On Deck Visit

Wow, just got finished with some cage work with Nick at On Deck Baseball Academy & ran across a couple of former opponents, Dylan Sterrett of Frontier/Chicago State University & Keifer Mikels formerly from Frontier and now with St. Josephs University, both superb ballplayers. Good luck to them this year.

On Deck Baseball Academy!!!

CC athlete's video goes viral!!!

More News On This Video

'Alexis Courage' headed for redemption"

Did you catch the “Alexis Courage” video on YouTube — the one recording a Lafayette girl’s misadventures through a hurdles race? More than 1 million people have when the video went viral in 2010. Now the story is heading for a retelling on a Comedy Central show. Read about it in Saturday’s J&C.

Central Catholic's YouTube sensation among top viral videos of 2010

STAFF REPORTS • December 28, 2010
A clip of a Lafayette girl crashing through a hurdle race has been ranked alongside the fainting kittens, slowed-down Olsen twin songs and sad Keanu's of the Internet world.

Entertainment blog Videogum - http://videogum.com - has included the now-famous clip of Central Catholic student Alexis Patzschke stumbling through a hurdle race in its list of "The Best Viral Videos of 2010: A Retrospective."

The blog chose 57 clips of work-wasting gems, including the "Bed Intruder Song," the over-enthusiastic wedding DJ and, of course, the "Double Rainbow" guy.

Videogum linked Patzschke's race to a clip that slows down the video and is set to a choral version of Radiohead's "Creep." The slow-motion clip showcases the humor of the event but also the perseverance and courage the girl showed by finishing the hurdle race, Patzschke's first ever as a seventh-grader at Central Catholic Junior High School.

The meet was from 2006 but the clip made global fame on computer and phone screens across the world after Patzschke posted it on YouTube in March.

The Radiohead mash-up has received almost 170,000 views. The original, "Alexis Courage," has more than 1 million views.

Central Catholic Baseball News!!!

Last year (2009) Coach Bordenet received an award for the team being International Catholic Team of the Year. A tremendous honor for both the players and the coaching staff at Central Catholic. This year Coach Bordenet receives another honor, District 4 Coach of the Year, congrats to him and all the players involved as well as parents that put in so much of their time to help this wonderful staff. As a parent, I'm so grateful that my son Nick has been a part of this and want to thank past Seniors & the coaching staff that have guided him through his first 2 varsity years, especially Taylor Glaze!!! Hopefully the torch has been passed on and the new team can carry the load this upcoming season.

CC baseball coach honored

Bordenet named District 4 Coach of Year

Updated: Thursday, 09 Dec 2010, 4:17 PM EST
Published : Thursday, 09 Dec 2010, 4:17 PM EST

Mike Cleff

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Central Catholic baseball coach Tim Bordenet has been named the District 4 Coach of the Year by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association.

The award represents the Midwest Region, which is comprised of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Bordenet, who was honored for the award at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee in early December, led the Knights to the 2010 Class A state baseball championship last June, the Knights' third state title in the past four seasons.

Bret Haan comes up big!!!

Bret will be one of our pitchers for the upcoming baseball season, good luck during the basketball season to all the CC athletes!!!

Haan's 32 fuel CC comeback

By SAM KING • sking@jconline.com • November 30, 2010

CC comes back from 17 down in 3rd quarter!!!

Central Catholic 1A State Football Champs Again!!!

CC defends state title

Back to back state championship titles for our Central Catholic Knights. A great game played by both teams. Fountain Central played a good strong game & the game was closer than the score reveals as FC fell apart in the 4th quarter. My son Nick & his baseball team are currently on a back to back state title run also. Gosh, I'm ready for baseball already! LOL

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • November 26, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS — Danny Anthrop rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown to help Central Catholic defeat Fountain Central 31-6 in the Class A football final Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

The Knights (15-0) won their second straight championship and extended their winning streak to 30 games.

Andrew Mitchell rushed for 56 yards, passed for 56 yards and intercepted two passes as a defensive back for Fountain Central (13-2).

Central Catholic won last year’s final between the same two teams 52-0, but the Knights found the going more difficult this time. Central Catholic led 7-6 at halftime, then got its offense going in the second half.

There was a 10-minute delay after a power outage with 4:16 remaining in the game.

Join Sam King for live updates from today's Class A football state championship between Central Catholic and Fountain Central at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Central Catholic football team going back to state finals!!!

Big third quarter sends CC back to state finals

By NATHAN BAIRD • nbaird@jconline.com • November 20, 2010

When Churubusco's Kyle Mathewson crept into the end zone for a two-point conversion run early in the second quarter, Central Catholic's football team found itself in an unfamiliar position.

For the first time in two full seasons, the Knights trailed. But as usual, Central Catholic was not shaken. Nathan Baird's blog

"We knew this was a good team coming in; we knew they were going to bring their 'A' game," CC senior receiver and kicker Niall Noonan said. "Our main thing tonight was, 'think about the next play,' and that's what we did."

Behind another dominant third quarter, Central Catholic pulled away for a 42-14 victory over Churubusco to repeat as Class A semistate champion and earn a return trip to Lucas Oil Stadium for the state championship game.

The top-ranked Knights get a rematch with Fountain Central, which they defeated 52-0 in last year's title game.

"You work from June when we start lifting weights, and you go through two-a-days, you go through hardships," CC senior linebacker Devin Morgan said. "We just came together and it feels great to get where you want to go."

Brad Schrader rushed for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the second half. The Knights executed three third-quarter touchdown drives of 50 or more yards, pulling away from a 14-8 halftime lead and keeping the ball away from Mathewson (37 carries, 182 yards).

The Knights have outscored opponents 215-7 in the third quarter.

"We knew they score a lot of points in the third quarter, and we tried to stop it, and unfortunately we couldn't and they got ahead of us," said Mathewson, who caught a 15-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and threw a 9-yard TD pass in the fourth.

Cody Christopher's 2-yard touchdown run with 35.9 seconds left in the first half gave the Knights a six-point lead. The momentum carried over to the start of the second half, where Schrader's 26-yard touchdown run capped a four-play, 65-yard scoring drive.

CC baseball vs CC baseball from Burlington, WI.

Anyone claiming our Central Catholic Knights schedules cupcake opposition for their sport teams only need to look at their baseball schedule each year. The supposedly easier schedule in football is because of conference games only, not enough games to schedule otherwise, this is changing as we move to a new conference. (3A) This year it gets a bit more challenging in baseball as we will play another CC team from Burlington, WI, a class 4A school that according to this article has won the state baseball title 2 of the last 3 years. My son Nick has said they have 4 titles in the past 5 years.

