Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Indians Baseball signs two from Carolina High School



• Carolina High seniors McKinley Leverette and Sharone Spurgeon have signed to continue their baseball careers at USC Salkehatchie, a junior college program in Allendale.

Both spent the majority of their time pitching and playing shortstop for the Trojans.

Spurgeon, an all-region selection each of the past three years, batted over .400 as a sophomore and junior and hit .508 as a senior.

Leverette, an all-region pick as a junior, hit .361 over the past two seasons.

Former Indian Ali Williams to make debut with HiToms~

HIGH POINT/THOMASVILLE, N.C. - The HiToms continued to fill their roster today with the addition of two right handed pitchers, Ali Williams from Charleston Southern and Joe Fabre out of Lee University in Tennessee.
After spending two years at USC-Salkehatchie, Williams, a Sumter, S.C. native is currently in his first season with the Cougars.

While attending Crestwood High School, the right hander was named team MVP after his senior season. He also batted .380 and had an ERA of 1.20. Not only did he star on the diamond, but at six foot, two inches, he excelled on the hardwood, averaging 17 points per game.

Last season for USC-Salkehatchie, Williams, pitched in 14 games and posted a record of 5-6 with an earned run average of 3.72 in 65.1 innings of work. The righty also fanned a team best71 batters.

Williams has seen limited time so far for the Cougars this season, appearing in 12 games with three starts and has a 0-1 record with one save and posts an 8.41 ERA during his 20.1 innings of work.

There is some great baseball lineage in the family as Williams' cousin is former Cincinnati Reds legend Larry Doby.

Fabre who is currently in his first season with the Flames where he has a 2-2 record with three saves in 21 appearances this year. Over his 31 2/3 innings of work, the righty boasts an ERA of 2.84 issuing just 15 free passes and 36 strikeouts. Currently, the Flames are making to their third consecutive trip to the NAIA World Series.

Prior to his 2010 season with Lee, Fabre, spent two seasons at LSU-Eunice where, over his two years he logged 76 2/3 innings allowing just 27 earned runs which equates to a 3.07 ERA. Furthering his cause, the junior recorded 59 strikeouts and allowed only 35 walks as he compiled a perfect 11-0 record.

This summer, the pitcher will be reunited with Jacob Fisher who was an infielder with Eunice for the last two years before he went to Southeastern Louisiana.

The 2011 season kicks off on May 31st as the HiToms travel to Martinsville to take on the Mustangs at 7:05.

The HiToms are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 15th season in 2011, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 800 alumni drafted and 42 alums make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (at cpleague).

Monday, May 30, 2011

Battery Creek's Fields signs with the Indians (baseball)



Joe Fields maintained a relationship with USC Salkehatchie throughout his high school years. In the end, the contact paid off.

The Battery Creek senior will play baseball for the Indians after first meeting USCS coach Bubba Dorman two years ago. Former Battery Creek and USCS baseball player Randolph Brown made the initial introductions.

Fields said he would like to play shortstop for the Indians if given the opportunity. He played the position three seasons for the Dolphins before moving to center field before his senior season.

"It was something I offered to do to better the team," Fields said. "I liked it."

Fields hit .318 for the Dolphins his senior season, driving in 18 runs. He also stole 18 bases.

He said he will play summer ball before reporting to USCS in August.

Name: Joe Fields

High school: Battery Creek

Sport: Baseball

High school coach: Daniel Tooman

Position: CF/P

College: USC Salkehatchie

Probable major: Sports administration

About USC Salkehatchie: The Indians finished 19-29 during the 2011 baseball season and 6-18 in NJCAA Region 10.

Why USC Salkehatchie? "(The coach) is a good guy," Fields said. "And I just think that's my best chance for college ball."

