Western Boone Jr. - Sr. High School

Cascade completed the opening conference sweep of Western Boone's varsity baseball team on Wednesday night by a final score of 9-0. Cascade jumped on top by scoring 5 runs in the first inning and 3 more in the second. After that the Stars played a competitive game in which Evan Kiplinger pitched 3.2 innings allowing just 1 unearned run. Owen Oakley was called upon with the bases loaded and what would have been the game ending run on second base, but in just one pitch he completed his task and retired the only Cadet hitter he faced. Offense was once again all but non-existent for most of the evening. Beau Sawyer recorded one hit. The brightest spot of the night and the conference series was senior Owen Howe who collected three hits Wednesday night and finished off the series going a perfect 6 for 6 at the plate. Howe is now 7 for 8 on the season and boasting a state-leading batting average of .875. Tough times call for strong leadership; and the seniors are stepping up to that challenge. The first three games of the season find the Stars staring at a 1-2 record and 0-2 in conference. There is still plenty of season left, and the seniors have done a good job of leading through adversity early. Zach Sprong and Jackson Long both made good plays in the outfield when called upon; Jake Smith and Levi Stewart each made tough plays at third base. Kahne Reid is doing his part in the field and giving himself up to move runners whenever asked. Braedyn Mathews has accepted his role of leading some younger guys new in the program. Owen Howe is fighting hard nightly on defense and doing everything he can to get the offense going. Finally, Layton Yancey has emerged as the vocal leader of the team and is doing everything he can to keep the guys upbeat and moving forward. The road does not get any easier for the Stars over the next week. Western Boone travels to #2 (3A) Western this Saturday for a double header with Western who boasts a roster full of college commits. After the double header comes a conference series with North Montgomery who opened conference play 2-0 this week. The Stars know what challenges lie ahead; they will continue to work to improve all phases of the game and stick together as they push forward.