BRD and PD softball predictions for 2008?

[slamminsosa]

December is almost here and soon the PD and BRD softbal teams will begin their off season conditioning programs. Everyone is looking forward to next year. Who will the league winners be? Who are the rising stars?Freshmen class to watch? The best exiting seniors?Returning and non-returning coaches?Anyone would like to share their thoughts please do so and I appreciate it.

[WOHS sftball]

About softball this year, I'm at Woodside and I think this might be a down year. We lost out starting pitcher, Regina Rodriguez, and thats gonna hurt us. Not neccessarily our pitching though, because we have Gabby Adino, but when Gabby pitches, we dont have a first baseman. Were also losing our third baseman, Daisy, who was pretty influential also. But, on the other hand, we have some very good outfielders moving in, and we still have Kristie Hoeffer, Candace Kelley, Sophie Rodriguez, and Gabby Adino. We also have some talent moving up with the freshman. We have some new AAU girls trying out for varsity this year, so, maybe, just maybe we might finish and be able to go to districts.

[All about Ball]

The PD Top 3 Teams:
Gloucesterand Warwick will be amongst the top teams again; the 3rd team is the interesting one. Kecoughtan will also be at the top. All three teams have great pitching(they all have the same pitching coach). Rita Lynn is amazing and should be proud of her students dominating the PD District. Warwick and Gloucester both lost a couple of key players, but they have some good JV players that can fill the voids. They each return the bulk of their talent. Kecoughtan returns their starting team. All three teams should have impressive line ups.

The PD next 3 teams
Menchville, Woodside & Bethel. Menchville is always competitive so they will put together a feisty line up. Woodside return a few young talents so they'll be descent, but will struggle with the bottom of their line up. They will have good pitching, but they lost quite a few key players. Bethel will struggle whereas they lost too many core players(pitcher, catcher, CF, etc.).

[WOHS sftball]

Well, along with Woodside softball, we do have new talent coming up, some girls that could be pretty influential. The more I think about it, the more I think that we're going to be better than I was thinking. I mean, after all, we have the 'coach of the year' :rolleyes: So, I don't know, hopefully we come out strong, like last year and make it to districts.

And I really disagree about Gloucester and Kecoughtan. You can't really say how good Gloucester is, or will be, considering that they relied on their pitcher last year. If no one hit off of her, or rarely hit off her, then how would you know what her defense is made of? Kecoughtan does have good potential to be great, but I play AAU with these girls, are they really going to step it up a notch? The key to being a good team is getting better and better, even if youre losing pitchers, catchers, ect. I don't really know if either of those teams has that capability.

[kochanie803]

def gloucester and warwick.
kecoughtan next i guess. i figure bethel should be somewhere in the 3rd/4th/5th-ish area but they lost some girls i understand? i believe warwick and gloucester have already started conditioning. both teams should be pretty strong contenders for regionals, actually making a dent this year, and going to states. only 3 seniors graduated from warwick, the most important being the catcher but with other girls on the team with catching experience or from jv that shouldnt be a problem. gloucester pretty much has everyone important from last year that they need as well. 2008 is the year everyones been talking about because this year warwicks seniors are the bulk and backbone of the team, with more experience and skill combined than any other girls in the district...tra byrd sarah atkins and va king to name a few.

this is still a building year for menchville...but dont count them out, you never can. woodside...building year also. the loss of their pitcher will play a big role. heritage, denbigh, and hampton are pretty much unmentionables. all i know about them is denbighs varsity catcher (a sophmore now) transferred to heritage this year.

[justafan]

VARSITY:

Pick'em: Gloucester and Warwick are the favorites obviously. This is the highlight season for both teams. The superb trio of pitchers should be able to relax now that all 3 have their college futures set and have outstanding season's. The question is will either coach show who is next to take the mound during the season.

3. Kecoughtan is my surprise team team this year. The young talent they have sophmores on down could seriously shake up the teams structure. The coaching staff there has some tough choices to make.

4. Woodside is the team you cannot overlook. They have some significant loss' from last years roster but will still be able to play well.

5. Menchville has to be able to do better than the dissapointing season last year. They do not have dominating pitching but they do have multiple pitchers with different styles. They could use this to their advantage disrupt hitting timing.

6. Bethel will be the hardest hit from last year. They have allot of talent to replace and that just will not be an easy task.

7. Heritage will be better. Still allot of pressure on their young pitcher without a real supporting cast.

Pick'em Hampton, Phoebus, and Denbigh


JV:

1. Kecoughtan: good 8th & 9th grade group coming in
2. Warwick: always good. how good depends on how many are pulled to Varsity
3. Gloucester: same as Warwick. new coach this year supposedly.
4. Woodside: good 8th grade group coming in.
5. Menchville: good team. lacking pitching this year. rumors of a new coach.
6. Heritage
7. Bethel
8. Denbigh
9. Hampton
10. Phoebus

[All about Ball]

justafan: "The question is will either coach show who is next to take the mound during the season."
I'm not sure I understand why it matters weather the coaches show who will take the mound next season :confused:. The only season important right now is the current one. Warwick already have two SENIOR pitchers to share mound time so it wouldn't be wise to add another.

For those of you looking to the future, HS ball is "usually" a revolving circle. The people you played against on JV are usally the same ones you compete against on Varsity.
EXAMPLE: In 8th grade (JV), Byrd and Atkins had to pitch & catch each other and this year they will probably end up doing the same thing. "Good pitching is nothing without good catching" So when pitchers are successful, the catchers deserve a lot of recognition because fast balls can be pass balls and pass balls are killers.

Justafan, I guess your anixous to see someone(younger) on the mound for Varisty. Time flies so It'll happen soon enough, but these seniors pitchers(Byrd, Atkins, & Coates) deserve to finsih their HS Careers with sharing mound time. Any replacements will have to wait their turns just like everyone else unless they're better.

[justafan]

True. Everyone should be concerned with the current season they are playing. With that said we will see the very same we have the last 4 or 5 of years. I was just stating that I wonder if the coaches are curious about how well they will stack up with somebody different on the mound. I am sure you understand that softball evolves around pitching. If one of these teams is winning 53-0 in the 3rd or will they continue to push with the starters and end up 119-6 at games end. (haha) Would that not be time to pull the starter and see what happens. It was just a statement built on curiosity.

