Avery All-Star Softball Teams Remain Alive in District Tournament

Both Avery All-Star softball squads began District tournament play with games earlier this week. On Tuesday the 9-10 year old All-Stars played host to a tough Ashe County ballclub.

Bri Cuthbertson started inside the circle for Avery and pitched well through the first three innings of the contest, holding the Ashe club to only four runs total.

Avery had difficulty dialing in Ashe starter Brianna McCoy, as she struck out the side in each of the first two innings of work. The Avery club adjusted, however, and picked up a pair of runs in the bottom of the third frame to cut the Ashe advantage to 4-2 after three innings of play.

Ashe began to grasp control of the game in the fourth and fifth frames when they added four in the fourth and burst out for 11 runs in the top of the fifth to take a 19-2 edge. Avery would not give up, however, rallying to mount a two-out rally to plate a run to provide for the final 19-3 margin at Hodge Turbyfill Complex.

"Our girls gave a maximum effort. You couldn't ask for a better effort from a group of girls," Avery All-Stars coach Robert Garland said after the game. "Their first pitcher was really tough. Our girls are used to the speed from a machine, but aren't as used to the motion of the pitcher from the mound. We made a couple of bad plays and it got us down a little. Bri did a great job pitching before her arm started hurting her. She only pitched a couple of times during the season, but she'll get it. Kesha followed her up and threw well also."

11 and 12 Softball Upends Caldwell, Tangles with Lady Huskies

The Avery 11-12 year old Softball All-Stars picked up a postseason victory on Monday night, defeating the West Caldwell All-Stars by a final score of 21-14 in Collettsville Monday evening.

Ashley Yoder got the starting nod inside the circle, while Ellie Lecka came on in relief to help seal the win. Avery trailed by a pair of runs after the first inning of play, but the ladies rallied to score three runs in the top of the second to take their first lead at 3-2.

West Caldwell continued to battle, as the home team plated a pair to regain the advantage at 4-3. The early runs were indicated an offensive shootout, which proved to be true by game's end.

Avery grabbed the lead for good in the top of the fourth inning, taking a four-run edge at 10-6. Caldwell refused to fold, manufacturing a pair of runs to cut the deficit to two runs after four innings. Avery kept its hot bats going as the sun set on the horizon. Five runs in the top of the frame pushed the visitors' lead to its largest of the game at 15-8.

Avery's defense took charge in the bottom of the frame as it held West to only a single run, taking a six-run bulge into the final inning of the contest.

The teams combined for 11 runs in the sixth and final inning, with Avery crossing six of runners home for a 21-9 edge in the top of the frame. West Caldwell did not give up, however, as the squad cut the lead to seven at 21-14, but Avery buckled down and recorded the final out to advance to the second round in the winner's bracket of the District Tournament.

"We had a good breakout inning which helped us get out on them," Avery All-Stars softball coach Kevin Brown stated. "We made good contact hitting the ball and we didn't walk in a single run in the game. All the girls were hitting the ball well."

On Wednesday evening the 11-12 year old Avery Softball All-Stars matched up with Ashe County in a second-round tournament contest.

The Ashe team came out swinging off Avery starter Emily Brown, rallying to put up four runs in the opening frame. The Avery squad retired Ashe with runners on base to close the frame, however. Avery added a run in the bottom of the first when Clark stole home plate to narrow the deficit to 4-1.

Ashe turned the tide in the game in the top of the second when it scored six runs in the inning, six of which occurring with two outs. Hannah Blevins had the big hit of the inning with a bases-clearing, 3-RBI triple which staked the visitors to an 10-1 lead.

Avery's best opportunity to get narrow its deficit came an inning later in the bottom of the third. After pitcher Brown worked out of a bases-loaded jamp to hold Ashe's offense scoreless in the top of the frame, Avery plated a pair of runs in their time at bat. Kaitlyn Suddereth and Makayla Clark each scored runs, but the team also stranded three runners to close the inning behind by the score of 10-3.

Ashe County put the contest away for good in the top of the fourth as they scored four runs on seven hits to push its lead to 15-3. Avery was unable to close the margin within ten runs in the bottom of the fourth, which invoked the ten-run mercy rule to end the contest.

"Ashe is playing really good softball right now," Avery All-Stars softball coach Kevin Brown said after the game. "They have good pitching, and I think our girls were a little intimidated and backing out of the box or watching strikes go by due to the speed of the pitches. Our defense hurt us a little tonight."