Last year we played several top ranked 4A schools with convincing wins over Lafayette Jeff, Kokomo & McCutcheon. Most of our varsity baseball schedule includes 2A, 3A & 4A schools. Our only roadblock the past 2 years is 4A Indy Cathedral who beat us 6-0 in 2009 & 14-0 in 2010. Both years Cathedral put Dillon Peters on the mound, a top national recruit going to Texas for baseball. Nick pitched against him both years, relieving 5 1/3 innings in 2009 giving up 1 earned run in the 7th, entering in the 2nd inning with bases loaded, 2 outs & down 5-0, we lost 6-0. In 2010 Nick got the start, again facing Peters but this day turned out to be one of those days as Cathedral scored 6 runs off him in the 1st 2 innings, some unearned.

The past 2 years we have not had an answer for Cathedral. Cathedral was runner-up for the 4A state title last year in one of the most intense pitching duels I've ever seen, including our 2009 war with Cowan in the regional finals that had Taylor Glaze (our ace) against 1st round draft pic (Tampa Bay) Justin O'Conner. They battled to a 1-1 tie at the end of 7, a 2-2 end of 9 innings.

In the state final game (4A) both Peters and the opposing pitcher went 9 innings of scoreless baseball. 3 hits given up by Peters, 2 from the opposing pitcher from Carroll (not the one in Flora, IN). Carroll squeezed a run in in the top of the 10th, Cathedral couldn't score, a 1-0 thriller!!!

In receiving this information from Nick, he sounds excited already, long wait though!!!

Burlington Catholic Central wins Division 4 baseball title

By Todd Rosiak
Grand Chute - For the second time in three seasons, the Burlington Catholic Central Hilltoppers are state champions.

Propelled by a 13-hit attack and helped by seven Chippewa Falls McDonell errors, Catholic Central beat the Macks, 14-4, in five innings on Thursday morning at Fox Cities Stadium in the WIAA spring baseball Division 4 title game.

Third baseman Mackenzie Shepherd went 4 for 4 with 5 RBI for the Hilltoppers (21-10), who were knocked off by McDonell (22-5) in the semifinals at last year's state tournament.

Catholic Central broke the game open with five runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings.

Tyler Floyd struck out six to pick up the victory for the Hilltoppers, who also won the Division 4 title in 2008.

Nick batting during the 2009 class 1A baseball stat

Nicks only at bat against Vinncennes Rivet during the 2009 class 1A baseball state championships!

Back to back state championships in baseball!

This is what back to back baseball state championship rings look like on Nick's fingers!!

Broken hearts, broken dreams!!

First of all, congratulations to the Greensboro, NC team for moving on to The Colt World Championship game against Puerto Rico. This was a great game to watch and a sad game to experience as a parent when a chance to play for The World Championship was just within grasp.

Our All-Star team played well but did miss out on a couple of scoring opportunities that may have changed the outcome of this semi-final game. Miscues cannot be made at this level of play and expect to win. In saying this, Greensboro made a couple of incredible plays that without them would have changed the outcome. Each one of our players gave it their all. Our last batter who struck out I commend because he went down swinging (means he went down fighting) & to see him experience the moment of defeat & drop to his knees just outside the batters box is brutal to watch as a parent. I know this feeling well. Last year I, myself experienced this same feeling as Nick drops to his knees, curled up on the mound as he gave up a game winning hit last year against Tampa in the bottom of the 7th inning in one of our 1st games. He bounced back later against Mexico with a win & I know this great young athlete will do the same. That must be the place to go when this defining moment arrives....on the knees on a baseball field, face buried in shock!!! After all it's where these young kids place so much of their time & effort into their dreams. They should be proud!!!

Also, I want to thank all the athletes from every team. I have been fortunate enough to see some excellent baseball players from around the globe over the past week. I will most likely go see The Championship game tonight as Puerto Rico will play Greensboro, NC at 7pm. It won't be the same though.

Nick did get Jose Valentin's (Puerto Rico assistant coach) autograph along with his sons (starting player). Jose is a former major league baseball player in The US.

FINAL — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2.

AFTER 6 1/2 — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2 — Yocum retired the side 1-2-3 in the top of the seventh.

END OF SIX — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2 — With two on and none out, Lafayette could not execute a sacrifice bunt and then ran itself out of te inning.

AFTER 5 1/2 — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2 — After Davis singled, reliever JT Yocum retired three in a row.

END OF FIVE — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2 — Nick Bartolone grounded into an inning-ending double play.

AFTER 4 1/2 — Greensboro 4, Lafayette 2 — A throwing error by Ghiselli led to another unearned run. All four Greensboro runs are unearned.

END OF FOUR — Greensboro 3, Laayette 2 — Austin Kiracofe got a two-out single, but Lafayette failed to score.

AFTER 3 1/2 — Greensboro 3, Lafayette 2 — Ghiselli retired the side 1-2-3 with two strikeouts. He now has six.

END OF TWO — Greensboro 3, Lafayette 2 — Peter Ripke's run-scoring single to right cut the lead to one, but with runners at first and second and two outs, Rhoads struck out.

AFTER 2 1/2 INNNGS — Greensboro 3, Lafayette 1 — A curcial error by Lafayette third baseman Parker Rhoads led to three unearned runs, including a two-out, two-run homer from pitcher Jaylen Davis.

END OF TWO — Lafayette 1, Greensboro 0 — Peter Ripke's inside-the-park home run gives Lafayette the lead.

AFTER 1 12 INNINGS — Lafayette 0, Greensboro 0 — Ghiselli strikes out two more and has four in two innings.

END OF ONE — Lafayette 0, Greensboro 0 — Zion Bell was gunned down at the plate trying to score on a Christian Vukas single to center.

AFTER 1/2 INNING — Greensboro 0, Lafayette coming to bat — Brian Ghiselli retired the side in order including two strikeouts.

Ghiselli pitching for Lafayette, Davis for Greensboro. The winner plays Puerto Rico at 7 Thursday night for the CWS title.

On to the Final Four!!

Live webcast of CWS games, click on game link!!!

Scroll down to link Chech Rep vs Lafayette All-Stars
Starts at approximately the 00:46.00 mark, he pitches innings 3 & 4.
Nick pitched 2 innings along with other pitchers that pretty much did the same in a win over The Chech Republic 9-2. Nick had 5 K's in his 2 innings pitched but did give up 2 runs, 1 unearned. He struck out the side in his 2nd inning pitched which was the 4th. On to the Final Four against a strong Greensboro, NC team.Then to The World Championship game on Thursday!!!

AFTER SIX ININGS — Lafayette 9, Czech Republic 2 — Austin Munn doubled but Lafayette could not score.

AFTER 5 1/2 — Lafayette 9, Czech Republic 2 — Christian Vukas struck out the side.

AFTER 5 INNINGS — Lafayette 9, Czech Republic 2 — Tyler Forbes had an RBI triple, and Griff Clark added a sacrifice fly.

