COALFIELD – The North Greene Huskies traveled to Coalfield for a Class 1A State Sectional series and felt the sting from the Yellow Jackets in a pair 9-0 losses that brought their season to an end short of the state tournament.
“We knew coming in that it was going to be a tough battle. We did a little research on some of their pitching and we knew that the guy we saw in the first game was sitting mid-80s, upper-80s at times, we just knew it was going to be a battle. And, of course, they’ve got Luke Treece behind the plate. Probably Mr. Baseball in the state of Tennessee in single A. We knew it was going to be a challenge. We played good defensively, they just had some good hits at times,” Head Coach Jamey Palmer said.
Going into the season not many expected North Greene to make it this far. There were no lofty expectations like years before. They lost five seniors last year and were bringing in a young team. On top of all that, previous Head Coach Jason Lowe stepped down and handed the reins over to his assistant Jamey Palmer.
With all the questions surrounding how North Greene would respond this season, they probably exceeded most people’s expectations.
“To get here with these great kids it’s very special. Very humble and blessed. You can put a lot of words in there that speaks volumes of these kids. Just proud of the hard work they put in offensively and defensively,” Palmer expressed.
After last year’s disappointing loss to Washburn in the Region 1-1A Tournament, the Huskies reversed the roles this season and sent the Pirates home and advanced to Sectionals. They met up with Coalfield again, the same place their season ended in 2023, for a chance to make the state tournament. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to reverse those roles again and suffered a pair of 9-0 losses to end their season.
North Greene only graduates one senior in Jake Duffy. And, as fitting as it may seem, the season ended with their lone senior taking his last at bat. Coach Palmer spoke about Duffy briefly and all he’s meant to the program.
“If we had 25 Jake Duffy’s at North Greene, we’d be in business. He’s excelled in the weight room for us, showing these younger kids how to put in the work. He’s excelled on the baseball field. I just can’t say enough. If there’s a college out there that needs a utility guy that can play outfield or infield something, you might want to look at this kid. He has that never quit mentality. Just super proud of him and the way he carries himself and the way he’s helped our young guys.”
As Palmer simply put it, “To come down here in a yellow jacket’s nest so to speak, it’s tough.”
They were strong, they were talented, and they were good. Very good.
In both games, Coalfield shut out North Greene 18-0, outhit them 17-10, and did not commit a single error when the Huskies made five. The Yellow Jackets walked 14 times and North Greene only drew three.
Mr. Baseball Finalist Luke Treece was avoided all day. He was intentionally walked four times and walked another two times on eight-straight balls. They could not however avoid leadoff batter Levi Heidi. His totals for the day were 4-for-8 with 5 runs scored and 2 RBIs with a double and triple. Jorden Steinhauer had himself a day as well going 4-for-7 with 4 RBIs, 3 runs, 2 doubles, and 1 home run.
North Greene’s leadoff man Isaac Gaby went 3-for-7 with a double to lead the Huskies.
The first game started fantastic for the Huskies with a leadoff double ripped into right field by Gaby, but he received no support. He again got on base with a two-out single in the third, but couldn’t get any help. Their third and final hit of game one came in the seventh from Christian Cogdill when it was far too late. Aidan Halley was the starting pitcher and received the loss.
The Huskies seemed to do better in the second game with seven hits, but couldn’t produce any at the right time and were held scoreless. Tyler Britton helped himself with two hits and was the game’s starting pitcher. He received the loss on the mound.
North Greene’s season came to a close with a 16-17 (6-3) record with runner-up finishes in the District 1-1A Tournament and Region 1-1A Tournament. “I’m super proud of our guys for the season we had,” Palmer stated.