I will say this....the last 5 years was not a great time to be a pitcher in GHS or WHS behind the trio. Because of that I am curious what is waiting on the shelf. None-the-less the answer is a only a year away.

[field hockey mom]

I think this Softball year will be really good for the PD! GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS! Here are my picks.......

VARSITY:

1. Warwick- I think Warwick will edge Gloucester out this year. Returning players Atkins, Byrd, King....are HUNGRY for a title their Senior year!!

2. Gloucester- Coates is a great pitcher, but they lost some key players.

3/4. Woodside/Kecoughtan- This spot will be HOT! Kecoughtan does has some great players moving up from JV, but we will have to see how the coaches will work that to their advantage! WOODSIDE-Have girls coming up from JV that play AAU that will be a big plus, Gabby Andino, Kristie Hoeffer and Sophia Rodriguez will be LEADERS on this team.

5. Menchville- Rumors are they lost their coach, lost alot of key players, still have Staples who will be a big time leader for them.

6. Phoebus- Has a new transfer from York, Lauren Dunford who will add some depth to their chart....

Hampton
Denbigh
Heritage
Bethel

[slamminsosa]

Rumor has it that the peninsula district will be taking the top 8 teams for district playoffs this year for softball and baseball.
Will there be a increase in the number of teams that will represent in regionals?It would only seem right to take maybe the top three teams this year.

[Lynn Burke]

Rumor has it that the peninsula district will be taking the top 8 teams for district playoffs this year for softball and baseball.
Will there be a increase in the number of teams that will represent in regionals?It would only seem right to take maybe the top three teams this year.

Unless the Eastern Region expands to 16 teams, only the top two teams from each of the four regions will advance to the regional.

[ArmyBrat]

Looks like Ballnut hit the nail right on the head.

The shortage of independent knowledgable coaches for a number of sports at the High School level have allowed many Parents to take control.

A number of Bay River and Pennisula High School programs, especially Softball and Baseball have turned into extensions of the local Little Leagues and Travel Ball Teams in the area where a couple Parents turn them into nothing more than stages to promote their Kids at the expense of all the other kids on the team.

Unfortanetly I don't see that trend in High School Sports changing as long as the School's ADs and all the others parents feel it is in their childs best interest to kiss up to the Parents controlling the program.

Over the last few years, I have seen this problem at Poquson Softball, Burton Softball, Kecoughtan Softball, Warwick Softball and Menchville Baseball & Softball.

Good for Menchville, for being willing to make a change in their Softball program.

[goalsister]

Have you took a look lately at the little league numbers in our area. If it was not for some of these parents that you are speaking of some of the high schools would probably not have softball teams. That would leave your daughter with no place to play here on the peninsula.As far as for travel teams either your daughter wants to play or she doesn`t. Since like you said with the lack of knowledgeable coaches in our area we have turned to what ever it takes to make our children better ball players.They are definitely not going to get it from their high school coaches with the exception of one or two. Does your child play high school sports to win if you answer no to this then you are kidding yourself.
The parents that I know from Kecoughtan, Warwick and Poquoson that you say get involved to promote their child are people who care about all the girls not just their own.If they can make a difference in just one girls life what joy that is to them.I think that your isssues are personal and may of had a bad expereince and you are holding a
gudge to some one that your daughter has been involved in softball in the recent years. We have in our area including the bay rivers and the peninsula districts some of the best softball athletes that we have seen in a long time. And I`m talking about the last couple of years to the present.If the little league numbers don`t go back up.Girls will have to play travel ball. It will be interesting to see by spring 2008 how many seniors will of signed with a college to play softball at their level. I think the numbers will surprise you. And do you know why because they play on a travel ball team. So don`t be so critical of the kids out their working hard. Yes they are good and alot of times the other players look up to them. They don`t have a problem with it so why should you.I am speaking of all high school sports because my son and daughter are involved in field hockey, baseball, softball and basketball. Their all the same. It takes good parent involvement to help make a successful program work.Take a look around next time your at a high school sporting event. You see the same old people all the time.. Thats really sad. The same old people helping with the scorebook, bringing snacks, giving rides home.

[sbfan]

Well first of all let me start by saying how brave everyone is behind a screen name!!!Lets start off with introducing myself. I am Chris Walker. Wife of Jimmy Walker .Mom of Birdy Evans. Step Mom of Ashley Walker and Step Mom of Taylor Walker. We are the Walker/Evans Gang as you call us. The asst coach at Poquoson has been coaching for ten years and our girls have played for him and coach Bowden for four.In those four years the team has been to the regionals all 4 years and to the state tourney twice.As a mom I am sick and tired of people not giving our girls the respect they deserve. It must be soooo easy to put our kids down to make you feel better about what level your kid is playing at. Maybe they did work 12 months a year and beat out someone for the position on the field.As far as Birdy going to some community college in Florida....She is going on a full scholarship for two years.That means FREE So put it down in your sarcastic tone if you want but we as her parents are extremely proud of all of our girls. Between the 3 of them they have accomplished many heights 5th in the usssa world series 1 all world player 1BRD player of the year Daily press all star twice Daily press all star once 1st team twice 1st team twice and many more. I'm pretty sure those things come from hard work and dedication and not because your Dad coaches.

[Coach T. Lasley]

One of the best things about High School Sports is how passionate people are towards the sport they follow most. This passion; however, can become mis-directed resulting in adverse comments to and reactive responses from people we don't even have the priviledge of knowing. Thus the point we are at in this forum right now. Stabs at players, their parents, and the coach's they play for. And all of this before the season has even started. Wonderful stuff! These people who been commented on in this forum by name or by title are dedicated to the spirit of the game, and no matter the reason they have become involved they are involved. And that involvement has provided an avenue for other players to play and develope themselves.

It is not easy being a player, a coach, an umpire, a mom, a dad, or any combination of. We all just do our best and what we think is right at the time. So with that said....Players continue to do your best for you and your team. Your efforts and achievements can be measured in many ways. Not just by scholorships. Coach's continue to provide an experience the players will take with them forever regardless of win/loss records. Parents continue to support your player, your player's teammates, and the opposing teams your team plays. :clap2:

This game was here before we become to love it. We are blessed to have the game alive and strong today. The game itself will still be going strong long after we are through with it. So why not just enjoy our time with it.