AFTER 4 1/2 INNINGS — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 2 — Christian Vukas retired the Czechs 1-2-3.

AFTER 4 INNINGS — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 2 — Ryan DeBoy singled but Lafayette could not score.

AFTER 3 1/2 INNINGS — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 2 — A triple, a walk, passed ball and two steals put the Czechs on the board.

AFTER THREE INNINGS — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 0 — Lafayette hit into a double play to end the threat.

END OF 2 1/2 — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 0 — Nick Stone pitching for Lafayette gets a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 inning.

AFTER TWO INNINGS — Lafayette 7, Czech Republic 0 — Lafayette got two singles but did not score.

END OF AN INNING AND 1/2 — Lafayette 7, CZECH REPUBLIC 0 — A double-play killed a threat.

AFTER ONE INNING — Lafayette 7, CZECH REPUBLIC 0 — Jesse Quintanilla and Nick Leuck each had two-out, two-run singles in the bottom of the first.

END OF HALF AN INNING — CZECH REPUBLIC 0, LAFAYETTE coming to bat — Bell allowed a hit and a walk but got a strikeout to end the threat.

Zion Bell will pitch for Lafayette. If Lafayette wins, it will play Greensboro at 7:30 Wednesday night in the second semifinal. Hoosier North will play Puerto Rico in the 5 p.m. semifinal.

A brutal loss

Lafayette vs Puerto Rico CWS webcast!

Nick came in to pitch the bottom of the 6th inning to halt any further damage. It was a 3 up 3 down inning but the damage had been done. Puerto Rico was just way to powerful on this night.

Gurabo, Puerto Rico, pitcher Daniel Concepcion is glad he got to watch the Lafayette All-Stars defeat Pharr, Texas, on Saturday in Colt World Series opening-night action.

Impressed with coach Dave Alexander's team, Concepcion pitched a a complete-game four-hitter Sunday night in an 8-1 pool-play victory in which he struck out nine and walked none.

Lafayette's Austin Kiracofe was safe on a two-base error to begin the top of the first inning and scored seconds later on Zion Bell's sharp single to center.

Thereafter, Lafayette had only one runner reach second base, and Puerto Rico pulled away with a five-run fourth and a three-run fifth.

Puerto Rico is 2-0 in the Red Division and has outscored the Czech Republic and Lafayette by a combined 26-2.

Puerto Rico will clinch the Red Division's No. 1 seed if it defeats Pharr, Texas, on Tuesday night.

"The start doesn't matter," Concepcion said of trailing 1-0 into the bottom of the fourth. "No matter how the game starts, I will keep doing my job. I always pitch like the game is 0-0. I bring all my stuff, no matter what.

"I know that every day is not going to be my best, but I know that I need to stay in the game. That's what I did tonight. No walks also is very important. That's the name of the game. If I throw strikes, I know I will get outs."

Lafayette starter Nick Moody walked none and allowed only three hits before being chased in Puerto Rico's five-run fourth, which included a two-run double from Jean Rodriguez and a two-run triple from Christian Rivera.

Moody walked two of the first three he faced in the pivotal fourth inning, when he couldn't find the plate.

"They're not intimidating, but they are very good," Moody said. "You have to hit your spots against them, and if you don't, they're going to hit it.

"They did that. They are a good hitting team, and I didn't hit my spots in the fourth inning. They took advantage of it, which is the sign of a good club. Early, I was real confident, but that (fourth) inning got to me."

Moody is encouraged by the fact that if Lafayette defeats the Czech Republic on Tuesday night, it has an excellent opportunity to advance to the medal round for a second consecutive year.

"We're not out of this," Moody said. "We can come out strong and beat the Czech Republic. Then, if we win another game, we're in the championship. I think we can do it."

Lafayette manager Dave Alexander liked what he saw for three innings.

"Nick really threw very well," Alexander said. "I thought he got tentative when a guy got on base instead of pitching the way he was. And then we don't turn a double play in that fourth inning.

"We're out of the inning if we turn the double play. Then, things just went to heck. Their hitters are good."

Alexander didn't like his team's approach against Concepcion.

"We looked at way too many strikes," Alexander said. "It happens. We just didn't play well tonight. But we've got a chance to get back to the medal round."

Puerto Rico manager Julio Campos was confident his team eventually would get to Moody.

"It was like how we have been doing it every day," Campos said. "If we get (behind), our kids know how to make adjustments in each inning and on each pitch. They do those adjustments when we need it.

"Lafayette has a pretty good club. I admire them a lot. Their pitchers do their jobs. (Moody) held us for a long time, but we started hitting after while."

Concepcion was excited to pitch in front of a Loeb Stadium crowd of 2,137.

"I respect Lafayette a lot," Concepcion said. "I saw their game Saturday night against Texas, and they played a really nice game.

"I know that Texas always brings good teams to these tournaments. For me, this was pretty special. I respect the Lafayette crowd. They were pretty good, too."

Our Colt team wins 1st game against Pharr, TX!!

We play powerhouse Puerto Rico tonight at 7:30pm. My son Nick #5 waiting! Puerto Rico put up 18 runs against Chech Republic yesterday, today's game is huge!!

JCOnline:
Brian Ghiselli pitched a complete-game masterpiece, and four 15-year-olds provided the bulk of the offense Saturday night, leading the Lafayette All-Stars to a 7-3 Colt World Series opening-night victory against Pharr, Texas.

A Loeb Stadium crowd of 2,557 watched the West Lafayette right-hander pitch out of a first-inning jam before settling into a consistent rhythm of getting ahead in the count with curveballs. Ghiselli scattered eight hits, striking out eight and walking none.

"Getting ahead in the count definitely was the key to my success," Ghiselli said. "If I can get ahead in the count, I can throw that offspeed pitch for a strike and get them down in the count. Then, I can get them from there.

"Our second inning was awesome. They came out and hit well, and then I calmed down a little bit. At that point, I was ready to go, because I knew I had the guys behind me. That was a great feeling. This definitely is one of the best games I've ever pitched, especially in front of that big crowd."

At the plate, it was 15-year-olds Austin Kiracofe, Peter Ripke, Ryan DeBoy and Griff Clark combining to drive in four runs, including three in the top of the second when Lafayette took a 3-0 lead.

Shortstop Ripke led off with a single to center, and Parker Rhoads was safe on a fielder's choice. With one out, Clark drove in Ripke with a single to center. Kiracofe then followed with a two-run double to center.

Lafayette extended its lead to 5-0 in the fifth, which included a bases-loaded walk to DeBoy. Outfielder Nick Bartolone also had a run-scoring single to center.

Pharr, which scored 26 runs in the South Zone semifinals and finals, pulled within 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth, getting a sacrifice fly from Jeremiah Galindo and run-scoring singles from Brian Barbosa and Jacob Garcia.

