LIBERTY — Liberty High School senior Ryan Stephens signed a national letter of intent last week to play baseball at Toccoa Falls College.
Stephens completed his senior season hitting a career-high .325. He also contributed on the mound where he helped guide the Red Devils to some very important wins.
“Ryan is a leader on the field with his work ethic and unselfish attitude,” Liberty head coach Scott Kerwin said.
Stephens was the recipient of the Matthew Glen Roper “Role Man” Award for LHS baseball this season. In 2007, he was the MVP for the LHS JV baseball team.
Stephens has played summer and fall baseball for Blue Chip Baseball.
In addition to representing LHS at Palmetto Boys State last summer, Stephens is active in the youth group at Flat Rock Baptist Church and plays in the church’s Praise Band.

Athletes from the Pickens Recreation Department competed May 22 in a Pitch, Hit and Run Sectional Competition in York. The Pickens participants were the first place winners from the local competition held during Diamond Day in Pickens. Above, from left, are Austen McPeters, who won first place in the 11/12 boys’ competition, Sami Turner, first place in 7/8 girls, Maleah Kelley, third place in 7/8 girls and Griffin Patterson, third place in 9/10 boys. McPeters’ and Turner’s scores will be compared to other sectional champions in the local Major League Baseball team market, with the top three scorers advancing to the team championship. Below are all Pickens participants in the York competition. Front, from left: Faith Fowler, Beth Hyatt, Drew Campbell, Sami Turner and Maleah Kelley. Back: Austen McPeters, Kirkland Gillespie, Zeke Tomlinson, Griffin Patterson and Zac Lawson.

Liberty High School recently named senior Karahn Washington and sophomore Amber King as its male and female athletes of the year. Washington was a two-sport standout for the Red Devils this year. He was All-Region and All-State in cross country. In wrestling, Washington won 34 matches this season, was Pickens County champion in his weight class and finished third at state individuals. He was also All-Academic All-Region. King participated in volleyball, basketball and track, earning all-region in all three sports (two events in track) and finished third at state in three track events.

EASLEY — The Easley Green Wave will officially kick off the Chad Smith era when they take to Brice Field this Friday evening for the annual Green/White spring game.
The game, which will begin at 7 p.m., will be a 100-play scrimmage, with halftime after 50 plays.
At halftime, there will be a tribute to Steve Westmoreland, as well as the presentation of the Easley Touchdown Club’s Brooks-Carr award.
Smith is heading into his first season as head coach for the Green Wave after taking over for Jabo Burgess, who led Easley to a combined 18-38 record in his five seasons at the helm. The Green Wave finished 1-10 last season after going winless in 2008.
Tickets will also be available at the spring game for a June 19th Touchdown Club pancake breakfast at Fatz Cafe, with proceeds from the sales going to buy the Green Wave’s new game pants. Pancake breakfast tickets will cost $5. Easley football players will wait tables during the breakfast.

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Rising Daniel High senior receiver Antonio Cannon, shown here catching a pass over a defender during the Lions’ annual spring game last Friday evening, committed to the University of Kentucky following the game. UK assistant coach Tee Martin was on hand to watch the game, which the White squad won 24-17. Cannon received a verbal offer from the Wildcats after the game and pledged to UK head coach Joker Phillips on the spot via phone.