Attitude in contagious both positive and negative. I think we have read and felt enough of the negative. Want to make a difference...GO POSITIVE!

See you all on the field!

Coach Lasley

[PACKER BACKER]

Well first of all let me start by saying how brave everyone is behind a screen name!!!Lets start off with introducing myself. I am Chris Walker. Wife of Jimmy Walker .Mom of Birdy Evans. Step Mom of Ashley Walker and Step Mom of Taylor Walker. We are the Walker/Evans Gang as you call us. The asst coach at Poquoson has been coaching for ten years and our girls have played for him and coach Bowden for four.In those four years the team has been to the regionals all 4 years and to the state tourney twice.As a mom I am sick and tired of people not giving our girls the respect they deserve. It must be soooo easy to put our kids down to make you feel better about what level your kid is playing at. Maybe they did work 12 months a year and beat out someone for the position on the field.As far as Birdy going to some community college in Florida....She is going on a full scholarship for two years.That means FREE So put it down in your sarcastic tone if you want but we as her parents are extremely proud of all of our girls. Between the 3 of them they have accomplished many heights 5th in the usssa world series 1 all world player 1BRD player of the year Daily press all star twice Daily press all star once 1st team twice 1st team twice and many more. I'm pretty sure those things come from hard work and dedication and not because your Dad coaches.

Nicely done Mom/Step Mom, nicely done. You are so correct, it's very easy to ridicule from behind some secret coded screen name. Anyone that has truly been paying attention knows how hard SOME of the girls in the BRD (& PD) work AND it SHOWS on the field. I've said this before and I'll say it again JEALOUSLY is a very ugly, nasty trait to possess, it's very unbecoming and shameful, but easy to get away with when they can hide behind that screen name with their yellow stripes. As a BRD fan and SMFD resident, I enjoy watching our softball and baseball kids go at it every week. We are usually treated to some very competitive and entertaining games.

[PACKER BACKER]

One of the best things about High School Sports is how passionate people are towards the sport they follow most. This passion; however, can become mis-directed resulting in adverse comments to and reactive responses from people we don't even have the priviledge of knowing. Thus the point we are at in this forum right now. Stabs at players, their parents, and the coach's they play for. And all of this before the season has even started. Wonderful stuff! These people who been commented on in this forum by name or by title are dedicated to the spirit of the game, and no matter the reason they have become involved they are involved. And that involvement has provided an avenue for other players to play and develope themselves.

It is not easy being a player, a coach, an umpire, a mom, a dad, or any combination of. We all just do our best and what we think is right at the time. So with that said....Players continue to do your best for you and your team. Your efforts and achievements can be measured in many ways. Not just by scholorships. Coach's continue to provide an experience the players will take with them forever regardless of win/loss records. Parents continue to support your player, your player's teammates, and the opposing teams your team plays. :clap2:

This game was here before we become to love it. We are blessed to have the game alive and strong today. The game itself will still be going strong long after we are through with it. So why not just enjoy our time with it.

Attitude in contagious both positive and negative. I think we have read and felt enough of the negative. Want to make a difference...GO POSITIVE!

See you all on the field!

Coach Lasley

I 2nd that motion, Coach your comments are TOP DEAD CENTER.:clap2:

[All about Ball]

Let me just start by saying, there are coaches that are in the game for their own selfish reasons (their child).

My daughter has being playing softball for almost 7 years now, and I've seen coaches that constantly put their daughters on the field and put better players on the bench or in other positions just to accomodate their child. That is diappointing. I think that player should have to earn their position and playing time no matter who's in charge. I challenge coaches to evaluate their positions. Are you sheltering your child? Will your child survive someone else's coaching? Ask yourself, would your child start in that position for another coach? Ask another coach their honest opinion. How long has your child survived another coach? When your is not under your coaching do you think they are being treated unfairly becasue they are not playing as they did for you? I think it's a great thing when parents volunteer their time, but that should not be automatic playing time or mound time for your child. I also have a problem with parents that keep the books and their kids have the best STATS on paper, but not on the field. Although parents are volunteering their services, they should be honest and fair. Scorekeepers, ask yourself, would that have been a hit or error if it was the other team. Are you sheltering your child? Would child have these batting averages or pitching stats if someone else was keeping score? This only hurt your kid in the long run; when they don't make it to the next level cause you're not the coach or the score keeper and they are not the "Superstars" that people were lead to believe they were. Then your kid feels overwhelmed and trying so hard to meet standards they are not "truthfully" capable of.

Another thing is that people will always talk about the coach; no matter how well the team does or how successful the program is. There is no way to make every parent/player happy. Coaches just need to have good reasons for the things they do. They should be able to explain to a parents/players about their lack of playing time and what they can work on to earn more. Playing time & positions should be based on player's ability and stats. A coach should feel obligated to put the best players on the field even if it don't include their child.

I've also seen Some Coaches turn district voting into a popularity contest. When it time for the district vote, coaches should have to pick an All- Star Team that will play against another team. I'll bet you'll see a different set of 1st/2nd players. Even if coaches are not paid a lot or if they are strictly volunteers, they should be held accountable for the job they signed up for. Their contribution should be fair.

With that being said, we have never had the opportunity to play "with" the Walkers/Evans, but we have certainly played against them and those girls are FINE athletes. I'm not sure who Jimmy Walker has on his bench, but I've always know him to have an Awesome team on the field. I know that his girls work hard year-round. I've seen them in Chesapeake batting cages in January. Committment and dedication pays off! A full scholarship to FL is great so Congrats to the family. Never let anyone minimize your accomplishments.

Coaches (Parent) has a responsiblity to do what's in the best interest of the team no matter how much the job pays!

[COACHRIMS]

A few weeks until practice begins.

[hogan]

It's great to hear some positive comments here, after reading the negative a few days ago. There is nothing more sickening than to read about certain players by NAME or teams being torn down by others who have complaints. There are lot of good travel teams in our area and a lot of talented players scattered throughout the PD and BRD. Those players have chosen to dedicate their time to become better players and achieve a dream of playing ball at the next level. If you have a problem with something going on with your team, then go to the coach. If that doesn't help, then go to the athletic director. If that doesn't help, then keep working your way up. If you have a problem with something on another team that you are not involved with, then please keep it to yourself. Thanks.

