Land of Lincoln holds the nation's first state bass fishing championship; NFSHSA approves replay for basketball; Connecticut school snaps six-year baseball losing streak.
It had to happen sooner or later, because fishing is one of the world’s most ancient sports.
On Saturday Illinois crowned the nation’s first high school state bass fishing champion at Carlyle Lake when Frankfort (West Frankfort) boated a two-day total of 16 pounds, four ounces. Zion-Benton was state runner-up with 15 pounds, seven ounces.
A crowd of 1,200 was present for the championship weigh-in.
The Redbirds, who were only fifth after opening day, rallied behind sophomore Dylan Vaughn, who caught the “kicker,” a bass weighing three pounds, 11 ounces.
Each team was allowed to weigh in its five biggest fish of 12 inches or longer on both days.
Zion-Benton sophomore Josh Stagg made the surprise catch of the tournament – a 42-pound flathead catfish. Unfortunately, it couldn’t be counted.
Play it again?“Instant replay” finally has reached the high school ranks.
Replay equipment may be used next year during state high school basketball championship games to determine the final outcome, according to a rule passed recently by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Officials now will be able to review field goal attempts at the expiration of time in the fourth quarter or any overtime period, but only when the last-second attempt would affect the outcome of the game. This also will be a great aid in determining whether the shot was a two- or three-pointer.
Each state has the right to use – or refuse – replay equipment. Individual states also will determine what level (or levels) of the tournament during which they wish to use the equipment.
“The use of the replay monitor is very specific, very narrow,” stressed Mary Struckhoff, an assistant director of the NHFS and liaison to the Basketball Rules Committee.
The committee decided to use replay equipment – if affordable – because of controversial calls made during 2007-08 state tournaments in South Carolina, Michigan and Ohio.
Connecticut's Weaver snaps six-year losing streak They’re still celebrating in Hartford, Conn., over Weaver High’s 7-5 baseball victory against Bloomfield. It marked the first victory for the Weaver diamond team in six years. The Beavers last had tasted victory against Sport Science in 2003.
Nobody knows how long the losing streak was but athletic director Matthews Steele told MaxPreps, “You’re talking 100-plus games.”
The Beavers trailed, 5-4, entering the bottom of the sixth inning and won with a dramatic three-run rally. Nate Mair tied it with an RBI single and Janeil Forde plated what proved to be the winning run with a clutch, two-out double.
Johnathan Cortes struck out 11 and pitched a five-hitter to get the victory over Bloomfield, which has lost its first 11 games. The victory gave Weaver a 1-9 record.
California swimmer breaks national recordKasey Carlson, a junior at Las Lomas (Walnut Creek, Calif.) shattered the national record by swimming the 100-yard breaststroke in a sizzling 58.89 seconds at the Diablo Foothill Athletic League Championships Saturday in Moraga, Calif.
The previous record of 59.20 was set by Jessica Hardy of Wilson (Long Beach, Calif.) in 2005.
Flashing a huge smile, she told the
Contra Costa Times, “I was expecting a 59 (second time). This was over the top.”
She also won the 100-yard freestyle in a league-record (and personal best) time of 49.53 seconds and helped two relay teams claim first place.
Her next target could be the American record of 57.77 by Tara Kirk in 2006.
Durable Fico 15-0 this spring
Rachele Fico, Masuk (Conn.)
Rachele Fico already has broken one national softball record and is flirting with a couple others.
The Masuk (Monroe, Conn.) superstar pitcher, who has signed with LSU, has fired an amazing 25 perfect games during her brilliant career. The record was 20 by Melissa Marzan of Bullard (Fresno, Calif.) from 1998-2001. Her four consecutive perfect games this spring missed the national record by one.
At this point in the season, she is second in history with 46 career no-hitters (the record is 50) and her career earned run average of 0.06 is tied for No. 1 all-time. Her strikeout total (1,668) currently ranks No. 9 in history.
This year Fico has a 15-0 record (93-2 career) and she has won 66 consecutive games dating back to a loss in April of her sophomore year. Her most remarkable feat, however, is having pitched every Masuk game over the past four years.
