Local Sports

Registration ends Tuesday for Shelby County Babe Ruth Baseball fall registration

Fall League registration for Shelby County Babe Ruth Baseball ends Tuesday.

Registration information can be found at https://www.shelbybr.com/fall-2023

Information also can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shelbycountybaberuth

If you have a child interested in youth travel baseball, the Shelby County Cubs are hosting tryouts in July and August for 2024 travel teams in the 7-and-under through 14-and-under age groups.

 

 

Tryout information is available at https://www.sccubs.com/tryouts

Information also is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/shelbycubs

Players from all communities are welcome to join the Shelby County Cubs.

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Eyesa Dashin Josie leads trials for $140,000 Jaguar Rocket Futurity final at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Five trials for the Jaguar Rocket Futurity kicked off the holiday weekend of racing Thursday at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.

The top 10 advanced to the $140,000 final slated for 10:45 a.m. on July 22, led by Eyesa Dashin Josie, who turned in the fastest time over a sloppy racing surface in the final trial of the night.

The Jaguar Rocket Futurity Trials endured two rain delays as storms moved through Central Indiana. Everyone waited patiently for the first-year sprinters to make it onto the track with racing extending into the evening hours. The final trial posted the fastest time of 15.744 seconds turned in by Eyesa Dashin Josie and Rolando Pina.

Starting from post five, Eyesa Dashin Josie (photo) broke well and was near the lead from the start. The freshman daughter of Dash master Jess was battling with Sweeet Caroline and L.D. Martinez on the inside, who had the early advantage. Eyesa Dashin Josie kept at Sweeet Caroline and got the win at the wire by a head over her rival. Priddy Fabulous and Oscar Macias finished third.

Eyesa Dashin Josie paid $8.60 for the win. She was only making her second career start for owner A Win Investments. Tim Eggleston trains the filly, who is now one for two in kicking off her career. Eyesa Dashin Josie and Sweeet Caroline were the two fastest qualifiers of 40 and Eggleston also trained the third fastest.

 

 

Trixs Are For Kids (photo) earned her second win in two starts to remain undefeated for the Eggleston barn. The grey daughter of One Sweet Jess, also guided by Pena, began from post one and took over halfway through the sprint before winning by a half-length at the wire. Big Lewella and Jose Ruiz finished second over No Ordinari Joe and Juan Marquez for third.

Trixs Are For Kids paid $6.80 for the win. The filly is owned by Brian Langworthy and is one of four at Horseshoe Indianapolis this year to remain undefeated in two starts.

Other trial winners were Eagle Flybye and L.D. Martinez and HH Express 19 and Francisco Quintero, both trained by Tony Cunningham. The other trial winner was The Good Candy and Juan Marquez from the Randy Smith stable.

The second All-Quarter Horse racing day is set for Saturday featuring four trials for the Gordon Mobley Futurity and five trials for the Heartland Futurity. Four trials for the Blue River Derby will be Monday. All finals will join the Jaguar Rocket on Quarter Horse Stakes Day on July 22, featuring purses more than a half-million dollars for the sprinters.

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Indiana State Fair unveils full court press for 2023 BASKETBALL theme programming

The Indiana State Fair today announced 18 days full of basketball inspired entertainment plans in support of its 2023 theme of BASKETBALL, in partnership with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

The 2023 theme was announced last winter on the basketball court at Governor Holcomb’s residence along with representatives for the Indiana State Fair, Pacers Sports & Entertainment and more. At that time it was also revealed that the theme will be activated through multiple interactive experiences and exhibits paying homage to Indiana’s rich basketball legacy.

Today, the Indiana State Fair proudly unveiled plans for custom experiences guests can expect when they arrive at the 166th Indiana State Fair, including: 

  • HOOPFEST Outdoor Amusement Park
    • Including full size regulation court with tournaments, kids camps, coaches chats, etc
  • Pacers Sports & Entertainment Immersive Exhibit
  • Land of Legends: Indiana’s Basketball Legacy, in partnership with Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Space Ham: An Augmented Reality Experience
  • 1951 Chevy, Gene Hackman's car from movie HOOSIERS on display
  • 18 Basketball Stories curated for 18 days of the Indiana State Fair
    • Celebrating the people, the places and the purpose of the Game!
  • The Evolution of the Game Exhibit
  • The 6th Man Exhibit: Agriculture & Basketball
  • Hoosier Hardwood Photo Project: A Journey to Indiana’s Historical High School Gyms
  • From Trees to Tip-Off Attraction: Indiana Hardwoods & the Game
  • Chuck Taylor and Indiana Basketball Exhibit with the Indiana Historical Society
  • Cultural art installations celebrations basketball 
    • Including sneaker & custom Backboard Art installation
  • and much more; see all basketball themed activations announced today HERE

“Indiana is truly the state that grew the game, and we are excited to celebrate our unmatched basketball history with Hoosiers this summer at our beloved State Fair,” said Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & Entertainment Chief Executive Officer.

The Indiana State Fair is rooted in celebrating all things Indiana Agriculture, including the history of why the game of basketball grew here in Indiana. The game was affordable, and the playing season was based around the farmers’ planting and harvest season in the late 1800s. After each harvest, farm kids could play basketball, and then when the season ended in March, they could go back to the fields for planting.

Basketball also has a rich history at the Fairgrounds where the iconic Indiana Farmers Coliseum has played host to high school championships, the ABA Pacers, All-Star Games and more. Currently, the Indiana Farmers Coliseum is home of the Horizon League Basketball Championships and IUPUI Men’s Basketball.  

The Indiana State Fairgrounds first opened in 1892 – the same year basketball was introduced in Indiana – two great Hoosier traditions that have stood the test of time.  

To view all theme related Basketball experiences please visit:

https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/entertainment/celebrating-basketball

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Racing canceled Wednesday due to air quality at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Due to increased levels of dense smoke coverage from the Canadian wildfires, today’s racing program has been canceled at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.

Safety levels in Central Indiana have reached a dangerous level on the air quality monitor with intensity expected to peak during the afternoon hours, prompting racing officials at Horseshoe Indianapolis to take action and cancel racing.

“Safety and consideration for our equine and human athletes always comes first, no matter what the circumstances are,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “We are fortunate to have a great relationship with our racing organizations, and as a group, we decided this decision was the best for everyone involved. We even want to take into consideration the safety of our racing fans who enjoy sitting trackside to watch the horses.”

Several of the races on the program Wednesday, which included nine Thoroughbred races and one Quarter Horse event, will be offered as an option for participants Monday. An early start of 1:20 p.m. will kick off the extended racing program featuring 10 Thoroughbred events and four Quarter Horse trials expected to be completed at 8 p.m.

 

 

“Being outside during this air quality warning is not safe, and to throw physical exertion on top of that increases the level of exposure and risk to those involved in our racing program,” said Joe Davis, President of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “By rescheduling these races to next week, we are offering an alternative to our horsemen and horsewomen so they are not missing out on a racing opportunity. This is their livelihood, so we are taking that into consideration to reduce interruption to their business. This joint decision is the best for everyone involved.”

The amended racing program for Monday will lead up to the community event featuring a Drone Show beginning at 10 p.m. Racing will be complemented by numerous activities, from local entertainers to an axe throwing station, face painters, contests, and giveaways suited for the entire family. The end of the racing program will lead into a free show by the popular Endless Summer Band on the main stage beginning at 8:30 p.m., followed by the Patriotic Drone Show at approximately 10 p.m.

