As the Bay Rivers District baseball season nears its end, it's time to take a look at who's hot and who's not. Let's start with the Islanders in Poquoson, Virginia. These guys have won six games straight, knocking off the Bay River's second hottest team 8-7, the Smithfield Packers. The Pinder brothers have found ways to reach base a lot with clean hits and have also dropped a few deep ones too. The Tabb Tigers are still in first place, but for how long? The Tigers fell to Smithfield 5-4 last week, losing to the Bay River's best freshman pitcher, Kevin Griffey. A short lefty, the Packer has earned his way to the top of the pitching staff at Smithfield. He proved he is the real deal with his third win of the year against Tabb.
For computer repair or any Internet solution, visit Coastal Technology
The Grafton Clippers are right there in the hunt as well. Even though they dropped an embarrasing loss to New Kent 7-4 and tied with Warhill, the Clippers beat the York Falcons 5-0 this week. Grafton is in third place with a 10-4-1 record. York has drastically fallen off, especially after a 5-0 start this year. Will Lamb hasn't struck out 15 batters a game like some expected, but this district just isn't as predictable as some may believe it is either.
Part of the Historic Triangle bunch is battling it out for the sixth playoff spot, with the Jamestown Eagles and Lafayette Rams playing every game like it's their last--or at least they should be. The Rams beat Jamestown twice this year, but Jamestown has shown they can play with anyone the district. The Eagles beat Poquoson and Smithfield earlier in the year and were very close to closing out wins against Tabb, York, and Grafton.
The bottom of the district has officially leveled out with the Bruton Panthers, Warhill Lions, and Southampton Indians closing the gap. The New Kent Trojans are in their own class, standing tall at 5-8 on the year. They beat Grafton and Lafayette, two worthy opponents in the Bay Rivers.
There's really no expert in the field of Bay Rivers baseball. Anyone who claims to be would be a bit far-fetched, but it always makes good for conversation. At one point in the season, one might have said York was the best because they were 5-0 and beat Grafton and just barely lost to Tabb. A few weeks later, one might perceive Lafayette as the team to beat after they shut down York. Poquoson even had a collapse when they lost two games in a row. Across the board, Tabb has been the most consistent, but even they too are vulnerable.
Rainy days have distrupted the entire schedule, so pitching will bail some teams out as teams play extra games in short time frame. Only time will tell who comes out the best in the next two weeks. I'm picking Grafton to finish the season well, but that's about it. Who will the final six be? What two teams will earn first-round byes?
Get back with me in a few weeks and let me know.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Bay Rivers District Baseball: Historic Triangle Battles; Smithfield on the South of the James Causing Trouble
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame Recognizing Outstanding Athletic Achievements
Did you know Tidewater has its own sports hall of fame for African-Americans?
The Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame has been in existence for over a decade and recognizes athletes from Tidewater for their accomplishments.
Here is their mission statement:
"WE IDENTIFY AND HONOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN ATHLETICS AND WERE BORN, SPENT FORMATIVE YEARS, OR PARTICIPATED IN ATHLETICS IN THE HAMPTON ROADS REGION OF VIRGINIA. WE ENCOURAGE YOUTH TO PURSUE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT."
Hampton Roads African American Sports Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 3635
3635 Norfolk, VA 23514-3635
757-366-8766
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Chesapeake Baseball Stars Making Presence Known in MLB
The Southside has some rich athletic talent, and the nation is realizing the baseball talent we produce with Chesapeake's great players starting the 2008 Major League Baseball season off with a bang.
Let's take a look at some statistics for Tidewater's Justin Upton, B.J. Upton, and David Wright.
Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
--5 Home Runs
--.370 Batting Average
--12 Runs Batted In
B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay Rays
--2 Home Runs
--.288 Batting Average
--13 Runs Batted In
David Wright, New York Mets
--4 Home Runs
--.311 Batting Average
--15 Runs Batted In
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Portsmouth Invitational Tournament Update
By Curtis Clontz
clontz@tidewatersportsreport.com
What If I told you that you could be in the same high school basketball gym as two three-time NBA Finals champions? Both are considered to be in the NBA’s top 50 players. One is a living legend and one of the most clutch players in history. What if I told you in the same gym, you could shake hands with University of Tennessee Head Coach Bruce Pearl, Virginia Military Institute Head Coach Duggar Baucom, and rub elbows with representatives and scouts with every NBA team? If I told you all of this, you would be on your way to the gym. But if you are still apprehensive, what if I told you it was free?