Lafayette countered in the top of the seventh. Bartolone led off with a single to center, stole second and scored on Ripke's third hit, a long double off the right-field wall. Ripke advanced to third on a flyball and scored on a passed ball.

"It all starts in the batting cage," Ripke said. "When you see the ball, you've got to look it all the way into the catcher's mit. That makes you see the ball a lot better. I got all the nerves out after the first inning, so when I went to the plate, I felt really good and smooth."

Our Team is Ready!!!

For a world championship!!!!

Our Colt team against The North Stars!!!

Nick #5 pitching in innings 7 & 8 against 17-18 year old Lafayette area standouts. This includes the likes of Dylan Sterret, Brian Demerly, Frank Fisk (Frontier), Tanner Hiatt (Lafayette Jeff). We lost this game in the 10th inning. Two weeks away from The Colt World Series,

GO LAFAYETTE!!!

Media coverage of our Colt Team!

The Lafayette team appears to be much better than last years team. This is an interview with both coaches and of Nick (#16) coming in against Mexico last year in the 3rd inning and had a strong 3 1/3 innings of relief, getting a big win to advance us to the final four.

Upset by Hoosier North!

Nick came in and closed the last 2 innings. 2 errors cost us early but we stayed close at 3-1 end of 5 innings. Nick struck out the side in the 6th, leaving 2 stranded from an excellent bunt & a hit batter. We score a run in the bottom of the 6th to make it 3-2. Another bunt single in the 7th but Nick stymies any chance of HN scoring with a strike out and 2 measly ground outs. We could not score in the 7th.

Disaster in Chicago

Still yet to get all the news about our four games in Chicago, but thus far thru the text I read yesterday it was a brutal weekend for our Lafayette All-Stars. I think we had 1 win 2 losses, 1 tie. Hopefully we can bounce back for Tuesdays games.

My son Nick with the state trophy!!

Area baseball stars!!!

JCOnline:
Recent Frontier graduate Dylan Sterrett wasn't sure who his potential opponents were for today's Fifth Annual Mr. Baseball Classic in Noblesville.

Yet the Chicago State-bound pitcher/infielder looked forward to challenging whoever stands in against him.

"It won't be like pitching a Class 1A game, where you have 15 strikeouts," Sterrett said. "Everybody's going to be able to hit it. I probably have to throw my best game. It should be a great experience."

Sterrett is one of five area players who will compete in today's 2 p.m. game, organized by Hoosier Diamond and sponsored by Community Health Network. Admission at Don Dunker Field is $4.

Sterrett and North Montgomery pitcher/first baseman Cody Nickle will play for the Red Team. Crawfordsville's Steven Rice and A.J. Ehrlich and Central Catholic's Scott Windler are on the Blue Team.

CC's Taylor Glaze and Clinton Central's Dylan Padgett were also nominated and will appear on the ballot for Mr. Baseball, to be announced in early July.

"It will be a great experience," said Windler, who recently led Central Catholic to a repeat Class A state championship. "It's kind of special for me that I got nominated. It will give me a great opportunity to see what the next level is like."

Windler, Sterrett (Franklin), Ehrlich (Hanover) and Rice (Vanderbilt) are all preparing to join college programs. Today's game allows them a peek at a higher caliber of talent.

Sterrett and Windler will also be among the Class A players stepping up to take on players from some of the state's largest schools.

"I've never played against 4A schools," said Sterrett, who lost only two pitching decisions in his four-year varsity career. "I don't know if the challenge is any different; we're all high school kids."

WHMB-TV 40 will broadcast the game on tape delay on Friday. Hamilton County Television will broadcast the game on July 3rd (noon), 4th (2 p.m.) and 6th (9 p.m.).

Local all-stars

Ryan Black singled and doubled to lead the Class 4A West to an 8-3 victory over the East in Saturday's Postyourt.org All-Star games at Milligan Park in Crawfordsville.

Black singled to lead off the bottom of the first and opened the door for a six-run inning. He also doubled and scored in the fourth. North Montgomery's Cody Nickle hit a two-run home run for the East.

Several area players contributed to a 14-2 West victory in the Class A baseball game. Frontier grad Frank Fisk's two-out RBI single in the first started the scoring, and he and Central Catholic's Scott Windler and Taylor Glaze all singled during a three-run third inning.

CC's Reed Drysdale and Cole Hruiskovich each scored twice, and teammate Chas Bobillo had a pair of RBIs. Tri-County's Ryan Beckley also scored for the West.

In the Class 3A West's 3-2 victory, North Montgomery's Matt Cunningham had an RBI single, and Chargers teammate Joey Clifton scored a run.

The first game of the softball doubleheader ended in a 1-1 tie, with Crawfordsville's Ariel Hinton scoring the West's lone run. In Game 2, Athenian Chelsea Day scored a run, and Hinton drove in another in a 9-6 West victory.

Taylor Glaze

Thanks Taylor for great memories and guiding my son Nick along, good luck in the future!!

JCOnline:
In the days before the Class A state championship game, Tecumseh coach Dave Duncan asked a reporter an innocent, yet obvious, question.

"Do you think they'll throw the left-hander?" Duncan said, referring to upcoming opponent Central Catholic's choice of pitchers.

There was little chance the Knights weren't going to give the left-hander, Taylor Glaze, the ball at Victory Field in Indianapolis. Especially if Glaze had anything to say about it.

"I love those challenges," Glaze said. "I love big games. I love testing myself to the max -- just going in knowing you have what it takes to get it done, and you just have to go out there and do it."

More often than not, Glaze came through. For the second year in a row, he pitched Central Catholic to a Class A state championship.

While pitching the biggest games, Glaze solidified his status as Journal & Courier Small School Player of the Year.

"He's just a great player and a great pitcher," CC center fielder Scott Windler said. "We know when we put him on the mound, he'll do great things."

Glaze drew the starting assignment against the largest schools on Central Catholic's schedule. He also pitched the sectional final, the regional semifinal against Cowan and the semistate and state championship games.

That competition brought out the best in Glaze, who finished 10-2 with a 1.02 ERA and 83 strikeouts and 25 walks in 75 1/3 innings.

Glaze's offensive contributions were often overshadowed by his pitching exploits. Moved to No. 4 after starting the season as the No. 2 hitter, Glaze batted .395 with two home runs, 30 RBIs and a team-high 36 walks that accounted for 27 percent of the team's total.

"If the situation called for a bunt, or for a hit-and-run with the cleanup hitter, which we normally wouldn't do, we were able to do that with him," coach Tim Bordenet said. "It gave us some versatility and a lot of different options."

Glaze has not yet committed to a college program, but Bordenet said he expects that to be resolved within the next week.

In search of the 2010 Colt World Championship!!!

