Mohawk regional semi a nailbiter

If you paid your five bucks to attend Saturday's Region 3 baseball tournament at Tuckerman you got more than your money's worth. In fact, either semi was well worth the price of a single admission.

In the early game the Piggott Mohawks continued to ride their late season surge to a 3-2 win over the host Tuckerman Bulldogs, marking the second number one seed they had faced--and knocked off.

In the late game the Manila Lions insured an all 3A-3 championship game in dramatic fashion--as Blake Wheeler hit a walk-off solo home run in the ninth inning to beat Cave City 5-4. The Cavemen had been the final team from 3A-1 East to remain in the bracket, as they had gotten by Rivercrest in the first round. The other members of their conference, Valley Springs, Flippin and Yellville were all knocked out in their first round contests--including the top seeded Tigers from Valley Springs who were roughed up by the Mohawks 17-1.

Although the Mohawk bats were alive in the Valley Springs game, and fairly active in the win over Tuckerman as they stranded several baserunners, it's been pitching that has been the difference.

Colby Lovelace has been on his game, and seems to be more effective as a hot weather pitcher. Tanner Murray had a great start, and kept the Tribe in the game against an explosive and experienced Tuckerman lineup. Alek Samples has looked sharp, and was in the running for a win over Manila in the district semi's when the defense fell apart behind him.

Anytime you get a win over Coach Morgan Gilbert, and his team that has won 26 games this year while losing only 6, you have something to boast about. He's a future hall of famer among Arkansas prep school coaches.

But, if you beat the Bulldogs in the regional semi-finals, on their own home field--which by the way happens to be named after Coach Morgan, you've done something special.

Coach Shawn Hearn has done a good job with the team, and most of his game-strategy calls have been right-on. As it is with a talented group of athletes, sometimes you just need to stay out of their way and keep them focused on the task at hand. Hearn and assistant coach Alan Rabjohn have worked hard to keep the young squad on an even keel, and they're playing some of the best ball they have all year.

But, credit the players fully--and every man on the roster top to bottom--not just the top few. It's been a team effort, and the fruits of their hard work are paying off.

The success can also be attributed to the tireless work of several longtime team benefactors, that have worked with many of players over the years in helping them hone their skills. The guys also benefited from the strong youth baseball program in the Piggott area. And a lot of the credit goes to the hours of time invested by their former youth coaches. Several of those individuals were on hand at the game at Tuckerman, and I can tell you that they were proud to have had a hand in helping these young men become the players they are today. I won't try to name them all, most of you know who they are--and I'm sure they know what role they played.

And, here on Mother's Day it's only proper to give credit to all those parents who shuttled kids to practice, attended games, worked fundraisers and provided all the neccessary support to grow these kids. Most of them have been doing it since T-ball, and although we only have one senior on the squad it still adds up to thousands of hours, miles and games of catch. Thanks to all you Moms and Dads.

And speaking of seniors, that lone member of the squad--third baseman Trent Edwards, will apparently have a breif graduation ceremony Thursday at PHS. Since the Mohawks qualified for the state tournament this coming weekend at Harrison, Trent won't be on hand to take part in commencement exercises Friday night at PHS.