Welcome to The HEAT Index: The online Home of the Torches Seeking to glorify Jesus Christ with His given talents. Striving to build Godly character. Settling for nothing short of excellence.NOT WITHOUT HEARTCOLUMBUS - When the Torches softball team took the field Tuesday for the ACEA Substate game they may not have carried experience, but they certainly carried heart. Playing a rematch game from a week prior against the Eagles of Victory-Columbus, the ladies knew they needed to play one of their best games to have a chance to come out on top. It would take some timely hits, plate discipline, and flawless innings. The Lady Torches got all that, but still came up a run short. The game was heartbreaking as the game's deciding run crossed the plate in the final at-bat. Prior, the Tabernacle girls put together a string of timely hits. Trailing by 3 late in the game, Susanna Tucker came up to the plate with two on base. A bases clearing triple gave the Torches new life and a chance to tie the game. Eighth grader, Chaise Hodges, took her turn at the plate, quickly falling behind with two strikes. Showing some great plate discipline, Hodges laid off several high pitches before drilling a game-tying hit. The magic, however, did not come into the bottom of the inning. The Lady Torches saw the Eagles have their own timely hits and win the ball game. Coach Bohannon was quite pleased with the maturity and growth that was revealed in this substate contest. These developing traits give excitement for the future of Tabernacle Softball. Baseball Claims #1 SeedThe regular season completed, the Tabernacle Torches Baseball team has put themselves in the best possible situation for next week's state tournament. The Torches, led by Coach Tim Thompson, will be waiting to see who they will play on Friday, May 11th at Orr Park in Montevallo. They will be playing Lindsey Lane or Victory of Columbus. Tabernacle has had success against both teams this year. They recently beat the Eagles of VCA in Tuesday's close game, 5-3. The expectations are high for the Torches. Though experiencing much success over the past seasons, the Torches are focused on a State Title that has eluded them since 2005. Baseball Flexes Strength in Early GoingThe Tabernacle baseball season is still young, but with an early show of strength - the team is well on their way to tournament play. With an undefeated conference record, the Torches have suffered just one defeat, in an early season tournament. In their most recent conference game, the Torches unloaded against Lindsey Lane to win the "counter" game 14-3 at Lindsey Lane. Senior, Jason Wilson, gave up only 2 hits and no earned runs to go with 8 strikouts. Junior, Caleb Thompson was 3 for 4, while Jason Wilson, Joe Zassoda, Collin Sutton, and Ryan Thomas collected 2 hits each. Senior, Zach Morgan had a monster day at the plate. He amassed 4 doubles in this game alone. In the second contest, Zach continued his hot hitting. He fell a single shy of hitting for the cycle, on his 3-4 outing. In both games combined he hit 7-9 with 5 doubles. The second game saw Senior, Jordan Forshee get the 12-0 win over Lindsey Lane. Joe Zassoda and CJ White went 3 for 4, as Caleb Thompson and Collin Sutton went 2 for 3. Cheerleaders Take State Again!TUSCALOOSA- The Tabernacle Christian School Cheerleaders have claimed the 2011-2012 State Championship for the second consecutive year. Competing before a packed crowed at Shelton State Community College, the ladies performed a blemish-free routine on Championship Saturday. Recognized for their skill and spirit, Juniors Lindsey Dickson and Shelby Salyers were named to the All-Tournament Cheer Squad. Shelby was named the MVP of the cheer competition. Coach Tonya Branham was tremendously pleased in which the girls pulled together with veteran poise. "The girls endured grueling practices every day there wasn’t a basketball game, including 5-6 hour practices on Saturdays. I am very proud of the squad, who performed an almost flawless routine, to win the 2012 ACEAA Varsity Cheer Competition." Nearly thirty minutes later, the JV Cheerleaders took the mat looking to claim the first JV title in eight seasons. The young ladies were nervous but well practiced. Their approximately three minute routine also proved near flawless - claiming the JV title for Coach Valinda Salyers and the Tabernacle JV Cheerleaders. Eighth grader Lori Garrison was named to the All-Tournament Cheer squad. Coach Salyers remarked: "Our purpose from the beginning was to glorify God with our actions and attitudes. We decided that our goal was not merely a trophy but having the reputation of being Christlike encouragers to the athletes we support as well as our student body." Varsity Boys Basketball Finish with CharacterTUSCALOOSA- The 2011-2012 Tabernacle Varsity Basketball Team began its season with just one goal. The eight returning players from the State Runner-Up team had set their sights on cutting the nets at the State Championship in 2012. For Coach Corbett another goal was within reach - to be the best defensive team in the state. "Our program is built with a defensive mindset. It takes character to be a great defender: Unselfish, unsung, unyielding - all the things that belong in a young Christian man's life." The Tabernacle Torches entered the state weekend with a 21-5 record relying on a tough defense and an offense that was at times explosive. The full court threat in Frederick Goodgame, the inside play of Carson Dabbs, and the outside shooting of Wes Felix had put up points in a hurry. These three seniors had been the offensive mainstays throughout the season. The quarter final victory over Chilton Christian brought Tabernacle to the Final Four against Victory of Columbus. The Torches had beaten the Eagles twice in the regular season, but the Eagles boasted improved play and energetic athletes that was nothing to overlook. The Torches stout defense held the Eagles to just 4 first half points. A tough shooting night for the Torches, they were able to convert important free throws and hold off a late Eagle surge to claim the win. The win vaulted Tabernacle to a rematch of last season's title game against North River Christian. Saturday's Championship game would be a battle between the offensive explosiveness of North River and the defensive grit of Tabernacle Christian. The Chargers boasts a 49 game winning streak and an offense the regularly scores 50-60 points. An early deficit was erased when Tabernacle went on a 17-5 run in the second quarter. The run was highlighted by three point shots by Goodgame and Felix, capped with Dabbs strong post move at the end of the half. The six point Torch's lead at halftime was dwindled to just two at the end of the third. It was late in the game when North River's Tevin Love and Jamarcus Gray hit two crucial three pointers to give the Chargers the lead of 5. The Torches were able to pressure the Chargers into turnovers that brought them within 1 point with a minute to play. A Charger bucket and a Tabernacle turnover became too much for the Torches to overcome in that final minute. While the Torches walked off the floor with a second place trophy, Coach Corbett will remember this team as the best defensive team in the state. "More than great defenders, they had a passion today that gave of themselves everything. There is no passion without giving - and today they gave it their all. I'm proud of their leadership and resiliency - a very good team made up of great young men." Carson Dabbs, Frederick Goodgame, and Jud Sims were named to the All-Tournament Squad. Pictures / Write up: http://www.tuscpreps.com/news/article/31419/north-river-christian-wins-acea-state-title/ Tabernacle Athletic Information:Phone:205-965-1636 |
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