Habakkuk

If I were to place a bet on this one, I'd pick South Laurel in 2 games. However, I always like to see the underdogs come through and make a push. I think Powell will be scrappy and SL will have their hands full, but in the end, I believe South Laurel has a better all around team and will take the series.

I think Boyd will take this series, but don't write off Sheldon Clark thinking that Boyd will just come in and dominate. SC has some nice players and will play tough baseball. When it is all said and done however, I don't think they have the pitching (not to say they have bad pitching -- but just that Boyd is a little better in that area and will make a big difference) to take the series. I believe Boyd will win it in 2 games, but it wouldn't surprise me to see SC take one and maybe even push for a chance to win it.

Tyler Turner pitched a tremendous game throwing a 1 hitter through 5. Scott Little came in and shut them down the last 2. Allen Central will play Sheldon Clark tomorrow night at 7. Should be a good one.

Thats not fair to say. These were two totally different situations.

I was close enough to the action to know everything that went on, and in the heated moment, this particular coach said nothing out of the way, but only that he didn't appreciate the umpires doing a terrible job. He also said something about some of their calls being pathetic and unfair, and also something about the umpires should not be the ones noticed in a ball game, and he was very heated about that.

I agree. You can say things to make an umpire mad, but it doesn't take much when an umpire is looking for an excuse anyway. The umpires at this game had a short fuse and were cocky and arrogant. They made the game about them and made it clear to the coaches and players that they would not be questioned about their calls. That's pretty sad when they think they're perfect, and without error. They were all over AC players from the beginning jumping on to one kid for wearing his hat a little to the side. They then proceeded to jump another player for discussing a strike with his teammate. It wasn't even noticeable to others, but just that the umpire overheard it and came in and jumped the player. If I was the coach, that would have upset me enough to think poorly of the umpires. Umpires should be an example for the kids. They should care about the kids and treat them with respect as young men -- not have an attitude as if they're horrible. There is a right way and a wrong way to deal with situations. These umpires dealt with problems the wrong way, not to mention being completely rude to players and coaches. They just were not a good example of a high school umpire, even jumping an AC fan (who is a preacher) for letting him know the coach was leaving the park if he'd just give him time.

There is a way to be angry and not use foul language, and no matter what you think it looked like, the fact is the coach did NOT use one foul word with either umpire.

Nick Music started the game. Tyler Turner came in the 3rd inning and pitched into the 5th. Scott Little came in the 5th inning and pitched into the 6th. Then after the coach was ejected, the AC assistant coach came out onto the mound to calm the AC players down. The umpires then told the AC assistant that they had charged the AC coach with a mound visit when he came to the plate to question the call, and that they had to remove Little from the mound. Josh Prater then came in and got the Rebels out of the 6th inning with a big strikeout. Prater pitched the 7th inning and took the loss. Also, according the the "magic word". AC's coach is a very respectable man and has never used foul language with his players nor the umpires, and he never on this night either. As a matter of fact, he had spoken with the umpires quite a few times already this night with the utmost respect for them. They even shook hands in a conference after the 2nd inning. These umpires were just cocky and arrogant, and made the game about them instead of about the kids playing. These were two great teams playing great competitive baseball -- the umpires should not be noticed. A sign of a good umpire is when you don't notice him during the game. These two umpires were noticed for questionable calls on both sides at least 4 out of 7 innings.

The only problem I have with this was that AC's coach was ejected before he even got out to the plate. And from my point of view, he hadn't said anything out of the way or acted like a mad man until after he was tossed. I guess he just wanted to make his ejection worth getting ejected since he was tossed before he could even question the call. Ac's coach hadn't ever been ejected before in a game, and from what I know, has been friends with almost every umpire AC's had. I do know that these umpires were cocky and arrogant toward AC's players most of the night even before the game began. The sad thing is that these umps had never had AC before and do not know that there is a great bunch of kids who are a class act and do not react out of the way in games. As for the interference call on the AC runner -- the runner was in the baseline and did not touch the fielder nor run in front of him or out of the baseline. The rule is he has to do one of these to be called interference and then the interference call should be made then and there -- not after the play was made and the runs had scored. It was a bad call that cost AC a couple of runs and possibly a bigger inning. But nonetheless, it is over and LC did make a big comeback to win on Senior night. Congrats to the Eagle Seniors.