The loss dropped the ladies into the consolation bracket, where they took on a Lenoir All-Star squad on Friday afternoon at Watauga High School.

Avery drew first blood with a run in the top of the first inning, but Lenoir rallied in the bottom of the frame, using a pair of bases loaded walks and a two-run single to take a 4-1 edge after one inning.

In Avery’s second time at-bat, the team scored on an RBI groundout by Allie Moody. Ellie Lecka singled and Emily Brown reached base via walk. Both runners moved up on a wild pitch, and Lecka scored on a second wild throw by the pitcher to narrow the deficit to 4-3.

Following a pitching change by Lenoir, Jerica Reiger came on with a pair of runners on base and belted a two-run double on the first pitch she saw from the reliever to help Avery regain a 5-4 lead that they would never relinquish. Kaitlyn Sudderth laced an RBI groundout for the fifth run scored by Avery in the inning. Avery batted around in the inning as Ashlie Yoder drove in a run with a hit and later scored herself. Once the third out was finally recorded by Lenoir, Avery scored a total of nine for the frame and held a 9-4 lead.

Lenoir proved they weren’t going to lose quietly, however, plating three runs in the bottom of the second to draw within a pair at 9-7.

Avery’s bats stayed warm in the top of the third inning to extend its lead. The highlight of the five-run frame was a three-run, inside-the-park home run from Yoder, helping stake Avery to a 14-7 edge.

Yoder pitched her strongest inning of the contest in the bottom of the third when she allowed only four players to bat for Lenoir, retiring three of them to hold the Caldwell County squad scoreless for the inning.

Avery went back to work in the top of the fourth with five additional runs, including a double from Rieger and multiple-RBI home run from Yoder. Lenoir scored one run in the bottom of the fourth, but the Avery defense retired the side to end the game due to the ten-run mercy rule by the final score of 19-8.

“The pitching was a lot similar to the West Caldwell team. We’ve got some girls who have played middle school ball and are able to hit some of the faster pitches. When we see the slower pitching like today, the several girls who had not seen faster pitching took advantage and hit it well,” Coach Kevin Brown said following the victory. “We were able to put base runners on ahead of our hitters and they produced.

“Whoever we play next, we’ll feel like we’ve done well. Another week for us to practice together as a team will help us greatly,” fellow All-Stars coach Craig Rieger said post-game. “It’s amazing how much better a team gets when they have the extra time to work together, so practicing for several days will be good for us.”

Avery’s 11 and 12 year old softball All-Stars will next play this Saturday, July 11^th.

9-10 Year Old Baseball All-Stars Fall to Pair of Wilkes Clubs in Tournament Play; 11-12 Boys Baseball Drops Opener

Avery assistant coach Bill Daniels gives last-minute instructions

to the Avery 9-10 Baseball All-Stars before taking the field
against Wilkes American Monday night.

(WILKESBORO) Avery County Little League District Tournament play is underway in four separate divisions. On Monday night, the 9-10 year old baseball All-Stars traveled to Westwood Park in Wilkesboro to take on a team from the Wilkes American League, falling in five innings by a 10-0 final score.

Wilkes struck early for a pair of runs off Avery starter Brett Smith, and rallied in the bottom of the 2nd inning to score three runs with two outs to grab a 5-0 lead. Avery put a runner on base in each of the first two frames, but could not drive them in.

Smith settled down in his final inning of work and worked out of a jam to hold Wilkes scoreless. Avery meanwhile looked to cut into the lead in the bottom of the third. Luke Crowe led off with a base hit, and Josh Cook followed up with a walk to put two runners on. The Wilkes pitching staff showed poise, however, striking out the final two hitters to get out of trouble and hold Avery without a run.

The contest got away from the Avery club in the top of the fifth frame. Avery reliever Josh McClellan came on to pitch and had difficulty with finding the strike zone.

Wilkes benefited from four walks and a base on balls to score a pair of runs. Jordan Lecka was called on by head coach Kevin McClellan to pitch, and the right hander was able to throw strikes. Wilkes unfortunately was able to connect on the pitches with a couple of hits to score three additional runs.

Avery could have found themselves in deeper trouble had it not been for periods of great defense. Catcher Daniel Hartless gunned down two separate runners trying to steal third base, and the Avery club turned a 1-3-2 double play to deny a Wilkes runner coming home on a bunt.

Avery could not rally in the bottom of the fifth for a run to extend the contest, as Wilkes took the five-inning win by the ten-run mercy rule.

