Private schools honor: Bob Kraft, Heritage Hall...

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

It’s easy to get enamored with hitting in baseball. It makes for great highlights and sound bytes as we found out a long time ago ‘chicks dig the long ball.’

But you’re going to need some pitching if you’re really going to make a run, and that’s why I feel Heritage Hall has a great chance in Class 4A.

Leading that charge is Bob Kraft, who has been sensational on the mound all season and is a huge reason the team is 17-2 entering this week.

I’m hesitant to say Heritage is ranked No. 11 because I think it might move up a spot or two when the rankings are released here shortly.

Kraft has overpowered hitters, leading the team in strikeouts and has yet to face defeat and is earning the Private Schools Player of the Week. Though the offense deserves a nod as the Chargers scored at least 11 runs in all four wins last week.

For a look at how sophomore Barry Sanders came to love baseball, here is my story from Sunday’s paper.

Other contenders

Abbey Akin, Bishop McGuinness, Soccer: The Irish have a lot of deadly scorers but Akin might be the most feared one of the bunch. McGuinness hasn’t been challenged lately but will receive a big one Tuesday when Deer Creek is at the Irish (I’ll be there).

John Ratliff, Casady, Golf: Among all the top names in the state at the big events, his name keeps on sneaking up on the leaderboard. Would love to get a chance to see Ratliff in action one of these days.

(weather kept the list a lot shorter than normal, but if you know of anybody, let me know)