“We already had a full day of activities planned on Monday featuring the unique Drone Show,” added Halstrom. “Adding more racing will only enhance the experience for those making plans to kick off their Fourth of July celebration at Horseshoe Indianapolis. We feel this is a terrific opportunity to showcase our racing on a fun-filled day for our community.”

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Louisiana Faster fastest in Horseshoe Indianapolis QHRAI Derby

Louisiana Faster looked to be the least likely candidate between the three Tony Cunningham horses qualified for the 14th running of the $75,000 final of the Horseshoe Indianapolis QHRAI Derby to win.

However, he proved he was the quickest, scoring an upset victory with first-time jockey Jose Ruiz aboard.

A full field of 10 entered the gate for the final with Louisiana Faster and Ruiz beginning their race from post five. The inside horses, two of which were Cunningham horses, grabbed the early lead with Namgis Kodiak Kiss and Daniel Martinez getting the first call in the 400-yard dash with RK Lady Dana and Francisco Quintero tracking closely to their inside.

The race changed drastically midway in the stretch as Louisiana Faster gained momentum from the center of the track with Extermynator and Juan Marquez barreling down on the leaders from the far outside. At the finish, it was Louisiana Faster for the win by a neck over Extermynator. Namgis Kodiak Kiss finished third in the sprint timed in 19.925 seconds.

“I told Jose (Ruiz) that if he could get him out of the gate, he could run,” said Cunningham. “He did a great job with him. This horse likes the distance too. I really thought the other two were going to win but looked up and here came this horse running.”

 

 

Louisiana Faster, who was seventh on the list of qualifiers for the final, paid $53.20 to win as the longest shot in the race. The three-year-old son of The Louisiana Cartel, owned by Pamela Brickley Hann, was purchased out of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Yearling Sale for $20,000.

Louisiana Faster is now two for three this season and boosted his career earnings to more than $65,000 with the win. It was his first victory in Indiana from his 10th career start.

“Last year this was a terrible gate horse,” said Cunningham about Louisiana Faster. “We gelded him over the winter and took him to Kentucky and he won down there. He got away tardy in his trial, but I was glad he made it to the final. We have had high hopes for this horse all along.”

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Our Hospice Decatur Golf Tournament raises $35,500

The 29th Annual Decatur Golf Tournament held on June 16 generated an estimated $35,500 in net revenue this year.

24 teams and 96 golfers supported the annual fundraiser to benefit Our Hospice of South Central Indiana patients and families in the Decatur County service area.

Team Gray was this year’s winning foursome and defending champions with a score of 55, 15 under par. Team members include Trent Gray, Brandon Meyer, Kim Ging, and Kory Ging.

The beautiful weather offered golfers a great day on the course. The event kicked off with new Our Hospice President, Steph Cain, welcoming golfers and thanking sponsors. Jim Wenning, a Decatur Community Relations Committee member, gave opening remarks.

“We celebrated our 29th anniversary of the Our Hospice Golf Outing. Over the past 29 years including this year, we’ve raised over $745,000. That number would not be possible without the amazing support of our community. We want to thank all the golf participants and sponsors of this event that give so generously and faithfully. We would also like to give a special thanks to our four Title Sponsors: Decatur County Memorial Hospital, EMCOR Facilities Services, K.B. Specialty Foods for the second year, and an Anonymous Donor who donated ‘In Honor of all the Our Hospice workers, they are the real heroes.’ It was a great event and we are looking forward to seeing everyone next year at our milestone, 30th Anniversary event,” said Our Hospice Event and Volunteer Services Manager Julie Davis.

Special recognition was given to all the sponsors, benefactors, contributors, and the Decatur Community Relations Committee (CRC), including Co-Chairs Jim Wenning and Mark Wickens; and Kurt Balser and the Greensburg Country Club. Other CRC members who supported the tournament were Rob Eversole, David McCullough, and Brian Wenning.

Russ Hubler Ford supported the event by placing a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport at Hole 17 for the “Hole in One” 2-year lease prize.

“Proceeds from the Decatur Golf Tournament help provide expert end-of-life care and services for Our Hospice patients and their families,” said Steph Cain, Our Hospice President. “Last year we provided $68,000 in uncompensated professional medical care, in addition to support services and bereavement care for our patients and their families. Funds to pay for the cost of this care are provided through memorial gifts, community donations, and fundraising events like the Decatur Golf Tournament.We are so grateful to all those who have supported us throughout the 29 years of this tournament,” continued Cain.

In 2022, our team and volunteers cared for over 1600 patients, 434 individuals with an advanced illness in the Decatur service area, and made over 271 bereavement contacts with patient family members. 

The par 3 holes, closest to the pin winners were Ruth Hood, Mark Wickens, John Newman, Garry Ferraris, and Rob Eversole.

The 50/50 Raffle was won by Greg Williams and the putting contest winner was Trent Gray, who both generously donated the raffle money back to Our Hospice.

 

Top four teams

1st Place: Team Gray

2nd Place: EMCOR Facilities Services 

3rd Place: Levensteins Abbey Carpet

4th Place: Charles Kirlin’s Team


IUPUC adds to athletics department

IUPUC is adding to its Athletics Department with the hiring of an Assistant Athletic Director and a Strength & Conditioning Coach, according to Athletic Director Zach McClellan.

 

Tyler Wright has been named IUPUC Assistant Athletic Director, responsible for game-day activities, marketing, sports-information and as an academic liaison for athletes. Wright comes to IUPUC from IU Bloomington, where he most recently served as Associate Director of Graduate Student Services. He holds a master’s degree in Recreation & Sport Administration from Western Kentucky University.

 

Paul Hafen, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology at IUPUC, is taking on the role of Strength & Conditioning Coach, in addition to his existing responsibilities. Hafen earned his doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). Hafen is designing comprehensive training regimens to help enhance athletes' strength, speed, power, and overall performance, as well as providing guidance on nutrition and lifestyle choices.

 

“We are very pleased to welcome Tyler to the Crimson Pride, and to expand Paul’s role to support our athletes,” McClellan said. “It’s an ideal time to grow our staff, as we are adding three new athletics teams for the upcoming school year, and we are officially joining the River States Conference for competition beginning in the fall of 2023.”

 

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) voted on April 2, 2023, to elevate IUPUC to active status, which is the regular membership status for the NAIA and makes IUPUC eligible for post-season competition.

 

IUPUC launched its athletics program in fall 2022 as an associate member of the NAIA with men’s and women’s cross country, followed by baseball and softball in spring 2023. IUPUC is adding men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball in 2023-2024. 

IHSAA Executive Committee amends Four-Class Proposal, Tournament Success Factor adjusted

During its final meeting of the 2022-23 school year today, the IHSAA Executive Committee approved a rule that changes the way schools are classified in four-class sports.

The Executive Committee voted to amend the original rule proposal from the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA) that would have changed how schools were classified in four-class sports by using fixed enrollment figures. Instead, by a 13-4-1 count, the Committee opted to maintain a percentage-based system and adjusted it to a 20-25-25-30 ratio.

Beginning with the next reclassification cycle, Class 4A will include the largest 20% of schools, Class 3A will be the next 25%, Class 2A the next 25% and Class A the smallest 30% of schools. Since 1997-98, the rule has required equally distributing schools (25%) among the four classes.

“The Board of Directors recognized the concerns brought to us by the IIAAA which were the enrollment gap in Class 4A and the smaller schools that were being moved up to a larger class without a significant enrollment change due to new member schools joining the Association,” said IHSAA Commissioner Paul Neidig. “This change also addresses a desire for schools to be in the same class in baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball but it also give us an opportunity to adjust those percentages in the future if necessary.”

