Bay Rivers District softball preview

[Lynn Burke]

BRD SOFTBALL FAVORITE: NEW KENT
By Norm Wood (nwood@dailypress.com) | 247-4642

Listed in predicted order of finish.

Finding Grafton, New Kent and Poquoson at the top of the Bay Rivers District softball standings isn’t unusual, but the middle of the pack could have a different look this season.

With experienced players at key defensive positions and solid pitching, Bruton and Lafayette have opportunities to be factors in the playoff picture. It’s a matter of learning how to hit in the clutch, something both teams struggled with last season. If Bruton and Lafayette can figure out how to score runners from second and third base, Smithfield, York and Jamestown might want to take notes.

Look no farther than Grafton shortstop Kristen Tunno and New Kent pitcher Becca Mills to locate the most talented players in the district. The fortunes of their respective teams might hinge on their ability to build on eye-opening individual efforts from last season.

1. NEW KENT
COACH: Betsey Lane.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 16-6, 13-4 district.
ANALYSIS: The Trojans return seven starters from a team that reached the Region I quarterfinals last season. Becca Mills, who had an 0.64 earned run average and 155 strikeouts in 153 innings, is the district’s best returning pitcher (and maybe best overall player). Lane, a first-year coach, will depend on infielder Anush Mooradian and catcher Laura Bauer to provide speed, power and leadership. Left fielder Dana Tompkins, who was second-team all-district last season, and center fielder Taylor Newcomb could make New Kent one of the district’s fastest teams.

2. POQUOSON
COACH: Todd Bowden.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 15-6, 14-4.
ANALYSIS: Getting pitcher Sarah Evans healthy has to be Bowden’s biggest concern. Evans, a senior, has a pinched nerve in her back and isn’t expected to pitch for at least the first two weeks of the season. Star Gibbs will carry the pitching load while Evans is out. The middle of the field will be strong with second baseman Taylor Walker, shortstop Ashley Walker and center fielder Brandy Wyatt all returning to starting roles.

3. GRAFTON
COACH: Vanessa Young.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 21-5, 15-3.
ANALYSIS: After making it to the Group AA state semifinals last season, the Clippers must find a way to replace shortstop Alex Shoemaker and pitcher Ashley Moore. Kristen Tunno, the district and Region I player of the year last season, is moving from second base to shortstop and will lead off. Pitcher Kinsley Seward will have to be sharp. Young takes over as coach for Dena Montini, who resigned after leading Grafton to three straight state tournaments.

4. BRUTON
COACH: Dave Falin.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 8-11, 8-10.
ANALYSIS: Every defensive starter returns this season, led by shortstop/pitcher Jennifer Falin, the coach’s daughter, who hit .309 last season. Bruton’s strong infield also will feature second baseman/shortstop Lauren McAllister, catcher Becca Ulisse and third baseman Tiffany Frye (hit .310 last season). The team needs to be more consistent swinging the bat.

5. LAFAYETTE
COACH: Tom Bunn.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 8-12, 8-10.
ANALYSIS: A 4-1 win Monday against Peninsula District power Gloucester might not have been a fluke. Pitcher Katie Bruce, who had 17 strikeouts against the Dukes, was a first team all-district player last season and is entering her fourth season as a starter. Center fielder Megan Lynch, first baseman Jennifer Carroll and catcher Jessica Carroll form the heart of the batting order, which must improve after the Rams were shut out a district-high 11 times last season.

6. SMITHFIELD
COACH: Cathy Riddick.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-12, 7-11.
ANALYSIS: With every starter returning from last season, Riddick hopes her offense comes alive. The Packers couldn’t come up with critical hits last season, losing six games by either one or two runs. Kristin Dudney and Jessie Nowak will split pitching time this season, while Lane Hendrix and freshmen Tiffany Webb and Sarah McBurney will have to produce at the plate.

7. TABB
COACH: Kay Aultman.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-8, 9-8.
ANALYSIS: Third baseman Amanda Julian (hit .368 last season) and shortstop Emily Wright (.351 last season) should spark Tabb’s offense, but pitching and catching is an unknown. Pitcher Danielle Gleason and catcher Michaela Munday, both freshmen, will be the Tigers’ inexperienced battery after Tabb graduated six seniors last season.

8. YORK
COACH: Amy Hunter.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-11, 7-11.
ANALYSIS: Though every starter returns, it remains to be seen if York’s offense will come around. York scored no runs or one run in 10 games last season. Pitcher Stephanie Olson should be solid. She needs more offensive support from shortstop Courtney Williamson, catcher Ashleigh Steele, outfielder Cat Davis, third baseman Amanda Lucker, second baseman Lauren Dunford and first baseman Ashley Prosper.

9. JAMESTOWN
COACH: Susan Catlett.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 4-14, 4-14.
ANALYSIS: The Eagles scored more than two runs in just three games. Shortstop/third baseman Alyssa Rachubka is the lone senior and will have to lead Jamestown’s bats, along with catcher Brittany Herbert and first baseman Kristin Bunn. Courtney Tyler will handle the pitching.

10. SOUTHAMPTON
COACH: Aronda Bell.
LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 5-14, 4-14.
ANALYSIS: Bell’s team must improve defensively if it hopes to make an impact. Southampton gave up more than eight runs in six games last season, when it got off to a 1-6 start.

