sr.

P: Carson Harvey, North Sand Mountain, Jr.

P: Paxton Tarver, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

C: Tyler McClendon, Goshen, Sr.

IF: Rusty McDonald, Sumiton Christian, Sr.

IF: Austyn Miller, Cottonwood, Sr.

IF: Mikey Poss, North Sand Mountain, Sr.

IF: Hunter Stallings, Cedar Bluff, Sr.

OF: Caleb Edmondson, Cedar Bluff, Sr.

OF: Luke Fowler, Mars Hill Bible, Jr.

OF: Logan Williams, Pleasant Valley, So.

UT: Ellis Hamiter, Tuscaloosa Academy, Sr.

UT: Easton Kilpatrick, Ariton, Jr.

DH: Conner Humphrey, Gaston, Sr.

DH: Garrett Whitaker, Pike Liberal Arts, So.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Brayden Bailey, J.U. Blacksher, Jr.

P: Jeramiah Thorne, Red Bay, Jr.

C: Jeremy Mehennett, St. Luke’s, Jr.

C: Wyatt Sandlin, Sulligent, Sr.

IF: Cooper Frampton, St. Luke’s, So.

IF: Eben Pritchett, G.W. Long, Jr.

OF: Colton Ashton, Belgreen, Fr.

OF: Kade Brookins, Pike Liberal Arts, Sr.

UT: Casen Fields, Vincent, Sr.

UT: Jackson Mayo, West End-Walnut Grove, Sr.

DH: Jackson Bowen, Pike Liberal Arts, So.

DH: Ford Sparkman, Decatur Heritage, Jr.

CLASS 1A

Player of the year

Blaise Vickery, Hackleburg

Pitcher of the year

Sawyer Sullivan, Leroy

Hitter of the year

Jed Wilkins, Addison

Coach of the year

Jon McKinney, Hackleburg

FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Logan Harvey, Appalachian, Sr.

P: Ross Hudson, Hackleburg, Jr.

P: Kiah Lake, Addison, Jr.

P: Sawyer Sullivan, Leroy, Jr.

C: Landon Jones, Billingsley, Sr.

IF: Luke Murrell, Athens Bible, So.

IF: Jayden Parks, Brantley, Sr.

IF: Jon Hasten Stidham, Hackleburg, Sr.

IF: Blaise Vickery, Hackleburg, Sr.

OF: Damien Dickerson, Autauga Academy, Jr.

OF: Easton Walsh, Florala, Jr.

OF: Jed Wilkins, Addison, Sr.

UT: John David Justus, Coosa Christian, Sr.

UT: Cooper Layton, Brantley, Sr.

DH: Brady Keith, Leroy, Sr.

DH: Dalton Jackson, Florala, Sr.

SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE

P: Caleb Conn, Appalachian, Jr.

P: Logan Dunaway, Autauga Academy, Jr.

P: Ethan Jones, Fayetteville, So.

P: Lawson Whigham, Millry, Sr.

C: Edge Weeks, Hackleburg, Sr.

IF: Noah Bryan, Florala, So.

IF: Phoenix Holyfield, Millry, Sr.

IF: Brady Johnson, Elba, Sr.

IF: Stone Talley, Addison, Jr.

OF: Eli Burns, Fayetteville, Fr.

OF: JC Foster, Leroy, Sr.

OF: Cameron Robertson, Coosa Christian, Sr.

UT: Connor Blackwell, Red Level, Jr.

UT: Jon Kilcrease, Brantley, Sr.

DH: Hayes Garmon, Spring Garden, Sr.

DH: Brody Nelson, Coosa Christian, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Jackson Waite, Millry, Sr.

C: Conner Lane, Meek, Fr.

IF: Cole Brand, Hubbertville, Sr.

IF: Max Wright, South Lamar, Jr.

OF: Tyler Carter, Brantley, Sr.

OF: Austin Dodd, Lynn, Sr.

UT: Ethan Barnes, Athens Bible, So.

UT: Kyle Boice, Billingsley, Jr.

DH: Chaz Branum, Brantley, Jr.

