Tuesday, June 17, 2008

SPORTS>> Eighteen area athletes help fill rosters for prestigious games

By KELLY FENTON
Leader sports editor

The 53rd edition of the Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star Games got under way this week at the University of Arkansas.

Last night after Leader deadlines, the baseball doubleheader and the girls and boys soccer matches were played.

Area players selected for the baseball game at Baum Stadium included Jacksonville’s Cameron Hood and Sylvan Hills’ Clint Thornton.

North Pulaski’s Meagan Delao and Searcy’s Rachael Maina and Natalie Polston were selected to the East squad in the girls soccer game held at Lady Back Field. Delao, though, was not listed on the final roster posted in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette on Tuesday morning.

North Pulaski’s Greg West and Searcy’s Jason Felton and Frank Seitz played for the East in the boys game.

Tonight, the softball doubleheader will begin at 5 p.m. at Lady Back Yard. Beebe’s Ashley Watkins will play for the East.

The volleyball game will tip off tonight at 7 at Barnhill Arena.

Thursday night, Bud Walton Arena will host the girls and boys basketball games. The girls East squad includes Beebe’s Emily Bass. Game time is 6 p.m.

The boys game, which is slated to tip at 8, will feature Bradley Spencer of the 4A state champion Lonoke.

All-Star week concludes with the football game on Friday night at 7 at Razorback Stadium. Jacksonville’s Brayden Murray will play for the East team, along with Cabot’s L.J. Tarrant, Sylvan Hills’ Hunter Miller and James T. Long, Beebe’s Cody Cameron, Searcy’s Ryan Wilbourn and Harding Academy’s T.J. Thompson.