1 week Ago
In less than a month, the most important portion of the season arrives for high school baseball teams. Hanahan High School’s diamond Hawks seem to be hitting their stride and have a shot at the Region 6-3A crown. “We’re finding our way,” second-year coach Skylar Hunter said.
“I knew how young we were going into the season. I knew the schedule early on was a gauntlet. It’s paying off for us.
We’re playing our best baseball. We had a stinker last week and we’ve responded well to that. We’re hoping to keep this train rolling.
We’ve got a chance to make a little noise.” The Hawks won their fourth straight game Wednesday, April 9, cruising past visiting Philip Simmons in a non-region game against the Region 6-2A champions. Hawks catcher Hudson Sprovero launched a three-run home run and third baseman Wyatt Muirhead cranked a two-run shot for his first varsity homer in Hanahan’s 10-2 victory.
Sprovero also scored three runs and outfielder Nolyn Nickels knocked in two runs. Hawks starter Chris Polm struck out 11 batters over 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, to earn the win on the bump.
“He was very good,” Hunter said. “He was attacking the zone.” The Hawks (12-5-1) go to West Ashley Thursday, April 10 (after press time) and compete in the Hanahan Invitational Tournament April 14-17 before taking on Oceanside Collegiate April 22 and April 25.
The Hawks host the second game. “They’re very good,” Hunter said of the Landsharks. “I’m looking at their team and they have a very talented team from top to bottom.
They’re very well-coached. Their coach is Britt Rheames, who was my college coach at The Citadel. We have a good relationship.
It’s going to be a challenge, but I like where we’re at. We’re going to do our best.” The Hawks cap the regular season Tuesday, April 29 at Philip Simmons and with a home non-region game versus Academic Magnet Friday, May 2.
Hanahan’s No. 1 starter Riley Ballard, a Citadel signee, has a broken finger on his non-pitching hand and could miss the remainder of the regular season. Polm has shown he can hold his own on the mound, as has eighth-grade southpaw Nickels.
Nickels just beat Ashley Ridge Thursday, April 3, going 4.2 innings with eight strikeouts. He gave up two hits and an unearned run.
“He’s got such good stuff,” Hunter said of Nickels. “He has high pitch ability. He understands the game.
He can locate three pitches, go in and out.” Muirheid, Sprovero and Gunnar Haulbrooks are the other arms. Muirheid has a pair of victories on the mound recently.
Leadoff hitter Joe Furse, an outfielder, and infielder Bo Brabham have been setting the table nicely for Sprovero in the third spot. Both Brabham and Sprovero have flashed power, too. “Hudson is just so consistent,” Hunter said.
“He has the hardest job on the field, handling our pitching staff behind the plate. No one really runs on him because his arm is so good. For him to be able to do all that and be the engine that gets us going offensively is a testament to him.
He’s a very good player and we’re excited to have him.” As for Muirheid’s blast in the sixth inning against Philip Simmons, it made Hunter smile. “He really got into it,” Hunter said.
“It’s so awesome. I remember my first home run. It was right here in this park over centerfield.
It’s special. He’s come a long way hitting-wise.".