Other schools considered: Voorhees

Other high school sports played: None

Accolades: All-region selection for 2009 and 2010 seasons

USC Salkehatchie Athletic Scholarship Golf Tournament~a great day of fun~



2011 USC Salkehatchie Athletic Scholarship Champions


2nd place team~

3rd Place team-











USC Salkehatchie Basketball gym gets new look~



James Island Duo signs with USC Salkehatchie~



Gallegos signs with Indians soccer~



Indians softball adds Cunningham~


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Silver Bluff's Lamar signs with USC Salkehatchie

Silver Bluff senior Sierra Lamar, front and center, signs a letter of intent to play college soccer at USC Salkehatchie next season. Standing next to Lamar is her mother Michelle, left, and father Kenneth. Silver Bluff athletic director Al Lown, back left, and USC Salkehatchie coach William Glass are also pictured~

PETTICOAT JUNCTION -- For the second consecutive year, USC Salkehatchie women's soccer coach William Glass has mined the talent at Silver Bluff High School. On Thursday, Bulldogs senior Sierra Lamar signed a letter of intent to play at the two-year school for Glass next season.

"We signed Veronica Lopez from here last year, and she did a good job," Glass said. "I've got a good relationship with Silver Bluff High School."



That bond paid off for Lamar. The sweeper/forward had interest from other four-year schools to play soccer but as a walk-on. She received a scholarship from USC Salkehatchie, which made her decision easy.

"It was a big factor; it really helped financially," Lamar said of the scholarship, which landed her at USC Salkehatchie rather than other potential destinations, including College of Charleston, Clemson, USC Aiken and Coastal Carolina. "I didn't know I'd get a soccer scholarship. ... Now I feel I will be able to continue to play soccer" at a four-year college.

There were other factors that helped form Lamar's decision. Among them was a visit to the school, when she got to meet with the women's soccer players. Described as an energetic player, Lamar said she was struck by the USC Salkehatchie players' enthusiasm. The fact that it's not too far from home was another bonus.

That, along with the intimacy of the school, where she can get more direct contact with professors, pushed Lamar toward USC Salkehatchie. That should help the student who intends to major in nursing.

"I've seen the classrooms, and they're built like hospital rooms. They have a lot of technology," Lamar said. "My grades will be first. I'm going there to better my education."

She also intendsto improve her soccer skills. Lamar pointed out she could further develop her dribbling, shooting and touch game. She won't have to wait to hone those skills. Both Glass and Lamar expect she will play immediately.

"She should see significant playing time as a freshman," Glass said of the player he described as very aggressive and who plays hard. "That's the advantage of a junior college, where we only have freshmen and sophomores. ... She's going to get experience right away and won't be sitting on the bench."

That should help Lamar continue her playing career beyond USC Salkehatchie. She said she remains interested in ultimately transferring to Clemson. Lamar is in the right place to help her move on.

"Last year, we graduated eight sophomores," Glass said, "and seven left Salkehatchie with soccer scholarships to four-year schools."

Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.

Former USC Salkehatchie Indian-Dustin Pannell helps lead King College to NCCAA Divison I World Series~


BRISTOL, Tenn. – King College won the 2011 NCCAA Mid-East Region Baseball Championship for a second straight season Friday, but the Tornado had to overcome a loss 3-2 in the day’s first game to Covenant (Ga.) College. King answered with a 6-2 decision to reach the NCCAA Division I World Series.

King went to 26-23 after the games Friday. Covenant has a record of 27-16 after the game. An at-large bid for Covenant will have to be determined by the national office over the weekend. Friday’s championship games pitted last year’s champion, King, against the runner-up in the region a season ago, Covenant.

The Tornado will have to await the final bracket for the NCCAA Division I World Series which will be announced over the weekend.

In the title tilt Dustin Pannell (Aiken, S.C.) made his first start of the season and went 5 2/3 innings for the victory. He gave up the two runs on six hits. David Prichard (Hamilton, Ohio) got the final out of the sixth before Nick Melcher (Orlando, Fla.) worked around a hit in the final inning.

King got the lead with two runs in the top of the second of the contest. One came via a squeeze bunt by Josh Huffman (Lynchburg, Va.) and the other on a sacrifice fly from Shane Timberlake (Lynchburg, Va.).

Covenant tied the game in the next half inning before the Tornado got the lead for good with a RBI single from Cody Snyder (Bluff City, Tenn.).