The next two-year reclassification cycle begins with the 2024-25 school year with the certified enrollment figures reported to the Indiana Department of Education from the upcoming school year being used. Those will be released next winter. Additionally, classifying the four-class sports will be based on the entire membership total and not only those schools participating in a given sport effectively keeping sectional alignments similar across each sport.

The original proposal had been submitted by Neidig on behalf of the IIAAA but had been tabled by the Board of Directors for further study at its May 1 meeting and was brought back for action at today’s meeting.

Tournament Success Factor

Two proposals affecting the Tournament Success Factor (Rule 2-5) that had been tabled in May were also brought back for action.

A proposal from board member and Barr-Reeve Principal Jeff Doyle was approved after being amended. New language requires that a school’s performance and points accumulated in a two-year span will be looked at annually beginning in 2024-25. Currently, points accumulated in a specific two-year window determine whether a team moves up or stays up one or more classes.

Going forward, data from the previous two years will be reviewed and considered annually before making a determination.

A proposal from Yorktown Principal Stacey Brewer that called for schools that were playing in a higher class to drop down a class if they accumulated three points or less and those scoring four or more points to remain in that higher class, failed to receive support.


Bluelightspecial shines bright in Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Fillies Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Bluelightspecial shined bright in the 15th running of the $100,000 Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Fillies Handicap Wednesday, June 21 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Ridden by Manny Esquivel, the three-year-old filly earned her third straight win this year.

 

Starting from post four in the 10-filly lineup, Bluelightspecial got the green light from Esquivel to head to the lead. She was joined on the inside by Honey Red and Joe Ramos and Riley’s Redemption and DeShawn Parker on the outside with Ekati Flatter and Sammy Bermudez widest of all heading into the first turn of the one and one-sixteenth mile route. By the time the field had hit the backside, Bluelightspecial had established herself as the leader and set the tempo to the final turn.

 

Corningstone and Joe Talamo came up on the outside in mid-turn to challenge, but Bluelightspecial extended her stride and took back the lead for the stretch drive. In the stretch, she pulled away to a three and three-quarter length advantage for the win in 1:44.15. Corningstone was a comfortable second over Honey Red.

 

“I was able to give her a little breather in the second turn, and when the six (Corningstone) came up on her, she took off,” said Esquivel. “She had a lot of horse left at that point.”

 

Bluelightspecial was the favorite of the field, paying $2.80. The Indiana bred daughter of Super Saver is owned by Andrew Knapczyk and Contreras Stable. Cipriano Contreras handles the training duties for the filly, who is now five for 12 lifetime with earnings of more than $275,000.

 

“My owner Andy (Andrew Knapczyk) bought this filly out of the Ocala Sale as a two-year-old,” said trainer Cipriano Contreras. “She was already broke when I got her. She has always been well mannered and nice to be around. I haven’t seen too much of a change in her this year. She’s matured a little. She was a nice filly last year too. She just seems to get better with every start.”

 

Esquivel has ridden Bluelightspecial to three of her five career wins. Now riding full time in Indiana, he was among the track’s top five jockeys last season and has ridden the filly in all of her Indiana starts.

 

“She broke on top from the gate in both of her starts here this year and has raced well on the front,” said Esquivel. “But I don’t see any reason why she can’t come from behind too. She was a very nice filly last year too. In the Back Home Again race going short last year, she had traffic trouble several times and still finished third. She is very easy to ride and doesn’t do anything wrong. That is the type of horse you always want to ride.”

 

The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Live racing is held Tuesday through Thursday with Saturday racing added in during the summer months. First post Tuesday and Wednesday is 2:30 p.m. Thursday racing begins at 2:10 p.m. The Summer Saturday Racing Series includes five all-Quarter Horse dates July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. Indiana’s featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for 12 p.m. Saturday, July 8. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

Lucas Oil Stadium will be multi-purpose venue for NBA All-Star 2024

The NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced  that State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 17.

As one of the most anticipated events during NBA All-Star, State Farm All-Star Saturday Night brings together many of the league’s brightest stars to showcase their skills in AT&T Slam Dunk, the Starry 3-Point Contest, and the Kia Skills Challenge. The 73rd NBA All-Star Game will be held on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
10,500 tickets will go on sale to the public for $24, $49, and $79 on July 24. Fans in Indiana will have the first opportunity to buy and should sign up to receive more information about the on-sale process at Pacers.com/AllStar2024. Additionally, the Host Committee will purchase and distribute 2,400 tickets free of charge to local partners, community groups, and non-profits.
“State Farm All-Star Saturday Night is one of the most exciting and entertaining nights in all of sports, and holding it at Lucas Oil Stadium, one of football’s most iconic venues which was also thoughtfully designed for basketball events, enables us to make it more accessible than ever to our community,” said Rick Fuson CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “This focus on community is one of the ways that will make NBA All-Star 2024 in Indianapolis so special and unique, and I am grateful to our friends and partners at the NBA and the Capital Improvement Board for working with us to make this possible.”
The Host Committee also announced that, thanks to the generosity of IndyGo, the Indianapolis Foundation, and donors to the Indy Championship Fund, IndyGo buses will be free for all riders for the duration of NBA All-Star 2024 from Feb. 15-18. Buses will offer extended service, ensuring that riders will have easy transportation home following downtown events. The Pacers Bike Share, operated by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, will also be free during the four days of NBA All-Star 2024.
“Between two top-tier sports venues, four days of free public transit, and one of the most walkable downtowns in America, NBA All-Star has never been more accessible or fan-friendly,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “It’s no surprise. When it comes to hosting large events, Indianapolis does it like nobody else.”
In addition to hosting one of the most beloved annual All-Star events, the use of Lucas Oil Stadium allows organizers to maximize this versatile downtown facility for fan engagement. NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities will take place on the south end of the stadium, with roughly 35,000 seats surrounding the court, while the north end will be used for concerts and performances. More details on those events will be shared at a later date.
“We are thrilled to bring State Farm All-Star Saturday Night to Lucas Oil Stadium, where the event will be enjoyed by more fans than ever before,” said Kelly Flatow, Head of Events, NBA. “We appreciate the incredible collaboration from the NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee and the Capital Improvement Board to bring this to life, further helping us realize our vision in building an inclusive and fan-first NBA All-Star 2024.”
The walkability and connectivity of downtown Indianapolis help make the city ideal for hosting large events of this kind. For decades, city and state leaders have invested in downtown sports amenities that are both world-class and convenient for fans and visitors, and the proximity of Lucas Oil Stadium to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Convention Center, and other key locations will make the NBA All-Star 2024 experience as fan-friendly and community-centric as possible.
"NBA All-Star and All-Star Saturday Night exemplify how our community comes together to celebrate our venerated sport of basketball with exciting and affordable events, and we can't wait to welcome fans to Lucas Oil Stadium for the activities we're hosting, said CIB Executive Director Andy Mallon. “I am grateful to IndyGo and Pacers Bike Share for offering free transportation for those wanting to make the trip from the Fieldhouse to the Stadium, and for those who haven't visited the Stadium in a long time or who are ready to make their first visit, NBA All-Star Saturday Night is the perfect time to check it out."


Golden Bears basketball camp continues to grow

The Shelbyville High School boys basketball program recently held its summer youth camp with multiple sessions for boys in grades kindergarten through eighth grade.

A total of 73 potential future Golden Bears honed their basketball skills under the direction of head coach John Hartnett’s coaching staff and players.

“This was a very satisfying week for us at the camp which seems to get bigger and better each year,” said Hartnett. “The players worked hard and had fun. We have so many who return to participate. Their basketball development from year to year is very evident.