Congratulations to Leslie County on the win. You really have a fine bunch of boys and I enjoy seeing our boys competing with them. On the other hand -- this was a very poor officiated game by the umpires. They cost AC 2 runs in the 6th, and were very rude with a cocky attitude toward AC players all evening. AC has a good bunch of kids this year (as does Leslie) and the umpire has no reason to get an attitude with a kid for no reason or having his hat tilted a little to the side. In the 6th inning, AC's runner was called out for interference while running from second to third. The problem with this call is that it was completely wrong according to the National Federation of State High School Associations Rules Book -- in which the KHSAA goes by. Rule 8, Section 4, Article G says, "The runner is out and the ball remains alive unless interference occurs if a runner intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball; or he hinders a fielder on his initial attempt to field a batted ball. A fielder is not protected, except from INTENTIONAL contact if he misplays the ball and has to move from his original location; or his being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team or by the batter-runner; for runner returning to base; and for runner being hit by a batted ball." The Allen Central runner did NOT touch the batted ball nor the fielder nor go out of the baseline to hinder the fielder from making the play nor run in front of the fielder while fielding the ball or throwing the ball. The AC runner completely avoided the fielder and the batted ball as he jumped up and back completely avoiding the SS. He was close to the SS, but in no way interfered with the play, but did all possible to stay away. The problem does not lie just with this however. The interference call was NOT made immediately. The SS fielded the throw, made a poor throw (not taking anything away from the Leslie SS -- he is an amazing kid and a great player) to first base and it got away from the first baseman. The runner who was called out for interference had scored by this time. Then the umpire calls interference after the play was made and AC had scored 2 runs. Very poor judgement. In the case of the AC coach being ejected. He wasn't given fair warning or a chance to question the call. He was ejected while going to the plate to question the call. Then once he got to the plate he became a little more angry with the official for the call made (although this call possibly was the right call). The umpire didn't warn AC's coach at any point during the game, nor restrict him to the dugout and ejected him while coming to home plate to question a call. IMO, these officials were very rude and did a poor job representing KHSAA officials and Leslie County. (Completely nothing against Leslie County. Leslie is a very hospitable group. They have been a class act in treating AC with dignity and respect. I know that LC had invited the players and coaches to eat after the game, but under the circumstances, I hope it is understandable why AC chose to take the players to the bus directly after the game -- especially given the atmosphere of the time.) Also, I am not sure of why AC was forced to take Scott Little off the mound. The head coach was charged with a mound visit while questioning the call at home plate according to the umpires and then when AC's assistant went out to calm the players down after the ejection, the umpires made him switch pitchers.

Yea, I knew it was something like that. Nonetheless the runs he gave up were wild ones. A couple of hits as a result of freak plays. When you have a night like that, you just take suck it up and go on. I'm proud of AC for keeping it respectable though. They played the last 4 innings much better than the first 3 - especially the first and the third (the only 2 innings in which JC scored).

Congrats to JC and Fyffe on an impressive victory. He pitched a great game. Allen Central looked bad tonight to begin the game. Alex Hammonds started the game and couldn't find the strike zone. Josh Prater came in and pitched well for an inning before losing his touch as well. By this time, the game was around 7-0. Tyler Turner comes in and gets outs, but an errant ball that bounces off the base over Spurlock's head allows 3 more runs to score. That's just the kind of night it was for the Rebels. I was impressed with the way they finished the game however.

Yea, the umpire has been like that all season. AC has had him a couple of times, and believe you me, he isn't one-sided. I'd say there were some close calls that could have went either way. AC had a few that looked good as well that he squeezed on. He really squeezed them a few games ago, and it came back to hurt. That's just his style I guess. As the game progresses he gets tighter and tighter. There hasn't been many that haven't complained about him in some way or another. Also, I've heard quite many good things about the boys from KCC and AC. They've played together during summer ball and have gotten to know each other really well. Although in different regions the schools may be closer than to any other. I really enjoyed seeing the 2 teams come together after the game for pizza. The friendship between the players is really inspiring as well.

The best all around player would be Tyler Turner of Allen Central after the season he has had. Brandon May, Weston Robinson, Aaron Chapman, Shane Grimm, Braxton Lafferty, Matt Fyffe, Justin Blanton, Scott Little, Justin Jacobs, Tyler Smith, Isaac Williamson, Brock Kidd, Justin Andersen, Chase Huffman, Kevin Williams, Tim Hayes, and Morgan Roberts all put up a case for themselves as well. Turner is hitting .468 in 27 games. He has 6 HR. He is 9-3 as a pitcher with an ERA of less that 1.00. He has over 50 K's on the hill. He has over 30 RBI and has only struck out 6 times all season in over 100 AB's. He also has only one error playing SS all season, and has made some defensive gems all season long.

Brock Kidd got the start and went 2 innings before coming out due to a high pitch count. He struggled finding the zone but kept the Rebels close. Tyler Turner came on for 2 innings and picked up the win earning his 9th win of the season. Scott Little finished the 5th inning closing it down and picking up his 2nd save of the season. Troy Smith started and pitched well until the 4th when the Rebels planted 3 straight hits with 2 doubles. The Rebels had a big 4th scoring 6 runs. Game 2 featured 8th Grader Logan Crowder on the hill for AC for his first career start at the varsity level. He had 2 K's and no hits through the first inning. The Rebs posted 9 runs in the bottom half of the 1st, including one towering shot hit by Scott Little. The game was suspended until Wed. at 5 pm due to darkness. It will continue as played @ Stumbo Park. Game 1 made the Rebels 19-8 on the season. They have set the school record for wins in a single season.

Tyler Turner signed today with Alice Lloyd College. He will be a great asset for the program at ALC, in which finished their season last Friday in the conference semifinals -- losing on a squeeze play in the bottom of the 9th. Congrats to this young man. Good Luck at ALC!