[softballfan1]

New Kent is looking strong this year, as is Smithfield and Layfette but York could surprise many fans. Their bats are much stronger this year and the defense is more solid. They really gave Smithfield a tough time in yesterday's game, Smithfield was down 7 to 5 in the 6th inning. A very good game with many talented girls, York's second baseman Lauren Dunford had a solid defensive and offensive game. Best wishes to all the ladies in the Peninsula and Bay Rivers district!

[felix]

New Kent Didn't Look To Strong Last Week.

[softballfan1]

I think they had an off week, BRD softball can be so "ify" this early in the season. Teams that seem to be the leaders in the district, lose to teams that have been predicted to finish in the lower part of the district. Example, Tabb beat Grafton, for Grafton's first loss. I think you will see New Kent, Lafayette, and York finish in the top three for the BRD. There is so much talent in the BRD that honestly, it is almost unpredictable.

[Jamestown]

I voted for Warhill in the poll because I think they will dominate the district this year. They're undefeated :)

[softballfan1]

Does Warhill have a softball team this season? I looked for a softball schedule and only found a schedule for the upcoming fall sports (field hockey, etc...) Which teams are they scheduled to play this spring (2007)? I would like to go and catch a game. If anyone has a schedule or know where I can obtain one, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[Jamestown]

I was kidding...

[softballfan1]

I thought you were but was unsure because they were listed on the poll. However, next season I anticipate that they will probably be one of the stronger teams. Thanks!

[Jamestown]

LOL why would you anticipate Warhill being a strong team next year? The only thing we know for sure is that they wont have any seniors, and thats not exactly a good thing. What can you base a prediction like that off of?

[softballfan1]

Many of the players in the Williamsburg/ Jamestown area play on competitve teams and have talent. Just because you have no seniors doesn't mean that the team isn't or can't be strong. It seems that everyone feels that the more seniors you have the better the team, look at Grafton, they do not have many seniors; in fact they lost 3 solid seniors and so far, they are doing well. The predication is also based upon the fact that softball in the BRD is so unpredictable due the talent on every team.

[Jamestown]

OK well Jamestown's softball team is pretty bad and they only have one senior.

[felix]

softballfan1 just picked york to finish third in the district. and then didn,t know warhill had not even opened yet. so much for that educated pick. i guess poquoson and grafton are just going to throw in the towel because this softball guru has spoken

[softballfan1]

Felix, your response doesn't deserve a reply; however, we will see who the top three teams end up being soon enough. That should then shut you up.

[BayRivahGirl]

I agree. Softball in the BRD could go anyway. There are players that play from School ball right on up to middle of NOV. & alot of those girls are darn good. New Ken - Grafton and Lafayette are who I think will be the top 3 teams. But Smithfield has a good looking team to this year.:bounce:

[Jamestown]

:violin:Virtuoso

[sportsfan1]

Softball fan, the defense couldn't have been very solid as the newspaper said there were 9 or 10 errors in the Smithfieldvs York game. It also said Smithfield didn't have near as many hits as York. I wasn't there but do intend on getting to some games when I'm not watching my grandchildren. Good luck to everyone playing a spring sport.

[snoclaf]

York softball will finish better than 8th gimme a break,who did these pedictions?

[softballfan1]

I agree that York will finish much higher than 8th. They have very good pitching (just as good as the other pitchers that have articles in the paper) and are hitting (very few strike outs) much better than last year. It would be refreshing to see other BRD teams get the press because they have strong/good players as well. As far as the Smithfield game, they had errors but they HIT the ball. They led most of the game, it was an intense game regardless of what the paper stated. The predications are just that...... predications, I just wish that those predicating would come to some of the games. I think that they would see that many of York's players are very solid and competitive players, as are many for the other BRD teams.... I think this year is going to be very interesting and surprising. I wish all the teams much luck!

[felix]

anyone who is familiar with brd softball could not argue with the level of potential that the current team at york has.the problem this year as in the last two is without a doubt the coaching.any coach should be able to consistently win with the talent assembled there however, this team has managed to under acheive year in and year out. any army reflects their general.

[snoclaf]

Whoever insists that York's coach is going to be somewhat responsible for them not winning is wrong.She has assembled a good lineup and it is up to the kids now.The players have all been standouts in little league,middle school,and most on the best travel teams in the area.If they do not get it done it is on them not the coaches.Go York and if people outside of York tell you they are pulling for you they are lying.You girls put that chip on your shoulder and run with it I know you can do it.

[drich]

York does have a load of talent. Problem is that there are players from the Revolution and Legends travel programs. And with that comes the parents. It seems that every year that are people in the background who think they know how things should work, who should play, etc...

[felix]

correct me if i'm wrong but there are also kids on york that play for the peninsula stars and the galaxy. the parents of any of these girls is not the problem. they have as much right as anyone to voice their opinion. continue to blame the players or the parents if you will but, the coaching is the obvious weak link.

[softballfan1]

I agree with Felix- parents should have a right to voice their opinion but I feel it should be in a positive manner. All sports have parents that are extremely competitive and some are more opinionated than others. I believe that this year the York girls seem to be having more fun and I can't comment on the coaching; however, I do feel that some position changes should be tested.

[BayRivahGirl]

In all the Bay Rivers District are some great girls that know how to play ball. I say that some of the high school coaches ought to go to the travel team games to see just how hard the girls do work to get the job done. BRD has travel team girls on just about every high team and it shows. That is why any team can win in this district. Some districts are weak but BRD is very strong.

[softballfan1]

Very good point, it would be nice to see some of the coaches at the travel team games. I know for a fact that the Tabb Varsity coaches have visited several of the travel team games. They even went to look at those that played on the JV team. I think it would give the HS coaches a little more insight of the positions and the ability of their players. I totally agree about the talent on the BRD teams, the championship could be won by any of the strongest teams.

