Strong pitching long has been a trademark of Ringgold High School baseball, but never in the long history of the perennial power has there been a staff as deep as the one coach Brent Tucker has this season.
The Tigers have one of the top staffs in the state, regardless of classification, led by future Division I players Matthew Crownover (Clemson), Colton Cross (Kennesaw State) and Corey Kafka (Mercer). Yet a staff that goes at least eight deep with that much top-tier talent is not head and shoulders above all others in Ringgold’s region.
Region 7-AAA coaches this year elected to play a home-and-home full region schedule, meaning 22 league games will decide the four postseason teams. Getting there may ride on more than just the quality of arms; depth will be key.
“In this league, it is a luxury to have three quality starters,” Tucker said. “We’re playing Monday, Thursday and Friday, so staffs are going to be tested. I haven’t seen this kind of pitching in one league in a long time. Teams usually have one strong pitcher, but there are several in 7-AAA that have two or three.
“Fortunately, we’re one of them.”