South Seven seniors lead way in SIBCA All-Star Game

Posted By: dkinnard
June 29, 2023 @ 12:40 am
Baseball, Carbondale, Johnston City, Mt. Vernon, Slider, West Frankfort

Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

HARRISBURG — After years of playing East vs West in the Southern Illinois Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game, organizers decided to split the players up by conferences starting in 2018. The conference splits have been determined by the number of seniors playing.

The South Seven was the only conference not to be a part of a winning team in the first four games held in the current format (there was no game in 2020 due to the pandemic).

South Seven players made sure that changed in 2023.

Carbondale’s Eli Dyer had a two-run hit in the first inning, and Mt. Vernon’s Tyler Kemp added a three-run double in the seventh to lead the offensive attack, while Kemp’s Rams’ teammates Charlie Houle and Kayden McGee started and closed a nine pitcher, four-hitter as the Black Diamond/Midland Trail/South Seven beat the Greater Egyptian/SIRR/South Egyptian 7-5.

Trailing 7-1, the GEC/SIRR/SEC scored a run in the seventh, added a two-run homer from West Frankfort’s Jack Hogg in the eighth, and scored another run in the ninth, but could get no closer.

The BDC/MTC/South Seven also won the Junior Game 11-2.

SIBCA President Jon Watts (center) presents plaques to Johnston City’s Caden Clark (left) and West Frankfort’s Drew Smith (right) for winning the Keith Warren Scholarship. (Picture provided by the SIBCA)

Since 2016, the SIBCA has awarded the Keith Warren Scholarship, in honor of the former Herrin head coach, who was an integral part of the SIBCA before passing away in 2015. This year’s winners are Johnston City’s Caden Clark and West Frankfort’s Drew Smith.