[Dukes fan!!!!]

I just want to say Thank You to JImmy Walker!!! If it were not for him my kid may not have had a place to play(SURGE). My daughter played a year with Taylor, she is a very hardworking and talented young lady. I just cant believe people would blast these kids like this!!!! TERRIBLE

[softball93]

:focus:Well we started this out to do a prediction. All I have seen is a prediction for the PD here is my order in the BRD.

1. New Kent
2. Tabb
3. Grafton
4. Poquoson
5. Bruton
6. Smithfield
7. Lafayette
8. York
9. Jamestown
10. Southhampton
11. Warhill

[sportsfan1]

1 and 2 will be toss up between New Kent and York.
3. Tabb
4. Poquoson
5. Lafayette
6. Bruton
7. Smithfield
8. Grafton
9. Jamestown
10. Southhampton
11. Warhill

[HORNETSFAN]

1. New Kent
2. Poquoson
3. Tabb
4. Smithfield
5. Bruton
6. York
7. Grafton
8. Lafayette
9. Jamestown
10. Southhampton
11. Warhill

Good Luck and Let's Play Ball

[sbfan]

Hey Get along!!!! Once again coward comments have been erased!!!!! I can't believe you put these kids down who work very hard to represent the MAROON AND GOLD!! Or are you using this forum to promote your own child?Who are you?????Be brave and state your opinion with a name and stop hiding behind a fake one!!! Are you brave enough then? This forum is NOT for such GARBAGE!!!!!!!! GO POQUOSON THE TEAM !!!!!! (NOT THE PARENTS)

Chris

[observer 3]

Hey Get along!!!! Once again coward comments have been erased!!!!! I can't believe you put these kids down who work very hard to represent the MAROON AND GOLD!! Or are you using this forum to promote your own child?Who are you?????Be brave and state your opinion with a name and stop hiding behind a fake one!!! Are you brave enough then? This forum is NOT for such GARBAGE!!!!!!!! GO POQUOSON THE TEAM !!!!!! (NOT THE PARENTS)

Chris


I read the post and saw nothing wrong with it. There were comments pro and con about players but nothing that should result in the post being removed. I don't live or work in Poquoson and know little about their athletic teams but I do know sports and baseball and softball are very competative. If a parent is on the field, as a coach or scorekeeper, then there is an unfair advantage to the child on the team, bar none. It doesn't make any difference how hard they work or how good they are, they have an advantage. If you want to talk about being brave then remove the coach and scorekeeper and then let the child earn her playing time like everyone else, on even ground. I don't know either player or the coach and scorkeeper but this will end some of the bitterness on this team and in the stands. If someone can't take criticisim then they need not read forums such as these. People are expressing their views and sometimes it hurts but it seems that Chris has thin skin so maybe he or she needs to log off.

[sbfan]

Believe me thin skin is not the problem. My children actually had good comments on the forum earlier.and you are right you don't know the team.Some positions that were discussed were filled last year by good ball players who will be returners this year . (are they just gone from the team ? do they still exist?). These are the people I worry about. These kids read this. They have done a good job and should be shown some respect. My skin is thick enough but the kids maybe not so much.

[observer 3]

Believe me thin skin is not the problem. My children actually had good comments on the forum earlier.and you are right you don't know the team.Some positions that were discussed were filled last year by good ball players who will be returners this year . (are they just gone from the team ? do they still exist?). These are the people I worry about. These kids read this. They have done a good job and should be shown some respect. My skin is thick enough but the kids maybe not so much.

I printed the post, letsgetalong's, and read it a number of times and to be honest I still see nothing wrong with it. He didn't " bash " anyone but made comments that sounded pretty reasonable about any team not just Poquoson's team. I know these players read this forum but it's not all pretty at times. I was told the reason you might be upset is the comments about the coach and scorekeeper. Well I can tell you I have "lived " through that situatin at Menchville, baseball and softball, with a parent coaching. Both my players were starters but I could see where the coach/parent relationship reared it's ugly head time and time again . Again, a parent needs to be in the stands not on the field. I didn't read in the letsgetalong post where he/she made mention about any players that were realted to either coach or scorekeeper. He did mention positions but if there is a even playing field who says thoses positions will be filled with what returning players or who they might be? My answer is the coach/parent and that is the controversy. I take it that Poquoson is getting a new head coach. What if that coach doesn't want the asst coach or scorekeeper to stay, then there is another controversy. It sounds to me the school has made this situation by allowing a parent on the field which, I understand, has been a sore subject for a number of years.

[letsgetalong]

Hey Get along!!!! Once again coward comments have been erased!!!!! I can't believe you put these kids down who work very hard to represent the MAROON AND GOLD!! Or are you using this forum to promote your own child?Who are you?????Be brave and state your opinion with a name and stop hiding behind a fake one!!! Are you brave enough then? This forum is NOT for such GARBAGE!!!!!!!! GO POQUOSON THE TEAM !!!!!! (NOT THE PARENTS)

Chris


I'm at a loss. I didn't put anyone down on the post. I was merely stating what I saw as things the team and members need to work on but also was stating positive things that I also saw.I don't have a child on the team to promote. If I did I would let her stand on her own two feet and let her performance promote her. Apparently you do have thin skin and if the situation on the field were reversed you would be the one hollering the loudest, I've seen you in action. The team will prosper without you or me going at it. I'm not the only person who sees the problem with coaches/scorekeepers who are related to players on the field.You just can't hear the silence. Good Day

[softball93]

WOW, as is the case quite often I am a day late and a dollar short. I guess I miss out on all the drama. Does anyone think any team will be able to get to Mills? I am not sure she has a weakness. Will any one be able to handle Coats in the PD? How did their summer teams do? Who will pitch for Warwick? Unlike a lot of you experts I have more questions than answers.
:)Predictions for PD. There will be some key upsets this year. PD is much harder to predict than BRD.