King tacked on runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings for insurance.

C.J. Stabler (Kingsport, Tenn.), Steven Mueller (Mt. Washington, Ky.) and Doug Freeman (Lakeland, Fla.) all had two hits apiece for the Tornado as King pounded out 10 hits in all. Mueller and Freeman had doubles.

Covenant’s Wes McDowell suffered the loss as he went 4 2/3 innings with five runs, four earned runs, on eight hits.

The Scots got two hits from Taylor Oldham out of the designated hitter position and Chris Rollins finished with a pair of hits as well.

In the first game of the day after an out started the fifth Bryant Walker (Knoxville, Tenn.) drew a walk and then scored on Heath Williams’ (Bristol, Va.) double down the left field line. Timberlake was hit by a pitch. With Huffman, a pinch-hitter, at the plate Walker and Timberlake stole bases to put two into scoring position. Huffman eventually struck out before Tyler Gaby (Bristol, Tenn.) stepped up and walked to load the bases. However the threat was ended when Snyder grounded out to second.

Freeman got King within a run with a two-out solo home run in the sixth. For Freeman it was his first home run of the season.

Covenant scored first in game one with a RBI single by David Lockwood with two outs in the top of the first. The Scots added a home run from Jonathan Carter to start the second. Later in the inning Kurtis Wiles scores on a sacrifice fly from James Rollins with the bases full of Scots.

Sterling Witt left the game with the lead after he threw five innings and gave up one run on two hits. He struck out four with two walks and a hit batter in the outing. Witt gave way to Demarius Johnson.

Wesley Houser (Knoxville, Tenn.) gave up the three Covenant runs on four hits in the 1 2/3 innings that he lasted. Houser walked two and hit another Scot batter.

In all the teams combined for seven hits with no one putting together a multi-hit effort.

BHS Senior Britany May Commits To Salk

Wando soccer standout Smalls sees the big picture~




During a halftime ceremony at Wando's soccer match Wednesday night, Warriors standout Jarrel Smalls stood on the field with his family at his side and signed a scholarship to play for USC-Salkahatchie.
Smalls is the younger brother of Ja'Quayvin Smalls, a former Wando football player who died in July 2009 during his first preseason workout at Western Carolina University. An autopsy revealed he died from complications associated with an enlarged heart.
As a precautionary measure, Smalls' parents, Henry and Lesonia, decided to have Jarrel sit out his junior season as he underwent a series of medical tests. He also missed his club season before being cleared to return this spring.
"After Ja'Quayvin's death, we just wanted to make sure," Henry Smalls said. "I knew it was kind of frustrating for him. He said he wasn't frustrated, but I knew better."
Sitting out a year caused many anxious moments for Smalls. It also taught him not to take anything for granted.
"I treat every day as if it could be my last," said Smalls, who is second on the team with 18 goals. "Missing my junior year was very hard. I couldn't even go to watch the games. It was really hard because I love the game so much. I made a promise to myself that I would dedicate my effort on the soccer field to my brother and family. I would try harder, work harder. Now, every time I walk out there, I think of my brother and family. That's what keeps me going."
Wando coach Shiloh Tisdale said he's noticed Smalls' new-found appreciation for soccer and life this spring.
"He doesn't take anything for granted," Tisdale said. "He was down and his grades slipped when his brother died. It affected him a good bit. Now, he's doing well in the classroom and in soccer.
"When he had to sit out last year, I called to see how he was doing," Tisdale added. "This was about more than soccer. I wanted him to know he had a place on the team even if he couldn't play. I still wanted him on the team. I still wanted him on the sidelines, even if his role was more as a coach. I knew he would be a positive force for the other players."
Missing last season almost cost Smalls a scholarship. Most coaches start recruiting players in their junior season. Fortunately for Smalls, USC-Salkehatchie coach William Glass was in attendance at the preseason Rotary Classic at Blackbaud Stadium. Glass was impressed enough to recruit Smalls.
"It was just a great feeling," Smalls said. "It was a feeling of accomplishment. Life without soccer was tough. When I couldn't play, I got a job and worked five days a week to take my mind off soccer, but I wasn't too successful."
The Warriors (21-4) hope to extend their consecutive region title streak to 10, but Smalls wants a bigger prize.
"Winning a state championship would be a great way to end my high school career."