JCOnline:
Josh Loggins played high school, college and professional baseball, scouted for the Boston Red Sox and has given hitting instruction to hundreds of youngsters at Lafayette's On Deck Baseball and Softball Academy.

But when the Lafayette All-Stars begin Colt World Series competition on Aug. 7, one of the stars of Hoosier North's 1992 CWS championship team will be doing on-the-field coaching for the first time.

It's an assignment the Harrison graduate will embrace. Loggins worked briefly with McCutcheon's baseball team during its spring break trip to Florida, but those were only informal workouts.

"As far as game experience and being in the heat of what's going on, this is my first time," Loggins said Tuesday night. "When it was brought to me about coaching, I thought it was a good mix of getting involved but yet not too involved.

"We're not playing a 150-game schedule and traveling all over the place. It's a short time, and it's a good group of guys that all have aspirations of going on and playing. It's a good opportunity for me to help them do that."

Loggins will assist Lafayette head coach Dave Alexander, a Seattle Mariners scout and the former Purdue baseball coach.

"I enjoy this 15- and 16-year-old age group," Loggins said. "They are at that age of being right on that verge of seeing whether baseball is going to be a fit for them or not.

"Yet, the kids still are impressionable. They listen to what you say. They want to get better. They want to go on and play. It's a good fit for that."

Alexander is excited about adding Loggins as an assistant.

"It's absolutely a great opportunity to add Josh," Alexander said. "Matt Coddington did a great job for us last year.

"I would like to have both of them, but when West Lafayette (police) went to 12-hour shifts, Matt couldn't coach this year."

Loggins will provide the bulk of the hitting instruction, Alexander will guide the pitchers and each will focus on aspects of defense.

"A lot of these kids, I've had in lessons," Loggins said. "I've had some friendships built with some of these kids as they've grown up.

"With Dave, he has so much experience as far as the on-the-field thing. I think we will be a good blend. It's the little details I hope we can share with the guys."

Outfielder Nick Bartolone, a junior-to-be at Harrison and a second-year member of Lafayette's CWS team, is enjoying learning from Loggins.

"He helps us," Bartolone said. "He brings aspects of kind of newer things to the game. He takes a more modern baseball approach. He played the game not too long ago.

"When most of us are struggling with our swings, he picks it up pretty fast. He can point out a couple of things and correct your swing really quickly."

Bartolone also is honored to be playing for a coach who played for Harrison's 1995 state championship team.

"I've always wanted to meet him and learn from him about how they did it back then," Bartolone said.

"It's nice to meet a guy who used to go to your school and has been there, done that. He's great ... a good guy to be around."

Alexander said Lafayette's 18-player roster will benefit from Loggins' experience.

"Josh was a drafted player who played professionally, and he has played a lot of different positions," Alexander said. "He knows the game and understands the game.

"The other thing that helped him tremendously is that he scouted professionally. When you scout, you learn what works and what doesn't work, especially pitchers' mechanics. Scouting is about projecting guys. Are they going to get better, or are they going to stay the same?"

Loggins has a difficult time believing that it has been 18 years since he helped Hoosier North win its first CWS championship.

"A lot of time has passed, but some of my fondest high school memories are playing with those guys and playing in that Colt World Series experience," Loggins said.

"I still have a picture of me sliding across the plate with the winning run. Those early, impressionable memories stick with you forever."

Having played in the CWS, Loggins would like to help Lafayette win for the first time since 1977.

"It will be a good time," Loggins said. "We've got a schedule prior to the Colt World Series where we're playing 20-to-25 games.

"We're going to Chicago this weekend. We're playing a lot of the travel teams in Indiana. We're playing some good 16-year-olds, and we're playing some 18-year-olds. It will give these guys a chance to be pushed a little bit."

Alexander is enjoying coaching with Loggins and working with this team, several of whom were members of the 2009 CWS semifinalists.

"The attitude is great," Alexander said. "The kids have really listened, worked hard and paid attention. That's a big thing. It's more than half the battle."

1st Colt game

Ok readers, we just finished our first Colt team game against The Indy Mustangs at Loeb Stadium. With what experience I have in watching varsity/colt baseball the past 2 seasons I will have to say The Lafayette Colt Team looks very strong after only 1 game and only 2 weeks of practice. A very quick infield with good skills, an outstanding pitching staff which does include my son Nick.

Lafayette defeated Indy 6-1 while playing 9 innings.

GO LAFAYETTE!!!!!

Challenging 2011 season for CC baseball!

JCOnline
A year ago, Central Catholic's baseball team left Victory Field knowing that seven starters returned in defense of the Class A state championship it had just won.

On Friday, the Knights celebrated the realization of that goal after a 4-2 victory over Tecumseh.

But seven of this year's starters have graduated, including pitching ace Taylor Glaze and the first five hitters in the lineup. Does that change the program's expectations for next season?

"Nothing less," Glaze said, echoing the same words Dru Anthrop spoke after leading CC to the 2009 title. "Another state championship, and we'll go for three in a row."

Graduating with Glaze are center fielder Scott Windler, left fielder Cole Hruskovich, catcher Reed Drysdale, shortstop Chas Bobillo, first baseman Jason Aldridge, third baseman Billy Fusiek and pitcher/outfielder Ben Cramer.

Those eight seniors combined to bat .347, scored 67.5 percent of the team's runs and accounted for 66 of the Knights' 87 extra-base hits.

Designated hitter Austin Munn batted .366 with three home runs and tied for second on the team with 29 RBIs as a sophomore. Second baseman Danny Anthrop, a .339 hitter from the No. 9 spot as a sophomore, may be the area's fastest player and could end up in the leadoff spot.

Junior Devin Morgan often spotted Drysdale at catcher, and freshmen Ryan DeBoy and Jake Churchill are expected to take bigger roles in 2011.

"They're going to be pretty good," Drysdale said. "We've got some freshmen that can hit the ball around the field. I look forward to following them in the papers next year, because I think they'll make noise, definitely."

Glaze went 8-0 over the past two state tournaments, including semistate and state championship victories in each season. Waiting to inherit the ace role is Brett Haan, who went 7-2 with a 1.22 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 46 innings.

"He's talked about it all the time," Munn said of Haan. "He knew Taylor was going to dominate this year, and it's his year next year."

Munn (5-1, 3.05 ERA) and Nick Stone (3-1, 3.36 ERA) should cement another strong rotation.

The only program to win three state titles in a row, and four in a five-year span, is Jasper. The Wildcats won single-class titles in 1996 and '97 and Class 3A titles in 1998 and 2000.

The chance to equal that feat gives Central Catholic extra motivation.

"They can do it," Glaze said. "They've got the pitching, they've got the bats. They've just got to have the heart, and I think they have it."

Last of summer league, start of Colt season!!

