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March 5, 2008 Section b The Banks County News Sports Editor: Chris Bridges Contact: 706-367-2745 www.mainstreetnews.com First & Ten High School Wrestling Hanley's Mat Leopards continue to establish records chris@mainstreetnews.com BY CHRIS BRIDGES A reason for Banks County to be proud T ake a bow Banks County community, you have reason to be proud. The new athletic complex at Banks County High School was officially on display last Friday afternoon and a sense of pride was definitely in the air. The cen ter of attention on this day was the new baseball field, but there was also pride in the new softball field and tennis facility where the BCHS teams were busy practic ing for their season openers. After months of work, the final result is certainly something to behold. I doubt there is a AA school in the state with facili ties on par with what BCHS has. In fact, there are many larger schools who would love to be able to claim what is now in Homer. Every citizen of Banks County has a right to be proud of what has been accomplished here. First, citizens deserve praise for making this project possible with the renewal of the Educational Local Option Sales Tax. Funds from this have gone to pay for the new softball and baseball fields as well as the new tennis center. In addition, improvements have been made to the BCHS football stadium. Bleachers were installed on the visitor’s side of the stadium for the first time last fall along with a concession stand and restroom facilities. Additional paved parking space is also now available for those attending BCHS athletic events which for the most part are all on campus now. The new athletic complex is something BCHS stu dents will benefit from for many years. Credit also should go to the Banks County Board of Education for clearly seeing the benefits of such a project. While it may seem logical on the sur face a local BOE would support something of this nature, I can testify it is not always the case. I have worked in counties where school officials didn’t believe in putting funds in ath letics. In a neighboring county, parents have been attending recent school board meetings to voice their complaints about not receiving the level of support that has become the norm in Banks County. There is more to being a stand out student than simply being in a classroom. Being involved in school sponsored events is also vital to being a successful student. Be it FFA, drama or athletics, students in the Banks County system are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible. This will only benefit them down the road. So take a bow Banks County. You have reason to be proud today. And if you have not seen the completed athletic complex by all means make your way to BCHS and take in a baseball game or a tennis match this spring. Make plans to watch a softball contest this fall and be at the stadium to support the grid iron Leopards. It’s a great time to be in Banks County right now. Chris Bridges is sports editor of The Banks County News. Contact him at 706-367-2745 or by e-mail at chris@mainstreetnews.com. BY CHRIS BRIDGES Seemingly with each passing season, the Banks County High School wrestling program continues to establish new marks of excel lence. During the past three seasons under the direction of head coach Kasey Hanley, the Mat Leopards have steadily moved up the Class AA ladder during the state tournament. This season BCHS finished 13 th overall led by An Pham, Demetric Dempson, Jared Gregory and Tremaine Mayfield. These four wrestlers qualified for the recent traditional state duals. Pham capped a standout career with a third place finish at the Gwinnett Area and was literally seconds away from competing for the state championship. Hanley will have a tough time replacing Pham next season as the standout set a school record with 51 wins in a single season and school record for career wins with 92. In addition, Pham now holds the BCHS record for most pins in a season and during a varsity career. “I have learned more from An than he has from me in the past three years,” Hanley said of the senior. The BCHS coach said Pham is looking at continuing his career at the collegiate level. “He always spoke of his opponents with respect and always carried himself with pride,” Hanley said. “He just loved to compete.” • •• The BCHS wrestling program is looking to establish a wall of fame. Coaches are looking for records, pictures and information on previ ous team members, especially the names of all state medal winners and area champions. Those with information can contact Sam Baxter at 706-654-0793. Diamond Leopards: Ushering in Spring NEW SEASON, NEW FACILITY Jeff Smith and the Banks County High School Diamond Leopards are now 2-0 at their new home field after defeating Elbert County Friday 7-3. The Diamond Leopards rallied to defeat the Class AAA Blue Devils as they continue