1. GHS
2. WaHS
3. KHS
4. WoHS
5. MHS
6. HeHS - surprise pick
7. BHS
8. PHS
9. HHS
10. DHS

[Phil Alexander]

I am not sure how a lot of the other pitchers did last summer but Rebecca Mills and Katie Alexander both had very productive summers with the Back River Surge. I think that will continue into the spring. We faced Stephanie once this summer I believe and fortunately we were able to prevail due to a couple of passed balls and some timely hitting. There will be a log jam at the top for sure and GHS has to be the odds on favorite until they get beat. WaHS will be very tough with the pitching and hitting and great coaching. KHS does have some young talent and I am sure they will be able to put 9 girls on the field. They had no seniors last year and JV lost just 1 or 2 games last year. Woodside is always tough as Coach Talon puts out a quality team. The Bruins may be down some this year I don't know who they have to pitch. Larry will make sure they can hit and play defense though. The surpise of the year I think will be Heritage I saw them during fall ball and I was impressed with their pitching. They also got the transfer catcher from Denbigh. I look for them to scare a few teams.

[sportsfan1]

In my opinion based on some previous posts by softball93 I think you know more than you pretend to. That`s fine I`m sure your a very knowlegable softball fan in both the Bay Rivers and the Peninsula District. As far as Mills from New Kent I think the BRD will have their hands full but she will face some great hitters this spring. I think New Kent will take the district with no problem.. York has so much talent but has not been able to live up to their expectations..Poquoson will be fine and at the top of the pack .I`m not sure how Mills did this summer . O.K. I guess but has she signed with anyone yet?
As far as Gloucester`s Coates I think she played with local teams from Williamsburg and the Revolution. What happened to playing with the New Jersey team?I think Coates will handcuff the majority of the PD as she has in the past but Woodside, Warwick and Kecoughtan will be waiting for Gloucester.With the exception of Woodside, Kecoughtan and Warwick have senior players that want revenge from the years past and this is their last year.Warwick will want this more than anyone in the PD. They have some young girls to mix with the seniors and I think they will have the best team since the seniors were freshmen to win the district this year.Who will pitch I`m not sure but is probably the least worry .
Plenty of pitching talent on that team. With the loss of their senior catchers last year will probably be replaced with the Atkins girl is what the word is. She will be good back behind the plate for Byrd. They will make a scary combo.




The PD is definitely stacking up nicely with Warwick, Gloucester, Woodside, Kecoughtan at the top and definitely pitching is always good in the PD and BRD but all good pitchers can be hit. I think defense and hitting will be the key. Mills is good but so are all of the other pitchers in BRD as well. Along with Alexander and Mills this fall I believe someone mentioned impressive performance of Prosper with Surge. There are alot of underestimated girls in both districts that I believe its gonna be a tight match at the top in both districts. Again defense and hitting will make the difference. Good luck to everyone in all the districts this season!

[observer 3]

The yard birds are talking about Poquoson having a quality team but it all depends on who is coaching it.. They say that there are 4 or 5 good candidates for the position and only one is from Poquoson. The team still needs to bond with the coach and that will take some time. I don't think replacing Bowden will be easy for anyone but they need to replace him quick because the season is fast approaching. The experts are talking like the team is pretty much set and they don't think the assistant coach or scorekeeper will stay because that has been a source of controversy with parents and some adminstrators for some time . Good luck Poquoson , I hope things work out.

[Phil Alexander]

Let me qualify "scare", what I mean is Heritage was projected by most to finnish in the bottom 2 or 3. I think they may finish as high as 6, which is a surprise. I really hope things go well in Poquoson we have lots of friends there. The assistant coach truly has "all" the girls best intrerest at heart. I believe Poquoson will weather the storm just fine they will have great leadership with senior Taylor Walker and sophomore Catherine Clavin. Katie has verbally committed to Lees McRae College(DII) in Banner Elk North Carolina. We are not at liberty to discuss the terms but I am a school teacher and we will not have to sell the farm to put her through school.

[softball93]

Congratulations Katie. That is four pitchers who have committed and will receive softball scholarships from DI or DII schools from the same conference, PD. Has that happened around here ever, not that I remember. The spring race should be very competitive. Good luck to all.

[Dukes fan!!!!]

Cograts to Katie!!! You deserve it has truly been a pleasure being around you with Surge and seeing you in the P.D. . Good luck to you in all that you do and God Bless You!!!

[Phil Alexander]

Thank you softball93 and Dukes fan. Good luck to you and yours for the season.

[letsgetalong]

Now is the perfect time for the AD at Poquoson HS to step up to the plate herself and clear the bases of parents/relatives being involved in school, on the field , sports. There is a new softball coach and the AD has the authority to put the parents/relatives in the stands and let this new coach choose who will be assisting her this year. Poquoson softball has long been a very talented qroup of players and Coach Bowden has done an outstanding job,along with his assistants but it's time to remove the the ever growing problem of parents/relatives coaching their own for school sports. There are plenty of qualified people/educators to coach and it will end the perception of favoritisom towards players who are related to the coach. The AD should be willing to look at this and see that it is a problem and eliminate it from PHS,

[Phil Alexander]

letsgetalong change your name. What personal vendeta do you have against Jimmie Walker? This is not the place for this.

[sftblfnz2]

Amen to that - letsgetalong should change his/her name. What never ceases to amaze me are the people who have what alexander has said "personal vendettas" against other people and use forums such as these to cowardly hide behind screen names and vent their ill will. Instead of bashing people why can't folks be happy with the good going around. Lets say for example the amount of players in the PD & BRD who have or will have gotten scholarships to continue their play at a higher level. Life must be pretty boring when all you can see are the bad things in a sport and not the good. I personally wish all the girls (Bird, Ashley, T, Steph, Tre, Sarah, Katie, Tabby, Jaimie and any other graduate) who have fulfilled or will fulfill their dreams to play ball at the next level all the best in the world. Go Get'em girls!!!:clap2:

[Phil Alexander]

I had forgotten that Tabby and Jamie are going to play in Florida. That brings the total in the PD for scholarships to at least 6. If I have forgotten anyone I can assure you it was not intentional. I am certain there will be many in the BRD wo will sign with someone if they haven't already. Jen Falin may forget softball and sign with basketball just based on the year she is having there. Good luck to all y'll.

