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 Derrick Webb, Reporter12:25 a.m. EDT May 11, 2016

CHILLICOTHE - The Scioto Valley Conference unveiled its 2016 spring all-conference teams Tuesday and both Zane Trace's Pierce Mowery and Unioto's Brooke Blevins walked away with the biggest pieces of hardware.

Mowery was named the 2016 Baseball Player of the Year while Blevins took home 2016 Softball Player of the Year honors. Mowery's Pioneers won the league with a mark of 12-2 and posted an overall record of 20-7. Blevins' Shermans also topped the conference at 12-2 while going 19-7 overall.

During his senior year — the first full season of baseball he's played since eighth grade — Mowery hit like a mad man. In 96 official at-bats, the shortstop collected 49 base knocks, hitting .510. He also scored a league-leading 45 runs and stole 18 bases. When called upon, he also saw success on the mound, throwing nine innings and allowing just one earned run; an ERA of 0.78.

Blevins, also a senior, did her damage in the pitcher's circle and at the plate. In the circle, Blevins was 18-5 with a 1.49 ERA. In 164 innings pitched, she struck out 178 hitters while walking just 13. At the plate, she was 33-for-77 on the year, a .429 average. Going alongside those numbers was a total of 14 runs scored, four stolen bases, and a team-high 27 RBIs.

Blevins' head coach Brad Jadwin was adorned with 2016 SVC Coach of the Year honors as Unioto won its first conference title since 2013.

Joining Mowery with first-team baseball selections was teammate Trey Davis, Paint Valley's Anthony McFadden, Adena's Collin Cory and Braden Wilburn, Unioto's Clay Edler and Ryan Sigler, Westfall's Dustin Kaiser and Southeastern's Tanner Popp.

Davis hit .427 with a league-high 42 RBIs while McFadden posted a 0.82 ERA on the hill, going 6-1 and striking out a league-high 78 batters. Cory hit .444 (36-for-81) as the leadoff spot for the Warriors while Wilburn led Adena with a .452 average (33-for-73). Edler was magnificent on the bump, going 7-1 and giving up just eight earned runs in 47 1/3 innings. Sigler was 4-3 on the hill and struck out 46 batters. Kaiser hit .493 for the Mustangs while collecting 34 hits and scoring 24 runs. Popp hit .377 and went 6-5 on the bump, pitching 65 innings for the Panthers.

Second-team baseball selections are as follows: Teagan McFadden (Sr., Paint Valley); Jeremy Brooks (Jr., Zane Trace); Brian Smith (Jr., Huntington); Casey White (Jr., Unioto); Alex Wolff (Sr., Zane Trace); Riley Harris (Sr., Piketon); Justin Dye (Sr., Southeastern); Owen Diehl (Sr., Southeastern); JD Blevins (So., Adena).

Honorable mention baseball selections are as follows: Hayden Henness and Jonathan Thomas (Adena); Devon Byrd and Merfel Conley (Huntington); Skyler Knisley and Drake Stanforth (Paint Valley); Jacob Chester and Ethan Crabtree (Piketon); Rex Hartman and Carson Stauffer (Southeastern); Ryan Burns and Gavin Ogan (Unioto); Tyler Armentrout and Corbin Ferrell (Westfall); Joel Dunkle and Josh George (Zane Trace).

Joining Blevins with first-team softball selections were teammates Jayla Campbell and Jordyn Pierce, Paint Valley's Mikayla Newland, Westfall's Regan Stonerock and Becca Brown, Southeastern's Lexy Cooper, Zane Trace's Katie Unger, and Huntington's Rikki Magill.

Campbell, a freshman, stole 25 bases, had a league-high 27 hits and scored a league-high 38 runs while Pierce hit .360 with three home runs in the heart of the Shermans' order. Newland was dominant in the circle, going 14-6 and striking out 313 batters with a 0.21 ERA. Cooper hit .371 and stole 26 bases for Southeastern while Unger led the league in round-trippers with five alongside 23 RBIs. Magill hit .391 and scored 19 times.

