Ardrey Kell – Greenville Rose Match-up

The waiting is almost over as the Greenville Rose Rampants and the Ardrey Kell Knights are set to decide the NCHSAA 4A championship in a best of three series at Five County Stadium in Zebulon beginning tonight. Game one is scheduled for 8:00 pm with game two on Saturday at 2:00 pm. Game three, if necessary, will follow on Saturday. Game time will be at 5:00 or 8:00, depending upon the out come of the 3A series.

This should be an excellent series between two good clubs but a word to the wise, win the opener. Since 1966, when the NCHSAA went to the best of three championship series, only four times has the 4A champion lost the opener and came back to win the title. That first year of the series, North Meck beat Ben Smith after dropping the opener in extra innings 1-0. Rocky Mount turned the tables on North Meck in 1973 after the Vikings took game one. Broughton came back to win in 1987 after A.C. Reynolds shut out Broughton in game one 3-0. It did not happen again until 2006 when Scotland came back to defeat South Caldwell after losing the opener 12-0 in five innings. Since we have already had a team comeback to win the title this decade, it could be another 20 years before we see it again.

The Traditions – One is as long as an American League doubleheader. The other is shorter than Eddie Gaedel.

According to NCHSAA, since 1980, Rose has made 27 appearances in the 4A playoffs, going 56-25 (.691) as they head into this weekend’s encounter. They have won five state 4A championships, more than any team since the NCHSAA went to four classifications in 1960. This will be the Rampant’s seventh trip to the 4A championship series. Ironically, all six previous championship outings also came against Mecklenburg county teams, with the SW4A getting the short end of the stick. Their first appearance was in 1975 (known just as Greenville) when they beat Harding 2-0 twice for their first championship. In 1988, Harding upset a 27-0 Rose team taking two of three. Harding won the opener 8-7 after trailing 7-1, dropped game two 6-4 before capturing the title with an 11-8 come from behind victory. Providence tangled with the Rampant’s in 1997 losing 4-3 and 7-3. Two years later, Rose spanked South Meck 8-0 and 11-3 for their third title. Myers Park tried their luck against Rose in 2003 falling in three games: losing 6-4, winning 1-0, before Rose took the rubber match 11-5. The next year it was Independence’s turn with a familiar result: Rose 14-8, Indy 1-0, Rose 11-5 and their fifth title.

Ardrey Kell went 1-1 in their first play-off experience last year. The Knights are making their first finals appearance. I told you it was short.

The Coaches – Ronald (RV) Vincent is in his 34th year as head coach of the winningest high school in the state. He was inducted into the NC High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame and has won 738 games against just 195 loses (.791). RV has won 26 conference titles and five state championships. He came to Rose in 1974 and has had 31 consecutive winning seasons.

Hal Bagwell came to Ardrey Kell last year after leading South Mecklenburg for 11 seasons. Bagwell, 260-105 (.712) won his fourth conference title this year and will lead his team into the championship series for a third time. Bagwell has never had a losing season in 13 years as a head coach.

The two coaches opposed each other in the 1999 finals. Rose powered past South Meck, led by finals MVP Ryan Gordon who was 4-4 with two home runs in game two after throwing a two hit shout out in game one. Rose finished a perfect 28-0 with RV winning his third title.

The Leagues – Rose is a member of the Coastal 4A/3A conference winning the league with a 13-1 mark. It was the 26 conference title for the Rampants under Vincent. The Coastal (105-90 in 2008) placed six teams into the playoffs this season (two in 4A, four in 3A) with the league going 15-6 (.714) thus far in tournament play. Besides Rose, D.H. Conley (18-11) reached the 3A Regionals before falling to Rocky Mount. South Central (12-15) won a 3A District. West Craven 14-9 (3A) and New Bern 15-10 (4A) each won an opening round contest. West Carteret (10-12) dropped their opening round 3A game. Havelock (7-12) and Washington (3-18) failed to qualify for post season action.

Ardrey Kell won their first SW4A title going 13-1 in the league. Though the SW4A (122-90 in 2008) is often mentioned as one of the top leagues in the state, only one conference member has won a state championship since 1990. In fact until last year, when South Caldwell won the title, Providence, with their 1995 upset win over nationally ranked Wilmington Hanover, was the only team west of Greensboro to win a 4A championship since 1990. The SW4A had four 20 win clubs this season and placed six teams into the 4A West bracket, going 13-6 (.684) in the playoffs to date. AK eliminated conference rival Providence (21-10) in the Regionals. Tournament champion Weddington (21-8) knocked out fellow league member South Meck (10-17) in the second round before falling to South Caldwell. Myers Park (20-7) and Butler (13-11) lost in opening round contests. Independence (5-16) and East Meck (3-17) were not invited to the 2008 playoffs.