[sportsfan1]

Okay, yes felix, BayRivah, softball fan-you are all correct. York is loaded w/talent but so is every other team in BRD. I think everyone can agree that these girls have played at an elevated level of competition for years. They have given up alot of extracurricular activities to learn to play at this level and it was their choice. I think the coaches, parents and everyone should be proud that the BRD is so competive and its time the schools realize that the ONLY reason they are competitve is because all of the extra time these girls have put in over the years. You need to work w/the travel teams and not against. This game is always changing and there is always something you can learn. That includes players and coaches. I don't think its necessary to point out any one travel team as drich did because there are to many to list on both sides of the river. We should be proud because most games I have ever been to all the parents and kids in BRD conduct themselves in a classy manner. Parents cheer and coaches coach as it should be but in other districts it is not that way. It gets ugly at times and so BRD has alot to be proud of because the girls could be doing GOD knows what. I am glad i am not a coach. I do know that even though it hurts the girls who give attitude and are not being a team player and doing what they are told need to take a seat. You cannot let the parents or any other politics come into play. Even if the girl is a good player there needs to be discipline and rules that apply to everyone. It doesn't help when only 1 or 2 girls are mentioned by the paper has having talent and so many don't even get mentioned that have just as much and in some cases more talent but I guess its all in who you know. I wish the girls didn't have to get a taste of that life lesson so early. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!

[drich]

the parents of any of these girls is not the problem. they have as much right as anyone to voice their opinion.

That quote just makes me laugh. That is exactly one of the problems. When you have a lot of parents that think that, it creates a disruption in any program. The kids go home, they hear it, they come back with attitude. You no longer have a team...you have individuals.

[sportsfan1]

I agree drich. Parents shouldn't talk about softball or anything else they have opinions on so that the kids can think for themselves and learn to ask for themselves. If these people start giving attitude or playing as individual they need to sit for awhile until they learn to be a team player.

[X-Clipper]

drich - I totally agree with you. If parents have concerns, they should talk to the coach privately. Parents complaining ruins team morale quicker than anything. Any player/parent participating on a first class travel team knows that, Parental interferance between the lines can't happen or you won't be around too long.

The BRD is an excellent conference, but to say any team is "loaded" with talent is a stretch for me. I would say most of the teams have a few very good players (capable of playing at the next level), but no one is "loaded".

As for the coverage by the press - softball/baseball are sports ruled by statistics. If you put up the big numbers and have a winning team - you get the articles. Look at the coverage Warwick is getting this year - a few years ago when they were losing they got nothing. 5 Years ago it was all about Woodside - but they had a great team!

[drich]

When I say "loaded", what I mean is that there are enough travel ball players at York to fill out the J.V. and Varsity rosters. I don't mean to say that they will be able to play at the next level. There are only a select few in the district that will be able to play at the next level.

[X-Clipper]

I understand what you're saying. Most participating in travel ball have at least an interest in playing in college at some level.

[felix]

O K EVERYONE I THINK WE ALL CAN AGREE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH BLAME TO GO AROUND ON EVERY TEAM AND THIS HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING FORUM BUT CAN WE PLEASE MOVE ON. I'M SURE EVERYONE LOGED ON READ THE ARTICLE ON WARWICK SOFTBALL THIS A M AND MANY OF YOU WERE HAPPY TO SEE THESE GIRLS GET SOME PRESS. HOW MANY OF YOU BRD PLAYERS AND PARENTS ASKED YOURSELVES," WHY IS IT THAT THE PD SEEMS TO GET THE MAJORITY OF INK IN THE DAILY PRESS"? IS IT BECAUSE THE DAILY PREES THINKS THE AAA PD IS STRONGER? IS IT BECAUSE THE CIRCULATION IN THEIR AREA IS LARGER? IS IT THAT THE AAA AD's HAVE MORE PULL WITH THE REPORTERS? I DON'T KNOW BUT I THINK IT'S TIME THAT THE BRD IS GIVEN IT'S DUE, THE BRD HAS SENT TEAMS FURTHER INTO THE PLAY-OFFS THAN THE PD FOR YEARS. HOW MANY OF YOU READING THIS WOULD ENJOY SEEING A PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT BETWEEN THE PD AND BRD TO ESTABLISH YEARLY PENINSULA BRAGING RIGHTS. I KNOW IT'S A STRETCH BUT WOULDN'T IT BE INTERESTING.

[drich]

It would be very interesting but will not happen unless the BRD splits into 2 divisions. The 11 team district will produce a 20 game district schedule if a balance schedule is drawn up. VHSL limits the regular season to 20 games. With Warhill coming in next year, you won't see any games between the BRD and the PD. The best BRD teams are better than the best PD teams. The worst BRD teams and better than the worst PD teams. And you would never see a 5 inning perfect game with 15 K's against any team in the BRD.

[BayRivahGirl]

I wish AAA would play AA just for giggles.......
I know AAA Gloucester was invited serveral times to play Mathews in which is in "A" district and Gloucester would not...Hmmm makes you wonder why they would not.

[drich]

Playing softball games costs money, expecially for the umpires. Therefore many schools charge admission to the games, including Mathews. Gloucester objected to this which caused a rift between the schools on this issue. They don't play any more.