Four games left of the varsity summer league, 2 at Twin Lakes, 2 at Lafayette Jeff. Nick started & pitched 5 innings against Twin Lakes on Thursday, giving up 1 run on 3 hits, 8 K's. 3 W's. I think the final score was 20-1 CC.

Played a double header with Jeff at Loeb Stadium & Nick came in to close a 5th inning rally, the score was 11-8. I think with bases loaded an error on a grounder brings in 2 runs, then Nick shuts down the rally & no runs givin up the rest of the game. Final CC 14 Jeff 10.

We have our 1st Colt game on Tuesday at 7:30pm at Loeb Stadium against The Indy Mustangs!!

Colt World Series season!

Nick pitching against Mexico in 2009 Colt World Series!

Nick will be playing on Lafayettes Colt World Series team again this year. Making it to the medal round last year was a great feat but I think this team looks better, at least at this juncture. More power at the plate & great experience back on the mound. From Central Catholic we have my son Nick, Ryan Deboy & Austin Munn. Both Munn & Nick had strong pitching performances in The CWS tourney last year. This team has potential..
GO LAFAYETTE!!!!

STATE CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An exciting but very nerve racking game!!!

INDIANAPOLIS — Central Catholic’s baseball players were unanimous in agreement Friday night.

The last championship is definitely the sweetest.

Despite a strong challenge from Tecumseh and a rain delay of two-plus hours, Central Catholic repeated as Class A state champions with a 4-2 victory over the Braves at Victory Field.

“This is what every senior that plays sports lives for: winning the final game,” said CC pitcher Taylor Glaze, who improved to 10-2 with a complete-game victory. “We came out here and did it. We played a helluva game.”

The Knights (27-7) won their fourth baseball state championship and repeated as champion for the first time. It is the 11th state championship in school history and second this school year, following the football team’s Class A title in the fall.

Unlike CC’s last two state championships, won by a combined score of 26-2, Tecumseh made the Knights sweat on Friday.

“The intensity was higher, and the stakes seemed a lot higher,” said CC senior catcher Reed Drysdale, who started in a state championship game for the third time. “The close game, it’s almost what I wanted. I wanted to win big, but I wanted it to be intense.”

Glaze went the distance to improve to 8-0 over the past two state tournaments. He became just the third pitcher to earn the victory in consecutive state championship games.

The senior left-hander scattered six hits, walked three and struck out six, giving him 205 for his varsity career. He escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam following the rain delay by striking out Braves cleanup hitter Trevor Noffsinger and designated hitter Nick Williams.

“(Glaze) had a lot to prove,” CC coach Tim Bordenet said. “He was down, to be quite honest, there in the fifth inning. I think the rain came at a good time for us. He had a chance to refocus and re-energize. He came back after the rain delay, and I thought he had a lot more velocity and life on his fastball than he did before.”

Austin Munn’s two-out two-run single in the fourth inning gave Central Catholic a 4-1 lead. Yet that clutch hit couldn’t prevent the Knights from setting a state record for any class by stranding 14 runners on base, including eight in scoring position.

“Our pitchers got command of the curveball, and we got a lot of ground ball outs,” Tecumseh coach Dave Duncan said. “We just couldn’t put anything together when we got a guy on. We should have scored about eight runs off of (Glaze).”

Tecumseh (22-11) pulled within 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth. After Logan Greenwell’s sacrifice bunt moved runners to second and third with one out, a flash of lightning prompted umpires to send Central Catholic’s players to the dugout.

The Knights did not return to their positions for two hours and eight minutes while rains soaked downtown Indianapolis. In the interim, they discussed what strategy they should utilize when play resumed with Tecumseh No. 3 hitter Adam Westerman at the plate.

“Coach actually told me, hey, we’re going to pitch around this guy,” Glaze said. “If we walk him, fine. Let your defense make plays for you.”

Glaze walked Westerman on a 3-2 pitch, but struck out the next two hitters to end the inning and the rally.

Glaze singled home Cole Hruskovich in the top of the first, continuing Central Catholic’s streak of scoring in every first inning of the tournament. Chas Bobillo has hit by a Westerman pitch in the third, then scored on a wild pitch by reliever Alex Oliver to make it 2-0.

Glaze retired Tecumseh in order in the seventh, coaxing a pair of flyouts and getting Westerman to ground out to third baseman Billy Fusiek.

“It’s definitely better the second time,” said Munn, who is 5-for-8 with five RBIs in state championship games. “After that long rain delay and coming back and putting up runs and competing, it’s a great feeling to win again.”

More JC news on our Knights!!!!

According to the JC & stats this could be an oh so close game!!! Both teams have brutal non-conference schedules with wins against bigger schools.

JCOnline:
A confident and focused Central Catholic team enters Victory Field for tonight's Class A state championship game.

Yet the Knights also described themselves with a different word leading up to the final: relaxed. Most players on Central Catholic's roster were in the Victory Field dugout for last year's state championship, and some were a part of another title as freshmen.

By contrast, opponent Tecumseh has no players with state championship experience.

"Coach was talking about that yesterday, too, how we've got to jump on them early, since none of their players have been to Victory Field," said CC senior shortstop Chas Bobillo, who started a third base in last year's title game.

"We went last year, so we're going to be a little more calm and we know what to expect. With eight seniors, with a veteran team, we'll be able to keep our team calm."

Both Central Catholic and Tecumseh dominated their class this season. The Knights went 14-0 and outscored Class A opponents 172-13. Tecumseh's 14-0 mark came while outscoring Class A teams 164-31.

However, both teams prepared for the tournament by playing a strong non-conference schedule in the regular season. Tecumseh has won 14 of its last 15, with four victories coming against Class 3A teams.

"We know they're going to be a tough foe for us," CC coach Tim Bordenet said. "It's not going to be like the last couple of times we've been down there."

Tecumseh averages just under 10 runs per game and has scored 10 or more on 17 occasions. (Central Catholic reached double digits 16 times.)

Braves coach Dave Duncan described his team as having "decent team speed and average power." Kolton Chapman (.500, 9 home runs) and Trevor Noffsinger (.426, 6 HR) are the biggest hitters on a team that likes to play aggressive offensively.

"We like to make a lot of stuff happen," Duncan said. "It's pretty exciting baseball, normally."

Tecumseh lost starting infielder Colton Jung just before the start of the state tournament. Duncan said Jung, who was batting .404 with 10 doubles, suffered a broken arm when struck by a teammate's bat during practice.

Central Catholic's players weren't making too much of avenging a pair of state semifinal losses to the Braves from 2002-03. Tecumseh also defeated the Knights boys basketball team in the 1999 Class A state championship.

The Knights seniors are more motivated by potentially becoming the second program to win three state titles in a four year span. Jasper won three straight and four in five years from 1996-2000.