The Paths – The Rampants bats have been booming as they have out scored their opponents 52-13 in six playoff games, never scoring less than five runs in any contest. Rose opened tournament play with a 12-2 whipping of Fayetteville Britt (11-14), the #4 seed from the Mid Southeastern league. Raleigh Millbrook (16-8), the #2 seed from the CAP 7 conference fell 5-1 in round two to the Rampants. Rose destroyed Two Rivers league champion Lumberton (19-9) in the District round15-3. The Rampants continued their mastery over the CAP 7 with a seventh inning rally for a come from behind win over #2 seed Raleigh Leesville Road (17-9) 5-4 in the Sectionals before knocking out the CAP 7 champion Raleigh Sanderson (19-8) 5-0 and 10-3 in the Regionals.
Ardrey Kell opened the 2008 playoffs with an 11-1 victory over Mallard Creek (8-13) a wild card selection. AK then stopped #4 seed from the METRO Greensboro Page 12-2 in five innings. North Meck (21-5), the MECA champion, opened the game with a three run homer in the first only to seek the Knights score seven unanswered in a 7-3 loss to AK in the District round. Highly touted Central Piedmont Conference champion North Davidson (23-4) was upset 4-3 by Ardrey Kell at Knights field in the Sectionals. Top rival Providence (21-10), the #4 seed from the SW4A awaited the Knights in the Regionals but were swept away 5-2 and 8-3. AK has out scored their playoff rivals 47-14.

The Players
1B – Rose: Carter Gagnon; AK: Josh Case
2B – Rose: Grayson Garner; AK: Logan Ratledge
SS – Rose: Clark Massey; AK: Jonny Eaker
3B – Rose: Michael Spruill; AK: Jack Reinheimer

RF – Rose: Daniel Boyd; AK: Zico Pasut
CF – Rose: Andrew Cain; AK: Ryan Stetson
LF – Rose: Drew Piland; AK: Andrew Miller

C – Rose: Patrick Roy; AK: Taylor Paterson
DH – Rose: Matt Steele; AK: Brett Nyenhuis


SP – Rose: Mark Wilder; Paul McIntosh; Tanner Merritt; AK: Jordan Darnell; Alex Wood; Alex Baker
RP – Rose: Ted Deters; AK: Blake Parsley

Looking at the teams, it is remarkable how similar both squads are. They both can swing it, but their main forte is pitching and defense. Because of those two factors, opponents find it difficult to have big innings against them.

Both teams’ leading hitters are batting at a nearly identical .450 clip. Both teams leader in HRs has 6. Rose averages 7.55 runs a game, AK 7.00. Both teams have a fleet footed CF that controls the outfield defense with each having solid corner outfielders with good accurate arms. Both teams’ middle infielders are clean fielding rally killers as their quick hands and feet turn double plays frequently keeping their pitchers happy. The corner infielders catch everything and make it tough on opponents trying to attack via small ball. The catchers for both clubs make the opponents running game almost non existent and are excellent receivers. Both teams have a big left handed DH (AK is actually a switch hitter) that is cable of providing the big blow.

Looking at the pitching staffs, the similarities continue. Both teams have an ace that can dominate. Both teams have a “crafty lefty” that gets it done more with location and finesse than power. Both teams had injuries to their staff which created opportunities for others to step up, and they did. Because of this, their teams were stronger come playoff time. Both teams have a closer that is capable of getting the crucial outs and the end of big games.

 

The differences are slight. Rose may have a little more pop and play for the big inning, but RV did not win 738 by twiddling his thumbs on the bench. He will mix things up when called for and the Rampants will execute. AK may be a little quicker and play small ball at times, but as Providence found out in the Regionals, the Knights can take you deep as well.

The bottom line is that both of these clubs are very good and they do not beat themselves. That is why they are playing for the state championship.

 

Greenville Rose

Greenville Rose – 26-3
4A East Regional Champion
Coastal 4A/3A Champion

Coach: Ronald RV Vincent

Roster
# Name Pos Class Height Weight
1 Will Clark OF SR 5’10 145
2 Gray Garner 2B SR 5’11 180
3 Michael Spruill 3B SR 6’1 170
4 Rob Poston OF SR 5’8 150
5 Daniel Boyd OF SR 6’1 190
6 Drew Piland OF SR 6’1 185
7 Andrew Cain OF SR 6’6 205
8 Clark Massey IF SR 6’2 170
9 Britt Brown OF SR 6’1 175
11 Caleb Eagle C SR 6’1 180
12 Carter Gagnon 1B SR 6’1 220
14 Paul McIntosh P JR 6’ 160
15 Grayson Parrott 3B JR 5’11 180
16 Matt Steele 1B SR 6’8 190
17 Scott McIntosh P SR 6’ 165
18 Mark Wilder P SR 6’1 185
21 Will Garron OF JR 5’8 150
22 Alec Scercy 1B JR 5’10 185
23 Tanner Merritt P JR 6’3 200
24 Jason Sugg 2B JR 6’ 155
25 Ted Deters P JR 6’6 215
27 Bobby Hannon IF JR 6’1 160
29 Pat Reichstein 2B JR 6’1 150
30 Daniel Angolia 1B JR 5’11 190
31 Tyler Hardee OF JR 5’10 175
33 Trey Little OF
Results
Rocky Mount 5, Rose 4
Rose 6, New Hanover 2
Rose 6, South Granville 3
Rose 3, New Hanover 2
Rose 5, Eastern Wayne 1
Rose 4, West Carteret 0
Rose 18, West Craven 5
Rose 8, Havelock 3
Rose 12, Washington 2
Rose 12, Wake County Home School 2
Rose 13, Washington 2
Rose 2, DH Conley 1
Rose 11, South Central 1
New Bern 2, Rose 1
Rose 11, West Carteret 1
Rocky Mount 17, Rose 8
Rose 9, West Craven 6
Rose 12, Havelock 3
Rose 9, Washington 1
Rose 5, DH Conley 1
Rose 8, New Bern 2
Playoffs
Rose 12, Fayetteville Britt 2
Rose 5, Raleigh Millbrook 1
Rose 15, Lumberton 3
Rose 5, Raleigh Leesville Road 4
Rose 5, Raleigh Sanderson 0
Rose 10, Raleigh Sanderson 3