[BayRivahGirl]

I am talking about a scrimmage game.. Gloucester will not "scrimmage" Mathews...Cost had nothing to dowith it..:laugh:

[felix]

REPLY TO drich: YOU ARE CORRECT, THE CHANCHES OF SEEING PD AND BRD TEAMS PLAYING REGULAR SEASON GAMES ARE SLIM. WHAT I PROPOSED WAS A PRESEASON TOURNAMENT OF SOME TYPE. UMPIRES ARE ALWAYS AVAILBLE AND NEED REAL GAME SITUATIONS IN THE EARLY SPRING TO GET THEMSELVES READY,I'M SURE STONY RUN COMPLEX COULD BE UTILIZED, ADMISSION COULD BE CHARGED TO COVER SOME COST, AND ANY PROCEEDS COULD BE ALLOCATED TO LOCAL CHARITIES. AS I SAID BEFORE I KNOW IT WOULD BE A STREATCH, BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE. ALSO, WITH WARHILL COMING LOOK FOR SOUTHHAMPTON TO LEAVE THE BRD.(JUST A HUNCH)

[drich]

A preseason scrimmage tournament would be a great idea. I would be great if Southampton left. But they could leave at any time. The BRD will play an unbalanced schedule next year because Southampton wants to play Franklin, which is a big money maker for them. Smithfield wants to play Windsor to make money. Therefore, next year in Football, Tabb will not play all of the teams in the district, and neither will anyone else.

[HPT_transplant]

First off, there are four pitchers in the PD that would shut down any team in the BRD in Coates, Atkins, Alexander, and Byrd. Secondly, just because the AAA girls of the BRD have played ball together because they grew up in rural wherever does not mean that they could hang with the best of the best from the PD. I would take a PD all star team over a BRD all star team anyday. As for circulation issues ... Was that really a question? Of course that has something to do with it. I'm not trying to get personal but the press touts the PD for a reason circulation matters or not. Don't try to deny it. All around, their big guns are flat out better. They just happen to be more evenly spread.

[BayRivahGirl]

Hate to disappoint you but BRD has the teams...... All are very good, very seldom do you see shut outs like the PD. Thats because in the BRD all teams
are so good that it could be any ones game.
. And if there is a shut out - it does not make the papers probably because they do not want cedit for a beating up on a weak team.. They want to keep grace.
Just wait until some of these pitchers face college players. You are going to see who can handle it and who gets bombed.. (cough-cough). You know who I am talking about.

[felix]

I will give you credit HPT transplant you hit the ground running. You have no idea of the talent level in the BRD. I have seen all four of your "superstars " pitch for years and none of them has to see the level of talent that BRD pitchers see consistently. All four of them are nothing more than average ball players playing in a weak division. Do your homework before you sit down at your keyboard. And if you are going to make a comment, please at least sound like you know what you are talking about because most of us do.

[BayRivahGirl]

I know 2 of the 4 are trying to get to UVA...........hmmmmmmmm thoughts?

[SportsGirl]

HPT transplat i do not agree with anything you are saying. I believe that there is so much more talent on BRD. The thing that makes PD and BRD so diffrent from each other is that BRD teams have all good players, on pd teams they have a select few that even know what a softball is. I would love to see some kind of tournament to see whos better. And I'm sure that people can agree with me that Atkins,coates,byrd, and alexander are not better than some of the BRD pitchers they just get a lot more ink in the paper. your forgetting about all the BRD pitchers that have held their own this year, what about Mills,Byrdy,Seward,Dudney,Gleason,Bruce, Olsen, and Prosper. Thats 8 pitchers that are just as good if not better. so think about that HPT TRANSPLAT.

[BayRivahGirl]

A scrimmage will tell everything you need to know. BUT I know Gloucester will not be in... They will not play an A district. (Mathews). I wonder why? I have never seen BRD turn down a scrimmage. They welcome all....:o

[snoclaf]

HPT transplant is wrong and they know it. I know you must be taking the pd district bashing personal but come on a pd all star team better than a br all star team ..no way.

[sportsfan1]

Go BayRivah Girl, Sports Girl, Felix and Snoclaf-its seems everyone is on the same page and knows the facts. Good Lord, Hpt transplant must be a transplant from another state and couldn't have grown up here. Of course, the paper has more circulations where there is more population (AAA). Just because they write more about Pen Dist does not mean they hold a candle to BRD and honestly I feel sorry for those girls in Pen dist. I now understand why quite a few people use other addresses(grandparents for instance) to attend schools in Pen Dist so they stand out more because they would not stand out in BRD. If you know sports, especially softball you know that is true. Sports Girl named some awesome pitchers and some that split mound time like Atkins and Byrd and others who don't get much mound time and are phenomonial pitchers which is a sin. Tabb and Grafton scrimmaged Menchville and had no trouble rocking them and we won't even discuss how bad Denbigh got rocked by York. Warwick and Gloucester should not brag about running over teams like that and Heritage and Hampton.

[HPT_transplant]

I have seen all four of your "superstars " pitch for years and none of them has to see the level of talent that BRD pitchers see consistently. All four of them are nothing more than average ball players playing in a weak division.

SILLY GIRL: Do you realize they all play year round and that PD softball is only a small part of their big and growing careers? And if what you said were true then why have ALL FOUR been solicited to play by teams in not only the BRD but Southside and teams within their own district as well? Players like that are a hot commodity who all demonstrate great movement on the ball so do not bash these young ladies. I put that entry up because they have worked just as hard as you have. They are anything but average both on and off the field I can tell you this because I know them all personally. Do not misdirect your anger with my posts at their level of play. Quit acting like this is some high school girl fight. Grow up and have some respect. I'm not saying they are alone in the talent pool and I'm not doubting the BRD has talented ball players but these four are at the top wherever they go. Look at their travel ball records if you like. All are impressive from the time they were 8 to 10 years old.

