State Championship Recap: Friday May 20th
May 21, 2016
By: Zac Bottoms
Arkansas Scouting Director
Day one of the Week end of Champions is in the books. The 1A, 4A, 6A, and 7A State Champions were crowned. It was a big day at Baum Stadium, with loads of high end prospects on display.
6A
2016 LHP Skyler Boyle led Jonesboro to their second title in school history. He pitched a complete game scattering 6 hits allowing just one earned run, all while contributing offensively. Jonesboro methodically manufactured runs early on before taking advantage of some Mountain Home stakes in the sixth scoring 4. Jonesboro won by the final score of 8-1. 2016 RHP Ryan Czanstkowski was a bright spot for Mountain Home commanding the strike zone with two pitches keeping the Bomber in a competitive game through 5 innings.
4A
The best game of the day with Shiloh Christian defeating Ashdown 1-0. 2016 LHP Gunner Gilbert (Shiloh Christian) and 2016 LHP Austin Cross pitched lights out, using the same receipt for success. A fastball on both sides of the plate and a sharp curveball with late break. Shiloh scored their lone run in the 6th inning on a ball up out of the zone the catcher could not corral. Ashdown threatened with two hits in the 7th but Gilbert worked out of a jam to preserve the win.
1A
Armorel took care of business against Viola winning the 1A finals 14-1. They received a solid pitching performance from Winters Nash who pitched the complete 5 innings, scattering 5 hits, striking out 4 while just allowing 1 earned run. Stand out 2017 C Andrew Lannon had a great day going 3 for 3 with 4 RBI’s and 3 runs scored. It should be no surprise as he has been the anchor in the middle of their line up all season. Armorel defended their 2015 championship, and the schools 4th state title.
7A
The Bryant Hornets finished off a great season winning the 7A State title with 5-0 victory over conference rival Conway. Bryant has two Arkansas commit’s in 2016 RHP Zach Jackson and 2016 LHP/OF Evan Lee. Both players looked right at home in Baum Stadium. Jackson threw a complete game, commanding his fastball 84-87 mph and his sharp slider 79-82 mph. Jackson handled the pitching and Lee handled the offense recording 3 hits including a 3 run home run that was an absolute no doubter that left the stadium. The 2016 State Title gives Bryant 3 state championships in the last 6 years. Conway falls short in the title game in back to back season, their roster is a young but talented, if they can replace two key pitchers look for this hard-nosed group to be back in the fold in 2017.