"Every day you come here and you try to get your year up on the scoreboard," CC junior Brett Haan said of the team's list of state champions at Leming Field. "Going for back-to-back is something I don't think has ever happened at CC. This would be a great moment, just to see history."

Big time baseball tonight!! State Championship is on

It's Showtime!!!!

JCOnline:
Taylor Glaze gave his junior high baseball teammates little indication he would become Central Catholic's future ace.

Glaze spent the majority of his seventh and eighth grade seasons on the Central Catholic Squires' 'B' team. Yet since his sophomore season, Glaze has taken the mound for the Knights' biggest games.

The winning pitcher in last year's Class A state championship game will attempt to repeat the feat Friday night at Victory Field against Tecumseh.

"I never thought I'd be a No. 1," said Glaze, who is 25-5 in his CC career. "I always thought I'd be a 3 or 4. It just goes to show anything can happen if you work hard. You just have to put your mind to it and good things will happen for you."

Glaze, a left-hander, admits his low-80s fastball won't blow opponents away. So he sets it up with a big, breaking curve, mixes in a changeup and slider and supports it all with excellent command.

In over 200 varsity innings, Glaze has struck out almost a batter per inning while compiling a 1.35 ERA.

"In high school, when you're able to throw breaking pitches over for strikes, you've got a good chance, because most pitchers can't do that consistently," CC coach Tim Bordenet said. "Taylor has a knack for being able to do that. He has a lot of confidence in that pitch, and his slider, both. He's not afraid to throw it in any count."

With only 45 walks in 139 innings over the past two seasons, Glaze also hasn't hurt himself by giving away free baserunners.

"What I worked on from eighth grade year on is location," said Glaze, also a letterwinner on the Knights' soccer team. "That's what works for me: I hit my locations well, and I hardly miss my spots. Tell me to put it somewhere, and I'll put it there. If you throw low 80s, you've got to."

Glaze first stepped onto the big stage in 2008. Bordenet started his sophomore in the sectional championship against Frontier, when the Falcons were ranked No. 1 and CC No. 2.

Though the Falcons won 3-0 behind the two-hit shutout of another sophomore, Dylan Sterrett, Glaze's confidence continued to grow.

"Since then, we've kind of known that he was going to be special," said CC senior catcher Reed Drysdale. "He kind of came into his own late in his career, which is good for him and good for us too."

Glaze's career numbers rank with some of Central Catholic's all-time best pitchers. Yet the one-time wrestler reaches another level in the state tournament.

Over the past two postseasons, Glaze is 7-0 with 24 hits allowed, 11 walks, 53 strikeouts and an 0.85 ERA in 41 innings.

"I always say, as soon as we get that big lead, you're coming out and I'm closing it, and he always says, 'No, we're not doing that,' " said CC junior Brett Haan, who did relieve Glaze for the final two innings of last year's 14-1 state championship victory over Vincennes Rivet.

"Even in Kokomo (at semistate) when his perfect game got ruined I was telling coach, hey, it's time to put me in. I always want to go in, but I know he's a senior and he's doing a great job this year. I couldn't be happier for him."

Another factor has motivated Glaze during the postseason. He's still auditioning for college coaches in need a reliable left arm. He plans to visit Franklin, where teammate Scott Windler has already committed, on Saturday.

Tonight, he'll attempt to join Jasper's Heath Uppencamp (1997-98) and North Posey's Jared Baehl (2005-06) as the only pitchers to win consecutive state championship games.

"This is his game right here," CC senior shortstop Chas Bobillo said. "He's going to be ready for this."

State finals

According to this article, this State Final game could be a good one!!!
GO BLUE!!!

JCOnline:
According to Tecumseh baseball coach Dave Duncan, the Braves will face Central Catholic in the Class A state championship game one year later than expected.

Tecumseh won its ninth sectional in 10 years last season and took a 22-6 record into the Loogootee Regional championship. But Vincennes Rivet stunned the Braves 4-2, then tripped up annual power Shakamak at the Avon Semistate before losing to Central Catholic at Victory Field.

"It was probably the most devastating loss of my life, and I've played ball my whole life," Duncan said. "It was the worst defeat of my career. I've never seen guys hurt as bad as they were."

Led by 10 seniors, the Braves recovered to win their eighth regional in 10 years. A 4-3 Southridge Semistate victory over North Central (Farmersburg) sent Tecumseh back to the state finals for the first time since they won their only title in 2003.

"We knew they were very athletic and had a good group coming back," CC coach Tim Bordenet said. "We knew all along they were probably the strongest team coming out of the south, and that kind of held true during the tournament."

Duncan, a Tecumseh graduate, took over as head coach in 2004. After graduating from the Lynnville high school, he pitched at Wabash Valley College and Union College and played independent minor league baseball in the Frontier League.

Three senior right-handed pitchers anchor the Braves. Duncan refers to Adam Westerman, Alex Oliver and Dalton Froman as his "three No. 1 pitchers."

Westerman started the semistate game, though Oliver earned the victory in relief.

"I probably won't make a decision until game time," Duncan said when asked who would start on Friday. "I like to keep all three of them on their toes."

Those pitchers have allowed eight runs in five tournament games. Tecumseh hitters have backed them with 11 or more runs in three games, and Duncan said the team batting average is around .350.

Kolton Chapman, the Braves' leadoff hitter and center fielder, will play at Hanover College.

Despite opening the season 0-5, Tecumseh has a chance to make last season's disappointment disappear.

"We never once talked about getting back until now, and now we can talk about it," Duncan said.

Video broadcast of CC's semi-state win!

The link, scroll down to bottom of page & type in 46901 zip code & hit listen. Scroll down to Blackhawk & Central Catholic link & click VIDEO REPLAY on right side. Nick enters the game in I think the 5th inning & is in right field barely visible. He gets 2 put outs, the 1st out of the inning the last out, a running catch all the way over near first base & bullpen to end the game & can't see him make the catch. The announcer shows some emotion tho..
Nick enters around the 1:25.00 mark.

http://broadcastsport.net/ZipPages/ZIPCode-BaseballSectionalJimtown.aspx

Highlights of semi-state!

Headed to state

ONLinenews:
KOKOMO -- Central Catholic hasn't wasted any time jumping on opponents in this postseason.

The Knights have scored in the first inning of every tournament game. CC has totaled 12 first-inning runs and 18 in the second inning. The Knights led 11-0 after two innings of Saturday's 14-0 Class A Kokomo Semistate victory over Fort Wayne Blackhawk.

"They were straight on from the get-go, just getting runs for me," winning pitcher Taylor Glaze said. "That's exactly what I need as a pitcher. It gets my mindset set for the game and helps me relax a lot. I couldn't have asked for anything better."

Including a 25-1 regional championship victory over Randolph Southern, Central Catholic has scored 39 runs in its last 10 innings. The Knights have scored eight or more runs in every tournament game but one.

