BB: USAC: USA South Athletic Conference

[Boysofsummer21]

Got to see some games this weekend so took in the Methodist vs Maryville game and then the Averett vs CNU doubleheader. And let me tell you there is life in Methodist so everyone better not over look them at conference tourney. AU and CNU was a pitching duel for the first games and AU got the break at the end and took it and won. Then CNU got back to do what it should do for game 2. If CNU can work to get everyone onboard with the team concept they can be dangerous to any level, but right now when you hear the players talk they are more concerned about their stats not the one team stat that matters. So still young but the talent is there. AU has a very solid squad and defensively they are very good most of the time so I think they are going to be in it till the end. I am not totally sold on the pitching yet, they are good but after the starters things really can be interesting because they are mostly breaking ball stuff. Hopefully this weekend I will be able to take in one game.

Now looking to watch the final 2 weekend's stats as it getting to the player of the year award season.
My watch list for this right now is;
Front runners
Weaver CNU
Alexander NCWC
Like these two right now as their numbers in and out of conference are very close and they are doing a good job of getting it done at the plate.
My current dark horses are Dean – Maryville and Steele – CNU. Both of these guys are doing well in total but really need to pick up the in conference numbers.

Pitcher of the year right now is a tough one but have it to 4.
Chrismon – CNU
Bierlein – CNU
Swartout – NCWC
Fleishman – CNU
Ok Ok I know Fleishman will never get it but have you seen the numbers he is putting up? Setting new records for USA South and in top 10 for like 3 NCAA D3 records.
So with that said I will say I like CNU's over Swartout, as he is a little low on strike outs, and that is my big problem with all the Averett pitchers except Moore. So this is my list right now, can and probably will change next week.

[LTBB1971]

With 2/3 of the year played, my inputs so far for the awards would be:

Player of The Year - Justin Weaver (CNU)...Ferrum's Wes Walker should come into the conversation (1st in HR's, 1st in RBI's, 2nd in SLUG)...poor team record.

Pitcher of The Year - Austin Chrismon (CNU)...with Brian Bierlein (CNU) a very close 2nd.

Rookie of The Year - Justin DiSanto (NCWC)...2nd best OBP in the Conference as a FR.  I thought of Jacob Houston (CNU) as well.

Rookie Pitcher of The Year - Brandon Taylor (CNU)...Jake Perkins (Ferrum) was a distant second in my mind.

[PNeal7]

I agree with LTHSdad's picks. Walker should be in the discussion, but a poor record will hurt him. I like Weaver and Chrismon to win the major awards. For rookie's of the year, I know Houston and Taylor (CNU) have had solid years, but I am not up to date on any other FR in the conference. Given my allegiance, it would be cool to see a CNU sweep of the major awards, but I don't really see that happening.

[Boysofsummer21]

LTHS and PNeal agree with your picks 100% and the only reason I have stayed away from Welker is that right now Ferrum is the odds on favorite to miss the tournament and I do not see the POY coming from a team that is not there. I think he should be in the conversation but if Ferrum does not sweep this weekend I do not see him getting any votes.

[narch]

MU gets a road win with 12runs in the last 2 innings and has a modest 5 game win streak...inching closer to .500

[LTBB1971]

NCWC splits with D2, St. Andrews.  Great job!  Up next is weekend series at Ferrum.  A sweep would allow Bishops to challenge for 2nd place in Conference.

[Catfishncwc]

NCWC splits with D2, St. Andrews.  Great job!  Up next is weekend series at Ferrum.  A sweep would allow Bishops to challenge for 2nd place in Conference.

and a outside shot at 1st place. 

[narch]

NCWC splits with D2, St. Andrews.

for what its worth, st. andrews is naia...when webber international university bought st. andrews and made st. andrews a branch campus, they assumed webber international's athletic affiliation

still a good win for the bishops vs. a scholarship program, but on the whole most view naia as a step below d2

[Catfishncwc]

NCWC splits with D2, St. Andrews.

for what its worth, st. andrews is naia...when webber international university bought st. andrews and made st. andrews a branch campus, they assumed webber international's athletic affiliation

still a good win for the bishops vs. a scholarship program, but on the whole most view naia as a step below d2

Considering they were undefeated against D3 teams it is still a good win.   

[PNeal7]

CNU squeaks by Mary Washington 8-7. Justin Weaver smacks his 1st HR of the year, and is now hitting .400 (.405 in conference) with 1 HR and 30 RBI's (16 in conference). CNU did make 4 errors on the day.

[narch]

NCWC splits with D2, St. Andrews.

for what its worth, st. andrews is naia...when webber international university bought st. andrews and made st. andrews a branch campus, they assumed webber international's athletic affiliation

still a good win for the bishops vs. a scholarship program, but on the whole most view naia as a step below d2

Considering they were undefeated against D3 teams it is still a good win.

couldn't have said it better myself

[LTBB1971]

Narch,
thanks for the clarification. 

Catfish - You going to make it to the CNU series?

[Catfishncwc]

LTHSdad,
I hope to make it for the Saturday game to see Taylor throw, I have already seen Chrismon pitch twice this year.  Plus it is a alumni spring weekend so hope to see some old friends at the same time. 

[Boysofsummer21]

Catfish from your prospective how does the talent in the USA South look this year and any propects?

[Boysofsummer21]

I was thinking about last night - Last year we had Perry go but in the 3 years before that I can not come up with any, am I missing someone?