Introduction

Regional Quarterfinals are on their way and they kick off at Mission Valley for game number three of the evening, Jackson Heights versus Wabaunsee. The Jackson Heights Cobras are considered the away team in the matchup as they are the lower ranking 5th seed with an overall record of 5-11. The Wabaunsee Chargers are placed as the home team with their 7-15 record, having them placed 4th in the seeding. A notable factor to consider heading into tonight’s game is the Cobras only played sixteen games on the year, where as the Chargers played twenty-two. 

Regional Quarterfinal Recap - Jackson Heights VS Wabaunsee Chargers (2-12) 

Start time of the matchup came about at six-forty with the Cobras up to bat first. The Chargers had sophmore Karsyn Shoffner pitch nearly the whole game completing four innings and snagging two outs in the fifth with his seven strikeouts. The Cobras looked toward senior Micheal Cornelison to start the game but after allowing five runs in just two innings was taken out for the other senior pitcher, Weston Shultejans. Cobra pitcher Weston Shultejans came out as well in the fourth inning for the sophmore, Carter Will, and not to long after in the same inning got taken out for the junior, Kade Holiday. In just four defensive innings the Cobras allowed twelve runs, eight hits, and committed roughly eight errors. The only runs scored for the Cobras came from a talented junior, Titus Eisenbarth, who reached base twice in the game, who was scored of an RBI single from J.W Moore. Kade Holiday also scored for the Cobras after back to back balks that got him from second to home. Jackson Heights lost 12-2 with the game ending in the top of the fifth as they were unable to get the game within nine despite stranding a pair in the last inning. 

Summary

The Cobras wrap up their season in the opening round of Regional 12-2 to Wabaunsee, who will now be taking on Mission Valley on 5/14 (next Tuesday). The Cobras finish the game with two runs, four hits, eight errors, and four left on base. The Chargers finish with twelve runs, eight hits, two errors, and also left four on base. Jackson Heights was down 5-0 when entering the fourth inning, and then were down 12-1 going into the fifth. The athletic season however isn’t quite finished for some of these Cobra Athletes though as Regional Track is next Thursday at JCN. 

Early Preview Next Year for Jackson Heights

Despite the tough end of the season for the Jackson Heights baseball team, they have a lot to look forward to next year. Next year the Cobras will look to bring back a healthy sophomore first baseman, Austin Zeller, which will allow junior J.W Moore to move back behind the plate at catcher. Sophmore Drake Mellies will enter his Junior year and will be more developed entering his third year playing varsity baseball after hitting two home runs this season complimented by his great at bat performance. Sophmore Jace Doyle will look to make a greater impact on varsity next year and freshman Hayden Shultejans will provide great depth in the outfield quoted along side his improvement at pitching. Coach Melvin will have a more seasoned team going into next year with most kids having 2-3 years of varsity experience under their belt now with plenty of athletic talent coming up in the under class. The Cobras will come out next year ready to strike while also entering their third year as a program.

Senior Shoutouts 

As the season ends I would also like to additionally add senior shout outs to all of the seniors who played baseball this season for the Cobras: Wyatt Rollins, Samuel McKinney, Weston Shultejans, and Micheal Cornelison. A blessing to all of you as you exit out of high-school. 

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