"What we've done better than anything come tournament time is we've stayed within ourselves up at the plate," CC coach Tim Bordenet said. "We didn't try to do anything that we're not capable of doing. Just stay back and hit the ball hard somewhere and good things will happen."

Spoiler alert

Even Central Catholic's young players are aware of the baseball superstition that forbids talking about a no-hitter in progress.

So the Knights placed partial blame for Glaze's near-perfect game on assistant coach Tim Whiteaker. According to CC's players, Whiteaker gathered the seniors in the top of the fifth and made them aware Glaze had not allowed a baserunner.

Blackhawk cleanup hitter Ryan Hartsough lashed Glaze's first pitch up the middle for a clean single.

"We were joking around in the dugout, because one of our coaches ruined the no-hitter by talking about it," designated hitter Austin Munn said. "He pitched a heckuva game for sure."

Short porch

Munn, a sophomore who bats from the left side, tried to ignore the sign down the right field line at Highland Park that tantalizingly read '270.'

The park's short right field extends to 370 feet in the alley. Munn took a Matt Kaplanis pitch out to right for a grand slam in the second and almost repeated the feat the next inning.

His bases-loaded drive in the third sailed just wide of the foul pole, however, and he finished the at-bat with a sacrifice fly to spacious center field.

"I was trying just to hit singles, but I got the pitch I liked and I just tried to drive it," Munn said of the slam, his third home run of the season and second in as many games.

Back in action

Central Catholic senior Jason Aldridge sat out last Saturday's regional championship over Randolph Southern. Earlier that day, the first baseman took a fastball to the helmet from Cowan's Justin O'Conner in a regional semifinal victory.

Bordenet said after the semifinal that Aldridge had sustained a concussion. Aldridge received clearance on Wednesday to play.

My son gets some media coverage!

ONLine news:
KOKOMO -- Nick Stone's tumbling catch of a fly ball to right field triggered the customary storming of the field from the Central Catholic dugout. (This was actually well into foul territory towards 1st base and into the bullpen area, his 1st put out which was in right field he stumbled a bit)

Taylor Glaze flashed his usual dominance. The Knights offense efficiently rolled along. Yet Central Catholic's 14-0, five-inning victory over Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian at Saturday's Class A Kokomo Semistate still thrilled the defending state champions.

"I never really thought I'd get here three times and win them," said Glaze, who took a perfect game into the fifth inning and settled for a one-hit shutout. "It really feels good. We've got a good team behind us, and we're going to keep this going. We've got one more game."

CC can become the second baseball program in IHSAA history to win three state championships in four years. Jasper won three straight titles and four in five years from 1996 to 2000.

The Knights won their 11th straight state tournament game and have outscored their opponents 61-4 in this postseason.

"We always strive to get back there, because it's just a great feeling," said CC senior first baseman Jason Aldridge, who had two of the Knights' 13 hits. "You have so much fun, especially Friday night under the lights at Victory Field."

Glaze (9-2) set a tone by retiring the side in order on seven first-inning pitches. Blackhawk (10-14) hit the ball out of the infield just twice against the left-hander through the first four innings.

Falcons senior Ryan Hartsough singled to center field on the first pitch Glaze threw in the fifth. Glaze finished the victory by coaxing three straight flyouts.

"I just go up there and give them the best thing I have," said Glaze, who struck out six and has allowed three runs in 19 tournament innings. "Everything was working for me."

Reed Drysdale's RBI double keyed Central Catholic's four-run first inning against Hartsough (4-4). The Knights sent 11 men to the plate while scoring seven runs in the second, highlighted by Austin Munn's grand slam to Highland Park's short right field.

Every Central Catholic starter had at least one hit. The first three hitters in the lineup -- Scott Windler, Cole Hruskovich and Drysdale -- went 6-for-9 and scored seven runs.

"It makes it a lot easier on the pitchers, and even the batters," said Munn, who just missed a second grand slam and settled for a sacrifice fly on a five RBI day. "It helps you relax. You know the pitcher's going to throw strikes and you can put the bat on the ball and get some RBIs."

Central Catholic improved to 18-1 in state tournament play over the past four seasons. The Knights hope for more of the same in their 20th game.

"Our guys are just focused," CC coach Tim Bordenet said. "They've been working really, really hard. I don't think there's anybody in the state that outworks us. We ask a lot of them, and I think it pays off come tournament time."

Another 1 of our Rockstars!!!

JCOnline:
For three years, Central Catholic's Reed Drysdale manned the infield for one of the state's best Class A programs.

When Knights coach Tim Bordenet first floated the idea of moving Drysdale to catcher for his senior season, the four-year starter didn't love the concept.

"He wanted me to try it on the Legion team last year, and I didn't end up doing it, because I didn't tell the coach, because I didn't really want to," Drysdale said.

It didn't take long for Drysdale to put team concerns above his own. He enters Saturday's Class A semistate against Fort Wayne Blackhawk as Central Catholic's No. 3 hitter and an increasingly solid presence at catcher.

"I knew I probably wasn't going to win anything being behind the plate, individually," Drysdale said. "I had to put away all the individual awards so we can win another state title. Which, I'm fine with. I love that we're in our position right now, and the awards don't mean anything anymore."

Drysdale started at third base as a freshman and sophomore, and opened last year as the starting shortstop before moving to second base. Though Drysdale had caught sparingly at younger levels, and not at all since junior high, Bordenet saw his potential.

"He has great hands and good feet, and a strong arm," Bordenet said. "Those are the three biggest things that you need behind the plate. And the fact that he had so much experience. The catching position is a leadership position and he definitely brings those things to our team behind the plate."

Drysdale said the biggest adjustments to his new position were the pitchers' increased velocity and learning to block balls in the dirt. He also had to build the stamina necessary to catch two games in one day.

Yet Bordenet said that after just a week of catching bullpen sessions, Drysdale began to adapt.

"He's athletically smart," CC senior pitcher Taylor Glaze said. "He knows what to do. He's a great athlete and he just gets it right away. That's what's great about him because he can just fill in any spot."

Drysdale batted second in Central Catholic's 2007 state championship victory, and has spent to bulk of his career at the front or middle of the Knights' order. But the extra physical and mental toll hampered Drysdale's offense early, and he opened the season with an 0-for-12 slump.

By making another adjustment, Drysdale is batting .368 since.

"In past years, I'd go up there and I'd have the energy level to be a swinger and just hit it," Drysdale said. "Now you've really got to focus, because you're exhausted when you go up there as a catcher, because you've been working so hard."

Drysdale's baseball career will end this summer as he prepares to study business at Indiana. He didn't expect to go out as a catcher, but he embraces the position he initially resisted.

"Being in on every single play, and having a chance to catch these great pitchers, it's been great," Drysdale said. "I've really grown to love it, honestly."