Furthermore, I have no idea who you are talking about when you refer to a pitcher getting "bombed." Homeruns happen if that's what you mean. Do you think Finch, Osterman, or even Fernandez never saw one leave the park? I guess it's clear that there are a bunch of high school BRD softball players on this thread angry that they don't get press time. That must be tough for you. Maybe you should go the PD and see if you can make a name for yourself. Not that easy? Then quit complaining.

[sportsfan1]

Hpt transplant, the only person attacking anything is you and apparently you didn't go as far as you would have liked to in your own career. All Sports girl and Felix and the others are trying to say is there are a load of great pitchers in BRD such as Bruce, Nowak, Prosper, Byrdy, Falin, Olsen and Mills and they all play year around ball as well. They have been scouted by teams on both sides of the river, as well as other teams in their own districts. Yes, high school is a small part of their ball career as well. We all know these girls personaly as well as the ones you keep talking about and the coaches and/or scouts can see for themselves their abilities and their attitudes. Everyone was just trying to say that BRD is a much tougher district and there is no getting around that so don't take it personally. No one is putting the PD pitchers down. Their merely trying to say look at the ALLof the great pitchers in the area. Yes, no matter how good you are to include the great Finch, Osterman and Fernandez you can be and will be hit. This game is just as much a hitting game. If you don't hit you certainly can't win. I think we can agree on that aspect.

[softballfan1]

HPT Transplant- it is obvious that you are not aware that Coates, Atkins, Bryd and Alexander have played travel ball and three of the four currently pitch on travel ball teams. The majority of the BRD players have either been on the same team as these pitchers or saw them at the plate and ate them up. Their pitching is good but not any better than the BRD. The competition in the BRD is much greater than the PD. The only reason that the PD gets more press is because they are "AAA" and that is the only reason. There are some great players in the PD but the fact is, there are also great players in the BRD that do not get the same press time. Attend some travel tournaments and you will see exactly what I am talking about.

[brd_viewer]

I am a little surprised that we can have this BRD vs. PD discussion without someone mentioning that Lafayette beat Gloucester 4-1 this year and Katie Bruce struckout 17. That wasn't a typo, I said 17 K's versus Gloucester. Gloucester is a very good team and Coates is an excellent pitcher but there is no question that the BRD has WAY more depth than the PD.

All of the pitchers mentioned in previous posts for both districts are quality players but...there are only 3 pitchers in the two districts combined that will likely pitch at the college level...Bruce, Coates and Mills. Just an opinion but I have watched them all and those three are a cut above the rest.

[drich]

Don't under estimate yourself BRD Viewer. Bruce will be pitching for Lynchburg I think. Mills and Coates are Juniors. Bruce carries Lafayette. There not a whole lot of real softball talent on their roster beyond Bruce and the Carroll sisters.

[softball mom]

I totally agree with you. Bruce has already been recruited by several colleges. She will play for Lynchburg College next year as one of their starting pitcher in the ODAC conference. Mills and Coates still have one more year to play high school ball. I know they will play college ball. Each will choose which will be in the best interest of their education ambitions.;)

[sportsfan1]

Brd viewer, can you give us some choices? I go to all of the games because my kids are grown and because I don'thave any kids on a team I can give an unbiased opinion. I am familiar with most of the girls on in PD and BRD. I do not think those 3 girls are the only ones. If fact, I think you missed a couple.

[drich]

What other BRD players are drawing college interests?

[softball mom]

Lafayette has only Bruce. Jamestown- no one this year. Last year lauren Dugay is at Lynchburg Collge. As for the others, I have not heard.

[drich]

Does Bruce play travel ball?

[softball mom]

Yes, She has played for the Williamsburg Starz since it began when she was 12. :o As does most of Bruton's team. Some from Jamestown.

[brd_viewer]

To sportsfan1. I just said those are the only 3 pitchers who will pitch at the college level (l'll limit my opinion to upperclassmen). I mean Katie Bruce is dominant and going to D3 Lynchburg. Last year's AAA state champ pitcher (her last name was Bruce too) from Hanover went to D3 CNU. If these pitchers are filling out the D3 rosters what colleges do you think these other PD and BRD pitchers can actually pitch for? I am not trying to be a jerk but that's the reality of it.

There are a few upperclassmen in these districts that will play college ball at positions other than pitcher; Tunno from Grafton and Saulman from Gloucester to name a couple.

I have one commment to a previous post. No disrespect to Mathews but Gloucester would blow Mathews away this year. There have been years where Mathews is excellent and could give Gloucester a run but this year isn't one of those years. Mathews is better than average but Gloucester is a lot better than that.

[SportsGirl]

I totally agree with what everybody is saying about the BRD pitchers. I do believe that Bruce from Lafayette is getting alittle overrated. Don't get me wrong she is a good pitcher but i believe that mills is way better than her.

HPT transplant- you are getting alittle upset over this....but i don't think you are really thinking before you type. Your saying that those 4 pitchers from PD have worked so hard ...but how do you know that the pitchers from BRD haven't worked harder? you don't know.

oh and congrats on Lafayette's win vs. Grafton, I believe that Lafayette has proven something for beating Grafton.

I think that the top teams from BRD this year are going to be New Kent,Grafton,Lafayette,Smithfield,York,and Poq.

[sportsfan1]

Okay Felix, this is fun. Did you ever coach Nowak, Prosper or Bruce? Are you familiar with these pitchers?