Second-team softball selections are as follows: Lea McFadden (Fr., Paint Valley); D'Lani Swackhammer (Sr., Zane Trace); Emily Robinson (So, Westfall); Cameryn Alexander (Fr., Piketon); Gracie Smith (So., Piketon); Makayla Carroll (Jr., Southeastern); Summer Sigman (So., Unioto); Carly Carroll (Jr., Adena); Kelsie Robinson (Sr., Westfall).

Honorable mention softball selections are as follows: Brooklyn Detty and Devon Putnam (Adena); Kennedy DeBord and Brookelyn Neighbors (Huntington); Savannah Johnson and Madison Smith (Paint Valley); Faith Pack and Erykah Scott (Piketon); Cindellynn Murta and Audrie Wheeler (Southeastern), Payge Arledge and McKenna Jones (Unioto); Makayla Terry and Holley Webb (Westfall); Morgan Arledge and Taylor Stacy (Zane Trace).

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509

 Derrick Webb, Reporter10 p.m. EDT April 29, 2016

FRANKFORT - Sophomore JD Blevins still is undefeated, still has an ERA below 2.00 and still keeps his calm in pressure situations.

The young southpaw guided Adena back on track after uncharacteristic back-to-back losses this week in a 5-1 win against Huntington on Friday night at Adena High School.

En route to the win, Blevins (5-0) went all seven innings while throwing a total of 113 pitches — 75 for strikes. He struck out 12 and walked three.

"We've been stretching JD out all season long, and he's a kid that we feel comfortable with right now," Adena coach Tom Barr said. "We're blessed with pitching on this team. We'll have about four or five guys that are now ready to go Monday since we don't play over the next few days. JD did get into some trouble tonight, but he kept control just like we expect him to."

Facing Blevins in the duel was Huntington's Merfel Conley, a right hander who has been decent all year long. Conley (2-5) also was impressive, throwing six innings and allowing just one earned run. The senior fanned three and allowed just one free pass in the loss.

"Merfel has good velocity, and over our past two games, we've seen a couple of slow lefties," Barr said. "We knew that we were going to get Huntington's best tonight, but that's what we want. We like that. I think, other than Paint Valley, we've had everybody's best. For us, we're still interested in playing late in May. That's where our mentality and goals lie."

The Warriors (14-5, 10-2 Scioto Valley Conference) scored out of the gate. Leadoff hitter Collin Cory drew a walk in the first inning and would cross home plate on an RBI single into left field from Braden Wilburn.

Thanks to three runs in the fourth, Adena then was able to enjoy a little breathing room.

Senior Cy Carroll singled to start the inning before moving to second on a second straight single, this time from Collin Cory. With two outs in the inning and Wilburn at the plate, Huntington (8-12, 1-11 SVC) committed a costly fielding error that allowed both Carroll and Cory to score. Blevins then laced a ball into deep right-center field to plate Carroll and make it a 4-0 ballgame.

The Huntsmen finally broke through in the top of the sixth when Devon Byrd knocked in Elijah McCloskey on an opposite field RBI single to make it 4-1. But the Warriors took a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the inning — on an RBI single from Bo Dratwa — and eventually the win.

"We have to make sure we shape up at the plate, but I'm happy with how we swung the bats, for the most part, tonight," Barr said. "We hit a couple of hard balls that were just right at (Huntington)."

Blevins and Wilburn both went 1-for-3 at the plate with a run and RBI each. Dratwa finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and stolen base as Collin Cory went 1-for-2 with two runs. Cy Carroll, playing on his Senior Night, also was 1-for-3 with a run.

For the Huntsmen, Byrd was 1-for-2 with the RBI while Jacob Pugh, Conley, and Travis Atwood all went 1-for-3. McCloskey was 0-for-3 but did a score a run and steal a bag.

The Warriors will travel to Paint Valley on Monday while Huntington is in action the same day against Zane Trace at home.

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

 

Wilmington 6, Chillicothe 2

Chillicothe’s Josh Nihiser got the loss collecting three strikeouts while allowing six runs.

 

Unioto 14, Piketon 0

Piketon’s starting pitcher Shane Vulgamore (0-2) was awarded the loss while recording five strikeouts. 
 