USC Salkehatchie Athlete's of The Year named~



Sophomore Tyler Asbury signs with NAIA-Walsh University (North Canton, OH)





USC Salkehatchie sophomore Tyler Asbury (Louisville,OH) has signed to play baseball with Walsh University (North Canton, Ohio), next season. Asbury, was a starting pitcher this season for the Indians.
Walsh University competes in the NAIA and are a member of the American MidEast Conference.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Lady Indians fall 9-1 in opening game of Region X tournament




The USC Salkehatchie Lady Indians fell in their opening game of the Region X softball tournament against Louisburg College in Spartanburg, SC.

The Lady Indians gave up runs early and often as Louisburg jumped out to a 8-0 lead in the 2nd inning. The Lady Indians would get one run across in the top of the 3rd but it all Louisburg the rest of the way.

The Lady Indians will face USC Lancaster today at 10:00 am. Once the game is over, I will post the score here on the blog, you can also follow us on Twitter or on the right side of this page for in game updates!

Go Indians!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

NJCAA Region X Softball Tournament-Game 1 "LIVE" USC Salkehatchie VS Louisburg College Friday at 1:00

Indians catcher David Rickenbacker headed to USC Aiken



USC Salkehatchie sophomore David Rickenbacker (Myrtle Beach, SC) has signed to play baseball with USC Aiken, next season. Rickenbacker a catcher, hit .325 in 120 at-bats this season for the Indians.
USC Aiken competes in the NCAA Division II and are a member of the Peach Belt Conference.

Driving directions to Region X Softball Tournament in Spartanburg, SC

County Parks and Recreation Hwy. 295 Sports Complex – Spartanburg, SC
Address: 2100 Southport Road, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29306
Phone: 864-596-2702
Park Information:
4 Baseball/Softball Fields – Lighted (Press Box/Concessions/Bathroom)
Website: N/A

From Charlotte NC
Take I-85 South toward Spartanburg, SC.
Take I-26 East toward Columbia, SC.
Proceed 4 miles until you get to Exit 22.
Once you get off Exit 22 take a Left onto Reidville Road.
Proceed about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right

From Columbia SC
Take I-26 West toward Spartanburg, SC.
Turn right on Hwy. 221.
Go about 5 miles until you get to Hwy. 295.
Take a right the 295 Complex will be about 4 miles on your right.

From Asheville NC
Take I-26 to Spartanburg, SC.
Get off on Exit 22.
Turn left on Reidville Road and go about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right.

From Atlanta, GA / Anderson, SC / Greenville SC
Take I-85 North to Business 85 North.
Go about 2 miles until you get to I-26.
Go East on I-26 to Columbia and get off Exit 22.
Take a left on Reidville Road and go about 2 miles until you get to Hwy. 295 beside Fuddruckers.
Turn right and proceed about 8 miles and the 295 Complex will be on your right.

Indians softball adds player from Fort Dorchester

The senior was joined by her current coach, future coach, family and friends for a signing celebration at Fort Dorchester April 26. USC Salkehatchie coach Tatjana Slawson, a Fort Dorchester graduate, said Coleman is a perfect fit for her program.
“I’ve known Alisha since she was about 6 so it’s not like she just caught my eye,” Slawson said. “But she really impressed me at the Lexington tournament this year. She pitched and played other defensive positions and hit the ball well. I’m looking forward to her bringing in leadership as a freshman as well as a good bat and the ability to help us in the circle. She is just an all-around good athlete.”