 

Ardrey Kell

Ardrey Kell – 28-4
4A West Regional Champion
SW4A Champion

Coach: Hal Bagwell

Roster
# Name Pos Class Height Weight
1 Ryan Stetson CF JR 6’ 155
2 Josh Case 1B JR 6’ 150
3 Kyle Stetson OF SR 6’2 155
4 Michael Kruger 3B JR 5’11 170
5 Brady Mattox OF SR 6’ 160
6 Jack Reinheimer 3B SO 5’11 155
7 Jonny Eaker SS SR 5’8 155
8 Taylor Patterson C JR 6’1 180
9 Andrew Miller LF SR 5’10 155
10 Brett Nyenhuis 2B SR 6’2 170
11 Jordan Darnell P SR 6’4 180
12 Derrick Ham P JR 5’11 175
13 Jack Byer C JR 5’10 180
14 Logan Ratledge 2B FR 5’10 150
15 Eric Spalding P JR 5’10 160
16 Ryan Butler P SO 6’3 175
17 Zico Pasut RF JR 6’4 205
18 Alex Bartolomeo OF SO 6’2 175
19 Austin Machicote P SO 5’10 150
20 Ryan Markham OF SR 5’10 150
21 Alex Baker P SO 5’11 160
22 Blake Parsley P SR 6’3 185
24 Alex Wood P JR 6’4 185

Results
Ardrey Kell 13, West Meck 7
Ardrey Kell 15, Parkwood 0
Ardrey Kell 6, Watauga 3
Richmond 5, Ardrey Kell 2, 9 innings
Butler 4, Ardrey Kell 3
Ardrey Kell 8, East Meck 0
Ardrey Kell 10, Independence 0
Ardrey Kell 2, Myers Park 1
Ardrey Kell 3, Providence 2
Ardrey Kell 12, South Meck 4
Ardrey Kell 13, Weddington 9
Ardrey Kell 5, Butler 4
Ardrey Kell 3, East Meck 0
Ardrey Kell 9, Charlotte Country Day 2
Ardrey Kell 13, Charlotte Latin 4 – 10 innings
Providence Day 1, Ardrey Kell 0
Ardrey Kell 14, Independence 3
Ardrey Kell 7, North Meck 2
Ardrey Kell 8, Myers Park 6
Ardrey Kell 5, Providence 2
Ardrey Kell 5, Olympic 0
Ardrey Kell 8, South Meck 7 – 8 innings
Ardrey Kell 10, Marvin Ridge 5
Ardrey Kell 8, Weddington 1
Ardrey 7, Independence 0
Weddington 2, Ardrey Kell 0
Playoffs
Ardrey Kell 11, Mallard Creek 1
Ardrey Kell 10, Greensboro Page 0
Ardrey Kell 7, North Meck 3
Ardrey Kell 4, North Davidson 3
Ardrey Kell 5, Providence 2
Ardrey Kell 8, Providence 3

 

Mincimi......................you are unbelievable. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

I do have one question though. On the dates that RV won the State Championships, was the moon full, crested or partial?

 

Felt like I was watching pre-game on ESPN on Sunday night...good job!

With one exception...

Rampants, not Ramparts...

R A M P A N T S

It's ok, as each team that did that as well, lost to us...heeheehee

Rose ain't getting no love and thats just the way they like it. Happened 4 years in a row in football and now in baseball. It's cool.

 

Sorry about that Diesel. Thought that the nickname Ramparts, as in The Rocket's Red Glare, was a really cool nickname.

Now I understand that they are just another lion.

Thanks for the correction. Nice to have hundreds of copy editors.

 

Tonight's Game?

Hey, Mincmi....will you be providing inning by inning updates tonight on TBR?

 

Boy, I sure hope so

 

AK vs Rose

The most interesting thing to me is

# Seniors: AK 8 vs Rose 14
# Fr & Sophs: AK 6 vs Rose 0

How will the young AK team hold up vs a bigger, stronger, more experienced Rose team? It'll be fun to watch!