Adena 12, Huntington 3

JD Blevins (A):  2-4, 3 RBI, R, BB 

Hayden Henness (A): 1-3

Bo Dratwa (A): 1-3, R, BB

Devon Byrd (H): 1-3, R 

Brian Smith (H): 1-4

10 to Comprehend: Hot Corners, Courtesy of  Derrick Webb, Reporter8:59 p.m. EDT April 9, 2016

Huntington's Devon Byrd may just be the hottest third baseman out there, especially with a bat in his hands. The senior team leader leads the Huntsmen with 12 RBIs and three doubles. He's hitting .450 (9-for-22) and has scored 10 times. For good measure, he's also 1-0 on the hill, with a 2.52 ERA. He's a jack of all trades. With Byrd leading the team, Huntington is currently 5-1, after a 2015 season where the team was mediocre at best.

For Chillicothe, in just five games, I'm convinced that junior third baseman Jordie Valentine has more than solidified his place as the everyday third baseman. In limited action, Valentine is just 2-for-8 at the plate with a double and three RBIs. However, during his time at the hot corner, he's been magnificent with his glove. For a Cavaliers' team that is riddled with errors, Valentine's defensive prowess has to be extremely valuable to the wins-losses category. Keep it up young man.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Adena (11) over Westfall (1) in 5 innings

JD Blevins(2-0) WP, 3 IP, 3 H, 5 BBs, 5 Ks, ER; 1-2 at the plate

Bo Dratwa 1-2, HBP, SB, RS

Hayden Henness, 3 BB, 3 RS

Paint Valley (10) over Southeastern (0) in 5 innings

Several games postponed including:

Unioto v Huntington

Zane Trace v Piketon
 

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Southeastern gives Huntington first loss of 2016, final 11-5

Devon Byrd, 3-3, 2 RBIs, RS

Hunter Henneberger, 2-4, RBI, 2 RS

Brian Smith, 2-4, 2 RS, 2 SB

 

Monday, April 4, 2016

Chillicothe with a big win over McClain, final score 14-3

Jordie Valentine, 2 RS

Huntington (15) all over Piketon (2) in 5 Innings

Jacob Chester 6 Ks, 2 BBs in the loss

Adena (3) over Southeastern (1)

JD Blevins, 2-3

Zane Trace (5) over Paint Valley (2)

Unioto (3) over Westfall (1)

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Huntington Huntsmen (4-0) take two from the Vinton County Vikings

Game 1: Huntsmen Win 12-2

Brian B Smith (1-0), WP, CG, 8 Ks, 2H, 2 ER

 

Game 2: Huntsmen Win 14-4

Devon Byrd (1-0), WP, CG, 2H, 4 Ks, 5 BBs; at the plate Byrd 2-4, 2 RBIs, RS

Hunter Henneberger, 3-5, 2 2Bs, 3 RBIs, RS

 

Adena Warriors (1-1) fall to Waverly 13-7

JD Blevins (0-0), 2 IP, 2Ks, 4 ER, 5 BBs

Bo Dratwa, 1-2 at the plate, HBP, RS

 

Chillicothe (0-4) falls to Lebanon, final score 8-3

 

Piketon Redstreaks (3-2) fall to Gallia Academy, final score 8-3

Ethan Crabtree, 2-3 at the plate

 

Friday, April 1, 2016

Huntington Huntsmen (3-0) Knock Off Amanda Clearcreek 7-3

Brian B Smith 4-4 at the plate 3 RS

This just in.....The Panda Bear Attacks the Lucasville Valley Indians yesterday evening....Jacob "PANDA BEAR" Chester (1-0) puts together a gem from the bump where he works a 7 inning CG to earn the win in the Piketon Redstreaks (1-0) season opener at Valley. Chester tosses a 2 hitter with 1 BB allowing 0 ER on 2 hits over 7 innings of work. Piketon storms out of the gate in 2016 to earn an 8-1 victory over the Indians.

In other news, the Huntington Huntsmen (1-0) open up the season with a loud statement as they pounce on West Union getting a 17-1 victory. The Huntsmen, coached by Post 757 Colts Alum Brian Smith, were led by Brian B Smith (2-3, BB, RS, 3 RBIs) along with Devon BYRDMAN Byrd (2B, 3 RBIs, 2 RS).