[letsgetalong]

Amen to that - letsgetalong should change his/her name. What never ceases to amaze me are the people who have what alexander has said "personal vendettas" against other people and use forums such as these to cowardly hide behind screen names and vent their ill will. Instead of bashing people why can't folks be happy with the good going around. Lets say for example the amount of players in the PD & BRD who have or will have gotten scholarships to continue their play at a higher level. Life must be pretty boring when all you can see are the bad things in a sport and not the good. I personally wish all the girls (Bird, Ashley, T, Steph, Tre, Sarah, Katie, Tabby, Jaimie and any other graduate) who have fulfilled or will fulfill their dreams to play ball at the next level all the best in the world. Go Get'em girls!!!:clap2: I have nothing against anyone on any team. There are no vendettas against anyone. It is my feeling that no parent/relative should coach their child at the high school level. For every player you've named there an 20 players that didn't get a fair shake. It's been seen by others and it has been a sore subject for a number of years in Poquoson. It's been said of the summer ball team as well. I don't have a player on either team but I'm not blind. It's not the players, I wish all of them well, I've seen them play and they are good. Look how many other players didn't get a chance to play at the next level because they were not related to a coach or had a relative on the field. This is not just softball, it's all sports. Get rid of the parents/relative, make it an even playing field and then everyone has the SAME opportunity. Chances are there would more Poquoson athletes going to the next level. Sorry if I have offended anyone.

[letsgetalong]

I think this forum is getting away from what the thread was suppose to be about and that is predicting the year outcome for the BRD and PD softball season. All of this talk about parents keeping score, coaches putting their own daughter out on the field where she may or may not suppose to be,coaching assistants. What is the big deal.I cannot think of any team in the BRD or the PD that a parent does not volunteer their help. Who else would do it if it was not for our parents. I think some of you making these posts about parent score keeping and daughters of coaches on the field should probably stop and ask yourself these questions .I have been watching these girls play a long time and believe me they don`t need their mom or dad coaching them or keeping scorebooks to make them look better on paper or to get more playing time . They are natural athletes and d--- good softball players.So get over what ever you`re problem is and lets play ball. Your not correct. There are a number of parents that volunteer their help but not on the field.They volunteer in the snack stands or getting the field ready for play.If they don't need their mom or dad coaching them or keeping score, then get the parents off the field and let the players play.Lets play ball and put the parents in the stands where they belong. Again, this is not just softball but all high school sports in Poquoson. Thank you for your support.

[Phil Alexander]

I will tell you this, I have been involved with KHS softball since 1995 or so and when Katie graduates I will continue to coach at KHS. I have coached there when my kids were there and I have coached there when they were not. I am fairly confident that in all of those years there has not been a single complaint lodged against me that had any merit what so ever. What are these coaches supposed to do when their child reaches high school age? Is Mike Smith not to coach his son? Is Mike Smith supposed to fire Danny Mitchell for a couple of years because his son is now in high school? Is Dave Falin supposed to give up coaching at Bruton just because his daughter is in high school? I really do not see the problem here and I certainly do not see what all the ink is about. Softball911 is exactly right. There are a lot of moms and dads who are very capable and very knowledgable that are helping not to advance their own child but because it is difficult to get other volenteers meaning people who are not paid to put in the time it takes to put a quality program on the field. Are there moms or dads who are there to promote their own child? Yes there are, but I believe these people are the minority not the majority.

[Bythenumbers]

ok guys this is starting to look like a bad episode of the real world or big brother.I beg of you to just stop talking.Just wait a few weeks when the season starts we can talk softball but for god's sake stop talking about this garbage.people are starting to wonder if you guy's need psych help or just a life! wow this is getting scary!

:focus:please

[Lynn Burke]

Now is the perfect time for the AD at Poquoson HS to step up to the plate herself and clear the bases of parents/relatives being involved in school, on the field , sports. There is a new softball coach and the AD has the authority to put the parents/relatives in the stands and let this new coach choose who will be assisting her this year. Poquoson softball has long been a very talented qroup of players and Coach Bowden has done an outstanding job,along with his assistants but it's time to remove the the ever growing problem of parents/relatives coaching their own for school sports. There are plenty of qualified people/educators to coach and it will end the perception of favoritisom towards players who are related to the coach. The AD should be willing to look at this and see that it is a problem and eliminate it from PHS,

Have you taken your concerns to the AD or principal? I suspect someone posting anyonymously on a message board won't be taken very seriously as opposed to someone who steps out from behind a screen name and talks directly to the chain of command.

Lynn Burke

[Coach T. Lasley]

Folks if I may put in just a thought.

We at Warwick are conditioning 3 nights a week. Without fail on at least two of those nights I hear the players talking of what is posted in this forum. Some even ask me about some of the posts. Bottom line...The players read this stuff.

So while we bash the individual school program's, AD's, Coaches and even the players in some instances please try to remember who is reading this stuff.

Right now this thread has been viewed 6700+ times. How many are from the players in our area?

Some of this is really counterproductive. I have advised our players to quit reading this particular thread.

[Phil Alexander]

Coach I'm afraid it doesn't matter what thread gets started some folks are always going to put others down to try to "elevate themselves". Tell your girls that there are some of us who only wish the best for them and their futures. There does not seem to be much drama on the other threads. Maybe that is why this one seems to be so popular. By the way are there plans for fall ball again next year?

[Coach T. Lasley]

Coach I'm afraid it doesn't matter what thread gets started some folks are always going to put others down to try to "elevate themselves". Tell your girls that there are some of us who only wish the best for them and their futures. There does not seem to be much drama on the other threads. Maybe that is why this one seems to be so popular. By the way are there plans for fall ball again next year?

Oh yeah! The addition of the Fall Program has huge benefits to those schools who are building and maintaing programs. We will have Fall Ball again this year.

[observer 3]

Folks if I may put in just a thought.

We at Warwick are conditioning 3 nights a week. Without fail on at least two of those nights I hear the players talking of what is posted in this forum. Some even ask me about some of the posts. Bottom line...The players read this stuff.

So while we bash the individual school program's, AD's, Coaches and even the players in some instances please try to remember who is reading this stuff.

Right now this thread has been viewed 6700+ times. How many are from the players in our area?

Some of this is really counterproductive. I have advised our players to quit reading this particular thread. Where I do agree with "letsgetalong" in most areas, I think this needs to be put to bed. This forum isn't to fight battles. Players do read it and we need to be aware of that and keep it positive.

[Phil Alexander]

Coach Lasley are we going to focus mostly on the JV eligable girls? We do have a lot of travel teams in the area and they play on Saturday and Sunday. If you need help organizing, I will be happy to assist you.

