April 10,
2004
Germantown wins
third straight USA Classic Championship
Millington, TN- The
Germantown Red Devils used a three-run sixth inning to rally for a 4-2 win
over Pace (Fla.) in the championship game of the 2004 USA Classic at USA
Stadium Saturday. The Red Devils claimed the championship for the third
consecutive time and reached the finals for the fourth consecutive time.
For the twelfth time in twelve years of the national tournament, the
championship trophy will remain in Tennessee. Griffin Burleson's sixth
inning two RBI double was the game winner for Germantown.
All-Tournament Team
MVP - Griffin Burleson,
Germantown
Kevin Clynes, Germantown
Ray Devereaux, Germantown
Chris Newsom, Germantown
R. J. Thompson, Tate
Matt Stokes, Tate
David Doss, Tate
Daniel Vanaman, CBHS
Philip Erwin, CBHS
Scott Hawkins, Collierville
Brooks Thornton, Collierville
Eric Hanssen, Pace
Randy Vasquez, Pace
Dougie Birkofer, Oakland
Steven Estell, Nettleton
Luke French, Heritage
Clay Haury, MBA
Rawley Bishop, Houston
Craig Womack, Hartselle
Jordan Phillips, Woodstock
Drew Smith, Mills Godwin
Participating Team Capsules
Christian
Brothers - Memphis, Tenn.
The Purple Wave return 8 starters from last year's 3rd Place
State Tournament team. Several pitchers also return from the team that
finished 30-12. As winners of two USA Classics and three State
Championships in the last 6 years, the Brothers look to play for another
state title in 2004. Ten seniors hope to give the needed experience to do
just that.
Enrollment: 850 boys |
Collierville
- Collierville, Tenn.
Last year the Dragons were District Champions in the tough
District 15 of the AAA Division. With a record of 30-13 last year, they
look to compete quite well in 2004. Anchored by Ole Miss signee Zack
Cozart, 4 returning starters and ex-college head coach Jeff Hopkins; this
school will be a formidable opponent for anyone.
Enrollment: 2100 |
Cordova
- Cordova, Tenn.
The Wolves of Cordova finished 2nd last year in their
district with a 24-13 record. With possibly the best one-two pitching
punch in the area in Brett Jenne and Travis Matthews, they look to go deep
in the 2004 Classic. The are last year's winners of the Millington
Invitational.
Enrollment: 2000 |
Germantown
- Germantown, Tenn.
The Red Devils are the
two-time defending USA Classic Champions. Last year with a 29-10 record,
they finished as district runners-up. Seniors Griffin Burleson and Chris
Newsom lend valuable experience on the mound to a young team. Only 3
starters return, but do not let that mislead you, they will field a very
competitive team.
Enrollment: 2250 |
Hartselle
- Hartselle, Ala.
This tradition rich school makes their second appearance
in the USA Classic. The Tigers' record last year of 29-21 allowed them to
reach the final four in their 5A Division. Several State Championships in
the 90s tell you that they are well coached and ready to compete. Zach
Andrews and Brandon Wallace (both seniors) anchor this talented team sure
to bring many fans.
Enrollment:
950 |
Hendersonville
- Hendersonville, Tenn.
Last year's 33-9 Commando team had a thrilling finish,
ending the year 3rd in AAA Division State tournament. The state polls had
them ranked #1 most of the year in the Mid-State Area. Only three starters
return, but this school always finds a way to go deep in
tournaments.
Enrollment: 1500 |
Heritage
- Littleton, Colo.
Coming to play in their first USA Classic, with a record
of 20-6, the Eagles (located outside of Denver) finished 3rd in the State
5A Division. With 8 starters returning, they have a chance to be the first
team outside of Tennessee to win the USA Classic. With four pitchers
projected to be drafted, it seems likely they will find a way to reach the
championship game.
Enrollment: 1900 |
Houston
- Germantown, Tenn.
The Mustangs always play tough in the USA Classic. Six
starters return from last year's 32-8 team. Led by Mississippi State
signee John Lalor, several other seniors will provide necessary
leadership. They look to improve on last year's final eight finish. As
past USA Classic Champions, they will be an aggressive bunch to deal with.
Enrollment: 1700 |
Mills
E. Godwin -
Richmond, Va.
AAA Division Eagles make their first USA Classic appearance.
State Champions in 1999, State Quarter-finalists in 2000, and State
Semi-finalists in 2002 prove that this team knows how to win. With several
projected college signees and a USA Youth National Player, it would be
possible for them to go all the way. Last year's 19-3 record and first
place in the district shows they will keep the tradition alive.
Enrollment: 2000 |
Montgomery
Bell Academy - Nashville, Tenn.
Senior leadership will provide much needed experience to
help the Big Red compete for the 2004 USA Classic title. Five starters
return from last years 20-12 season. Playing in a tough Mid-State region,
they will be ready to go. Look for Scott Pettus and Michael Fisher to be
the backbone of this scrappy team.
Enrollment: 450 |
Nettleton
- Jonesboro, Ark.
Making their first USA Classic appearance, the Eagles'
29-7 record last year carried them all the way to the 4A State
Semi-finals. They have finish in the top four the last three years and the
top eight twice before. Six starters return including three senior
pitchers. Expect them to have a chance to go all the way and to have a
large crowd to support them.
Enrollment: 540 |
Oakland
- Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Not many teams have had as much success in the USA Classic
tournament history as the Patriots. Last year's team finished 31-15, which
led them to a 3rd place State finish. State Championships in 1999 &
2000 prove that they will come to play. Five starters and three pitchers
return from the 2003 club, giving this AAA Division team another chance at
their final game.
Enrollment: 1600 |
Pace
- Pace, Fla.
With three of the last four Nike National Classic
Championships under their belt, the Patriots look to bring home the USA
Classic title in their first ever visit. Five starters return from last
year's 19-11 District Championship team. Led by pitchers Bobby Casseral
and Eric Womack, they compete in the 4A Division.
Enrollment: 1900 |
Riverdale
- Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Listed in the Pre-season Top 50 last year, the Warriors
posted a 37-7 record and a place in the state tournament. They return six
players, including four of their top pitchers. They do not plan on
finishing with anything less than a State Championship in 2004. Playing in
a tough Mid-State are, and the AAA Division, look for them to have a
chance to go deep in the USA Classic.
Enrollment: 1800 |
Tate
- Cantonment, Fla.
Though they are making their first USA Classic appearance
this year, three final-four finishes in the last six years and a 1998 6-A
State Championship puts the Aggies well into the hunt for the 2004 USA
Classic title. Five starters return, including their top two pitchers.
One, Nolan Cain, is projected to go in the MLB draft. Last year's record
of 16-9 will not be acceptable this year.
Enrollment: 2025 |
Woodstock -
Woodstock, Ga.
The Division 5A Wolverines will be making their first
USA Classic appearance. Five starters return from last year's 13-13 squad.
Included in that are Division I signee candidates Ben Fuller (P) and Kyle
Steve (CF). They also have a young player, Danny Carmichael that many
project as draftable in future MLB drafts.
Enrollment: 2200 |