[HPT_transplant]

I'm not saying that the PD pitchers worked harder and we'll never know if that's the case or not. Really it doesn't matter. It's high school softball. I type as I think because that's what a board is for to express ideas. If I come across raw it is because I am :) I think there are talented girls playing ball all over the country. I grew up watching and coaching the girls in the PD though. Of course I'm going to favor them. I don't want bad things for the BRD players. I want us all to get along and root for each other. I wish they could play each other more often and play together as well. Travel ball has its advantages but its so political as well. I got defensive when some people started slinging insults at the girls I've seen prove themselves time and time again especially when I hadn't said anything negative about a single player from any district. It's context people context. GO PD. GO BRD. GO SOUTHSIDE. GO VHSL. I don't really care. I just want what is best for my girls in the PD and I'm sure you feel the same for yours.

[felix]

Reply Tp Sportsfan1. I Have Not Coached Any Of The Three You Mentioned. As A Matter Of Fact I Have Not Ever Seen Bruce Or Nowak Pitch That I Can Recall. Although I Have Never Coached Prosper, I Think She Would Be One Of The Top Pitchers In The Area If She Had Dedicated Herself To Pitching At An Early Age As The Rest Of The Girls I Mentioned Did.

[BayRivahGirl]

Felix - You have coached some many of these girls in question that I think the Daily Press ought to do a story on you. ;)

[All about Ball]

Ok Enough Of This Bs. If I Have Said Anything To Upset Anyone Please Understand It Was Just To Keep The Blog Going. I'm Sure As Soon As You Read On You Will Figure Out Who I Am. Over The Past 5 Years I Have Coached The Following Pitchers: Coates,atkins,byrd,mills,dudney,seward,olsen,and Others From The Southside. I Know What I'm Talking About. The Smartest Pitcher I Have Ever Dealt With Is Adkins. The Fastest Pitcher I Have Ever Dealt With Is Mills. The Most Controled Pitcher I Ever Dealt With Is Coates, The Best Hitting Pitchers I Have Ever Dealt With Was Dudney And Olsen,the Most Underrated Pitcher I Ever Dealt With Was Seward. And I Have Always Thought That Byrd Was Overrated As A Pitcher But Has Proved Herself In Other Areas Of The Game. These Are My Opinions But At Least They Come From An Educated Viewpoint.

This comment is directed to "FELIX" and it is Personal! Some people may not know who you are, but I think you sound like a parent that lost his coaching job on a travel team. :eyebrows: A team in which your daughter may have lost her pitching spot to one of the pitchers mentioned above. :focus: This has nothing to do with your child because I think she is a very good player. I would never make personal insults against any of these girls. However, what you and everyone else should realize is that softball is a very competitive sport. You can't talk the game, you've gotta play it. To be the best you've gotta go up against the best.

I'm not sure what the big deal is about the PD be compared to the BRD. But just for the record, Warwick and Tabb played this year so if you wanna compare Districts use a game of such; instead of Menchville and Grafton (or both). Menchville is a good team, but got off to a rough start. You don't kick a team when their down. I would expect adults to know these things but since they don't, I'll just help you along.

Felix, You said you coached all of these girls.....WOW, that really surprises me that girls of this caliber would play for such a person. I'm sure that none of them played for you more than 1 season (except the underrated of course), once they found out what kind of person you were.... Cause a REAL coach would not constantly make negative statements; even if to only keep a blog going.:mad: And coach is supposed to know girls strentghs and weakness, but use them against them. I mean were are adults here right and these are all young girls with the same common goal, To be Prosperous! ....I have no respect for a person like you and there is no place for coaches like you....oh, but you've already been relieved of your coaching duties anyway right ??? No questions as to how or why.


Something a wise coach told me, is the girls have got to get the job done between the lines (on the field). You can't talk the game of softball or any other competitive sport. The BRD have very many talented ball players as does the PD. These girls play against each oneday and as teammates the next.... Some of these very same girls spend there whole summer travelling together. I would hate to see the things that we as adults say that could have any negative effects on these friendships.

Anytime, you every wanna question a over or under rated player, look at the STATs. There's proof in numbers! Frankly speaking, I really don't care what anyone thinks about the caliber of ball players these girls are....Just keeping reading; They will all play College ball!

Haters are motivators!!!:D
Oh, and you probably know who I am by now

[Lynn Burke]

Folks:

Tone it down a bit. Most of the discussions here are pretty rational, but think before you post. I really don't want to lock down this thread.

Oh, please don't capitalize the first letter of each word, Felix. It's difficult to read.

[drich]

The BRD softball standings in the paper show New Kent with only one loss. But I thought I had seen that they lost to Grafton and Poquoson. Does anyone know about this?

[sftblfnz2]

As I sat and scrolled through these posts, I am amazed at how petty some posts were. And I hope and pray that the girls mentioned in some of the posts have no idea about these forums because all of them are focusing on their seasons and grades. And In all reality, the players mentioned are still young girls with big hearts. I personally know all the players mentioned and want all of them to excel in all they do academically and on the field. Comments like "most of them will never see playing time once they leave high school" is dishearting to say the least. As former female athlete, any time I see a young lady improving her game I am so proud of her. I commend the players, parents and coaches for putting forth the effort, time and finances it takes to build an above average player. Best wishes to all the teams during the remaining season. Congratulations & go get them Steph at UVA. And to remaining players in the surrounding area I say continue to work hard and improve. There are many, many colleges and universities that need you.

