Jackson Heights over Valley Heights (9-0) - Regional Quarterfinal 

The Jackson Heights Cobras dominated the Valley Heights Mustangs 9-0 in a 1-2A Regional Quarterfinal, ending the game after six and a half innings. It marked the first postseason victory in program history for the Cobras, while also serving as the first playoff game ever hosted by Jackson Heights.

The game began slowly, with both teams held scoreless through the first inning before the Cobras struck first in the bottom of the second. With the bases loaded, Teagan Bowhay drew a walk that brought home Jamison Huyett, who has been one of the most dangerous freshmen in 1-2A on both the offensive and defensive sides.

Jackson Heights broke the game open in the bottom of the third, scoring four runs on six hits. Hayden Shultejans and Drake Mellies both reached on singles to begin the inning before Huyett drove in Shultejans with an RBI single. Austin Zeller then cleared the bases with a three-run home run, his first of the season.

The Cobras added another run in the fourth before another big inning in the fifth, scoring three more runs. The highlight came from senior Drake Mellies, who launched a three-run home run of his own for his first homer of the season.

Jackson Heights closed the game dominantly, allowing only two hits to Valley Heights, coming from Ben Miller and Preston Smercheck. Hayden Shultejans nearly tossed a complete-game shutout, finishing with 6.2 innings pitched while recording six strikeouts and allowing just two walks. He now leads the team with 47 strikeouts on the season.

The Cobras finished with 13 hits, two home runs, nine runs, one error, and six runners left on base while going 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position.

Jamison Huyett led the team with three hits, all singles, while Mellies and Zeller each drove in three runs thanks to their three-run home runs.

Head Coach Jeremy Melvin has built a tough and competitive program, supported by a senior class that has stayed committed since the program’s beginning in 2023. That dedication has now led Jackson Heights to the first winning season in program history at 13-7, along with the program’s first postseason victory.

Jackson Heights will now travel to Rossville next Tuesday. Their game will begin approximately 25 minutes after the conclusion of the 2:00 p.m. matchup between Mission Valley and Sacred Heart. The winners of both games will meet in the Regional Championship with a trip to the state tournament on the line