“Our high school players did an excellent job of instructing and interacting with the kids as well. We really enjoy hosting the camp every year.”

 

Shelbyville High School basketball player Kohen Myers and the kindergarten and first-grade campers

 

Players participated in a variety of drills to emphasize fundamentals. There also were scrimmages and individual competition.

All of the campers received a 2023 Golden Bear Camp T-shirt.

Golden Bear Camp individual contest winners were:

  • Knockout competition: Eli Lockridge (2nd-3rd grade), Will Shively (4th-5th grade), Levi Martzall (6th grade), Austin Martzall (7th-8th grade)
  • Spot Shot competition: Kyson Ash (2nd-3rd grade), Tucker Reed (4th-5th grade), Kingston Ash (6th grade), Jasper Hahn (7th-8th grade)
  • Free Throw competition: Kyson Ash (2nd-3rd grade), Tate Greene (4th-5th grade), Kingston Ash (6th grade), Austin Martzall (7th-8th grade)

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Virginia earns College World Series berth with Sunday's win over Duke

Damon Lux’s collegiate baseball career closed out one win short of reaching the College World Series.

Duke scored the Charlottesville Super Regional series-opening win Friday at Virginia, 5-4, but the Cavaliers responded with 14-4 and 12-2 victories Saturday and Sunday to earn the College World Series berth.

Lux, a Shelbyville graduate in his final year of eligibility at Duke, had four hits in the series including a double and a home run and drove in four.

 

 

In game one, Lux staked the Blue Devils to a 2-0 lead in the third inning with his 10th home run of the season.

Virginia kept its season alive Saturday with a consistent offensive performance that produced runs in five of the first six innings.

Lux had two hits including a run-scoring double in the fourth inning that cut the Virginia lead to 4-3.

The Cavaliers scored the next 10 runs from there which negated Lux’s RBI-single in the eighth inning.

In the series finale Sunday, Virginia struck first with a 5-run second inning and never trailed. Lux went 1-for-3 in his final game with the Blue Devils, who finished 39-24.

With the series win, Virginia (50-13) will make its sixth appearance in the College World Series.

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Golf season ends at regionals for six local golfers

All six Shelby County golfers failed to break 80 in Thursday’s regional tournaments bringing an end to the local high school sports season.

Shelbyville carded a team score of 342 at Champions Pointe in Henryville to finish 10th in the Providence Regional.

The top three teams advanced to the State Finals. They were Center Grove (292), Floyd Central (300) and Columbus North (303).

The top two low individuals not on an advancing team also moved on to the state championship tournament. They were Providence’s Baline Beckort (70), the regional medalist, and Borden’s A.J. Agnew (72).

Eli Baker (photo), a senior, led Shelbyville with a 9-over par score of 82 (41-41). DaMiles McDuffey (43-43) and Jake Garrison (44-42) each shot 86. Brock Wischmeyer followed at 88 (44-44) and Logan Reinhart posted 107 (50-57).

Triton Central’s Oliver Gearlds did not make the cut at the Muncie Central Regional.

At the Players Club Thursday, Hamilton Southeastern (289), Tipton (303) and Noblesville (306) advanced to the State Finals. Individually, Eastbrook’s Aaron Fulda and Chatard’s Will Pruitt each shot 75 to advance.

Hamilton Southeastern’s Mattingly Upchurch was the regional medalist after defeating Tipton’s Maverick Conaway in a playoff after each shot 70.

Gearlds started well, playing the front nine in 39 but could not go lower on the back nine and carded an 8-over par 80 in his final high school tournament.

Gearlds will play collegiately at Indiana University Kokomo.

The State Finals are Tuesday and Wednesday at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.

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Botox Katie shocks field in Shelby County at Horseshoe Indianapolis

Botox Katie and Santo Sanjur were not even part of the conversation in the pre-race analysis, but they certainly became the headline story at the end.

The duo scored the upset in the 20th running of the $100,000 Shelby County Wednesday at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville.

Botox Katie began her six-furlong sprint from post two and was in last place as Forever Noted and Fernando De La Cruz and Betcha with DeShawn Parker aboard held down the top spots. Belle Bolle and Malcolm Franklin were also in the early mix with a swift pace setting up.

Horses began to make their move in the turn as the leaders held on gamely to their advantage. Botox Katie was behind the outer flow of traffic.

In the stretch, Botox Katie moved into contention and was fourth as Bella Bolle took control of the lead. Once she had clearance, the six-year-old kicked into a closing gear that drove her right past Bella Bolle for the win by one and one-quarter lengths. Liv Evie and Rodney Prescott closed in for third.

“There was a lot of speed in this race, so we just wanted to let the speed go because I knew she (Botox Katie) has a kick,” said Sanjur. “We wanted to get away from the break as well as we could and play it by ear from there. The race set up perfectly for her and when she came out, she was running.”

Botox Katie lit up the tote board, paying $185 for the win. The daughter of Domestic Dispute is owned by Thirstyacres Racing LLC and trained by owner Tianna Richardville. The mare was bred and raised by Richardville, who owns a farm complete with a breeding operation in Shelbyville, just minutes from Horseshoe Indianapolis.

She (Botox Katie) is a pretty special mare to us,” said Richardville. “She didn’t even start racing until she was five (last year). She had a slight tendon problem and we turned her out at three. She had a great year last year and proved just giving her the time she needed paid off.”

Botox Katie earned her first win of 2023 and her fourth overall. She now has more than $160,000 on her card in only two years of racing. It was the first time Sanjur had been aboard the mare in a race.

“I thought she needed a couple races to get fit this year,” said Richardville. “She ran well for us last year and had a good year, making almost $100,000. Santo was actually supposed to ride her in her last race, but he was sick that day and we had to make a rider change. Santo has been breezing her in the mornings. I thought she would be better running longer, but she ran a great race today. This is so exciting to get this win today.”

 

 

William Henry Harrison

Manuelito and Josh Morales used every bit of the six furlongs in the 20th running of the $100,000 William Henry Harrison Wednesday. The five-year-old was in full gear as he chased down the leaders in the stretch to score the victory, his first win of 2023 and the first career premier racing win for Morales.

Manuelito (photo, center) was in the center of the gate when it sprung open and just as expected, several speed horses headed out to the lead. Mr Chaos had the early advantage inside, joined by Tay and Alberto Burgos on the outside through the early stages of the sprint.

Around the turn, Too Bad Justice and Joe Ramos began moving up to challenge with Manuelito waiting patiently for the stretch before advancing.

In the stretch, Manuelito moved widest of all and had a straight shot to the finish line. He passed a few horses and appeared to take a breather before hitting yet another gear, striding out for the win by a neck over Mr Chaos. Tay finished third.

“He was very good at the break, and we knew there was a lot of speed, so we just took our time,” said Morales. “He came up on the outside and it probably looked like he stalled a little, but he just has a habit of staying with the horses. I had a lot of horse at that point and knew he had a lot left.”

Manuelito paid $22.40 for the win. The five-year-old son of Majestic Harbor is owned by Haran Thoroughbreds. Trainer John Haran purchased the Indiana-sired gelding as a yearling from the ITOBA Fall Sale for $3,800 from breeder Dawn Martin. He now has more than $270,000 on his card with four career wins.

Morales has ridden him to victory in three of his four career wins, but the win in the William Henry Harrison was the first time the two connected this season.

“I can see a big difference in him this year,” added Morales. “He’s a lot more mature and a lot more focused. I get on him a lot in the mornings and I can really see a difference.”

