Northland Prep Academy is 0-3 against Round Valley since April of 2016 but things could change on Monday. The Spartans will welcome the Elks at 4:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Northland Prep Academy turned things around against Greyhills Academy on Friday. They put the hurt on the Knights with a sharp 12-6 victory.
Blayden Cosper
| 04/25/25 @ Greyhills Academy | 10 |
| 04/10/25 vs Hopi | 8 |
| 04/04/25 @ Many Farms | 7 |
| 03/05/25 @ Red Rock | 7 |
| 04/20/24 vs Pinon | 6 |
Blayden Cosper made a big impact no matter where he played. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up three earned (and three unearned) runs off six hits. Those ten strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, and one double.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Michael Cary, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. He has become a key player for Northland Prep Academy: the team is undefeated when he posts at least three RBI, but 4-7 otherwise. Another player making a difference was Dylan Stoffers, who got on base in four of his five plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Meanwhile, Round Valley entered their tilt with St. Johns on Friday with three consecutive wins, and they'll enter their next game with four. They were the clear victors by a 10-4 margin over the Redskins.
Like Northland Prep Academy, Round Valley also got a great game from a two-way player: Brenton Walker. He didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out seven over five innings pitched. Walker was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with one home run and three RBI. That home run was his first of the season.
In other batting news, Jeffery Cochran was incredible, going 2-for-3 with three RBI, one triple, and one run. JJ Logan was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one run and one RBI.
Round Valley kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 11 hits. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now got at least 11 hits in three consecutive games.
The win got Northland Prep Academy back to even at 7-7. As for Round Valley, their victory bumped their record up to 15-7.
Monday's contest will be a test for both teams' pitchers. Northland Prep Academy hasn't had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .330. However, it's not like Round Valley struggles in that department as they've averaged .407. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Northland Prep Academy might still be hurting after the 13-3 defeat they got from Round Valley when the teams last played back in April of 2022. Can the Spartans avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
