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Decatur Hawks 11U:
Hawk News! |
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Wednesday, July 9
Hawks End Season @ "Flames Summer Classic"
As the Hawks 11U Travel Season came to a close in Cincinnati Ohio over the long wet 4th of July weekend these young men may have played their best game of the entire season. After a very disappointing poole draw which featured probably 3 of the best 12 teams in the entire 46 team tournament (The Future: Chicago IL, West Chester Sluggers: West Chester OH, Evansville Extreme: Evansville Indiana) the Hawks backs were forced up against the wall from the onset.
Game 1.
Decatur Hawks vs. The Future
What was by far the best poole play game for the Hawks the boys found themselves down just 4-0 with a runner on 1st and no outs to the eventual overall #1 seed in the entire tourney! Unfortunately the skies opened up with the Hawks rallying and the game was quickly called by tourney officials.. Just bad luck for the Hawks.. Did I mention the The Future beat the 14th ranked team in the nation WCS earlier 4-3..
Game 2.
Decatur Hawks vs. Evansville Extreme
After taking Friday completely off (more rain) the Hawks showed up for a noon showdown at Water Works park. What was a well played game by both teams the Extreme kept coming up with key hits while the Hawks continued to strand runners on base.. Hawks fall 7-3.
Game 3.
Decatur Hawks vs. West Chester Sluggers
With the 4th poole game being canceled due to all of the rain this was the Hawks final poole game against the 14th ranked team in the Nation supporting a 48-3 record. The Hawks must have been intimidated or just didn't have anything left in the tank since this was a back to back game where the temperature reached nearly 90 on a very hot and humid day.. Hawks fall by run rule..
Game 4.
Decatur Hawks vs. South Dayton Sting
The Hawks head to the park not sure who they will be facing as teams are dropping out left and right due to the long drawn out rain delayed tournament. The Homer Heat?? Nope.. The IBA Storm?? Nope.. We ended up getting matched up with the South Dayton Sting who ended up seeded 20th with a 2-1 record but didn't make the top 16 due to all the tie-breaker rules. And why would we have expected anything less??? Another tough team to battle.. As the staff went over warm-ups and gave the Hawks their final pre-game talk something seemed a little different.. A little more focus, a little more intensity, a little more desire...
These young men came out an battled from the very first out to the very final pitch!! AJ and M&M pitched a beautiful game and hit hit hit.. Bray caught a great game and laid down a great bunt. Alec had key at bats all game. Kollin had a good FC and made an important catch in left. Double G had a key hit and ran the bases perfectly. Wolfeeee was 3-3 with an awesome backhand stab and throw out to 1st. B Wells kept getting on base and may have had one of the best catches of his career.. Zach made a simply unbelievable over the head catch behind 3rd and still had the savvy to double up the kid at 2nd.. And what else can we say about the heart and sole of our entire team other than this kid just loves the game.. When he didn't think he could do anything right for his team and tears in his eyes what did we keep telling him over and over and over.. "THE BALL WILL FIND YOU".... "KO" gets a line drive absolutely smoked to him and makes the catch like any baseball player would to end the game after 7 long, hard, hot innings..
This TEAM didn't quit.
This TEAM didn't hang their heads.
This TEAM didn't swallow their tongues.
This TEAM fought.
This TEAM battled.
This TEAM played baseball.
...THIS TEAM WAS A TEAM…
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Friday, June 20
Hawks Battle Back to Finish Up with a WIN in the ISL World Series!!!
After fighting through numerous rain delays, horrid weather, early games, changed scheduling, poor umpiring and long waits the Hawks finally get it together to finish up strong in the ISL World Series.
As what has been typical on Saturdays of late, the Hawks should have just slept in and stayed in bed rather than the half hearted effort they produced against the Irish. We had no heart, no effort, no will and it showed on the field.
With the rain coming down by the buckets the rest of the Hawks Saturday is canceled and we will return back EARLY Sunday morning for an 8am game against one of the strongest teams in the league. The Blazers.. The Hawks showed up and played a very strong game with timely hitting and good defense. Unfortunately with the game on the line and the Hawks rallying there was an absolutely horrid call at the plate which killed the Hawks rally and the Hawks fall to the Blazers in a very good game in which the staff was pleased with the performance of the club.