[snoclaf]

Yes I think the standings are Poq 6-1,Graf 5-2, Smith 5-2, N.K. 5-2,LAF4-3,Tabb4-3,York 3-4,Bruton 2-5, and I am not sure if Jamestown or Southampton has won a game yet,although I think they played each other.I could be wrong though.

[felix]

Response to All about Ball: I would first like to say that the tragic events at VT this week has caused me to realize how trivial our petty little forum actually is. We should all realize how lucky we are to have our kids and the kids we watched grow up safe in their beds. The opinions I stated were mine not yours or any one else’s. Time will prove me right or wrong. I put them out there to elicit an educated debate not a personal attack. If as you stated you plan on seeing your kid play college ball (and I wish her all the best if she does) you had better start dealing with criticism a little better than you are now because at the next level it comes with the territory. Just for the record, since leaving my last travel ball club because of a inept head coach (not being forced out as was stated in your attack on me) I have been asked to coach on two 18 U travel ball clubs not 16 U as some juniors in the area play. I declined partly because of parents like you. I will not personally respond to any more of your personal shots at me (which you have been throwing for years) but look forward to participating in the educated discussions carried on in this forum.

[HPT_transplant]

yikes will Poquoson lose another game this season? They seem pretty solid.

[felix]

.Poquoson is a solid team.They have proved that.They are a different team with Evans on the mound. Not to say that Gibbs is not a good pitcher but the confidence and leadership Evans brings to this team is obvious.The game tomorrow at Grafton will go a long way toward shaping the district. I think New Kent has yet to be heard from but a win by Poquoson tomorrow will put them in the drivers seat. If you enjoy fastpitch this is a can't miss game. I hope the Daily Press will show the BRD a little respect and send a reporter.

.
.

[SbALLLoVEr]

Poquoson beat Grafton tonight , 4-1. It was a great game and both teams stayed solid throughout. I don't think Poquoson had any errors...

[softball mom]

:nod: CONGRATS TO KATIE BRUCE FOR 50 total Ks IN THREE GAMES(STRAIGHT).

SOUTHAMPTON-19, TABB-14, AND JAMESTOWN-17.
ALSO,CONGRATS ON YOUR SECOND 17K GAME. :cheer2:



GO LADY RAMS. ;)

[X-Clipper]

Just a comment about college potential - if you look at the last 5 years in BRD and PD - position players have had a lot more success in college than pitchers. All the big schools almost always recruit West Coast pitchers. There is definitely a stigma against East Coast pitching and it hurts their recruitment. The only travel team consistantly putting girls out there is the Legends with 18 current college D1 players. I don't think anyone else comes close.

[Flying Fish]

All I know is that Tabb's manager really knows his stuff.:thumb:

[felix]

Reply to X-Clipper: I'm sure that the Legends have 18 girls currently playing D-1 ball. Let me ask you somthing, how many of those girls came up through the Legends organization? Probally less than 25%. It's great to boast on how many girls have moved on to the promise land but lets be honest, most of them came to the Legends in their junior or senior year. Everyone knows that the Legends is a big money team. They show a profit of $250,000.00 every year thanks to Bingo.They can showcase girls where other teams can't. I guess that's a good thing, but the kids and parents who labor for this organization through 12-U,14-U,and16-U to earn that money only to be kicked to the curb by another travel ball superstar might have a different opinon. I don't think thats the way Coach Roz wanted it to be when he started it. Unfortunetly the organization has fell into the hands of a person who has no soul and only cares about his kids and his small circle of yes men. I was involved with this organization for 5 years and left because I saw the writing on the wall for my kid and others that I cared about. I feel sorry for the ones I encouraged to come and I left behind.

[X-Clipper]

Felix - The 25% figure could be close, but there's a group that played most if not all of their travel career for the Legends. (McCubbins, Garcia, Paul, Dudley, Shoemaker, Small, Bitner). True, since Roz left, the team has shifted to the beach, but he's been gone for at least three or four years and he hand-picked his successor. The issue is, they want to be competitive against the Shamrocks of the world and you have to continually look for talent and have new tryouts every year to do that.

[Mike Gleason]

Guys, Tabb is 7-4. They beat Grafton, York and Lafayette. Went 9 innings and barely lost to Poquoson. They get very little press, but watch out. They have a load of freshman talent with a lot of experience in Tournament ball. No one knows who is coming up from middle school.....

[Flying Fish]

The reason for tabb's most recent successes and big wins that have come this season have been due to the great training and pre-game pep talks by manager Jake Evans. He's a true hero to the Tabb team and community. Keep up the great work!:tea:

[brdsballman]

Tabb is really stepping the game up this year. After losing 6 seniors and having a heavily loaded freshman lineup, they are still showing why they are a top dog.

For starters, Lafayette played a great game and they have quite a solid team, however, it just goes to show that coaches who play merely to win and without consideration of their players and their capabilities generally lose key games. I mean for god's sake the catcher's nose was continually bleeding profusely throughout the game. Get real, coaches need to remained composed on the sidelines as well, instead of jumping up and down like a little girl. Protect your players and your teams reputation for once.

York, what a team, Tabb and York were both way underestimated. With the coaching staff York is dealing with it is amazing what they have done so far. They have some real big sticks out there, and lookout for Dunford, the coaches really need to start trusting her batting skills more.

Poquoson... ? Really? They are by far one of the worst teams in this district yet they continually pull of close wins because people are afraid of the name. Get with the program guys, they don't have the talent they used to. Both of their pitchers are wild and can't hit their spots. Even birdy's arm is hurt, good thing she toned down her antics while pitching. It was getting tiring having to watch all the nonsense, just throw the ball!