Morales and his wife, Sharien, live year-round in Shelbyville. Their son, Owenne, just completed first grade at Coulston Elementary School.

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Shelbyville freshman named to All-HHC Baseball squad

Aiden Smith arrived at Shelbyville High School as a freshman with plenty of “hype.”

A highly-successful travel baseball player, Smith (photo) fit in seamlessly with Shelbyville’s varsity squad and produced immediately on the mound and at the plate. And it earned him his first All-Conference selection.

The Hoosier Heritage Conference announced its 21-player All-Conference Baseball Team Monday and Smith was Shelbyville’s lone representative after a 14-14 season.

Smith finished his first season with a 5-3 record on the mound with a 2.40 earned run average. He pitched 46.2 innings and allowed 35 hits and just 16 earned runs while striking out 67.

Smith also led the Golden Bears in batting average (.430), doubles (10), runs scored (29) and runs batted in (21).

Also named All-HHC were Delta’s Zane Cline; Greenfield-Central’s A.J. Oden, Grant Shepherd, Conner Sims and Andrew Zellers; Mt. Vernon’s Eli Bridenthal, Nick Heitman, Konnor Scheidt, Cameron Sullivan and Joseph Wilson; New Castle’s Gavin Frazier; New Palestine’s Blaine Nunnally, Wes Stiller and Michael Thorpe; Pendleton Heights’ Nathan Gilmet and Spencer Leppink; and Yorktown’s Jackson Furnish, Jacob Grim, Jayce Key and Cole Temple.

Mt. Vernon was crowned HHC champion with a 13-1 record against conference foes. The Marauders finished the season 22-8.

Yorktown was conference runner-up at 19-7 (11-3 HHC) ahead of New Palestine (23-9, 9-5), Greenfield-Central (15-11-2, 8-6), Shelbyville (14-14, 6-8), Pendleton Heights (13-14, 5-9), Delta (11-17, 2-12) and New Castle (7-19, 2-12).

New Palestine’s Shawn Lyons and Yorktown’s P.J. Fauquher were named HHC Co-Coaches of the Year.

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Artificial turf project at McKeand Stadium underway

The new artificial turf playing surface and new track project at Shelbyville High School’s J.M. McKeand Stadium is underway.

Work started Tuesday with the grass playing surface being stripped and hauled away.

An artificial turf playing surface will be installed in time for Shelbyville’s football home opener on Aug. 25 when Rushville comes to town for a week two game.

 

 

The Golden Bears open the 2023 season on Aug. 18 at Greensburg before hosting Rushville and Delta in back-to-back weeks.

For more on the project, go to https://shelbycountypost.com/sports/664628

Steve Bush photos

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Lux named to All-Regional Team after Duke's Conway Regional win

Despite hitting .237 going into the Conway Regional, Damon Lux felt good about his swing.

Duke was the benefit of the Shelbyville graduate’s confidence. Lux had five hits, including two doubles and two home runs, and eight runs batted in to help Duke advance to the Super Regional.

The Blue Devils routed Coastal Carolina, 12-3, Monday at Springs Brooks Stadium to win the Conway Regional in front of a stadium-record crowd of 5,102. Lux had a walk, a double and scored a run to improve Duke to 38-22 this season.

“I’m feeling good,” said Lux prior to the start of the postseason. “I feel really good at the plate but the numbers don’t really say that. I’ve had some games with some good swings and just pop out. My approach is solid so I just need to keep doing what I’m doing and good things will happen and things will fall.”

 

 

In Duke’s opener Friday against North Carolina Wilmington, Lux had two hits, two runs scored and three RBIs in a 12-3 win. With the game tied in the fourth inning, Lux smashed a two-run home run to stake Duke to a 4-2 lead it never surrendered.

On Saturday, Lux delivered a ninth-inning sacrifice fly to get Duke a 2-1 victory over Rider and a berth in the regional championship game.

“In the situation, I was just trying to get something far enough into the outfield to where he could tag up and score. With (Giovanni DiGiacomo) on third, it wasn’t going to be difficult to get something deep enough,” said Lux in a postgame media interview. “I wanted to do it as early as possible to avoid being in a pitcher’s count. I got an elevated fastball and was able to drive it deep enough for Gio to score.”

 

 

Coastal Carolina forced a second championship game in the double-elimination format with an 8-6 win Sunday. Lux (photo) had a second-inning grand slam that put Duke up 5-4 but the Blue Devils could not hold on to the lead to set up a winner-takes-all championship game Monday.

Lux was one of 12 players named to the All-Regional Team based on his performance.

Duke and Virginia open a best-of-three series Friday at noon at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. The game will air on ESPN2.

The two teams meet again Saturday at noon on ESPN2.

The Blue Devils won two game in a three-game series in late April at Virginia. Duke secured 17-5 and 7-3 wins. Virginia won the middle game of the series, 10-2.

The super regional winner advances to the College World Series.

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TC's Gearlds advances to regional with medalist honor at Greenfield-Central Sectional

Oliver Gearlds wants to close out his Triton Central golfing career at the state championship tournament. The Indiana University Kokomo commit took the first step toward making that happen Monday by winning the sectional title at the Greenfield-Central Sectional.

Playing at Hawk’s Tail Golf Course in Greenfield, a course Gearlds (photo) knows well, the recent TC graduate played the front nine in 2-over par 38 and shot even par on the back nine to post a 74 which bested the 11-team field.

Gearlds, Shenandoah’s Bryce Craig (79) and Tri’s Gracen Huffman (81) advanced to the Muncie Central Regional along with the top three finishing teams – Greenfield-Central (319), Mt. Vernon (324) and New Palestine (341).

Triton Central finished seventh in the team standings with a 372. Following Gearlds on the scorecard were Chase Chandler (96), Derreck Uhls (98), Maxwell Ray (104) and Garrett Eberhardt (112).

Regional Preview

Gearlds and the Shelbyville Golden Bears will compete in regional tournaments Thursday.

Gearlds heads northeast to the Muncie Central Regional that will be contested at The Players Club. He will have to post one of the top two low scores from golfers not on an advancing team to qualify for the State Finals on June 13-14 at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.

The Muncie Central Regional features the qualifiers from sectionals hosted by Norwell, Indianapolis Cathedral, Noblesville, Monroe Central and Greenfield-Central.

 

 

Shelbyville finished third Friday at the Greensburg Sectional to earn a regional berth. The fivesome of Eli Baker (84), Jake Garrison (73), Brock Wischmeyer (83), DaMiles McDuffey (86) and Logan Reinhart (89) all shot below 90 to get the Golden Bears the final qualifying spot behind Columbus North and Columbus East.

Shelbyville will compete Thursday in the Providence Regional played at Champions Pointe Golf Club in Henryville. Another top-three finish will be needed to advance to the State Finals.

The Providence Regional features the qualifiers from sectionals hosted by Franklin, Richmond, Greensburg, Madison and Providence.

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The Dirty Wagon rolls to victory in Harley Greene Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis

The Dirty Wagon took the right path to victory Saturday during the first of six all-Quarter Horse racing days at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville. Guided by German Rodriguez, the three-year-old Indiana-sired gelding scored his first career stakes win in the ninth running of the $108,900 Harley Greene Derby.

Starting from post two, The Dirty Wagon (photo) was a factor from the start, holding his ground inside with the rest of the field. Midway through the 350-yard dash, it was anyone’s race to win with the entire field stretched across the track. It wasn’t until the final strides that The Dirty Wagon finally got a nose in front and proceeded to take the title by a neck over Tachas Street and Fernando Morin. AJK Forgiven and Jose Ruiz finished another half length back in third along the inside.