After once again another long break between games the Hawks had another chance to finish the weekend off right with a W.. Next up for the Hawks, the Terre Haute Tornados... With the only other meeting with the Tornados this year the Hawks squeaked out a 4-3 win in extra innings so we needed to be ready for another tight game. The game was close throughout and tied at 5 after the 4th. The Hawks went crazy with good hitting and excellent base running throwing up 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th. After decent pitching from both AB and AJ the staff decided to throw M&M back on the hill to close it out. He did just that as the Tornados go down 1, 2, 3 and blow away like a cool summer breeze..
Once again the staff is baffled as we never know who is going to show up with this Jeckel and Hyde Hawks team. When we are good we are very good but when we are bad we can be down right tough to watch. As we met after the game we spoke about how we need to come to play and HAVE FUN every game. If we are talking and chatting we are into the game and ready for what might come at us. If we aren't talking, have our heads down and NOT HAVING FUN then we are not thinking and NOT ready for the ball.. This is just baseball and just a game but lessons are absorbed every day, every game, every play.
Please click on the "handout" link below or the forms/flyers link to the left to download the brackets for all game times..
The tournament will be played at Terre Haute North High School .
The directions are as follows:
I-70 exit 11, turn right onto Hwy 46.
Go 3.2 miles and turn left onto US 40.
Go 1.4 miles to the 1st stop light and turn right onto Blakely Ave.
Blakely Ave turns into Fruitridge Ave in about 0.5 miles.
Continue on Fruitridge Ave about 1.1. miles and the high School will be on your left, at the corner of Maple and Fruitridge. You can enter off of Fruitridge or Maple Ave.
The softball fields set in the back of the campus. Follow the orange balloons to the nearest parking of the softball fields. It is a short walk to the softball fields, however, handicap and elderly may be dropped off at the fields by driving down the walkway.
We will wear BLUE on BLUE SATURDAY and BLUE ON WHITE SUNDAY...
This is a double elimination tourney with NO poole play... If we lose our 1st 2 games there will be a consolation game to get our 3 game guarantee..
We will leave from Damon's at 7:15 for anyone that would like to convoy....
Handout: ISL World Series Brackets
Monday, June 9
Decatur Hawks Varsity Baseball Are 4A STATE CHAMPIONS!!
Your Hawks are
2008 State Champions
in Class 4A !!!
A most sincere thank you goes out to the entire Decatur Central
community, students, teachers, administrators, and former alumni
for all your support during this special season. Information will be
posted as it becomes available regarding events to recognize
and celebrate this tremendous achievement of the
Decatur Central Baseball Program.
Awesome Job Coach Webster!!!
Congratulations
Hawks !!!
http://www.ihsaa.org/b-baseball/2007-08/084ARegionalBrackets.pdf
GO HAWKS WIN STATE!!
Mooresville Times Article
Indianapolis Star Article
Indianapolis Star Article about How Travel Baseball Makes the Difference
WISH TV Article
Friday, June 13
Hawks Gearing Up for the Greensburg Summer Swing!!
The Greensburg schedule is out!
Hawks vs Lebanon Stars @ 11:45
Hawks vs Indiana Saints @ 3:45
We will leave from Damons @ 9:45 sharp!
Where GOLD! But please bring all shirts just in case!!
Teams Entered: Decatur Hawks, Lebanon Stars, Greensburg Gators, Indiana Saints, HSE Cats, IBA Storm, Jennings County TNT, Indiana Cobras.
Question: "Why do we keep going to tournaments all over the state and play the same teams when there are six teams in this tourney that we have never played"?
Answer: We have no idea????
Directions:
From Indianapolis:
Take I74 South toward Cincinnati. Take exit 132 South Hwy 421. You will travel south on 421 for approximately 2 miles. The road will come to the a stop light. This is the Hwy 3 junction. Turn right onto Hwy 3, this is a four lane divided Hwy. You will travel again about 2 miles, crossing a railroad track. Get into the left lane. Turn left at the next light, Hwy 46. You will take the first right about 200 yards. There is a big white sign that says Decatur County Park Youth Sports Complex.
Let's go out and play HAWK baseball, then go to Victory Field and watch the Decatur Varsity High School Baseball Team WIN STATE!!!
Wednesday, May 28
Hawks Advance to Final 4 in Indiana Blazers Classic!
Looks like another tough draw for the Hawks.. We will open up with the Irish at 1:30 on Saturday and then The Indy Bats at 3:30.