"We just couldn't hit the ball tonight," Avery head coach Kevin McClellan said after the loss. "The boys played really good defense, but we just weren't able to put the bat on the ball and score runs. It's something we'll definitely work on before our next game."

Avery returned to action on Wednesday evening and fell 8-7 in a hard-fought, close contest against the Wilkes County American 2 club. A bases loaded walk in the bottom of the sixth proved to be the game-winner in Newland as the Avery team hit the ball well but came up just short.

"You hate to lose a game that way. I'd almost rather lose a game by 15 runs than lose a game like that. It's heart-breaking for the kids and for me," Avery coach Kevin McClellan admitted after the contest. "We worked on our fielding a lot, and it showed. Jacob (Daniels) was unreal in the outfield today. We caught balls and played good defense, and hit the ball well. It just wasn't our night tonight."

On Wednesday evening the Avery 11 and 12 year old boys baseball All-Star team played its opening contest in Collettsville against perennial power Morganton. The game was scoreless for the first two innings of play, but Morganton's bats heated up in the third frame to the tune of nine runs. Avery was unable to answer the onslaught with its own bats. Morganton added a tenth and final run in the fourth frame and Avery was unable to plate a run, forcing the enforcement of the ten-run mercy rule.

The 11-12 year old baseball squad drops to the consolation bracket and will return to action the week following the July 4th holiday.

Yackey Accepts Women's Head Softball Coaching Position at Lees-McRae College

Avery head softball coach Merritt Yackey, pictured here during Senior Day
with son Brock, wife Sara, and daughter Morgan,
has accepted the head softball position at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk

With a string of unprecedented success with the Avery High School Lady Vikings softball program, it was only a matter of time before others took notice of Merritt Yackey's ability to move a team with hard work in the right direction.

Coach Yackey and Lees-McRae College announced this week that Yackey will be leaving as Avery head coach to take the reins of the Lady Bobcats softball program.

"It is a wonderful opportunity and a great challenge," Coach Yackey said following the announcement. "I truly enjoyed my coaching tenure at Avery High School and working with tremendous girls. The greatest joy was watching the improvement of the girls individually as well as a team due to their good work ethic in practice. That improvement was seen from two perspectives, during the course of the season as well as from one year to the next."

Yackey has coached a number of quality players while at Avery, including a pair of All-State selections and four All-District players from this past season.

"To have the opportunity to add someone like Merritt Yackey to our athletic department was crucial to our growth. He is a proven success in every aspect of his life," said Lees McRae College Director of Athletics Craig McPhail. "A great role model for everyone in the community, a respected father, husband, businessman and employee were all qualities I appreciated and needed in a coach. I am looking for him to continue the progress of our women's softball program, but also help guide me in our quest to make this one of the best athletic programs in the southeast."

Coach Yackey has over 25 years of experience in higher education. He was Director of Development/Special Giving at Albion College from 1988-1993, Director of Development at Converse College from 1995-1996, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving at Catawba College from 1997-2000, Special Assistant to the President/Campaign Director at Limestone College from 2000-2002, Vice President for Development at Mansfield University from 2002-2004, and Vice President for Advancement at Lees-McRae College from 2004-2007.

Yackey has been the head softball coach at Avery High School since 2007, where he has coached a host of all-conference, all-district, and all-state players, including his own daughter Morgan, a 2009 graduate who has committed to play softball at Muskingum College next season.

Coach Yackey takes over for former coach Julie Kennedy, who spent six seasons at the helm of the Lady Bobcats, leading them to their first winning season in ten years with a 22-20 overall record and 8-10 record for seventh place in Carolinas Conference play in 2009.

“Merritt is a class act, a proven success, and we are very fortunate to have someone like him join our athletic department, McPhail said. “I believe he possesses a unique and diverse skill set which is so valuable to small college athletics. I am looking to Merritt to continue the growth of our softball program, where Coach Kennedy has built it up to this point and be able to take these young women who come to Lees-McRae to new heights in our conference.”

“I have grown to know Lees-McRae as a college that takes care of her students and provides the education they need to make a difference in the careers of their choice,” Yackey said. “Having an opportunity to nurture student-athletes through the softball program and improve upon the groundwork that has been laid is exciting. Additionally, I look forward to working with an excellent and committed athletic staff.”

Coach Yackey also hopes to see some local high school players have the opportunity to be a part of the Lady Bobcats program in the future.