Less than a length and a half separated the top five finishers in the race.

“He’s a little difficult to ride, but that is why I stuck with him,” said Rodriguez. “I rode him last year as a two-year-old and then stuck with him this year. He’s not easy to ride. The main thing is to just try to keep him calm. He is too fired up all the time.”

The Dirty Wagon paid $6.80 to his backers. The On the Wagon gelding is owned by Keith Bode and Debbie Smith and trained by Horseshoe Indianapolis nine-time leading trainer Randy Smith. Amy Youngblood Peoples bred the sophomore, who earned his fourth career win in nine career starts. After winning his trial, he was ranked eighth on the list of qualifiers. The Dirty Wagon is now 2-for-2 in 2023.

“I told Randy last year he just kept going and going at 300 and he would be better this year at 350,” said Rodriguez. “He just keeps getting better and better and he’s definitely a distance horse.”

 

 

Born Runner Classic

Stone Lake (photo) has now won at least one race for four consecutive years at Horseshoe Indianapolis. His latest trip to the winner’s circle was in the 14th running of the $83,000 Born Runner Classic. The five-year-old son of Escondido Beach now has more than $387,000 on his card and is inching closer to a spot in the top five all-time leading Indiana-sired Quarter Horses in state history.

Stone Lake and L.D. “Danny” Martinez were the last in the gate of the 400-yard dash and began their journey from the outside in post 10. When the gate sprung, Stone Lake was wide to the outside of the rest of his opponents until midway through the race. Sarahs Violin and Jose Ruiz were the early leaders but as the wire neared, so did Stone Lake along with HH CJ Shake and Cesar Esqueda and Beach Blast with Juan Marquez aboard. The trio closed with a burst of speed to land at the wire together, giving Stone Lake the edge by a neck over HH CJ Shake. Beach Blast finished another nose back in third.

Stone Lake was overlooked by the bettors, paying $22.20 for the win. The time of the sprint was 19.833 seconds, the second quickest in the 14-year history of the event. Bred by Sheri Miller’s Miller Ranch of Shipshewana, Indiana, Stone Lake earned his third career stakes win for owner-trainer Tony Cunningham.

The petite chestnut gelding now has nine wins in 22 career starts.

“Every year, he seems like a slow starter,” said Cunningham. “In his last race, he finished fourth to this group, but he stepped out and ran his race today. He’s a good horse, and he’ll do that at the gate, but they load him in from the side, so you generally don’t see it, but he was last in today, so it was more noticeable.”

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Couch, Fillippinie selected to All-ICC Softball squad

Two Triton Central softball players were named All-Conference by the Indiana Crossroads Conference.

Sophomores Brylie Couch (main photo) and Lillie Fillippinie earned the designation based on strong performances this season for a team that finished 20-6.

The pair combined to win 15 games this season in the pitcher’s circle and racked up more than 200 strikeouts.

 

 

Fillippinie (photo), .536 batting average, and Couch (.471) also led the Tigers in batting average and combined for 11 home runs, 20 doubles and 59 runs batted in.

A total of 18 players were named All-ICC – a conference that crowned four regional champions.

Also named all-conference were Cascade’s Grace Gray, Ava Allen, Megan Walker, Ruby Gray and Tara Gruca; Beech Grove’s Malone Moore, Lillianna Jansen and Kylee Robinson; Indianapolis Lutheran’s Leyla Miller, Mystic Means, Brooklyn Barger and Kayla Burns; Speedway’s Ella Hedrick; Monrovia’s Ashley Lewis, Indianapolis Ritter’s Dayna Cram; and Indianapolis Scecina’s Campbell Guss.

Cascade won the ICC title with a 7-0 mark. The Cadets finished with a 24-5 record.

Lutheran (20-8, 6-1 ICC) was the conference runner-up with Triton Central (20-6, 5-2), Beech Grove (21-7, 3-4), Speedway (10-9, 3-4), Monrovia (4-18, 3-4), Scecina (5-15, 1-6) and Ritter (1-21, 0-7) following in the standings.

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Triton Central's softball season ends with semistate semifinal loss to Hauser

Triton Central grabbed the early lead over Hauser in the Class 2A Forest Park Semistate semifinal game Saturday morning but could not keep the Jets grounded.

A 4-run first inning for the Tigers was countered by a 6-run second inning by the Jets. Two more runs in the third created a 10-6 lead Triton Central could not overcome.

Hauser advanced to the semistate championship game Saturday night with a 10-7 victory. The Jets were defeated by 2A No. 1 North Posey, 10-0, in the title game.

Hauser starting pitcher Paige McDaniel was roughed up early, allowing four runs in the first inning but limited the Tigers to single runs over the next three innings while her team’s offense heated up. The junior allowed 11 hits and one walk while striking out four to earn the win.

Lillie Fillippinie and Brylie Couch combined to allow 10 Hauser hits and three walks. The sophomores had six strikeouts.

Madison Collins had a bases-clearing triple in the first inning and finished with four runs batted in for Triton Central (20-6).

Madi Peterson had three hits, a run scored and a run batted in.

Kyra Meister and Lucie Asher each had three hits for Hauser (25-8). McDaniel had a home run and drove in three runs.

Triton Central added a second sectional championship to its program history this season -- and secured the program’s first regional title. The roster had no seniors and just two juniors in the starting lineup Saturday.

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Shelbyville finishes third at golf sectional to qualify for Providence Regional

With three golfers finishing within three strokes of each other, Shelbyville secured the final advancing position at Friday’s Greensburg Sectional.

Jake Garrison posted one of the best rounds of the tournament with a 73 and Brock Wischmeyer (83), Eli Baker (84) and DaMiles McDuffey (86) stayed close together to get the Golden Bears a team score of 326 – good enough for a third-place finish at the Greensburg Country Club.

Columbus North captured the sectional title with a 292, led by Tyler Wilks’ 71 and Jack Schiavello’s 72.

Columbus East was runner-up with Pierce Arnholt posting a 72.

Garrison had the next best round and helped Shelbyville hold off Greensburg (328), North Decatur (331), Batesville (332) and East Central (337). Also competing Friday were Milan (351), Hauser (365), Jac-Cen-Del (385), South Ripley (419), Waldron (Inc.), Southwestern (Inc.) and South Decatur (Inc.)

In addition to the three advancing teams to Thursday’s Providence Regional, the top three scoring individuals not on an advancing team qualified and advanced. They are North Decatur’s Carson Parmer (75) and Jack Koehne (78) and Greensburg’s Colten Schroeder.

Shelbyville’s scorecard was completed by Logan Reinhart’s 89.

For Waldron, Lucas Shaw shot 87. Lucas Mitchell (96) and Josh Kellems (99) completed the lineup.

Southwestern’s Brayden Dunbar posted 126.

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Triton Central set for semistate semifinal against Hauser

FAIRLAND -- The Indiana Crossroads Conference crowned four softball regional champions Tuesday night. Two are on the road to Ferdinand, Indiana, for Saturday’s Forest Park Regional.

Class 2A, No. 6 Cascade (24-4), the ICC champion, will take on 2A No. 1 North Posey (26-0) in the second semifinal game.

In the opener at 11 a.m. (EST), unranked Triton Central (20-5) will face unranked Hauser (24-7).

The semistate championship game is slated for 7 p.m. with the winner advancing to the Class 2A State Championship Game on June 9 or June 10 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette.

Triton Central head coach Aaron Pyle took a huge gamble Tuesday night, trusted his sophomore pitcher, and prevailed 4-3 in eight innings at Union County to capture the program’s first regional title.