 
Hawks don't come to play on Saturday going 0-2 & drawing a tough 7 seed for Sunday single elimination bracket play. The Hawks will have to battle a very good Indy Bats team to move on..
 
Hawks come back on Sunday to take out the 2nd seeded Indy Bats 10-1 in dominating fashion but run out of gas against the eventual champions Skiles Test Cobras in the semi-finals..
 
Tuesday, May 27
Hawks Finish Runner Up in Memorial Classic!!!
Wow!!! What a difference a week can make in the attitude, effort, competitiveness, spirit, heart and just plain out ability in these 11 young men... We are not sure exactly what got into the Hawks but they flat out played some serious baseball over the entire weekend at the Saints Memorial Classic. The staff couldn't be more pleased with the teams performance. The boys simply played outstanding against both lesser competition and against one of the better teams in the state. We have fell into a terrible habit about playing down to our competitors level and letting them stay in games. Not anymore... Starting with last Wednesdays game and through the first game of bracket play Sunday the Hawks managed to "run rule" 3 of the 4 games and win the other 6-3.
Even with the 1st loss in the tournament the mighty mighty Hawks had the Saints worried and on the ropes leading 6-5 through 4 1/2. The Saints had to bring in their ace to try and cool the Hawks bats down which were HOT all weekend. The defense was stellar and the pitching was sharp and crisp.
Although the Hawks finished runner up in the Memorial Classic I don't think we could have played ANY better. This is hopefully the boost that these 11 men needed to prove to their selves that they can play with anyone if they believe they can. They just have to come to play every game every day..
MEMORIAL CLASSIC TOURNEY!
POOL A POOL B
1A- Indiana Saints 1B- Decatur Hawks
2A- Frankfort Slam 2B- Avon Elite
3A- Saints Baseball Club 3B- Whiteland
Saturday May 24th, 2008
Diamond #1 Diamond #2
10 AM 1A VS 3A 10 AM 1B VS 2B
12 PM 1A VS 2A 12 PM 1B VS 3B
2 PM 2A VS 3A 2 PM 2B VS 3B
Wednesday, May 14
May Madness Tourney Schedule
 
The Hawks are poised for another very competitive tournament this weekend at the Indianapolis Sports Park as they enter the May Madness Tournament hosted by the Indiana Irish.
 
Teams Entered:
Poole A - Indiana Saints, West Chester Sluggers, Indiana Bats
Poole B - Decatur Hawks, Indiana Blazers, MN Cincy Braves
Poole C - Indiana Irish, Terre Haute Tornados, Vipers
The Hawks will kick off tourney play at 8am againts the Indiana Blazers and then finish up poole play with the MN Cincy Braves @ 2pm. Bracket play will then start at 6pm depending on where we end up seeded.
 
**To see more information on the May Madness Tourney please click on the link**
Handout: May Madness Tourney
Thursday, May 8
Hawks Head for the Indiana Bandits "Battle of the Bats Tourney"
The 11U Hawks travel to Greenfield Indiana to play in the "Battle of the Bats" tourney this weekend at Bandit Yard. We do not yet know who we are playing but we do have our schedule. Please see below.
Poole Play
Friday No Games
Saturday 11:00 Hawks vs. Indiana Trojans
Saturday 3:00 Hawks vs. Cincinatti Flames
Sunday 10:00 Hawks vs. Indiana Saints
Sunday 12:00 Hawks vs. Indy Bandits
Top 2 teams from poole play will play for the championship
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Teams entered: Decatur Hawks - Indiana Bandits - Indiana Mustangs - Indiana Saints - Indiana Trojans - Cincinnati Flames
We will leave from  at 9:30 SHARP if you would like to travel together.
Uniform: Wear your new navy shirts with your vest!!
Directions: Are on the site under locations under "Bandit Yard" and on the schedule.
Wednesday, April 30
Outfield Importance!!!
We have been talking over and over with our outfielders as of late about how important it is to be ready before every pitch, what we are doing if the ball is hit to us and where we are moving to if it is not! We have been stressing to each player how imperative all three outfield positions are and how if played correctly will win many games for us. We are not asking every player to be "PERFECT" but understanding what to do, where to throw, where to be and doing it correctly can be the difference in an entire game.
Here are some tips that I found. Hopefully it will help..
Jump
When the ball is hit, get a good jump. A good jump depends on your reaction time, which can improve through repetition. Watch the ball all the way to the plate; both the location of the pitch and your knowledge of a particular hitter helps you anticipate where the ball may go and give you a chance for a better jump.
