Some in, some out of poll

By By Todd Thompson, Hartselle Enquirer
One look at the first Alabama Sports Writers Association prep baseball poll and many people were probably wondering what had happened to Hartselle.
Hartselle wasn’t among the top 10 baseball programs in the state in Class 5A when the poll was released last week, the first time the Tigers failed to earn a spot in the first rankings of the season in more than 20 years.
Blame a 6-15 start for the lack of statewide respect.
The Class 5A poll is dominated by teams that the Tigers defeated in the playoffs last season: Southside and Cullman are ranked first and second respectively, while East Limestone is ninth.
Hartselle will open up area play next week against No. 8 Muscle Shoals.
Hartselle’s softball team was ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 5A behind Mortimer Jordan.
The Lady Tigers won six of their first 12 games against a loaded schedule that featured several Class 6A powers, but Hartselle has caught fire with a strong run in tournaments during spring break.
Falkville made an appeararance in the first softball poll of the season with a solid start.
The Lady Blue Devils opened the year ranked ninth in Class 2A after starting the year 7-5-1.
Falkville finished 2-4 in the Wallace State tournament last week with three of the losses coming to ranked opponents.
Booth honored: Hartselle head baseball coach William Booth was honored earlier this season with the Sammy Dunn Memorial Award by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association at a banquet in Montgomery.
The ABCA also named Booth as the Class 5A Coach of the Year after the legendary coach led Hartselle to the 2009 state championship and a state-record 50 wins.
Hendrix honored: Hartselle senior Mac Hendrix, who plays football and baseball for the Tigers, was the Bryant-Jordan Scholar-Athlete winner from Region 8 in Class 5A.
All 96 regional winners will be recognized at a banquet and awards ceremony April 5 at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel ballroom.
The 12 class winners and the two state winners wll be announced at the ceremony.
Sports editor Todd Thompson can be reached at 773-6566 or at todd.thompson@hartselleenquirer.com