Laughlin hasn't had much luck against Lake Mead Christian Academy recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cougars will take on the Eagles at 1:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Laughlin barely beat GV Christian the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn't the case this time around. The Cougars were the clear victors by a 22-6 margin over the Guardians last Tuesday. That 16 run margin sets a new team best for the Cougars this season.
Anthony Celli-Brookins
| 04/15/25 @ GV Christian | 7 |
| 04/08/25 vs Beaver Dam | 5 |
| 04/15/25 vs GV Christian | 2 |
| 04/08/25 vs Beaver Dam | 2 |
| 04/04/25 @ Indian Springs | 2 |
Anthony Celli-Brookins was a major factor no matter where he played. He struck out 13 batters over five innings while giving up six earned runs off seven hits. He has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in three consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, getting on base in four of his five plate appearances with seven stolen bases and three runs. Those seven stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Ayden Whitton was incredible, getting on base in all five of his plate appearances with nine stolen bases, three runs, and one double. He has been hot, having posted at least one stolen base the last five times he's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Gavin Davis, who got on base in all five of his plate appearances with seven stolen bases and three runs.
Laughlin always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .733. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Meanwhile, Lake Mead Christian Academy waltzed into their matchup on Tuesday with four straight wins... but they left with five. They came out on top against the Thunderbirds by a score of 6-3.
Like Laughlin, Lake Mead Christian Academy also got a great game from a two-way player: Hunter Zierleyn. Throwing, Zierleyn pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Meanwhile, Christian Marrs pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At the plate, Zierleyn got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one RBI, while Marrs went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Bowe Farmer, who went 2-for-3 with three RBI and one stolen base. Danny Yeates was another key player, earning one RBI, one run, and one stolen base.
Laughlin's win ended an eight-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 4-11. As for Lake Mead Christian Academy, their victory was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 15-1.
Friday's game might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Laughlin has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .530. However, it's not like Lake Mead Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've averaged .571. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Laughlin might still be hurting after the 18-0 loss they got from Lake Mead Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in April of 2024. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
