Independence Patriots: 

Softball:  

Kirsten Kirby – The freshman catcher and utility player had a solid first season defensively for the Patriots in 13 games played. She is good behind the dish and can play the infield going forward. Expect her to step up next season offensively to make a more significant contribution.

Queens Grant Stallions: 

Baseball: 

Michael Ritch – The junior pitched a solid six innings to clinch the third round victory for the Stallions. He allowed one hit, 1 run, 3 walks and had 5 strikeouts facing 26 batters on 87 pitches to get the win to propel the team into the fourth round of the state playoffs.

Nick Kuebler – The junior went 1-3 with 2 RBI’s against Mount Airy, and 1-2 with 1, RBI vs. Uwharrie Charter Academy. On the season he batted a solid .455 with 12 extra base hits including 2 home runs and 32 RBI’s.

Leo Hoffer – The Butler transfer went 2-3 with 2 RBI’s in the Uwharrie fourth round game. He had a solid season on the mound for the Stallions with a 3.47 ERA and a 5-1 record.

Bryce Gorospe – The senior finished his final season with the Stallions.  He was the ace of the pitching staff and won many key ball games throughout the campaign. He posted a good 1.98 ERA with an 8-4 record. In the 3rd round playoff game he smacked a single for 2 RBI’s.

Alwin Duran – The freshman went 1-3, 1 run, 1 RBI in the 3rd round game, went 2-3 in the Uwharrie Charter 4th round game driving in two runs on a 360 foot double off the wall driving in 2 RBI’s. He hit a solid .430 with 31 hits, 33 RBI’s and 11 extra base hits including 2 home runs.

Andy Duran – The junior big brother went 1-3, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases in the 3rd round playoff game. The center fielder had an excellent defensive game against Uwharrie tracking down some potential extra base hits. He hit .409 on the season, with 16 extra base hits, 27 RBI’s, 24 stolen bases, including 3 home runs.

Jacob Beard –  The junior hit a solid .408 on the season on 31 hits, 19 RBI’s and 12 extra base hits including 1 home run. He worked a key walk for an RBI in the final game of the season to keep a 7th inning rally alive.

Spencer Smith – The senior lead-off hitter batted a nifty .373 with 30 hits during his last season as a Stallion. He had 14 extra base hits all doubles, and 20 stolen bases.

Cody Marsh – The sophomore batted .344 on the season with 11 hits, 10 RBI’s and 5 extra base hits all doubles. He went 1-3, 1 RBI in the 3rd round game of the state championships.

Track & Field 

Lucas Brown – The senior standout distance runner finished in first place in the 3200 Meters event at the state championships with a 9.52.66 time.

Rocky River Ravens:

Jirah Sidberry – The female track star finished second in the girls Long Jump at the state championships with a 18-06.00 leap in the 4A division category.

Christopher Alexander – The Ravens jumper won the Triple Jump competition with a 48.03.50 leap at the state championships.

Tim Smith – This track athlete finished third in the 110 Meter Hurdles event with a 14.69 time just a second off the winning pace.