Tuesday's Hazard vs. Allen Central game was cancelled. I think Hazard is at, close to, or over their limit in games. AC had so many cancellations the beginning of the season, that they only have 21 games in. They're still good to go.

This game was a little sloppy on both ends with errors allowing most of the runs on both sides. Congrats to Blanton on the win and an outstanding pitching performance. Alex Hammonds also pitched well for AC with Tyler Turner and Scott Little giving some good relief in the latter innings. Hammonds takes the loss while Blanton picks up the win. Freshman Chase Richardson hit a 3-run homerun also for JC.

Congrats Kevin! He is a fine ball player and will represent ALC well.

Game 1 -- Allen Central 12 Paintsville 7 *** Tyler Turner (7-2) picked up the win, and Scott Little came in for the final two to close it out. AC got behind early with some mistakes, but battled back and took advantage of Paintsville miscues to take this one. Game 2 -- Paintsville 4 Letcher Central 3 ***Shane Grimm went the distance and earned the win. Paintsville played well with most of their young guys getting PT. Letcher Central is a very good fundamental team -- they have a bright future under Coach Dean. Game 3 -- Letcher Central 13 Allen Central 10 ***LC played good fundamental baseball. AC kicked it around. AC had their prom last night and most of their players were out most of the night, and it showed by the last game of the day. The players were not focused and committed 7 Errors in the first 3 innings and dug a hole they couldn't climb out of. After being down as much as 11-2, they did battle back and had the tying run on deck when the game ended. Just too many mistakes early on. Nick Music took the loss for the Rebs.

Alex Hammonds goes the distance and throws a no hitter versus the Warriors of ER. The Rebels piled on 8 runs in the 2nd and 5 more in the 4th. Kidd had 5 RBI's on the night and Josh Prater hit well too. Great team effort on the part of AC! The Rebs improve to 13-5 on the season, and have won 9 out of the last 10. This game had a very late start because the umpires never showed up. Robert Staggs came up late and did a great job behind the plate filling in for the missing umpires.

So far this week: Allen Central 1-1 (Loss 4-2 to JJ Kelly; Win 14-3 over SV 5 inn.; Play today vs. ER; Sat vs. Paintsville & Letcher Central) Pikeville 2-0 (Wins over Pike Central and Hazard; Today vs. Letcher Central) Paintsville 1-1 (Loss to Boyd Co.; Win over Johnson Central; Today vs. Rowan County; Sat. vs. Allen Central & Letcher Central) Sheldon Clark 2-0 (W over BL & ER; Today vs. Johnson Central; Weekend games vs. West Jessamine/ Knox Central) Lawrence County 1-0 (W over Magoffin Co.; Play Spring Valley, WV; Today vs. Russell; Friday @ Perry Co. Central) Johnson Central 0-1 (L to Paintsville; This week vs. Sheldon Clark/GRC) Belfry 3-0 (W's over Burch/Tug Valley, WV & East Ridge; Play Williamson, WV on Friday)

There has been a couple changes in the way the games will go this Saturday for anyone who is interested in coming out and watching. This is the schedule as follows: Game 1 @ 11 am -- Allen Central vs. Paintsville Game 2 @ 1:30 pm -- Paintsville vs. Letcher Central Game 3 @ 4 pm -- Allen Central vs. Letcher Central

1. Allen Central (3-0 this past week with win over Leslie; and mercy BL) 2. Pikeville (after a couple of tough losses last week they go 4-0 with an 11 inning win over Johnson Central) 3. Paintsville (2-3 this past week with tough losses to Boyd, Raceland & Sheldon Clark. Quality losses however with good wins at Lawrence & Belfry.) 4. Sheldon Clark (Big win over Paintsville and Lawrence. Big Loss to Belfry.) 5. Lawrence County (Dropped 2 to district rivals SC & Paintsville. Big wins over Fairview & Blazer.) 6. Johnson Central (2-3 this past week) 7. Belfry (2-3 this past week. Big win over SC.) 8. Phelps (2-1 this past week with loss coming to Pike Central.) 8. Pike Central (1-2 this past week with win over Phelps.) 10. Magoffin County (2-1 this past week. Played Sheldon Clark tough.) Close Calls: Prestonsburg (Played AC tough, and killed East Ridge, but another conference loss to Betsy Layne drops them out of mine for the week.) Betsy Layne (Win over P'burg was good, but followed by 2 blowouts at the hands of AC and Pikeville drops them from my top ten.) East Ridge (Have won 8 games overall, but only win of last week over a weak South Floyd team. They fall from the top ten for the week.)

Nick Music pitched brilliantly for the Rebels through 5 and then Turner took over in relief to lead the Rebels to victory and the first loss of the season to Leslie County. This was a competitive game, and a great game to watch. I'm not sure the name of the kid who pitched for Leslie, but he struggled a bit early but settled down and pitched well for the Eagles. AC hit the ball really well -- no major hits, but hits they needed to move base runners. They played some small ball and bunted when they needed, then got hits when they needed. They are playing good baseball. I think that is 7 in a row for the Rebels. They also won last night over Prestonsburg. Final score was AC 14, P'burg 12