The Calhoun Academy Cougars will challenge the West Memphis Christian Black Knights at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. The two teams are strolling into their contests after big wins in their previous games.
Calhoun Academy will roll into the matchup after a wild two-game stretch: they didn't score any runs on Monday, then bounced right back against Columbus Christian Academy on Tuesday. Everything went Calhoun Academy's way against Columbus Christian Academy as Calhoun Academy made off with a 12-2 win. The Cougars' hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
Carsen Stegall was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 16 batters over seven innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off four hits. Those 16 strikeouts gave him a new career-high. He was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 1-for-4.
Layton Logan
| 02/25/25 @ Columbus Christian Academy | 5 |
| 04/23/24 @ Hebron Christian | 3 |
| 02/27/24 vs Carroll Academy | 3 |
| 02/26/24 @ Hebron Christian | 3 |
| 02/18/25 vs Tunica Academy | 2 |
In other batting news, Layton Logan was incredible, scoring five runs and stealing a base while going 4-for-4. The dominant performance gave him a new career-high in runs. Another player making a difference was Lane Watts, who scored two runs while going 2-for-5.
Meanwhile, while West Memphis Christian put up plenty of runs on Monday, the same can't be said for Byhalia. West Memphis Christian was the clear victors by a 16-0 margin over Byhalia. With that victory, the Black Knights brought their scoring average up to 7 runs per game.
Caleb Atkins looked comfortable as he pitched three innings while giving up no earned runs or hits.
On the hitting side, Deagan Davis was a standout: he scored three runs and stole three bases while getting on base in all three of his plate appearances. Those stolen bases marked the first that he's stole this season. The team also got some help courtesy of Eli Ford, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI and two runs.
West Memphis Christian always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .593. That's the best OBP they've posted all season.
Calhoun Academy's win bumped their record up to 2-3. As for West Memphis Christian, the victory got them back to even at 2-2.
The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Calhoun Academy has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 9.4 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like West Memphis Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 7 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one.
Calhoun Academy might still be hurting after the 17-5 defeat they got from West Memphis Christian when the teams last played back in February of 2024. Can Calhoun Academy avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
