Facing quality opposition during June is something Banks County High School baseball coach Joe Lord likes for his team to experience.
Such was the case this past week as the summer Leopards competed in a tournament hosted by North Oconee. When the dust had settled, BCHS emerged with two wins and were competitive in its two defeats as the losses were by a combined four runs.
“This was a good tournament for us,” Lord said. “We got to play some good competition. We extended our pitchers a little longer in most of these games because four games in two days is a lot. If you get a player out there who’s pitching well and feeling OK, then it’s a good idea to leave him in to keep a good pace to the game.”
BCHS defeated GMC (12-4) and Monroe (10-1) in tournament play while dropping close games to West Forsyth (2-1) and Grayson (8-5). All teams in the tournament battled hot weather conditions.
Tyler Hulsey played a key role for the Leopards at North Oconee connecting for two homeruns which went a total of approximately 800 feet, Lord said. Zack Dale and Justin Gibbs continue to do well offensively and Jeff Smith had a big performance in the win against Monroe. Bill Redmon has stepped forward and is excelling in the leadoff position.
Redmon is doing well in the leadoff spot because he can put the baseall in the gap, swipe a bag or lay down a bunt, Lord said.
Another player who has stood out recently has been Tyler McEntire who is playing well defensively.
“He is the consumate team player,” Lord said.
Kasey Hudgins, Redmon, Smith and Eli Autry each had to pitch in less than desirable conditions and Dale and Justin Bowen deserved credit for working behind the plate throughout the tournament games.
“It was a good tournament for us and we were really able to accomplish a lot in our four games,” Lord said.
BCHS also competed against Rabun County on June 16 in a nine-inning contest. The teams were originally going to play a doubleheader but the coaches decided to play one game since both had several contests lined up for later in the week.
The Leopards emerged with a 12-5 win in the game as both teams used numerous players.
“It was a good opportunity for us to work together and get a lot of time for many of our players,” Lord said. “We swung the bats well and after they got four runs in the first, they really didn’t do anything else offensively the rest of the way. Our pitchers settled in and threw well for the most part. We just have to make sure we throw strikes.”
Tyler McEntire, Hulsey, Redmon and Seth McEntire each pitched in the Rabun County game.