Footwork
It's difficult if not impossible to get a good jump without good footwork.
When the ball is hit to your side, your first move will be a crossover step.
When the ball is hit over your head to the side your first step will be a drop step, followed by a crossover.
If you overrun the ball you can stop and take an inside step back to the direction you came from. You should face the ball as you change directions.
When the ball is hit directly over your head, you first step will be a deep drop step with your throwing hand side.
The reason to drop with your throwing hand is if you need to switch sides as your running back on the ball it's much easier to switch from your throwing hand side to your glove hand side and make the catch then the other way around.
One of the most difficult fly balls to judge is the ball hit directly at you. If you don't immediately recognize whether the ball is going over your head or going to drop in front of you, freeze. The worst thing you can do is guess. Simply freeze, try to determine where the ball is and listen. The other outfielder may be able to see the trajectory better than you and yell at you to go in or go back.
Run Hard
Once you have determined approximately where the ball is going to land, start running hard to that spot. This will give you time to make adjustments if you misjudged the ball. If you coast toward the ball and you find out the ball is going to land farther away than anticipated, you may not have time to get to that spot.
Don't Run On Your Heels
If you run on your heels toward a fly ball, you will notice that the ball is bouncing. This often happens when you coast toward the ball. Run hard and try to keep more on the front part of your feet and the ball will stay steady in your vision.
Get Behind The Ball
You will dramatically improve your velocity and the time required to throw the ball if you get behind the ball as it comes down and start moving in the direction of your target as you catch the ball.
Circle The Ball
Sometimes you have to sprint as fast as you can just to have an opportunity to catch a ball. Other times the ball will be hit high enough that you will have extra time to get yourself in a good position to get behind the ball. One technique that will help you get in position is to circle the ball. With a ball hit to your side it's risky to try and take a direct angle to cut it off. If you miss judge the distance and speed at all, the ball may get by you. By taking an angle that is deeper you can circle behind the ball and catch it moving forward with the ball in front of you. While it might take slightly longer to get to the ball, you will be in a better position to not only catch it but make an accurate throw. The diagrams below show the incorrect angle and proper angle to take when running to the ball.
 
Outfield - Backing Up
Situations
I've included some situations along with responsibilities of the outfielders. I haven't attempted to include all scenarios, but hopefully this will provide some information to players or coaches who don't know where outfielders should be to properly back up a play. In all situations it's important to realize that an outfielder may be needed in a rundown play. By backing up, the outfielder he has placed himself in a position to help in that situation also.
Ball Hit To The Left Side Of The Infield
Left Fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second or third base depending on base runners.
Center Fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball or second base if the ball is hit back to the pitcher and a double play will be attempted.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second base.
Right fielder
- The primary responsibility is to back up second base on double play ball and first base when there are no runners on.
- If the ball gets through the infield, stop and back up second base.
Ball Hit To The Right Side Of The Infield
Right fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball.
- After the ball has been fielded, center fielder should move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second.
Center fielder
- Primary responsibility is to back up the infielder fielding the ball or second base if the ball is hit back to the pitcher and a double play will be attempted.
- After the ball has been fielded, move into a position to backup up any play that may be made at second base.
Left fielder
- The primary responsibility is to back up second base or third base.
Coaching Advice
Another benefit of backing up should be mentioned. By backing up on every play you will not only show your coach, but every player on the team the type of hustle and work ethic you have. Two attributes no leader can be without.
Monday, April 21
Hawks Are Learning How to Win!!!
Besides a couple crucial errors the Hawks played well all weekend in the 2008 Indiana Cup. We are giving ourselves opportunities to win every game and that is very important and encouraging to the staff. We are learning to play together, we are learning to grow as a team and what many think is "key" WE ARE LEARNING HOW TO WIN.. We are not there yet but we are seeing great strides each and every game.
Just to give a few examples:
We were down 5-3 in the 6th inning against the Indiana Trojans (Spring Classic Champions & Runner up in the Indiana Cup). We didn't get our heads down at all. We did just the opposite. The first 3 batters up get one base. We now have bases loaded with no and a great opportunity to "make something happen". Unfortunately we came up short but again, we are getting there.
We are down 3-0 to the Region Redbirds early which many consider maybe the #1 team in the state. Do pack it up and lay down for the Birds? Not a chance! The men battle right back and put their selves back in the game 3-3. Again the Hawks while surging end up a little unfortunate as the 1:45 time limit ran out in the 5th. Rest assured, we are getting there.