New Kent, lay off the roids, end of story.

Grafton, haven't had much good things to say about them till this year, with the new much improved coaching staff. Glad this year we won't have to put up with the egotistical coaches. Wonder why they left? Seems a coincidence they leave when some big seniors left.

To cut this off, TABB will come up big in the end with the coaching staff and manager. I have seen their manager in action, and let's just say he's atleast the hottest manager around. He really keeps that team together, I wonder how well they would've done this year without him?

[X-Clipper]

Thats a cheap shot at Graftons former coaches. Kevin Montini was just hired as the Head football coach at Grafton and the Dena Montini is still the best volleyball coach in the area. I guess if all you do is win people come after you.

Poquoson will win the BRD hands down. Todd Bowden is the best coach in the BRD and if other teams are intimidated thats their problem. Poquoson is great because they expect to win every game and they play with great confidence.

[drich]

Poquoson has a solid program. They have a good mix of talent. Coaches Bowden and Walker are great coaches. You must have a "complete" team to win the BRD. Poquoson is the only team that has that right now.

[brdsballman]

Thats a cheap shot at Graftons former coaches. Kevin Montini was just hired as the Head football coach at Grafton and the Dena Montini is still the best volleyball coach in the area. I guess if all you do is win people come after you.


A cheap shot? C'mon, be serious here. Grafton's former coaches did little for that program other than push girls from the enjoyment of it. The new coaches are a serious improvement, and people aren't intimidated by Poquoson, just are distracted by their name. Poquoson coaches are good, yes, but they are definitely not the best. And trust me, I feel that New Kent has a far higher skill level than Poquoson. Let's just see how far they get past the district tourney.

And trust me, I've seen Poquoson games, they don't come "ready to win" every game. Expect for them to have more trouble the second half of this season. I wouldn't be suprised to have them crumble to a few top teams.

I would love to see a team like South Hampton be on top for once. They have real coaches, ones who respect all players and teams. Give those girls a bucket of talent, and they have the determination to go somewhere.

[snoclaf]

To those that think tournament ball is the end all of greatness. I have been affiliated with teams that have won over 30 tournaments since I have coached and my daughter has played since 10u including playing in USSSA,PONY,and NSA nationals and all I have is a bunch of boxed up trophies in the garage and my daughter a bunch on a shelf.Wow I guess all those worthless bingo's till 6 a.m. were really worth it.And by the way no matter how much most of you think your kid will get college financial assistance from it you are sooo wrong.But do not freak out I said MOST of you.:sorry:

[brdsballman]

Tourney ball isn't the end all of greatness, just it gives the girls a chance to keep up to par year round.

I'd like to make another point though, what's up with the Daily Press and its almost obsessive focus on Grafton? Grafton wins, it's in the paper, they lose... woops we must've forgotten our notepad at the field!! Do the other teams not get the attention? Ugh what about the prediction that Tabb and York would finish at the bottom? Seems both teams have been playing better than expected and standing tough to the top3. :wacko:

[Mike Gleason]

These replies are not what I expected.....I'm out-ee....

[brdsballman]

Are you refering to snoclaf's response?

[Flying Fish]

brdsballman is 100% correct, the daily press snubs tabb in softball. Look were you guys predicted them and how they are doing, doesn't that interest you at all?

[felix]

Brdsballman: I agree that Tabb has been the surprise thus far this season and good for them. I think your comment about Grafton was a little off base (no pun intended). The bulk of the press directed at Grafton has been directed toward the play and accomplishments of Tuno. And much deserved I might add. She has displayed leadership quallities this young team could not have gone without. As for coverage of games, I would say that the press has not done as good a job as could be expected considering their record. When Grafton defeated New Kent who was undefeated at the time and looked upon as the clear cut favorites, nothing was printed in the paper other than a box score. Also, the press credited Poquoson with giving NK there first loss later on the same week. I think Poquoson and Lafayette has gotten the majority of the ink and much deserved so far. New Kent has recieved their share but not because of dominience but because of their lack of. Be paintient if Tabb continues to roll their time will come.

[SbALLLoVEr]

Personally (feel free to disagree), I think it's worthless to try and predict who'll come out on top at the end of the regular season. At this point it's anybody's game. Every team is just as willing, deserving, and able as the others.

[felix]

OK, since you welcomed opinions here are mine. Southampton, Jamestown, and Bruton are out of it. Smithfield and York need to win out and receive some help. That leaves Tabb, Lafayette, Grafton, NK, and Poquoson. Let’s start at the #5 spot and work our way up. #5 Tabb: they have been the surprise in the district this year. I think they have too many underclassmen to make a run for the district and should set their sights on making the tournament this year. #4 Lafayette has been strong in the middle part of the season. Early season losses may come back to haunt them. Their pitcher seems to be dialed in lately but low run production against the top teams in the second half will be their downfall. #2/3 Grafton started out strong but has fallen off in the middle part of the season. They have scored one run in each of their three loses. Their defense has been strong all season long but their bats have been inconsistence. What do you say about NK? On paper they should be gone. I think that the disparity between their top five players and the rest of their team is too much to overcome. #1 Poquoson is in the cat bird seat, they are two games up with seven to go. They are a good team but have had a couple of game deciding breaks go their way. I think they have two losses facing them in the second half of the season. This is the way I see things and time will tell. I wish all the teams’ good luck and look forward to an exciting run to the tournament.