FBAC champion Bethany Christian turns attention to state tournament
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
TROY — Troy Bethany Christian has made a nice comeback in recent years on the baseball diamond.
The Bruins continued hat surge this season, going 8-0 in the Fundamental Baptist Athletic Conference to win the outright league championship. Bethany shared the crown with Lake Orion Baptist last season, but defeated the Lions four times this season.
Bethany Christian, which is 13-7 on the season, drew the No. 2 seed for the upcoming Michigan Association of Christian Schools state tournament, which begins this week.
Bethany Christian will play at home at 2 p.m. Thursday for a sectional game against the winner of the Temperance State Christian-Rochester Hills Christian contest.
“I think we have played very well this season, especially against smaller schools,” said coach Mark Nowak, who inherited a program three years ago that had ventured through several losing campaigns. “We have three seniors on this team and one doesn’t normally start, so I am pleased because we’ll bring back.
“We’ve played some bigger schools this season,” added Nowak.”We played Plymouth Christian, and they are normally a good team. We played (Class B) Clawson. That will just make us tougher when we get to the state tournament.”
Senior Luke Combs has pitched five shutouts this season and is a candidate for League MVP honors. He is also batting around .400. Sophomore Noah Francis has emerged as the No. 2 starter, which should help the Bruins if they are to make a run in the MACS tournament last year. A year ago, Bethany Christian lost in the state semifinals.
Senior shortstop-pitcher Travis Woodham and junior center fielder Brett Hayhuyrst have come on strong, as has sophomores London Gathers, who has played multiple positions and has become the team’s No.3 pitcher. Junior Tyler Parsons has been solid behind the plate.
“We hope to get to the finals this season, but we have to take it one game at a time,” said Nowak.”Last year we lost to Stateline and we could see them in the second round Thursday. I know they (graduated) a lot of players, but they have one really good pitcher. We’ll likely face him.”
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Category: High School, High School (M-Z), Prep Wraps, Troy Bethany Christian, Troy Christian Leadership Acadamy
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