"At the College there is both fall ball and the scheduled season in the spring, as it is a commitment to being a good college student-athlete. As college student-athletes, the softball players bring developed skills with them allowing my focus to be on the enhancement of those skills and spending adequate practice time preparing for game situations," the coach added. "Coaching collegiately will be a great challenge and opportunity. Hopefully at some point we will have girls from Avery High School recruited to play at Lees-McRae!"

Vikings Basketball Camp Stresses Fundamentals, Fun of Game to Area Children

The Avery High School basketball coaching staff, in conjunction with the Avery Parks and Recreation Department, held a youth basketball camp from June 22-25th at Viking Gym in Newland.

Children from kindergarten through rising 9th graders were eligible to attend, with a morning session each day for the kindergarten through rising 4th grade students, and an afternoon session for students from 5th through 9th grade. Between 30 and 35 students attended during each day of the camp.

“I think the kids enjoyed the experience. It can be hard to tell sometimes, but I could see them smiling and they were learning a lot,” Avery Vikings varsity boys head basketball coach Bo Manis said regarding the recent camp.

This year’s camp is the first at Avery for Coach Manis and his staff of assistants Reggie Oakes and Kent Hayes, and their desire was to pass along to students the fundamentals of the game of basketball, facets of the game that go deeper than simply shooting baskets over the proverbial garage door.

“It’s much like Coach Oakes told the kids at the start of camp; we wanted to teach the kids about the three L’s: Look, Listen, and Learn. I think they really soaked it up and they had a good time,” Coach Manis said. “We also tried to stress to the students at camp some “old school” basic fundamentals. We worked on areas like basic bounce passing, defensive positioning where players see the ball and the man and staying between the player and the basket. We wanted to concentrate on fundamentals because when a game comes down to crunch time, you have to have those fundamentals to be successful.”

Throughout the four days of camp, the Vikings coaches worked to help the campers understand the importance of the smaller, less glamorous aspects of the game, such as dribbling, shooting, rebounding, footwork, and especially defense.

“We stressed defense to the campers because it’s true that defense wins championships. Defense is what allows you to score points. Without defense you can’t get the ball. So we worked with the kids on playing good defense and working hard to stop the other team’s offense,” Coach Manis added. “Not many kids go home and work on defense or rebounding, which is why we wanted to focus on areas that the kids can’t necessarily work on at home. We hope they picked up drills that they can now take home with them and work on.”

A number of young athletes played well at the camp and showed glimpses of how they may have a bright future ahead in basketball. “Several players looked really good on the floor. We’ve seen more than a handful, and as a high school coach I’m tickled to death to see that. Several players stood out with good fundamentals,” Coach Manis stated. “In my opinion and from speaking with others, building a program starts with reaching the younger kids and helping them develop the skills and passion for the game. I’m blessed with a couple of assistants in Reggie and Kent who have had experience with middle school and younger players, and they’ve been great to offer perspective when it comes to helping to follow the progression of our local players. It’s great to see a hometown kid do well that you’re working with.”

Campers had the opportunity to learn from not only the coaching staff, but members of the Avery basketball team, who assisted as camp instructors. The camp gave the players the chance to teach the lessons they’ve learned as players, and offered a perspective from the other side of the coaching whistle.

“The players did really well with the kids at camp. I believe their work here will carry over into practice and the regular season,” Coach Manis said.

Campers not only learned drills, but took part in 1-on-1 contests as well as other individual and group competitions which promoted teamwork and unity. While the purpose of the camp involved learning skills and having a good time, the coaching staff hopes that those who attended were able to come away with basic yet crucial characteristics which they can use both in basketball and in life.

“I believe my players better understood the word “humility” this week. The guys learned a lot about the attention span of younger kids and how it isn’t always easy to teach them,” Coach Manis said. “By being part of the camp, I think it’s helped our players pick up the principles of the game better, and I really believe the campers learned the importance of working together and teamwork. I hope that we taught both our players and the campers the importance of humility and playing as a group.”

The Avery Basketball Summer Camp was one of several sports camps being offered locally for children throughout this summer. For more information on upcoming camp dates, prices, and deadlines, check out the Journal-Times Sports Blog at www.ajtsports.blogspot.com or contact Avery Parks and Recreation at 733-8266.

Golden Knights Continue Building Process as Team Hosts Catawba

On a warm and clear Saturday evening, the Carolina Golden Knights played host to the Catawba Hornets, a squad who has been part of the Semi-Pro football scene for many seasons and plays often in higher-level leagues above the current NSAFL league in which the Knights participate.