[swampcane]

Fallball is a great opportunity to help develop young players, especially if you are trying to sustain or build a program. Not every team has the benefit of having multiple girls from travel ball teams on their roster, so its a good way to give some of these young girls some live playing experience. The girls that participated this fall can only benefit and it should show this spring.

Good job on working to put together a league this past fall. Hopefull more teams will participate next year. Its great for everyone, but those teams that struggle year in and year out should especially take advantage of the opportunity to play more games.

[BBrdCC_1]

I hope people dont believe that the Walker/Evans girls only play bc their parents are involved..BC i know that other people think that and it is kind of upsetting because those girls are AMAZING ball players and seriously have not much time with their friends because they are spending so much time on softball. Yes it benefits them as far as ball goes, but its sad at the same time. But those girls defintiley don't see playing time just becasue of their parents coaching.

[Phil Alexander]

I will amen to both the last two posts!!

[Coach T. Lasley]

Softball 911 I could not agree with you more from top to bottom on your post. We know who is who, and who posts what. It's ok though. As long as we try to do what is right that really is all that matters.

Thanks.....Hope everyone has a great season! Try-Outs are only 10 days away!!!! See you all on the field. Good Luck to all.

[Hawkeye06]

back to the title of the post once again...

WHS
GHS
KHS
WoHS
MHS
HHS
Herhs
BHS
DHS

in the top four i think the biggest question is how dedicated are the seniors on these teams, it is very easy to slack of with graduation in the distance and college around the corner. Senioritis is a monkey that can drag a team to the ground. Middle of the back can be mixed up just depends on who worked harder in the off season.

anyone playing any interesting out of district games this year?

[Hawkeye06]

oops i left out Phoebus, sorry they would fit in between Denbigh and bethel.

is it time to play actual games yet?

[Dukes fan!!!!]

To answer Hawkeye Gloucester is playing Princess Anne and Lake Taylor and scrimmaging Lafayette and York.

[ArmyBrat]

I think everyone is over rating Warwick & Gloucester. Based on Talent I think the PD standings will be:

Woodside
Gloucester
Menchville
Warwick
Kecoughtan
Bethel
Heritage
Phoebus
Hampton
Denbigh

[Phil Alexander]

I really do not think that mono is going to keep Sarah down, she is a true competitor. Katie Alexander had mono right before Christmas last year and she did not seem to suffer much during the season due to fatigue. I also believe the reason the teams at the top are there is because of their seniors and I really do not see any of them letting down now. It is going to be a fun and exciting season. Lets play ball!!

[kochanie803]

sorry armybrat but with the way menchville and woodside finished last season, its a longshot that they will be before gloucester or warwick as they are in rebuilding stages, especially menchville with a new coach and all...itll be a fight between only warwick and gloucester once again. and being sick could never take away from the natural talent and love for the game that atkins has.

[ibfishhog]

just a quick update on my dauther taylor saulman from the pd gloucester she beat out the senior 3rd basemen for the starting job then 2 days later she broke her ankle she had to put a pin and 2 screws in it so her season is over before it got started so all you girls enjoy the time you have on the field because it can be taking away from you real quik good luck to all the girls and have fun this season

[ibfishhog]

yes taylor played 1st for ghs but played 3rd most of the time in travel ball she's at mary washington she was sliding on a mat what a way to end your season from getting up at 5.00 for early workouts and then back at the field at 330 after classes but taylor should be ready by summer so the doctor says you girls work so hard to get were you are its tough to end that way for anyone now she has a though job ahead just getting through the rest of year there no weight on that leg for 8 more weeks

[softball93]

I am sorry to hear about Taylor. I know she is a competitor and will rebound quickly. Wish her a speedy recoveryfrom us all will you. Armybrat what is your logic? Warrwick at #4 and Kecoughtan @ #5? Are you serious?

[Phil Alexander]

I am very sorry to hear about Taylor. She was a killer to us over the past 3 years. I know she will work hard to recover. I am not surprised she earned the starting position as a freshman. i hope she has a quick recovery.

[letsgetalong]

So Army Brat you think that Gloucester and Warwick are overated.So picture this Warwick and Gloucester have been to the regionals how many times in the past three years.Gloucester has been all three years that Coates has been on varsity and Warwick has been the last 2 out of 3 years since their now seniors era(Byrd,Dawson and Atkins) KIng came later.These two teams are talented and well coached.Not taking anything away from other teams in the BRD and the PD. There are alot of talented ball players in our area it`s just that these two teams are the ones that people talk about the most on hrvarsity. How can two teams that have been to regionals GHS(last 3 years) and WHS (last 2 out of 3 years) and made terrific showings be overated.There is no question that Gloucester is favored to win the PD based on what they have done prevuiosly. But any given day between the top 5 teams can be a upset. This year will be competively strong. Warwick is a solid all around team they will score alot of runs.The young mixed in with the upperclassmen their going to be tough to beat.Gloucester still has Coates and she is a great pitcher and hitter. Red Lindsay will put a good team on the field he doesn`t like to loose. Kecoughtan will have several seniors and also some young talent. Along with Woodside with their outstanding sophmores that brought a lot to Tallons team last year will also be competing for the top spots. Menchville . Phoebus and Hampton will contend for the rest.So Army Brat believe everything you hear because GHS and WaHS are everything that you hear. and more.I`m sure you`ve seen them play. Don`t you think so?These two teams aren`t done yet. You`ll hear alot more for years to come. They just needed some help to get them started and they got it from a great bunch of girls.Other teams take no offense I`m just responding to Army Brat`s last post.
Your right about Warwick but they lack team unity and that will get in their way. Gloucester will go the way Coates goes and if she is off or injured they don't have enough talent to compete. The best team this year is New kent. They have what it takes to win it all , as with any team, if they stay healthy they will be tough to beat. Even if they were in the PD they would dominate. They have too many weapons both on defense and offense for any team to beat them. Now if they have an off day they can be beat, just like any other team but when they are on they're on. To me Woodside is the "dark" horse in the PD because of the coaching and the young talent. If thoses players learn how to win they will be tough this year and for the next couple of years. Menchville will win their share but they are going to have to rebuild. I like their new coach, he brings a positive attitude to the team that will rub off on them. It will take a year or two but he will make it work. Poquoson is old and young and with a new coach so it's a wait and see situation for them. I think it depends on their pitcher and a big question is who is the back pitcher. Their defense will be strong if the right moves are made and their offense will carry them. They have good hitters but with a couple of players "stepping up" I think they could give New Kent a run for their money. It will be a good competitive year in both the PD and BRD.

