2023 Spring Season Wrap Up
The 2023 spring season wraps up with a laundry list of thank you’s and awards.
I’d say the first year of the “Behind the Gobbler Call” blog was an overwhelming success. Getting to tell even more stories about the teams we cover here at BHS was a tremendous honor. And it also helped that we had multiple teams that participated in the VHSL playoffs.
It was a tremendous year all around for us here at Gobblers Sports Network once again. Filled with preseason coaches chats, broadcasts and of course blogs. Getting to work with Micah has been a tremendous honor. Undoubtedly the hardest working man in show business. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t give my father, one Jeff Elliott, a shout out. Getting to work with him on this network is the greatest feeling ever.
Sappy thank you’s aside, let’s do one final recap for the 2022-23 softball and baseball seasons.
As of the last writing, each program was headed into playoff tilts. The baseball boys won a home playoff game over rival Spotswood- which I must admit was a thrilling victory. The Blazers are well coached and are always tough year in and out, so to beat them in a playoff game is a huge accomplishment. The baseball season ended with a road loss to LCA the following week. It was an outstanding year for first year head coach George Laase. He’s an unbelievable dude who’s put together a great staff to lead their players to success.
Winning a playoff game in your first season at a new school is one heck of a way to make a first impression. The boys were a joy to watch this season and I can’t wait to do it all over again next year!
The Softball Lady Gobblers were out of this world this season. The team made it back to the VHSL Class 3 State Tournament for the first time since 2017 with a lifetime of moments made along the way. After beating Fort Defiance in the Region 3C Quarterfinals, the Gobblers outlasted Liberty-Bedford in the Semifinals to reach the State Tournament. The Gobblers would fall to Rustburg in the Region Finals before facing Cave Spring in the State Quarterfinals in Roanoke. The Softball season would come to an end against an upper class loaded team in Cave Spring. Another shout out to head coach Becky Cantrell, who continues to be a great veteran mind that leads some awesome kids. For the accomplishments of the Softball Team this season, Coach Cantrell was tabbed the Valley District Coach of the Year by her fellow district coaches.
Speaking of awesome kids, each squad filled up the voting ballots for the valley district and region teams.
Starting with softball… Two Gobblers, Freshman Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) and Junior Jasmine Gett (Outfield) were named to the Valley District First Team, while Sophomores Emma Morris (Pitcher) and Brooklyn Spitzer (Shortstop), Seniors Jacklyn Williams (Second Base) and Serenity King (Utility) were named to the Valley District Second Team.
The Region Honors rolled in for the Gobblers Softball Team as well. Jasmine Gett (Outfield) and Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) were named to the All-Region First Team, while Junior Taylor Suters (At Large) was named to the All-Region Second Team.
The Gobblers Softball Team was also represented when it came to All-State selections. Freshman Lilah Deavers (Pitcher) and Junior Jasmine Gett (Outfield) were selected to the VHSL Class 3 All-State Second Team for their great play throughout the season.
Honors for the Baseball Team rolled in as well for the performance of the Gobblers throughout the regular season and postseason. Junior Mason Lynn (Pitcher), Sophomore Sy Crider (Catcher), Junior Bransen Hensley (Shortstop) and Senior Hunter Deavers (Outfield) were tabbed with All-District First Team Honors. Junior Conner Michael (Second Base) and Senior Isaac Wouters (First Base) were named to the All-District Second Team.
The Gobblers were also well represented on the All Region 3C Teams, with Sy Crider (Catcher), Isaac Wouters (First Base) and Bransen Hensley (Shortstop) were named to the All-Region First Team, while Conner Michael (Second Base), Hunter Deavers (Outfield) and Mason Lynn (Pitcher) were named to the All-Region Second Team.
The Baseball Honors didn’t end there. Junior Shortstop Bransen Hensley was named to the VHSL Class 3 All-State Second Team after hitting .440 with five doubles, four triples, one homerun and 24 RBIs to go along with 27 Stolen Bases. Hensley becomes the Gobblers first All-State Baseball selection Bryce Turner and Bryce Suters in 2019.
Congratulations to each athlete for your tremendous seasons this year. Getting recognition from coaches around the Valley and Region is a huge deal. Each one of you deserves it! And most importantly congratulations to each and every senior for your success at BHS over the course of your respective careers. Leaving high school may seem scary at first but, trust me, your journey has just begun.
Thank YOU, the loyal readers who make all of the good and bad times worth it. Your support keeps us going, it’s why we coach. We do it for the community we love most. Thank you all for everything, talk to you guys very very soon!