Logan Elm knocks off Westfall 4-0 as JD Robb comes up big at the plate going 2-2 (3B, 2B, RBI)

Other scores around the area include:

Teays Valley 3 - Perkins 2

Paint Valley 6 - Whiteoak 1

Minford 12 - Zane Trace 4

Washington CH 8 - Southeastern 3

Fairfield Union 2 - Cuyahoga Heights (At the Paint Classic, Fairfield Union led by Pickerington Post 283 veteran coach Chris Weber)

 

 Derrick Webb, Reporter8:24 p.m. EDT March 24, 2016

CHILLICOTHE CAVALIERS

2015 Record: 9-12 (3-11 SCOL)

Head Coach: Todd Seymour, 2nd season

Key Returners: Leo Woods, Jeff Webb, Jack Busch, Gage Jones, Dylan Conley, Jordan Valentine, Noah Jackson

Player Spotlight: At the top of the order, senior Jack Busch will set the pace for the Cavaliers' offense. Busch was vital to Chillicothe's success last year as he hit .339 with four doubles and 10 RBI. Busch also scored 18 runs, second to only Caleb Price and Matt Valentine.

Outlook: The Cavaliers lost their top hitter in center fielder Caleb Price and top pitcher in lefty Nick Rinehart. So, as expected, question marks surround this team. A conference title may be a lofty goal but if Chillicothe can hit its stride at the right time, a postseason run could be in the works.

ADENA WARRIORS

2015 Record: 19-4 (14-0 SVC)

Head Coach: Tom Barr, 1st season

Key Returners: Jonathan Thomas, Collin Cory, Hayden Henness, Gunnar Free, Bo Dratwa, JD Blevins

Player Spotlight: With JD Blevins at the top of the Warriors' pitching rotation, Collin Cory will spend a lot of time at second base this year. However, when he's on the hill, Cory is poised to be dominant. During his junior year, Cory was 2-0 with a 2.72 ERA in 18 innings. If it wasn't for Blevins, Cory would be the team's ace.

Outlook: It's really simple: the Warriors just have to continue to do what they've done. One question surrounds this team however in whether or not they have that 'killer' instinct. They won 19 of 23 games last year but lost to an SVC opponent in the first round of the postseason. They have the talent to get over the hump but will they?

HUNTINGTON HUNTSMEN

2015 Record: 9-16 (3-11 SVC)

Head Coach: Brian Smith, 3rd season

Key Returners: Brian Smith, Hunter Henneberger, Billy Doyle, Devon Byrd, Merfel Conley, Jacob Pugh

Player Spotlight: Senior Billy Doyle will be counted on to capitalize with runners on base this season for the Huntsmen. Doyle hit .370 one year ago and drove in 10 runs while scoring 12. This season, he should be moved up in the lineup. But with that move comes responsibility. Look for him to embrace his new role.

Outlook: Pitching. Pitching. Pitching. The Huntsmen had virtually none last year. But with another year comes more experience so who knows what will take place in 2016. Brian Smith will be the leader of this club, followed by Doyle. Those two have to take charge and make their teammates better one by one.

PIKETON REDSTREAKS

2015 Record: 6-17 (4-10 SVC)

Head Coach: Gene Bumgardner, 8th season

Key Returners: Riley Harris, Jacob Chester, Colton Blakeman, Ethan Crabtree, Zane Barker, Tyler Brown

Player Spotlight: Anchoring Piketon's pitching rotation will be senior Jacob Chester. As a junior, Chester hurled 37 innings and allowed 20 earned runs for a 3.78 ERA. While striking out 24 and walking just nine, Chester went just 1-3 as he suffered from a lack of run support. Piketon will look to change that in 2016.

Outlook: Both Ethan Fremder and Zack Jordan have graduated while Talon Osborne transferred to Waverly. The Redstreaks are now left with young talent and will rely on veterans Riley Harris and Colton Blakeman to rally the troops. Piketon played in a plethora of close contests last year. Gene Bumgardner's club has to be optimistic heading into this weekend.

dwebb@chillicothegazette.com

Twitter: @dw1509