[softball93]

letsnotgetalong are you seriously saying that New Kent would DOMINATE the PD. You are WRONG. That is the craziest statment anyone has ever posted. Your information is incorrect about Warrwick and GHS. New Kent would finish in the top 4 or 5 but they would not dominate.

[letsgetalong]

letsnotgetalong are you seriously saying that New Kent would DOMINATE the PD. You are WRONG. That is the craziest statment anyone has ever posted. Your information is incorrect about Warrwick and GHS. New Kent would finish in the top 4 or 5 but they would not dominate.
I've seen the three teams and New Kent from top to bottom will be hard to beat. GHS has Coates and teams have seen her for 3 years and she can be beat, after that they are a 500 team at best. Warwick has King, Atkins and after them another 500 team but too much in house turmoil on that team. They have talent but egos get in the way. When you see New Kent they play as a team and are strong top to bottom both offense and defense. We'll see how the season shakes out for these teams. I still like Woodside as a dark horse.

[KG123]

warwick is my choice to finish at the top of the district this season. they do have team unity, and i do not see any egos, just talent.
being sick wont keep sarah atkins from playing, she is back in school and feeling better now anyway.

:cheer2:

[softball93]

WaHS also has Tre Bird who is a DI signee. I really do not want to take anything away from NK they are a good team. I just don't think they would dominate the PD. I think they would be in the top 5 but not dominate.

[listentome]

JIMMY WALKER is the BEST coach I have ever had. He knows what he is doing. Poquoson will be strong. Taylor Walker is an amazing player. They have plenty of other good players. Go POQUOSON!! :)

-kp

[kochanie803]

KG's right. but my question is...why does everyone seem to be saying that warwick has too much "in house turmoil" and a lack of team unity, or that egos are getting in the way? where are people seeing this? the girls seem to get along fine to me. they look like they have more fun than most other teams.

and a lot of people say theyre just a daily press team, and they get too much attention...but gloucester gets just the same, and these are two good teams...who wants to put an article about a terrible team in the paper a lot?:clap2:

[justafan]

I have heard that WaHS hosted a Softball Clinic for all the young kids in the area this past weekend. Supposedly they had like 100 kids!

Does anyone have any details on this? I think this is one of the best things I have heard in a while.

[YC Sports Look]

Where is Bird signed?





WaHS also has Tre Bird who is a DI signee. I really do not want to take anything away from NK they are a good team. I just don't think they would dominate the PD. I think they would be in the top 5 but not dominate.

[Phil Alexander]

I have heard that WaHS hosted a Softball Clinic for all the young kids in the area this past weekend. Supposedly they had like 100 kids!

Does anyone have any details on this? I think this is one of the best things I have heard in a while.

We spoke with Mrs. Atkins this week end and she said that WaHS hosted a clinic and they had about that many kids show up from Deer Park and Warrwick Little Leagues. This is a great community service for these older kids to give something back to the community. By the way Sarah is fine and will be good to go when the season starts. I believe Tre has either verbally or in writting committed to Hampton University. I am not exactly sure but pretty sure. Good job for WaHS to set such a positive example.

[Phil Alexander]

Check out the thread "Off to College" about Sarah and Tre.

[softball93]

That thread also mentions Stephanie Coats going to UVA.

[ibfishhog]

yes, i am still in school at Mary Washington. Im not officialy on the team as a player, i am listed as a team assistant to get the credit since my injury happened before final cuts were made. I attend all home games and keep the books for the team. I will most def. be playing next year, im not about to go through this and quit, all of it is well worth it for the game. Good luck on your season!

Taylor

[Jansport]

This is for BRD...

I think this season will be more competitive due to New Kent's visit to the state championship last year. This now puts a huge target on their backs. New Kent faced off with Tabb yesterday, and though they won, the final score was 1-0. If I had a preditcion on this season, it would be a close run for three schools:

1. New Kent- (can surely pull off a great season again.)
2. Lafayette- (always play hard and come off as the underdogs.)
3. Grafton- (will always have some tough competition.)

[Will Gibbs]

softball93 (http://hrvarsity.com/forums/member.php?u=944) http://hrvarsity.com/forums/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif
Member


Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 52


Re: BRD and PD softball predictions for 2008?
:focus:Well we started this out to do a prediction. All I have seen is a prediction for the PD here is my order in the BRD.

1. New Kent or Poquoson
2. New Kent or Poquoson
3. Lafayette
4. Grafton
5. Tabb
6. York
7. Bruton
8. Smithfield
9. Southhampton
10. Jamestown
11. Warhill

[softball93]

That is about as solid of a prediction as I have seen thus far. Poquoson needs to beat New Kent before I would put them 1 or 2?. A solid 2 or 3 though. We still don't know how Bruton will fit in.

[Phil Alexander]

I see in the paper that Star Gibbs threw her 1st high school no no!! Southhampton has a couple of sticks in that line-up too. Congrats girl your HPT folks are very proud of you. Good luck the rest of the season. Tell barnacle Will I said rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrha!!!

[Will Gibbs]

Re: BRD and PD softball predictions for 2008?

softball93 (http://hrvarsity.com/forums/member.php?u=944) http://hrvarsity.com/forums/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif

Re: BRD and PD softball predictions for 2008?
:focus:Well we started this out to do a prediction. All I have seen is a prediction for the PD here is my order in the BRD.





Thursday will tell whether Poquoson is a pretender or contender.
I personally do not think many people think they can beat NK. Star Gibbs held them scoreless for 4 innings in their first meeting last year, before she was relieved by Evans.

[Will Gibbs]

Phil AlexanderRe: BRD and PD softball predictions for 2008?
Star Gibbs threw her 1st high school no no!! Southhampton has a couple of sticks in that line-up too. Congrats girl your HPT folks are very proud of you. Good luck the rest of the season. Tell barnacle Will I said rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrha!!!

That's a great accomplishment, way to go girl.