News Summary
The Hilton Head Christian Academy baseball team secured their second consecutive state championship with a 7-3 victory over Ben Lippen in the SCISA 4A finals. Playing without key player Stone Burd, who was hospitalized, the team dedicated their win to him. Key performances by Jackson Richardson and Chip Hetzel helped secure the victory, which also represents the Eagles’ first title in the 4A class. The emotional atmosphere was heightened by a tribute to Burd, highlighting the team’s unity and resilience throughout the tournament.
Hilton Head Island, SC – The Hilton Head Christian Academy (HHCA) baseball team triumphed in the SCISA 4A championship, securing a 7-3 victory over Ben Lippen. This thrilling win not only marks the Eagles’ second consecutive state championship but also their first title in Class 4A, following their success in 3A the previous season.
The decisive game, part of a best-of-three series, unfolded at Minrow Field, attracting a highly invested crowd. The victory was steeped in emotion, as HHCA played without their key player, Stone Burd, who was hospitalized due to a medical emergency just before the team was set to head to Orangeburg for the game. In light of this incident, Coach Jay Scarboro contemplated postponing the match; however, encouraged by Burd’s family, he chose to proceed.
In a poignant tribute, players from both teams donned purple ribbons in honor of Stone Burd and participated in a prayer at home plate before the game commenced. Slaide Burd, Stone’s brother, carried his brother’s jersey during the pregame introductions, adding to the emotional atmosphere of the event. Slaide expressed that earning the championship was immensely meaningful to him, as he felt his brother was present in spirit throughout the competition.
On the field, Jackson Richardson made a significant contribution to the game by driving in four runs, showcasing his pivotal role in the team’s offense. Chip Hetzel, who served as HHCA’s starting pitcher, secured the win after allowing three unearned runs on three hits over six innings. Hetzel also delivered an impactful RBI triple during the fourth inning, further solidifying his performance.
In addition to Richardson and Hetzel, teammates Anthony Seminara and Eli Morgan each recorded two hits, contributing to the team’s overall success. This victory was a huge setback for Ben Lippen, which was seeking their first state championship since 2008. Despite winning the opening game of the series on Wednesday, Jben Lippen experienced challenges, dropping the subsequent two games to the Eagles, with a notable issue being their struggle with walks, issuing nine during the deciding match.
In discussing the results, Coach Brian Larsen of Ben Lippen acknowledged his emotional connection to the team, referring to them as family. He recognized that HHCA had played stronger baseball in the final two games of the series, which ultimately led to their success.
The HHCA Eagles’ victory was underscored by a spirit of teamwork and a resolute desire to perform for their missing teammate, Stone Burd. The emotional backdrop and the team’s determination to honor Burd created a compelling narrative for this championship win, transforming it into more than just a game; it became a testament to resilience and unity.
As the season wraps up, the HHCA Eagles will celebrate their championship title, motivated by the memories of their teammate and the spirit of camaraderie that defined their season.
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Additional Resources
- The State: HHCA Baseball Triumphs in SCISA 4A Championship
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Island Packet: Local High School Sports News
- Google Search: High School Baseball Championship
- MaxPreps: Game Preview HHCA vs. Ben Lippen
- Google Scholar: High School Baseball Achievements
- HSSR: HHCA Overcomes Laurence Manning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball Championships
- MaxPreps: Recap of HHCA Winning Streak
- Google News: Hilton Head Christian Academy Baseball