Coleman said choosing a college wasn’t easy, but she feels good about her choice. “I like that the classes are smaller there than at a lot of colleges,”she said. “Also, I know coach Slawson so she will be able to help me with anything I need.” Coleman, who earned All-region honors last year and was a Patriot captain this season, is slated to be a starter for the Indians, who will have two pitchers move on at the end of this school year. “This summer I’m going to do a lot of individual pitching sessions to help get my mental focus where it needs to be,” Coleman said. “I’m excited about going to the next level so I want to make sure I’m prepared to compete.” She plans to major in business.

By Roger Lee
Summerville Journal Scene

Women's soccer adds one to roster

Pelion High Senior Andrea Upchurch (seated center) signs with USC Salkehatchie to play soccer. Andrea is the second-leading scorer for the PHS Girls Soccer Team.
Pictured with Andrea is (l to r) USC Salkehatchie Soccer Coach William Glass, Amanda Upchurch, PHS Athletic Director Ben Freeman, PHS Head Soccer Coach Stephanie Creed, Alan Upchurch, PHS Assistant Soccer Coach Jeff Saunders and PHS Principal Jean Haggard.
Information provided by:
Brandy Veres
Communications Office
Lexington County School District One

Baker signs with Indians softball~



Indians softball signs first baseman

Summerville first baseman Rochelle Lyda will play for USC Salkehatchie next year.
Coaches, family members and friends joined the senior April 26 for a signing celebration at the high school.
“What stands out the most about Rochelle is her amazing work ethic,” USC Salkehatchie coach Tatjana Slawson said. “Plus she has phenomenal athletic abilities. She can just kill the ball so she will be my No. 4 hitter next year. She will also bring great leadership to our team on and off the field.”
Lyda is a four-year starter for the Lady Green Wave varsity who helped Summerville advance to the state finals last season. While defensively she holds down first, offensively she has a knack for ripping the ball down the third-base line.
This season she has a .382 batting average, .449 on-base percentage and .579 slugging percentage. She leads the team in doubles with nine and in RBIs with 25. With two homeruns she is tied for the top spot in that category and she has the second most hits for the team, 29.
She hasn’t decided on a major, but says she is looking forward to beginning her college experience.
“It’s a small school, but they have a good coach,” Lyda said. “I’m sure the lifestyle will be different and I’ll have to adjust to that, but I’m looking forward to meeting new people and playing at that level.”

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Follow us "LIVE" for game 3 of NJCAA Region X Baseball Tournament below!


The USC Salkehatchie Indians will face Louisburg College in game 3 of the NJCAA Region X Baseball Tournament. If the Indians win at 10:oo am, they will play again at 7:00 pm on Monday night. Please feel free to ask any questions during the "LIVE" blog and let's all cheer the Indians on to victory!!

Indians fall in game 2 of NJCAA Region X Tournament 10-8 to Pitt CC

BannerFans.com

The USC Salkehatchie Indians fell in game 2 of the NJCAA Region X baseball tournament in Burlington, North Carolina this afternoon. The Indians will face Louisburg College tomorrow at 10:00 am. You can get a recap of today's game by clcik on replay below on the COVERITLIVE box.
If the Indians defeat Louisburg College, they will advance and play again tomorrow night at 7:00 pm. We will have the action "LIVE" through COVERITLIVE in the post above.

Let's Go Indians!!!

USC Salkehatchie VS Pitt CC "LIVE" today at 4:00 pm on Coveritlive see below



If you noticed yesterday during the "LIVE" blog, the updates were slower than normal, I was unable to connect with Burlington Royals internet connect and had to use my phone for updates. I hope we have this corrected for today's game. I am sorry that I was unable to answer any questions asked yesterday, please feel free to ask them today and I will be sure to answer them during the "LIVE" blog.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Video of last out from Region X Baseball Tournament. USC Salkehatchie VS SMC



Video from the Region X baseball tournament in Burlington, North Carolina. This is from today's win over SMC 5-4. SMC had bases loaded with 2-outs, watch as pitcher Jason Ritter strikes out the final batter.

If you are having trouble viewing here on the blog, it is also uploaded on the USCSalkathletics page on YouTube, the link is provided below~

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPzuImFYSQ&feature=player_profilepage

Photo's from today's action VS SMC (Region X Baseball)