Friday April 11th at 3:15, and Saturday the 12th as 12:00 and 2:00, the Portsmouth invitational Tournament in Portsmouth will be holding consolation games. These games are absolutely free. It is a great atmosphere and nothing but a good time. If you want to stay for the other games, it only requires a very cheap $8 ticket. If you are interested in purchasing a tournament ticket, they are only $25.
Sponsored by Robust Writing
I went to all three games that were played Thursday night. The first game was the consolation game. It was free, I had my pick of seat, and was able to enjoy a great show. On one side of the gym, an area is blocked of for V.I.P.s. This includes NBA legend Larry Bird, scrappy Danny Ainge, and big man Kevin McHale. It is surreal to be in the same gym as the guys you watched growing up, or on ESPN Classic.
The first game was between the Holiday Inn-Portsmouth team and the Sales Systems LTD team. Every player on the court can play basketball. There are no scrubs. Everyone is tall, can jump, shoot, dribble, and is very athletic. In this game and the others that I watched, great guard play is the difference in winning and losing. Ramel Bradley from the University of Kentucky led the Sales System LTD team to victory with 22 points and 6 assists.
Bradley upped his season average from 15.9 points a game and 3.4 assists per game. Also playing well for the Sales System LTD team was Othello Hunter from Ohio State University. He scored 19 points and had 10 rebounds. In a losing effort, the Holiday Inn team had two players score 15 points. Gavin Grant from N.C. State and Brian Roberts from Dayton led their team in scoring.
Got a problem with your computer? Call Coastal Technology at 757-356-0006 for free quotes
The second game of the night is the one that I wanted to see. Son of future Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing stepped onto the court. Patrick Ewing Jr. played with great athleticism. He is a big man but was one of the most athletic playing and used his height well. Reggie Williams from Virginia Military Institute led the Portsmouth Sports Club Team to a 101 to 88 victory.
In the first half the superior hustle play of Kyle Hines from UNC-Greensboro helped his team jump out to a 44-39 lead and they never looked back. In the second half, Williams put on a shooting clinic! For the game Williams scored 22 points and shot 4-5 beyond the 3 point line. Williams also had 6 assists. The Cherry, Bekaert, and Holland team did have some good play from Joe Crawford of Kentucky as led the team in scoring with 19. Ewing Jr. scored 12 in the loss but had 11 rebounds and 4 blocks.
I had the opportunity of sitting with the family of one of Williams’ teammates at VMI and met his father. He was a very proud father that was honored to shake hands and smile as we talked about great basketball. When I asked about Williams’ ability to stay humble I was told, "Reggie can score 40 and is up the next morning with a smile ready to work, he is very humble."
The last game of the night was the one that I originally was looking forward to seeing.
Unfortunately, the story of the tournament so far is the 15 cancellations of players that were slated to compete. Of these players was Duke’s leading scorer DeMarcus Nelson. He was invited to the Senior All Star game in San Antonio. In Nelson’s absence, Folarin Campbell from George Mason led the K & D Landscaping team to victory scoring 15. Rob Kurz of Notre Dame also added to the winning cause pulling down 12 boards. In the losing effort, Quan Prowell from Auburn led his Norfolk Sports Club team in scoring. Prowell seemed to stand out in the first half almost scoring at will within the first 5 minutes of the game.
This tournament has an amazing atmosphere, and for the money is the best thing you and your family can do. Friday and Saturday’s games will draw more people, but will still have everything you could ask for in Tidewater. Churchland High School located at 4301 Cedar Lane is the place to be for family fun! To order tickets,you can call Ticketmaster at 757-671-8100 or the Willet Hall Box Office at 757-393-5460.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Portsmouth Invitational Tournament a Slam Dunk for Future NBA Stars
By Curtis Clontz
If you are anywhere near Churchland High School, you will hear the screams and cheers of some of the best college basketball fans in Tidewater this week at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) in Portsmouth, Virginia.