In the early going of the 2009 NSAFL season, the Knights have continued to overcome adversity. From player injuries, uniform and pad shortages that come with increased interest and roster numbers, from integrating exciting new players to soaring temperatures and grueling weather conditions, the Golden Knights continue to overcome obstacles and prove that, despite a 48-0 final score defeat at the end of Saturday’s game, the team is moving in the right direction.

The Hornets featured speed to burn and great athleticism, traits they displayed early and often in Saturday’s game. After a three-and-out from the Knights, Catawba struck on its first offensive play with a 65-yard reverse flea flicker pass for a touchdown. The Knights blocked the extra point to make the score 6-0 in the game’s first four minutes.

Carolina found the going difficult on the offensive end against Catawba, struggling to get first downs against a swarming Hornets defense. The Knights had difficulty finding the answer to the Hornets’ speed on the edges.

Catawba held a 14-0 advantage through one quarter and boosted its lead to 26-0 at intermission. The Hornets returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown which effectively sealed the contest.

During the second half, it became obvious that the Knights players were at par with the Hornets reserve players, as the second half proved to be a more competitive contest at the line of scrimmage. The Knights defense stiffened, making hard hits and forcing Catawba to have to drive the football downfield rather than use one big play to score as they had done earlier in the game.

Despite the outcome of the contest, Knights head coach Mark Beach continues to see improvement in the expansion Knights and is proud of the effort of his team.

“We’re doing better and am improving, and we just have to stick together. We have to stick together and have fun,” Coach Beach told his team in the huddle following the game. “Let’s keep working on getting better and we’ll be all right.”

Although the team is three games into its season, playing the Hornets was a large step up in competition for the club. “I played with these boys in the Newton-Conover and Hickory area,” Coach Beach said. “They were fast, and they like to play the game and have fun. They probably have two or three players who run in the low 4’s in the 40.”

Although Carolina is still seeking its first triumph of the season, the team believes in itself and the good home crowd who turned out on Saturday is behind its local squad.

“We’ve got great people, awesome specialty players, and we have a line that does great. It’s going to take time to build up this program. The Hornets have been together since I was four or five years old. When they lose someone they may gain five or six. They have a lot of kids who have the talent to play college or pro ball. But I think our whole group is doing what we need to do to continue to get better.”

With an influx of players, the team keeps working to secure assistance with equipment and other areas to help the team be the very best it can be.

“We can definitely use some help with some of our basic needs, like helmets, shoulder pads, and pants. Some folks may be hesitant to help out because they don’t think this thing’s gonna last. But we are going to make it last,” Coach Beach stated. “My wife has been a great help, and the coaches have been so generous to help with some equipment. Every small thing helps, and I hope those who can help us with meeting some of our needs can step up and do so.”

For more information on the Carolina Golden Knights, information about joining the Carolina Golden Knights as a player, or for more information on the team can contact head coach Mark Beach at 733-2397 or 828-217-3231. Fans can also check out the team website at www.leaguelineup.com/carolinagoldenknights or find the team’s link at the Avery Journal-Times Sports Blog site at www.ajtsports.blogspot.com.

Avery Cheerleading Holds Youth Camps

The Avery cheerleading teams have stayed busy over the past week with a pair of five-day camps, running from June 15-19 and from June 22-26 at the Avery Parks and Recreation Rock Gym. Members and coaches from both the junior varsity and varsity cheerleading squads worked with campers on various facets of cheering.

“The camp has been fantastic,” said Avery cheerleading coach Cary Dominguez during the camp festivities. “The JV girls have really come together, and the camps have been great for team bonding. With only two returning girls, it’s like a whole new squad for the most part, and the girls have done a great job.”

Each day of camp was broken into two sessions, with the junior varsity cheerleaders serving as counselors during the morning and varsity team members instructing in the evening session.

“Our varsity girls had a hard time with the morning because of Mayland and online classes,” Coach Dominguez added. “We did have a couple of girls pull double duty and work both sessions.”

The Avery cheerleading camp instructors and students were scheduled to put on a performance last Friday, but scheduling conflicts preventing the squads from doing so. The group will perform on Friday, September 4^th, however, prior to the “Battle for the Bucket” varsity football game between Watauga and Avery.

Knights Fall Short to Hornets

Carolina Golden Knights fall to Catawba by a 48-0 final score in Cranberry on Saturday. The team has a bye next weekend and will host the High Point Ravens on Saturday evening, July 11th at the Athletic Complex at Historic Cranberry High School.