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Winning ways: Kennedy baseball on a 10-game streak

James DayBy James Day

The streaking hot Kennedy High baseball team is looking like it is ready to make another deep run into the state playoffs. The Trojans, the 2012 state champions, have won 13 of their past 14 games, including 10 consecutive wins, and are ranked fourth in Class 2A-1A by the OSAA.

Kennedy scored a huge victory May 5, downing Regis 9-1 in Stayton. The victory was the second of the season by the Trojans against the Rams and kept them one-half game ahead of Regis in Special District 2. Kennedy is 13-1 in league (17-3 overall), with Regis and Country Christian, both at 13-2, hot on their heels. Kennedy still must play Country Christian and Culver (10-5 in league) down the stretch.

“We have been hitting the ball pretty well lately, and we have played great defense,” Kennedy Coach Kevin Moffatt said. “Long ways to go on the season, and lots of good teams left to play, but if we continue to play like we have been I think we will be in the hunt for another league title.”

Kennedy has been extremely stingy in terms of allowing runs during its 10-game winning streak. The Trojans have pitched eight shutouts during that span, led by pitchers Sam Moreno and Dalton Susee and have outscored their opponents 138-5. Moreno and Ty Sawyer have been doing the damage offensively. They combined to go 6-for-6 with 8 RBIs, 5 runs scored and 2 homers in the big win versus Regis.

Softball: Silverton is 15-3 in MWC play heading into a May 13 showdown against league leader West Albany (15-2). The Foxes split their first two games with the Bulldogs, falling 2-0 at Albany on April 9 and winning 4-3 in Silverton April 25. The Foxes are ranked 13th in Class 5A and are in good shape to host a state playoff game.

Kennedy is a softball contender. The Trojans are 9-2 in Special District 3, trailing only Western Mennonite (9-0) and Central Linn (9-1). Kennedy played games this week against Central Linn and Western Mennonite after Our Town’s press time and closes the regular season with a second game at Western Mennonite on May 22.

College signings: Former Silverton High three-sport star Haley Hibbs has signed to play basketball at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. Hibbs is transferring to the NCAA Division II school. Hibbs was a three-time all-Mid-Willamette Conference basketball player for Silverton before attending Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash. Hibbs was the team captain her sophomore year and helped lead Lower Columbia to a 23-8 overall record and a 12-2 mark in the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges West Region. The Red Devils advanced to the quarterfinals of the NWAACC tournament before falling to eventual champion Columbia Basin. Hibbs averaged 9.4 points and 6 rebounds per game for the Red Devils. She led the team in defensive rebounds, steals and blocks and made 69 3-pointers, second most on team.

“Haley fills an immediate need for us at both the point guard and wing positions,” said University of Mary Coach Rick Neumann. “She has great length and athleticism at 5-11. Haley was one of the top 3-point shooters in the NWAACC last season. We needed to add experience, ball-handling, and shooting on the perimeter for next year and Haley certainly meets all of those goals. We are extremely excited to welcome her to our basketball program.” At Lower Columbia, Hibbs was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the President’s List and Dean’s List. Hibbs plans to major in criminal justice.

Foxes boys standout Ian Sucich, who nailed 79 3-pointers this past season, has narrowed his college choices to Willamette University and Lane Community College, Silverton Coach Darren Shryock said. Sucich, the lone senior for the Foxes, was a first-team all-MWC choice and was honorable mention on the Class 5A all-state team.

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