DH: Brenton Cantrell, Fayetteville, So.

AISA

Player of the year

Demetrius Hardnett, Lakeside

Pitcher of the year

Demetrius Hardnett, Lakeside

Hitter of the year

Cooper Clemmons, Clarke Prep

Coach of the year

Tony Rasmus, Lakeside

ALL-STATE

P: Eli Bozeman, Hope-Oxford, Sr.

P: Boston Brown, Lakeside, So.

P: Jackson Carmichael, Bessemer Academy, Jr.

P: Demetrius Hardnett, Lakeside, Sr.

C: Tyler-Mark Bullock, Lakeside, Jr.

IF: Jayden Buckhannon, Abbeville Christian, Jr.

IF: Cooper Clemmons, Clarke Prep, Sr.

IF: Trent Hayes, Lakeside, So.

IF: Drew Rogers, Southern Academy, Fr.

OF: Max Anderson, Clarke Prep, Sr.

OF: Julian Curry, Wilcox Academy, Jr.

OF: Sandrell Williams, Fort Dale Academy, Sr.

UT: Mathew Mize, Patrician, Sr.

UT: Alex Reynolds, Bessemer Academy, Sr.

DH: Conner Britton, Lakeside, Sr.

DH: Landon Rubel, Snook, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

P: Carson Scott, Lakeside, Sr.

P: Jackson Todd, Macon-East, Jr.

C: Kainen Bozeman, Hope-Oxford, So.

C: Brett Hackett, Coosa Valley, Sr.

IF: Jackson Carmichael, Bessemer Academy, Jr.

IF: Sam Setzer, Coosa Valley, Jr.

OF: Ethan Carr, Patrician, So.

UT: Tanner Bayles, Clarke Prep, Sr.

UT: Wyatt Martin, Southern Academy, Fr.

DH: Bobraeden Agee, Southern Academy, So.

DH: Bryant Morrison, Macon-East, Sr.

High School Sports

Iowa high school girls soccer

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

High School Sports

New MLB Mock Draft Highlights Phillies' Success with Prep Pitchers

Two of the Philadelphia Phillies’ top pitching prospects have their roots in the prep ranks. Could they go back to high school for another? The Phillies are waiting patiently on Andrew Painter, who is currently at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Philadelphia has been incredibly patient as the right-hander missed all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons […]

Published

7 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

New MLB Mock Draft Highlights Phillies' Success with Prep Pitchers

Two of the Philadelphia Phillies’ top pitching prospects have their roots in the prep ranks. Could they go back to high school for another?

The Phillies are waiting patiently on Andrew Painter, who is currently at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Philadelphia has been incredibly patient as the right-hander missed all of the 2023 and 2024 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery. He should join the Phillies sometime this year.

Mick Abel, another former prep right-hander, made his MLB debut recently and looked sharp. He was there to fill a gap in the rotation, but he should return to the Majors at some point soon.

It’s not easy developing prep talent into Major League pitching. Could the Phillies head back to that well in July’s MLB draft?

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently published his first mock draft, and he had the Phillies selecting a prep right-hander, Matthew Fisher, from Evansville Memorial High School in Indiana.

Naturally, the Phillies have some experience selecting right when it comes to high school pitching. It’s possible they could try to replicate those positive experiences with Fisher, who is McDaniel’s No. 40 overall player.

Painter developed quickly, going from first-round pick to potential MLB call-up in just two minor-league seasons. Abel needed much more time, as he made his debut after four full seasons in the minor leagues.

Chances are, the Phillies would be waiting a while on Fisher. But, given Philadelphia’s track record, they may end up with a future starter one day.

The Phillies selected shortstop Dante Nori out of Northville High School in Northville, Mich., with last year’s first-round pick. Nori is playing his first full professional season with Class A Clearwater.

In 2023, the Phillies selected Miller out of J.W. Mitchell High School in Trinity, Fla., in the first round. He is playing at Double-A Reading and bucking for a promotion to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

The Phillies’ 2022 first-round selection was outfielder Justin Crawford from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nev. The son of former MLB outfielder Carl Crawford is at Lehigh Valley and in play for an MLB promotion if needed.