Leading 3-2 going to the bottom of the seventh inning, Pyle knew starting pitcher Brylie Couch would have to deal with Union County’s twin powerhouses, senior Shelby Hill (.539 average, 11 home runs, 55 runs batted in) and junior AnnaLea Adams (.813, 15 home runs, 56 RBIs), one more time.

With the tying run at second base and two outs, Pyle intentionally walked both to load the bases. A base hit would not only tie the game but, potentially, seal the regional title for the Patriots.

“We looked back throughout the game and it was their two top batters getting the majority of the hits,” explained Pyle. “We felt we had better luck with 4-9 (in the lineup).”

Couch ended up walking the ensuing batter to tie the game but got the next hitter out to send the game to extra innings. The escape provided momentum for the eighth inning.

Jadyn Capps led off the eighth with a triple and Hailey Harris doubled to quickly get Triton Central back in front.

Bolstered by the lead again and the bottom half of the order on tap, Couch set down the Patriots and closed out a complete-game performance where she had 16 strikeouts.

Triton Central had eight hits in the win, including Brooklyn Adkins’ first career home run.

The Tigers will now drive nearly three hours southwest to Ferdinand to battle a softball program located just 29 miles from its Fairland campus.

“We know it will be a good game,” said Pyle. “If we both play our game, it will be one of those 1-run or 2-run games. Whoever starts hitting the quickest will come out on top.”

 

 

Hauser (photo) will start junior Paige McDaniel (20-7, 2.78 earned run average, 138.1 innings, 155 strikeouts) in the circle. She eclipsed her 60th career win earlier this season.

Triton Central will counter with sophomore Lillie Fillippinie (7-2, 1.53 earned run average), who has 102 strikeouts in 55 innings this season.

“We are going to go with Lillie starting out and ride with her,” said Pyle, who will then have Couch ready in relief if necessary. “I have total faith that she can go all the way.”

Pyle won’t let himself game plan just yet for a Saturday night game. The Tigers either will get a rematch with Cascade, who defeated TC, 9-1, on April 25 or face unbeaten North Posey and senior standout pitcher Erin Hoehn (17-0, 0.35 ERA, 119.2 innings, 261 strikeouts), who will pitch collegiately at the University of Michigan.

“I have kind of looked to kind of see, but that’s pretty much to the extent that I’ve looked at,” admitted Pyle.

The other two ICC teams playing Saturday for semistate titles are Beech Grove and Indianapolis Lutheran.

In the Class 3A Jasper Semistate, Beech Grove (21-6) faces 2022 3A state runner-up Tri-West (25-5), ranked No. 6 in 3A, in the first semifinal game. No. 9 Silver Creek (27-9) and No. 2 Gibson Southern (27-4) meet in the other semifinal.

Class A, No. 7 Lutheran (19-7) opens the North Daviess Semistate against No. 6 Lanesville (24-5). The other semifinal game pits No. 1 Tecumseh (22-9), the defending Class A state champion, against No. 13 Clay City (18-9).

“That just proves to show that the ICC is a tough conference,” said Pyle. “If you are going to be in the top half (of the standings), you are going to have to know how to play and be tough, play good defense and put offense together too.”

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Triton Central tennis earns four All-ICC honors

The Indiana Crossroads Conference champions placed four athletes on the All-ICC Girls Tennis Team.

Triton Central finished 5-0 against ICC foes this season to earn the conference title.

Representing Triton Central on the All-ICC squad are Maryrose Felling, Lauren Grant, Audrey Canter and Maddy Brown.

The 10-player squad also included Indianapolis Lutheran’s Rachel Bolton and Malin Bullock and Speedway’s Alex DeLisle, Daniella Galvez, Hser Ler and Isabel Moreno.

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Registration open for Youth Track Clinic

Shelbyville High School track and field coach Nick Blakey will conduct a Youth Track Clinic later this month.

Youth in incoming grades 4-8 interested in track sprinting will learn how to be better and faster sprinters under the direction of Blakey and several Shelbyville track athletes and alumni.

The clinic will go four days from June 26 through June 29 at Waldron High School. Shelbyville’s McKeand Stadium is getting a new track surface this summer and is unavailable for use.

The clinic runs four consecutive days from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Registration fee is $50 per athlete and can be completed online at feedthebears.run/youth.

Registration also can occur at the first session. Checks should be made out to the Golden Bear Booster Club with “Track & Field” in the memo line and brought to the first session the athlete attends.

All proceeds go directly to the Shelbyville High School Track and Field program.

All four camp sessions will start at 6 p.m. and follow a similar format with water breaks scheduled.

  • 6 p.m. – brief warm-up
  • 6:15 p.m. – sprint drills
  • 6:45 p.m. – short timed sprints (10 meters, 20m, 35m, 40m)
  • 7:15 p.m. – competitive time trial (100m, 150m, 200m, 400m)
  • 7:25 p.m. – stretch and cool down
  • 7:30 p.m. – session ends

To get the most out of the clinic, athletes should arrive in athletic clothing and running shoes (spikes optional) and have a water bottle.

For more information, contact Blakey at coachblakey1@gmail.com

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Four Golden Bears named to All-HHC Softball Team

The Hoosier Heritage Conference announced the 2023 All-Conference Softball squad.

The highly-competitive conference that has produced two regional champions in Pendleton Heights and Yorktown honored 20 athletes with its All-HHC designation.

Shelbyville seniors Kylee Edwards and Hailey Pogue, junior Cheyenne Eads and sophomore Addie Stieneker were selected to represent the Golden Bears.

Edwards, a Mississippi State commit, hit .557 this season with eight doubles, 16 home runs and 47 runs scored.

Pogue (main photo), an Indianapolis commit, hit .457 with 17 doubles, four triples, two home runs, 26 runs batted in and 32 runs scored. She also finished with a 7-2 record in the pitcher’s circle.

Eads, Shelbyville’s No. 1 pitcher, collected 13 wins and 193 strikeouts this season. She also hit .344 with nine doubles, four home runs and 23 RBIs.

 

 

Stieneker (photo) followed up her strong freshman season with a .436 batting average with 12 doubles, seven home runs and 40 RBIs.

Also selected All-HHC were:

  • Greenfield-Central’s Camille Burelison and Olivia Roberts
  • Mt. Vernon’s Shelby Rakosky and Easton Wampler
  • New Castle’s Madi Moffitt
  • New Palestine’s Aglaia Rudd, Allie Blum, Paige Ernstes and Sydney Oliver
  • Pendleton Heights’ Bo Shelton, Katelin Goodwin, Kiah Hubble and Shelby Messer
  • Yorktown’s Lexy Morris, Caitlyn LaFerney and Abbie Booher

Shelbyville head coach Mark Hensley was named HHC Coach of the Year after leading the Golden Bears to a share of the HHC title for a second-consecutive season.

Shelbyville (20-8, 6-1 HHC) and New Palestine (23-5, 6-1 HHC) shared the HHC team title.

Pendleton Heights (24-5-1, 5-2) finished third ahead of Yorktown (17-8, 4-3), Greenfield-Central (18-9, 3-4), Mt. Vernon (14-11, 3-4), New Castle (9-15, 1-6) and Delta (1-24, 0-7).

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Triton Central's Shircliff, Sego named to All-ICC Baseball Team

A pair of Triton Central baseball players were selected to the Indiana Crossroads Conference’s 18-player All-Conference squad.

Mathew Shircliff, a junior, and freshman Eli Sego – Triton Central’s two leading hitters this season – were honored with All-ICC status.

