Both Sheridan and Jonesboro have their share of positives to boast about this season.
Sheridan set a school record for victories this season, while Jonesboro's winning streak against in-state opponents currently stands at 24. The two Class 6A programs will tangle for a state title at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville this morning.
"We know how well-coached they are," Sheridan Coach Mike Moore said of the Hurricane. "They are very disciplined and they create an atmosphere that's conducive to winning. They play the same way we do."
It could be a duel between two pitchers who are both coming off one-hit performances. Jonesboro sophomore Zane Ryne Neves (10-0) struck out 12 in an 11-3 victory over Pine Bluff in the state quarterfinals. Sheridan junior Tyler Cleveland (7-1) allowed only three base runners and struck out eight in a 1-0 semifinal victory over Greenwood.
"[Neves] is way beyond pitching like a sophomore," Moore said. "He's got a real good fastball, his velocity is good and his slider ... is a dirty one."
Jonesboro has not given up an earned run in its last three games. The Hurricane (29-3) have shut out 5 opponents this season and have allowed no more than 2 runs in 17 of their 32 games. Jonesboro is unbeaten against in-state foes since a season-opening loss to Valley View on Feb. 28.
The Hurricane have also been productive at the plate. Senior Sam Edwards was 4 for 6 with 4 RBI in Jonesboro's 2 state tournament games.
"He's a big-time competitor is what he is," Jonesboro Coach Mark Dobson said. "You never have to worry about him being ready to play. More than anything, you may have to settle him down a little bit because he is fiery."
Edwards, who won a state doubles championship in tennis with partner Connor Mackey last fall, belted a two-run home run against Benton in a 5-0 semifinal victory Monday. It was his second home run of the season.
"I thought I swung the bat real well," Edwards said. "I jumped on the right pitches and had a good approach at the plate."
Cleveland loaded the bases with no outs against Greenwood in Monday's semifinal game, but retired the final 15 batters he faced in completing the shutout.
"He's our guy," Moore said. "And he's a warrior. He will just not be denied."
Sheridan (32-5) is batting .330 as a team and has 10 players with at least one home run. Senior David Vilches leads the Yellowjackets with 5 home runs and 32 RBI. Junior Chance Wallingsford has a team-high .390 batting average and has struck out only 4 times in 135 plate appearances.
The Yellowjackets' set the school record for victories two weeks ago.
"We had won 26 games two or three times during a season, but could never seem to get over that mark," Moore said. "With 32 wins, we've blown that up this season."
Sports on 05/20/2017