High School Ball well under way, what are your thoughts.

[Mick]

Haven't seen many games, but so far no surprises. DD's team - McCutcheon - is beating who they should beat. The loss of Tori Collins will hurt, but the pitching is above average and they return a lot of seniors. The JV looks good, much better than I thought. Good prospects for the future. Twin Lakes (Monticello) looked good both JV and varsity. This week we'll see Benton Central and Delphi, two small schools that usually have good athletes. The big one comes tomorrow against cross-county rival Harrison and they always bring their A game for McC. Looks like business as usual in this part of the state.

Speaking of Delphi, I read in the Lafayette paper where they have played 4 games and not allowed a runner past second. I don't know who they have played, but that is a pretty cool stat whoever it was.

[da60]

gunshy, I agree with you...it was second game of a doubleheader, very cold...I was sitting in the bleachers with the head coach of our eclipse team(parent of another speedway player) and we were commenting on Monrovia was coming up to the top of their lineup, which obviously had the stronger hitters(help me out rocket4, but I believe a couple of the gators are on this team)..we had taken the lead by a few runs when the ump made the call...felt bad for Monrovia and the player(who is a very good hitter)...I wish umps would sometimes just let the games be decided by the players on the field...he could have tossed the bat and left the girl in the game to hit(which is what myself and the other eclipse coach wanted because we wanted our pitcher to face their hitters)...oh well...you have to accept the umps decisions.

[rocket4]

da60, just for clarification,the coach had been warmed one time before the bench restriction which with out argument should have been enough. But as gunshy posted where do they draw the line. Suppose a player in the ondeck circle holds her bat between her legs while tucking in her shirt. Might she be in jeopordy of breaking the rule? Does anyone know exactly how the rule is stated? How do they define "artificial"? What is the intent of the rule? To protect players?ERA's. Or to just sell more bats because of cold weather damage. I believe it was the bottom of the 8th with the winning run on 2nd or 3rd and 1 out. The inning ended with the runner left on base and Speedway scored 4 in top of 9nth for the 10-6 final.

[da60]

thanks rocket4, I figured you would have better info on what was really said to coach and/or player as I got info second hand...not from ump...I have no idea about the rule as I had never heard it called before nor had anyone else I asked...it was a pretty exciting game as high school games go...I can say this with all confidence, whatever temperature the player was raising her bat to was not the reason she was hitting the ball as hard as she was...that was talent(same as her cannon for an arm)...your pitcher was also a workhorse...if/when we meet again this year I hope it is in the finals of sectionals.

[rocket4]

Big dittos on the rematch da60. I have seen game 1 pitcher work out last fall and knew she'd be tough again. Owen Chew is one of the best. Whitley was solid as was Lorian. just need some dry weather now, warm or not.

[jag1]

New Pal is definitely the team to beat in the Hoosier Heritage Conference, and should contend for another state title. Greenfield looks very good, but I'm curious as to how they handle some better pitching. Pendleton is tough as always, but their pitching may be a little thin this year. Mt. Vernon looks to be a year or two away from being pretty good. ....a couple of smaller schools in this part of the state Cowan and Shenandoah have played well, but Union County hasn't played as well I thought they would with a roster full of experienced seniors..!

[coolstuff]

Speaking of Delphi, I read in the Lafayette paper where they have played 4 games and not allowed a runner past second. I don't know who they have played, but that is a pretty cool stat whoever it was.

They have good athletes from what I've seen of their middle school b-ball and v-ball teams. I just learned that only the JV will play Delphi on Weds. if this rain ever breaks. The McCutcheon-Harrison showdown probably won't happen tonight.

[ballguy]

Well the high school season is almost 3 weeks old and we are now 1-0-0-2. One win zero losses, no ties but we just can't get past the weather!! Throw in spring break and its been a tuff start!

[lumpy]

Be careful what you wish for.

[clayface74]

Blackford(3A) looked solid last weekend. I got there late and only got to see 2 innings. I think the pitcher (Reid) is a Mccutcheon transfer. can't say for certain, but I certainly can say she BROUGHT IT!! Only got to watch 4th and 5th do to 10-0 score against S. Wells(A). GO LADY BRUINS!!