Shircliff hit a team leading .377 with four doubles, three home runs and 26 runs batted in.

Sego followed at .357 for Triton Central and had seven doubles and 25 runs scored.

Also selected as All-ICC:

  • Cascade’s Logan Gibbs, Evan Lanphier, Jonas Johnson, Noah Dasgupta, Carson Bassett and Toby Savini
  • Speedway’s Zach Warrum and Ben Heaviland
  • Indianapolis Lutheran’s Josiah King and Owen Lecher
  • Monrovia’s Darius Compton
  • Beech Grove’s Cam Brown and Logan Muffler
  • Indianapolis Scecina’s David Mendez and Adam Young
  • Indianapolis Ritter’s Jake Dill

Cascade won the ICC title with a 12-2 record. The Cadets finished the season at 20-8.

Speedway was the runner-up at 15-13 (10-4 ICC) with Triton Central (14-14, 7-7) in third. Lutheran (16-12), Monrovia (10-17), Beech Grove (12-11) and Scecina (11-17) all finished 6-8 in the ICC standings. Ritter completed its season at 12-16 (3-11).

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Damon Lux's playing days at Duke winding down

Damon Lux is enjoying the down time in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, less than 24 hours before the first pitch of the NCAA Conway Regional.

Lux, a 2018 Shelbyville High School graduate, is a starting outfielder for Duke, the No. 2 seed at the four-team regional being played in Conway – just northwest of the South Carolina tourist destination.

 The Blue Devils (35-21) take on the No. 3 seed, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (34-21) at 1 p.m. Friday. At 7 p.m., No. 1 seed and host Coastal Carolina (39-19) takes on Rider (35-19).

The double-elimination regional continues through the weekend with the championship game slated for 6 p.m. Sunday. The “if necessary” game would be Monday.

The winner of the Conway Regional advances to the best-of-three Super Regional round to face the winner of the Charlottesville Regional, which includes Virginia, East Carolina, Oklahoma and Army.

The College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, follows from June 15-26.

 

 

Duke was playing like a World Series contender in late April and early May. A 4-3 win over Rider on May 10 pushed the Blue Devils’ record to 33-14 and they were ranked as high as No. 10 nationally.

However, Duke lost two of three in its final two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) series with Georgia Tech and No. 11 Miami and went 0-2 in the ACC Championship tournament.

“We had a hot streak there in April,” said Lux Thursday afternoon. “We were feeling good … playing good baseball. Then we finished up school and we got a little off offensively and our pitching gave up some hits and runs. It’s not that we’re playing bad baseball now, we’re just not playing as good as we were.”

Duke and UNC Wilmington did not face each other this season. Lux expects to get deeper into the scouting report on the Seahawks, the reigning Colonial Athletic Association regular-season and tournament champion, later today and Friday morning.

“For them to get to this point, we are not taking them lightly,” he said.

Coastal Carolina earned the No. 10 national seed in the NCAA tournament and the right to host the regional. Lux sees the Conway Regional as an open battle between four hard-nosed squads.

“This regional has a whole lot of gritty baseball teams that won’t go down without a fight,” he said.

 

 

With each win, Lux extends his playing career, which will come to an end after this season, another day.

“This will be it,” said the fifth-year senior who has a bachelor’s degree and one-year Master’s degree in his back pocket. “I don’t have the desire to go and play at the next level. I’m satisfied with what I’ve done to this point.”

And he has no regrets about choosing Duke University.

“They always say it’s the best of both worlds because of the sports and the academics,” said Lux. “They are exactly right. It’s a great education and the sports teams are top notch.”

Lux will pursue a career in financial management when his playing days are over.

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Shelbyville's Edwards, Eads earn All-State designation

Two Shelbyville softball players have earned All-State designation and senior Kylee Edwards has been selected to play in the 2023 North/South All-Star Game.

Edwards was one of 25 players named Class 3A/4A First Team All-State. The Mississippi State recruit led the Golden Bears with a .557 batting average, 16 home runs and 47 runs scored.

Other notable players honored with 3A/4A All-State status were Mooresville’s Alex Cooper, Roncalli’s Lyla Blackwell and Keagan Rothrock, Columbus North’s Maddi Rutan, New Palestine’s Aglaia Rudd, Connersville’s Sara Ruble and Columbus East’s Makenzie Foster.

Edwards also was one of 43 players selected for the June 24 North/South All-Star Game that will be played at Indiana University in Bloomington.

 

 

Shelbyville junior pitcher Cheyenne Eads (photo) was named Class 3A/4A Third Team All-State. She finished the season with a 13-7 record and 2.30 earned run average while leading the Golden Bears to their second-consecutive share of the Hoosier Heritage Conference title.

Eads was 5-1 with one no decision in starts against HHC competition. She also went 3-0 at the Columbus North Sectional to help the program capture its fourth sectional championship in the last six seasons.

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Prep Report: Shelby County golfers wrap up regular-season schedule

Shelbyville golf wrapped up its regular-season schedule with an 18-hole invitational Wednesday on its home course – Blue Bear Golf Course.

Frankton Gray captured the team title with a score of 333. Shelbyville finished runner-up at 335. Mooresville was third at 339.

Shelbyville’s Eli Baker earned the medalist honor with the low round of 80. Frankton’s Jace Scott and Shelbyville’s Jake Garrison each posted 81.

Also playing for Shelbyville were Brock Wischmeyer (86), Logan Reinhart (88) and DaMiles McDuffey (90).

Other teams competing in the invitational were Heritage Christian (358), Franklin Central (377), Frankton Red (382), Eastern Hancock (397) and Waldron.

Lucas Shaw topped Waldron with a 96.

In another golf invitational Tuesday:

 

 

Triton Central Invitational

Triton Central senior Oliver Gearlds brought home the medalist honor in his final regular-season golf match.

Gearlds posted a 73 at Hawk’s Tail Golf Course in Greenfield and helped the Tigers to a third-place finish.

Mount Vernon won the team title with a 312. New Palestine was runner-up at 345 with Triton Central Green shooting 350. Shenandoah was fourth (354), finishing ahead of Frankton (380), Blue River Valley (401) and Triton Central White (423).

Also competing for TC Green were Chase Chandler (82), Max Ray (97), Derreck Uhls (98) and Garrett Eberhardt (101).

The TC White roster consisted of Braden Brown (95), Taggart Goul (108), Andrew Mennel (109), Dayne Bailey (111) and Mason Yeoman (117).

 

 

IHSAA Sectionals

Triton Central will return to Hawk’s Tail Monday for the 12-team Greenfield-Central Sectional.

In the sectional format, the top three teams advance to the regional round of the state tournament and the top three low individuals not on an advancing team will qualify for a regional.

Teams competing at the Greenfield-Central Sectional are Blue River Valley, Eastern Hancock, Greenfield-Central, Knightstown, Mt. Vernon, New Castle, New Palestine, Shenandoah, Triton Central, Tri and Union (Modoc).

The Greenfield-Central Regional is one of five sectionals that feed into the Muncie Central Regional, which will be played at The Players Club on June 8.

Golfers representing Shelbyville, Southwestern and Waldron will compete Friday in the Greensburg Sectional at the Greensburg Country Club.

The 14-team sectional also includes Batesville, Columbus East, Columbus North, East Central, Greensburg, Hauser, Jac-Cen-Del, Milan, North Decatur, South Decatur and South Ripley.

The teams and individuals advancing from the Greensburg Sectional travel to Henryville on June 8 for the Providence Regional that will be  held at Champions Pointe Golf Course.

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