Category Archives: Sports
Tournament Time
EASLEY — Coming off a rousing return to Easley last summer after a two-year COVID-19 layoff, the Senior League World Series will be returning to Pickens County this weekend.
The tournament, which pits the best 13-16-year-old baseball players from around the world against each other, will feature six international teams and six U.S. teams and will kick off this Saturday, July 29, at the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex and run through Aug. 5.
As of press time Tuesday, the international division’s qualifiers had all been chosen, while all United States division teams remained in qualifier play.
The first team selected for the tournament was host S.C. District 1. The team, which is comprised of 16 of the area’s best young players, is looking to build upon its 2-2 finish in the 2022 tournament. District 1 will play the winner of the Central regional at 7:30 p.m. on opening night.
S.C. District 1 is set to be represented by Greyson Austin (Wren), Ayden Beeco (Easley), Eli Bledsoe (Liberty), Ayden Clay (Pendleton), Landon Fowler (Powdersville), Connor Johnson (Wren), Blane Jordan (Powdersville), Tobie Lowe (Walhalla), Joey McGovern (Seneca), Jasean Perry (Daniel), Bolton Pritchard (Wren), Aedan Queen (Pendleton), Kade Scruggs (Pendleton), Jonathan Sonderfan (Easley), Trey Sutton (Easley) and Austin Vinson (Wren). Easley High School’s Cooper Sears and Banks Gambrell are listed as alternates for District 1.
Based in Ryde, Australia, the Ryde Hawks were the first team to qualify on the international side following their win in the Australian regional on May 12. The Hawks went 5-0 in regional play and defeated the Eastern Phantoms 6-4 to advance to the SLWS.
The next team to qualify was Matamoros from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. One of two teams from Mexico competing in the regional, Matamoros went unbeaten over the course of the Latin American tournament and beat their country mates from Guadalupe Linda Vista 6-5 in the championship.
In the Caribbean region, Pabao Little League, representing Willemstad, Curacao, earned their spot in the Senior League series by going a perfect 8-0 in regional play. Just like the Latin American champions, Radamés López found themselves in battle of compatriots, facing off with fellow Curacaons, Pariba Little League in the championship.
In early July, Kennemerland Little League, of Haarlem, Netherlands, pulled through in the Europe-Africa regional, going 4-1 on its way to Easley. Facing off with South Czech Republic Little League of the Czech Republic in the finals, Lazio Little League emerged victorious, 7-2.
In the final completed international regional, the East Nepean Little League, of Ottawa, Ontario, upset the previously unbeaten Diamond Baseball Little League team 3-2 in the regional championship to punch its ticket to Easley with a final record of 4-3.
As of press time, there was no information available on the final international regional in the Asia-Pacific region.
Stateside, there was still plenty of baseball to be played at press time Tuesday, with East regional champion Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League, of Cherry Hill, N.J., having won the lone completed U.S. regional.
Sixteen teams were still vying for the top spots in the Central, Southeast, Southwest and West regionals, which were set to be determined by Wednesday at the latest, making for a short preparation time for the trip to Easley.
The day before the series begins on Friday, July 28, the city will host a Fan Fest downtown, including a parade of the teams and a concert with a performance by Ansley Burns. The parade will start at 6:30 p.m.
SLWS games will begin Saturday, July 30, opening up with the Southwest regional champion taking on the West regional champion before finishing the night with Pickens County’s own S.C. District 1 team taking on the Central regional champions.
For more about the Senior League World Series in Easley, visit littleleague.org/world-series/2023/slbws/.
5K run held to benefit Pickens High athletics
The Red, White & Blue Flame 5k was a success on June 24 on the campus of Pickens High School, with proceeds benefiting PHS athletics. The race directors would like to thank the sponsors, participants, volunteers and assistance from the Pickens police and fire departments. Pictured at left are female first-place finisher Marlee Dysart (22:27) and second-place Lauren Green. Not pictured is third-place finisher Emma Kutilek (25:50). Pictured at right are first-place male finisher Sam Sanneman (18:22), second-place Chase Ashe (18:57) and third-place Adam Ellis (19:32). The Red, White & Blue Flame 5k will return next year on June 22, 2024.
Marcell named Liberty boys’ basketball coach
LIBERTY — Less than a month after Jonathan Dilworth stepped down as Liberty High boys’ basketball coach to become the school’s athletic 
director, the Red Devils have found his replacement leading the hoops program.
According to a press release from the school, Brenden Marcell has been
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Staton tabbed to lead Easley High School softball program
By Bru Nimmons
Staff Reporter
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — A little over a month after finishing their season, Easley High School has announced Rebecca Staton as its new head softball 
coach.
“We are extremely lucky and excited to be able to hire an experienced winner like Coach Staton to take the lead of our softball program,” Easley athletic director Gill Payne said. “Easley Softball is known for excellence and to be able to add a coach with 10 years of experience at both the
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Let’s talk Pickens Parks and Rec
Fall Soccer and Volleyball registrations are in full swing. Come by the Rec Dept, Scan the QR code or call us for more information.
“You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you take that first step and just go for it.” — Natasha Hastings
Registration for both soccer and volleyball runs through June 19th.
Let’s talk Pickens Parks and Rec is a new column from Pickens Parks and Recreation director Jonathon Morris. He can be reached at (864) 878-2296.
Rogers scholarship golf tournament successful for 19th consecutive year
PICKENS — Twelve teams participated in the 19th annual Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Award Golf Tournament held at The Rock Golf Club and Resort on June 10, 2023.
The event, which is held annually, raised money for scholarships that will be awarded to Pickens High School basketball team members who plan to further their education. A senior from the varsity girls team as well as a senior from the
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Legion Post 52 off to hot start
EASLEY — The American Legion Post 52 baseball team began its new season last Wednesday night with a 13-12 come-from-behind walk-off win over Asheville Post 70.
Easley struggled last season, failing to win a game. New coach Jonathan Hall recruited through social media, attracting some of the area’s finest players as he hopes to restore the team to the glory days of years ago and prove that American
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Dilworth named LHS athletic director
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
LIBERTY — Following the resignation of athletic director Hal McManus last month, Liberty High School has selected a familiar face to fill the role.
According to a statement released by the school, Jonathan Dilworth has been selected as Liberty’s next athletic director.
“I’m extremely excited for this opportunity to be the next Liberty High School athletic director,” Dilworth said. “I’m ready to help lead our
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Rogers golf tourney planned for Saturday
PICKENS — The 19th annual Charles F. Rogers Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament is scheduled for this Saturday, June 10.
The tournament, which annually benefits a male and female senior basketball player from
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Blue Flame show off new offensive scheme in first spring under Reynolds
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Following an offseason of change, the Pickens community got its first look at the Pickens High School football team under first-year head coach James Reynolds during the Blue Flame’s annual spring game May 23.
With so much turnover as Reynolds has revamped things early on in his tenure, the Blue Flame’s new leader was just proud of how the team
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