Painter was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2021 out of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Abel was Philadelphia’s first-round pick in 2020 was pitcher Mick Abel from Jesuit High School in Beaverton, Ore.

The 2025 MLB draft will be held Sunday and Monday, July 13-14, during All-Star Weekend in Atlanta.

High School Sports

PWHL's 2 newest GMs, Gardner Morey and Turner, eager to begin building expansion …

Cara Gardner Morey was so eager to begin building PWHL Vancouver’s expansion roster, the now-former Princeton coach was already formulating a priority list of potential players she’d target before landing the general manager’s job. “I started thinking about it on the first phone call,” Gardner Morey said Friday during a Zoom session introducing her and […]

Published

8 hours ago

May 31, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PWHL's 2 newest GMs, Gardner Morey and Turner, eager to begin building expansion ...

“I started thinking about it on the first phone call,” Gardner Morey said Friday during a Zoom session introducing her and fellow PWHL Seattle expansion team GM Meghan Turner.

“Watching all the games, you’re like, ‘Oooh, who would be great in this spot?’” Gardner Morey added. “That’s what’s exciting about this position, right, is building your own team and this fantasy that you could almost choose anybody you want.”

Acknowledging there are constraints built in, including the league’s salary cap, Gardner Morey and Turner begin that process next week.

It starts Wednesday with an exclusive four-day player signing period, when the two yet-to-be-named expansion teams can add up to five players. It will be followed with an expansion draft on June 9, in which Vancouver and Seattle will each have their first 12 players, with the remainder of the rosters filled out in the PWHL draft on June 24 followed by free agency.

Each of the PWHL’s six existing teams are initially allowed to protect three players, and can add a fourth to the list once they lose two in the two-phased expansion process.

In limiting the number of protected players, the PWHL placed on emphasis on ensuring the expansion teams can be competitive from the start of the league’s third season expected to open in November. And it will lead to some notable high-profile players making the move to the Pacific Northwest.

This image provided by the PWHL shows Meghan Turner. Credit: AP

“I’m excited to build a team that can really compete and win a championship in Year 1,” said Turner, who spent the past two season as the Boston Fleet’s assistant general manager.

“I think it’s going to be an immense help,” she added of spending the past two seasons working under Fleet GM Danielle Marmer. “I feel like I have a good sense of what it takes to succeed in this league. … And then organizationally, I have the background of having helped Danielle build an organization from scratch.”

Another bonus, stems from her previous job as a risk assessment consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“I think it really set me up well to be able to take on some of the transition out of consulting and into the sports industry,” she said. “Just be comfortable knowing how to learn on the fly and build a team and build each project as kind of its own little organization.”

Though new to the PWHL, Gardner Morey has followed the league closely over its first two seasons, while noting she’s familiar with numerous players in having coached or faced them during her 14 years at Princeton, including the past eight as head coach.

Two former Tigers are New York forward Sarah Fillier, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, and Minnesota defenseman Claire Thompson, who enjoyed successful rookie seasons this year.

Both expansion GMs have hit the ground running since being hired last week. Aside from building their rosters, both are in the process of a coaching search as well as building out their respective team’s support staff.

The two have previous playing experience at both college and previous women’s pro ranks, with the 46-year-old Gardner Morey being a former teammate of PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford in the first iteration of the National Women’s Hockey League.

Both placed an emphasis on establishing strong leadership cultures, and building teams featuring both speed and strength in a league that has introduced checking to women’s hockey.

Gardner Morey also looked forward to build on the natural geographic rivalry between two expansion teams separated by a two-plus hour drive, and joined the league a week apart in April.

“Maybe there’ll be some, I don’t know, trash-talking here and there to make sure we get this rivalry going,” said Gardner Morey, who is married to former NFL Steelers receiver Sean Morey, a member of the 2005 Pittsburgh team which defeated Seattle in the Super Bowl. “The more you stir up, the better it is for everybody.”