The nation’s largest amateur
basketball tournament steps into Hampton Roads with its 56th installment. The PIT is the last chance for college seniors to show their skills before the National Basketball Association’s pre-draft camp in Orlando, Florida. In the history of the tournament, players and coaches such as Scottie Pippen, Paul Shirley, Larry Brown, Ben Wallace, Avery Johnson, Derek Fisher, and John Stockton have used this as a stepping stone to the next level. Five of the NBA’s all-time top 50 players have played in this tournament.The floor will likely be full of future NBA stars, but the stands will be packed with some people worth noting as well. Mixed in with passionate Tidewater fans will be scouts from several NBA teams, coaches, European scouts, and more. They will be in Portsmouth to get the last minute look at someone worthy of a draft pick or possibly the future of their franchise. Every year, more and more people come to Tidewater for this last peek at rising stars, and there are always a few big names in the crowd. This year will be no exception, and we can expect the PIT to deliver some big names.
Along with great players, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament has also captured some amazing moments. These special moments include Rick Barry’s 107 points for the tourney, Charles Bonaparte’s 59 points in one game, and Tony Bobbitt’s 6 three pointers in one game. The games are normally very competitive. Players are not getting paid, but they essentially are playing for money. A big time showing can propel them to the forefront of many draft charts.
This year the expectations are high. These great athletes look to provide us with passion and heart on the hardwood. Some of the biggest names to play this year are Duke’s DeMarcus
Nelson and Virginia Military Institute's Reggie Williams. Another professional prospect expected is future Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing’s son, Ewing J.R. The complete roster can be found here.Sponsored by Coastal Technology
This is a special event that basketball fans of all ages will enjoy, including the talented youth of Hampton Roads. This family friendly atmosphere is sure to create memories that you can share in the future. Some of the country's top seniors will be competing in our very own backyard. Combine that with the will to compete and the professional exposure received, and we will see big time basketball. This is one of the most important tournaments of the year, and one of the year’s best moments for Tidewater sports.
Portsmouth Invitational Tournament
4301 Cedar Lane
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Norfolk Admirals: Professional Ice Hockey in Norfolk, Virginia
Basketball, football, and baseball in Hampton Roads are typically recognized on the national l
evel, but many forget we have some professional ice hockey right here in Norfolk, Virginia. That's right, ice hockey in Tidewater.
The Norfolk Admirals play at the Norfolk Scope, and I checked out their last stretch of home games this past weekend on Friday night. Unfortunately, they lost 5-2 to the Albany River Rats. The second period proved disastrous as Albany scored three goals and extended its lead 4-1.
There's a lot more to the Admirals than their loss Friday night. I saw several fans sporting various Admiral jerseys and showing their support for Norfolk. In fact, in the second period when Albany was taking hold of the game, Admiral fans began loud chants of "let's go Admirals" and kept it up for a decent amount of time. The fan support was present at the Scope, along with Norfolk's mascot humoring the crowd.
If you haven't checked an Admiral's game out, I urge you 
to. Families of all kinds packed the seats, business partners developed relationships, and various booths sat throughout the lobby, including a local police chapter requesting support for their upcoming charity bike ride.
The Norfolk Admirals compete in the American Hockey League (AHL) and play home games at the Norfolk Scope.
The Admirals are affiliates with the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning.
Norfolk Admirals
757-640-1212
201 East Brambelton Avenue
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Mixed Martial Arts Growing at Rapid Pace in Hampton Roads
By Curtis Clontz
opinionatedsports.com
Southeastern Virginia has a new sport that is flying under the radar. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation, as well as in our back yard.
MMA combines many different forms of martial arts. Imagine these skills combined with boxing and wrestling, and you can expect tons of excitement. The top fighters in the world compete against one another in their respective weight class to determine who the best fighter is.
