Gametime Henrico: March 20-26, 2023

The Wildcats had a strong showing at CNU’s 37th HS Captains Classic this past weekend, where they produced some of the state's top performances early in the outdoor season. Noah Arjona ran a Class 5-leading time of 11.34 in the 100-meter dash to finish second, Jack McDonald ran a personal best time of 52.90 to finish seventh overall, and Jahleel Miller (the indoor state runner-up in the shot put) had a massive 17-foot personal best in the discus, throwing 141 feet, 2 inches to finish fifth overall. Miller’s throw currently sits as the second best mark in Class 5.

Freeman High School

Freeman’s baseball team suffered its first loss of the season last Friday, falling 6-1 to a strong Godwin team. Despite the loss, the Mavs had some strong performances from Ryder Warren (1 for 3 with a steal) and Nolan Rayl (one run scored, three putouts on defense). The defending state champs are now 2-1 on the season, and will look to get back on track with a home game against Hermitage (3-1) this Tuesday.

Glen Allen High School

Freshman Daniel Nienaber led the Jaguars to a 3-1 victory over Deep Run (2-3) in their varsity baseball matchup last Friday. Nienaber was phenomenal on the mound, pitching a complete game and allowing just one run with nine sstrikeouts to improve the Jags’ record to 3-1 on the season. The defending Region 5C champs are off to a strong start this season and will look to keep their momentum going into their next game versus Atlee.

* * *

Grace Tharp had another strong performance on the mound last Friday, leading the way in a dominant 15-2 softball victory for Glen Allen over Deep Run (1-3). Tharp allowed just two runs on the night and had five strikeouts. Helen Haun dominated offensively with four hits (two singles, a double and a triple). The Jags are now 5-0 on the season and will host Atlee this week.

Godwin High School

Luke Smyers and Garrett Mason had a strong night on the mound last Friday, leading the Eagles to a 6-1 victory over Freeman (2-1). Smyers pitched four innings and recorded 10 strikeouts. Mason sealed the deal with three strikeouts within three innings to keep the Eagles’ undefeated season alive. Offensively, Justin Tobin went 1 for 3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Dylan Hudson was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored, and Hank Piersol was 2 for 3 with two RBIs. Caelan Funk, Eric Capps and Mason each had a hit and scored a run. The Eagles are now ranked third among all teams in Class 5 after defeating the defending state champions and will face Hermitage on road for their next matchup on Thursday.

Henrico High School

Zavion Jackson had a monster night at the plate to lead the Warriors’ baseball squad to their first victory of the season, 9-7 over Huguenot (2-2). Jackson went 3 for 4 with three RBIs on a double, triple and home run, and had a perfect night fielding, with three putouts. Aladin Simms also had a big night, posting a perfect fielding percentage with 12 putouts and a hit, two RBIs and two stolen bases. The Warriors are now 1-3 this season and will go on the road to face Hanover (2-0) in their next matchup this week.

Hermitage High School

Last Tuesday, the Panthers’ girls’ soccer team improved to 2-2 on the season after a 4-1 victory over the Varina Blue Devils (0-2). Kimberly Meijia-Andrade got the Panthers started with a goal late in the first half to put them cup 1-0, and then Keyrin Cedillo caught fire with two goals late in the second half to secure the win. Hermitage will host Freeman (3-0-1) in its next game on Tuesday.

Highland Springs High School

Jayy Hamiel went 3 for 4 with three RBIs, a triple and a home run to lead the Springers’ baseball team to a 9-2 victory over the Hopewell Blue Devils (4-2) last Friday. Other top performers included KJ Davis and Eli Tillman, who each went 1 for 3 on the night with a run and an RBI apiece. The Springers are now 5-0 on the season and have been dominating the competition early, outscoring their opponents 39-13. This is shaping up to be a special season, and it’ll continue with their matchup versus L.C Bird (2-2) on the road this Tuesday.

Tucker High School

The Tigers’ baseball squad fell to 1-3 on the season after a thriller versus Hermitage, 6-4. They were led by Yamal Ferguson, who had a hit and an RBI and recorded nine putouts. Joey Noel had an RBI, a stolen base and a putout, while Peyton Hinton, Justin Helberg, Caden Ballum and Kamren Watkins each scored a run. The Tigers will look to snap their three-game losing streak with a home game against Maggie Walker (0-2) on Tuesday.

Varina High School

Christopher Newport University softball commit Hailey Butler had a dominant performance against Highland Springs last Thursday, recording 14 strikeouts, in the Blue Devils’ 24-6 victory romp over the Springers. The win improved Varina to 2-2 this season. Offensively, Jordan Walker had a strong night hitting, with five RBIs. The Devils’ next game will be against Patrick Henry (1-3) this week.