BY D MARK MITCHELL
OPINION —
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) hosted the state wrestling tournament last weekend at the Vaughn Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, and local wrestlers brought home several state championships.
Opelika’s Brady Campbell emerged as the state champion in the 175-lbs. weight class. Boasting an impressive season record of 50-1, Campbell defeated Andrew Sullivan of Vestavia Hills in the finals.
Beauregard’s Parker Van Noy (106 lbs.) and Reese Thorn (150 lbs.) also clinched state titles in their respective weight classes. Van Noy, with a 54-3 season record, overcame Elliott Harris of Leeds in the finals, while Thorn bested Josh Draskovic of Scottsboro to secure his championship.
The Reeltown Rebels dominated with five wrestlers winning state championships:
Thomas Patterson, 106-lbs. sophomore (50-2)
Mason Nelson, 113 lbs., senior (52-2)
Land Bell, 150 lbs., senior (57-0)
Tra’mel McCoy, 165 lbs., freshman
Nolan Addeo, 215 lbs., junior (48-2)
Smiths Station Panther Eli Sanders (41-1) triumphed in the 113-pound weight class, defeating Matthew Campbell of Vestavia Hills in the finals.
Lady Bulldogs Open Softball Season
The Opelika Lady Bulldog softball team kicked off its season with a busy schedule, playing five games in three days, including four games in the Opelika Invitational.
OHS (2-3) began the season with a 4-1 loss to Beauregard at West Ridge Park. Despite the loss, Opelika players showed promise with doubles from Emily Birmingham and Jancyn Thompson and singles from Katie Harrelson and Braeylen Brooks.
In the Invitational, the Lady Bulldogs went 2-2, shutting out Glenwood 4-0 and Valley 10-0 in their first two games before falling to Lee-Scott 2-11 and Beauregard 2-10. Katelyn Foley shined with a one-hit, five-strikeout performance against Glenwood, while Jade Jones delivered four hitless innings and six strikeouts.
Fans can listen to the Opelika hosting Dothan on Feb. 25 and Glenwood on March 4 on FOX Sports the Game 910-1310 (WZMG-WPCH) presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic. Airtime for both games is 4:15 p.m., with first pitch at 4:30 p.m. Listen via radio on 910 AM locally, 1310 AM in Chambers County, online at www.kickerfm.com and on the iHeartRadio app on your smart phone.
Bulldog Baseball Begins Strong
The OHS Baseball team started its season with two wins out of three games at the newly renovated Bulldog Park. They defeated Jordan 11-2 in the opener, lost to Beauregard 0-2 and bounced back with a 4-1 victory over Chilton County.
Bryce Turnham earned the win against Jordan, pitching five innings with four strikeouts. Colt Miller pitched four innings in the loss to Beauregard, allowing one earned run. The team saw offensive contributions from Brody Jones (three hits) and Ty Hudson (two hits), along with Will Brannon and Tyson Prince.
OHS won the second game on Saturday, besting Chilton County 11-2 behind 10 hits, including three hits from Brody Jones, two hits from Ty Hudson and a hit apiece from Will Brannon and Tyson Prince.
Soccer Team Home Opener
The Opelika Soccer team opened its home schedule with a 4-0 win over Tallassee at the James Samford Soccer Complex. Josh Beltran scored two goals, while Rigo Ramirez and David Cruz each added one. Foster Hulsey kept the Tigers scoreless as Opelika secured the victory.
Opelika Rec Department News
The Opelika DBBaseball league (formerly Dixie Boys Baseball) will hold registration for ages 13-15 starting March 15 at the Opelika Sportsplex or online at www.opelikssportsplex.com/athletics. Cost is $50 per player, which ensures he or she will be on a team and will receive a jersey and cap. The League starts in late April, playing games through the second week of June. All-Star teams are picked for the ages 13U and 14U State Tournament in Greenville and the 15U State Tournament in Eufaula. If you have questions or intersted in coaching, please email me at dmitchell2@iheatmedia.com
West Ridge Park Updates
West Ridge Park is bustling with activity as the OHS and OMS softball teams practice and play games. The park recently received new LED lights, enhancing the facilities for night games. However, some fields have been locked at certain times, limiting public access. The Opelika Parks and Recreation Department is expected to address this issue soon.
Lee-Scott Boys Make History
The Lee-Scott Academy boys basketball team (30-4) made history by defeating the top-ranked Midfield in a double-overtime thriller at the AHSAA Regionals. Haiden Shooter Harper led the Warriors with 29 points, followed by Barrett Cook with 17 points. Grayson Haley recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds while senior Parker P. Wright grabbed 10 rebounds in one of his best defensive performances of the season. It is worth noting Chapman Harris scored the first 7 points of the game for the Warriors.
*Note: Last week, I inadvertently wrote the Lee-Scott All-Area team included Parks McGehee; this should have been Parks Myers. I apologize for the mistake.
D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia and host of “On the Mark” on Fox Sports the Game 910-1319.