To achieve victory, you can knock your opponent out, make them tap out by submission, or have the referee stop the fight. If the fight is not stopped by one of these ways, at the end of the predetermined rounds, the judges will determine which fighter is the victor.
At first glance, MMA may appear to abarbaric and crazy sport for adrenaline junkies. It is far from that. Mixed Martial Arts is an aggressive chess match to out muscle, out work, and most importantly, out smart your opponent. These exciting matches typically happen inside of cages or boxing rings. Unlike the early days of the sport, there are several rules in place to protect each fighter.
Some of the most important rules are no eye gouging, no attacks to the groin or back of the head, and no biting. The referee is constantly vigilante, looking for any of the infractions and always quick to penalize or disqualify a fighter. Safety is a very important part to this sport. Because fighters are now protected so well, the average injury is limited to a sprain or a strain.
Get Tae Kwon Do Secrets to Success
If this sounds like something you are interested in, you are in luck. Tidewater is full of gyms that train all aspects of this Mixed Martial Arts. There are at least 2 or 3 top-notch places to train within driving distance almost anywhere in Hampton Roads.
Most offer trail memberships and let you give it a try before you join on a full membership. Although the sport is great, a good place to train can be expensive. A typical monthly fee can range from $100 to $150, so make sure you do your homework and make a good decision about the place you commit too.
On the outside, this sport seems to be one of nothing but sheer violence, but it is far from that. It requires discipline, self-control, athleticism, strength, agility, and almost every athletic facet imaginable. Whether you do it for the workout or the intense one on one feeling, Mixed Martial Arts could be for you! If you don’t want to train and have the opportunity to enjoy the Tidewater's top competition, it also makes for a good spectator sport.
It is an event that you and your friends can enjoy together. Hampton Roads' talent pool is a secret as of now, but in the future we could have our very own superstar from the local gym just around the corner.
Get involved at Norfolk & Virginia Beach Mixed Martial Arts training gyms
Bushido MMA: Bushido MMA is located at 3916 Portsmouth Blvd, unit B2 in Chesapeake, Virginia. They are moving in the near future, and once the move is complete, more information will be provided. Bushido has a great makeup of instructors, students, and training. Bushido also offers and children classes.
Greg Smith is the co-founder of Bushido and is the lead instructor. He has 18 years of martial art training and 10 years of coaching. For more information, call 757-465-7700.
Bushido has my highest recommendation; they have a very diverse group of high caliber athletes that know how to win. They currently have a handful of athletes that fight in local events and have done very well in competition. Bushido is military friendly and would be a good choice.
Hybrid Academy of Martial Arts: Hybrid is one of the top gyms with a premier standup game. They are located at 5476 Virginia Beach Blvd, suite 127 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They have produced many great fighters, including UFC fighter Brandon Vera.
Buck Grant, the owner and head instructor, has a large background in the sport and is one of the best in the area. The rest of the gym follows suit and represents him and the gym well fighting as well as in everyday life. Hybrid offers a great blend of personal fitness and development.
Hybrid is also military friendly and is another superb choice. For more information, call 757-490-6906.
Bushido and Hybrid are both great places to train, offering some of the best coaches Tidewater has to offer.
If you are looking to train in Mixed Martial Arts, you will not go wrong with either gym. They offer superb teaching, intense fitness programs, and most importantly, a family like atmosphere.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Ride Horses in Tidewater, Virginia
Riding horses exists in Hampton Roads, and it certainly is recognized as a sport at Tidewater Sports Report.
Happy Valley Equestrian Center 757-934-8300
Windy River Farm 757-538-0777
Grand Slam: A Big Hit in Virginia Beach, Virginia for Years
The Peninsula has its own baseball facilities, with On Deck Training Complex in Yorktown and Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, Virginia. The Southside needs a place for extra cuts in the winter too. Stroll down Virginia Beach Blvd in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Grand Slam USA is located.
Grand Slam has been around for years. Softball and baseball players (and teams) traveled from all over Tidewater, because Grand Slam in Virginia Beach was one of the best functional batting facilities.
Grand Slam USA
3636 Virginia Beach Blvd
#107 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452
Phone: 757-431-0505