to prepare for their 2008 Region 8-AA schedule. Photo by Chris Bridges Home field advantage Diamond Leopards rally to defeat Elbert County BY CHRIS BRIDGES It has been said the mark of a quality team is being able to overcome adversity and still emerge victorious. Perhaps that’s why last Friday’s 7-3 win against Elbert County can be viewed as a positive sign for the Banks County High School varsity baseball team. Coach Joe Lord’s squad, which improved to 2-0 with the victory, overcame a three-run decifit in the contest. The Leopards also overcame the fact they left several runners on base and allowed too many free passes. Throw in the fact the team had to overcome the hype surrounding the pregame dedication of the new baseball complex and all things considered, it was a win to be proud of. “It’s always good to get a win, but I felt like we could have played a lot better,” Lord said. “With that being said, I was really proud of how we bounced right back after getting down 3-0. We were able to avoid giving up a really big inning and get a few runs of our own to keep it close. That’s how you have to play. I’ve said it all along, but if you can keep it close, you can have a chance.” Kasey Hudgins earned the win pitching in relief of starter Jeff Smith. Hudgins worked 3.1 innings allowing three hits and no runs with three strike outs. Smith worked the game’s first 3.2 innings and also recorded three strikeouts. See Baseball on page 4B BCHS earns win in first game at new complex BY CHRIS BRIDGES The Banks County High School varsity baseball team ushered in a new season with a new commitment to success and as a result earned a victory at its new home complex. Coach Joe Lord’s Diamond Leopards opened the 2008 campaign by defeating Commerce High School 4-0 last Thursday in a game which was delayed a day by cold weather conditions. Despite the extra day to prepare, the visiting Tigers could not find an answer for the quality pitch ing of BCHS senior Alex Gailey who worked a gem throwing five innings and allowing just one hit. Commerce managed just five bas- erunners all day (four of which came on walks) as the BCHS defense was perfect in not committing an error in the 2008 season debut. Bill Redman worked two scoreless innings of relief and struck out four batters to add to Gailey’s seven Ks. “It’s always good to get that first game in the books and it’s even better when you can get a win in the season opener,” Lord said. “We were able to break in our new field with a solid game and I’m proud of our team. Our pitching was excellent, allowing only one hit in the game while strik ing out 11.” Lord said Gailey delivered when the team needed him too. “He really stepped up on the mound, at the plate and on the bases,” the coach said. “Bill was also solid in his two outings of work.” Offensively, the Leopards compiled nine hits and also had solid contact on several outs. “Some of our players were a little too aggressive and we need to be more patient and take what we can get,” Lord said. “For an early season performance in the cold, it wasn’t too bad though.” See Season Opener on page 4B High School Soccer Lady Leopards already exceeding goals during 2008 season BY CHRIS BRIDGES While the 2008 soccer season is still in its early stages, the Banks County High School Lady Leopards are already show ing this spring will be the best season they have enjoyed in some time. Under the direction of first-year head coach Michael Boomer, the BCHS varsity girls were 2-2 going into this week’s action. Considering the team had not posted a win in several seasons and was outscored 116-6 in 2007, this year has already been a success, according to the new coach. Before Friday’s match with Aquinas, whom Boomer said will be his team’s toughest opponent in 2008, the Lady Leopards had outscored their opponents 11-10. “Our goal was to win one match this year,” Boomer said. “We have already won two and are gaining confidence each time out.” Up Next: •Friday hosts Oglethorpe County, 5 pm •Monday hosts East Jackson, 5 pm. The coach said the addition of Erika Evans and Lacey Saxon have helped the team gain some needed speed. BCHS has posted wins against East Hall (3-1) and Hebron (6-2). In the win against East Hall, Lacey Bennett scored two goals while Tori Heu added one. Maria Mendoza had two assists while Shanice Rucker had one. Bennett and Evans both scored three goals in the victory against Hebron. Boomer said that win was impressive because he had the opportunity to play all 21 members of the varsity squad in the contest. “We have some good speed up front,” the coach said. “Teams will have a tough time keeping up with us up front.” See Soccer on page 4B NEW ATTITUDE Erika Evans (13) has helped the Banks County High School Lady Leopards soccer team record two wins this sea son. New head coach Michael Boomer has been impressed with the team's positive attitude this spring. Photo by Lyn Sengupta