Berries Gear Up for Challenging Semi-State Clash

Logansport, fresh off a narrow victory against top-ranked Yorktown, is now focused on the Class 3A Twin Lakes Semi-State taking place this Saturday. The No. 2 Berries (27-1) are set to face No. 10 Hanover Central (23-6) in the 11 a.m. semifinal matchup.

According to the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, Logansport holds the second position, just behind New Palestine, which will also be competing in the Southern Semi-State on the same day. Meanwhile, Hanover Central has recently moved up to the No. 4 spot, surpassing Yorktown, suggesting a tough challenge ahead for the Berries.

The Wildcats boast a standout player in sophomore pitcher Jillian DeYoung, who has an impressive 18-4 record and a 1.35 ERA. DeYoung has tallied 224 strikeouts while allowing 40 walks over 130 innings pitched. In a recent regional game against Griffith, she showcased her dominance by pitching a one-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts.

Offensively, Hanover Central is led by Jacksonville State recruit Sienna Stilley, who is hitting an impressive .476 with 13 home runs and 35 RBIs. The team averages 8.0 runs per game and is thought to have a stronger schedule than Logansport, though all three teams are closely matched according to MaxPreps.

Logansport recently faced Olivia Jones, one of the state's top sophomore pitchers, in their last game. This experience may benefit them as they prepare for Saturday. They managed to score just once against Yorktown, yet that was sufficient for victory, and the team continues to average 8.1 runs per game.

Among the key players in Logansport's lineup are senior shortstop Aracyn Good (.326, 1 HR, 31 R) and junior pitcher Brooklynn Hagerty, who is Texas-bound and boasts a perfect 17-0 record with a remarkable 0.67 ERA. Hagerty has been particularly impressive in the tournament, not allowing an earned run in her last seven outings.

In addition to the Berries and Wildcats, the other semifinal match will feature John Glenn (21-9) against East Noble (22-3) at 1 p.m. Both teams are unranked in the final coaches' poll, but their performance on the field will be closely watched.

Fans planning to attend should note that tickets are only available online, with no cash sales at the gate. Morning session tickets and championship game tickets can be purchased through EventLink.com. The semi-state games will also be broadcast live on WSAL radio at 1230-AM/94.9 FM and streamed online at broadcastsport.net.