One last point we would like to make. With the Hawks only up 1 run against the Tippy Wolfpack heading into the top of the 6th in bracket play they prove that they are not satisfied with a 1 run lead. These young men get some timely hitting and heads up base running pushing across another insurance run which proved to be the game winner. Now in the bottom of the 6th and the Wolfpack charging the Hawks maintain their cool and play awesome defense. With Wolfpack runners on 2nd and 3rd the cool Hawks strike out 1, throw out one and ground out one to preserve the game 5-4! Again, we are learning how to win..
One last thing! I'm not sure how much every player/parent knows about FULL Travel Baseball and many of the teams we are playing but most of the teams we will face this year ARE NOT school/township teams. They pull from all over their region. The Region Redbirds for example pull from pretty much ALL over northern Indiana. We are an ALL school team that lives in the same township, attends the same school in the same township and plays together in the same township. One of the Region Redbird coaches asked me yesterday during the game "how big an area do you pull from"? When I told him that we were just an "in township" team he was SHOCKED!!! That I think we can all consider something to be very proud of!!!
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Monday, April 14
Hawks Head for the 2008 Indiana Cup
The 2008 Indiana Cup schedule is set for this weekend. For what looks to be another very competitive field the Hawks will have their work cut out for them.. This 8 team field will be the second loaded tourney in as many weeks.
Please click on the above link for this weekends schedule...
ROUND TRIPPER TOURNEY INFO AND DIRECTIONS
We will play 2 games on Saturday and then be seeded for a single elimination bracket tourney on Sunday. We will not know what time we play on Sunday until about 8:00 Saturday night.
2:00 Diamond #3 Decatur Hawks vs. Indiana Trojans
4:00 Diamond #3 Decatur Hawks vs. Indy Blaze
We will wear WHITE on Saturday and GOLD on Sunday.
Please be at Roundtripper by 1:00 on Saturday
If everyone would like we can convoy up to Roundtripper. We will leave from Damon’s parking lot no later then 12:30.
Below are basic directions to Roundtripper.
Take the US-31/MERIDIAN ST. exit,
EXIT 31.0.4 miMerge onto US-31 N toward KOKOMO.8.2 mi
Turn LEFT onto E 169TH ST.0.2 mi
Turn LEFT onto SOUTHPARK DR.0.2 mi End at 16708 Southpark Dr Westfield, IN 46074-8078 Estimated Time: 35 minutesEstimated Distance: 29.39 miles
Teams entered: Decatur Hawks, Indiana Irish, Indiana Blazers, Region Redbirds, Tippy Wolfpack, Indy Bats, Indiana Mustangs, Indiana Trojans
Monday, April 14
Hawks Impress Many @ Spring Training Classic
In the Hawks first tournament of the year, with only 1 game under their belts, these young men impressed many.. With drawing what appeared to be the toughest poole in the tourney the Hawks went 3-1 and was only 1 run short of snatching the 4th seed in the entire tourney. The Hawks ended up with the 5th overall seed out of 15 teams entered and again received another tough draw in bracket play on Sunday.
The Hawks again drew their long time nemesis Smithville Storm which they had beaten in poole play Saturday night 11-3. It appeared that the Storm had revenge on their minds. With the score 4-3 the Hawks fell apart in the top of the 6th giving up 7 runs with 2 outs. This young Hawks team just couldn't stop the bleeding.. With the combination of good Storm hitting and missed opportunities defensively for the Hawks lose 13-6.
One of the many highlights of the weekend had to be M&M's BOMB in the bottom of the 6th inning against the Storm. I beleive one of the coaches had been asking him to switch to a big barrel all weekend long and I think it paid off... Nice Job Matt!!!
Pool A Pool B Pool C
1 Decatur/Cravens 6 McCuthcheon 11 Whiteland
2 Indiana Irish 7 Indiana Trojans 12 Decatur/Berniger
3 Team Delphi 8 Franklin Grizzlies 13 Smithville Storm
4 Indiana Phenoms 9 T.H. Tornados 14 Indiana Saints
5 Indiana Blazers 10 Indiana Bats 15 Outcast Baseball
Thursday, March 27
2008 HAWKS Look Sharp at CG Scrimmage
The 11U Decatur Hawks Travel Team had their first "live" scrimmage Wednesday against a very good Center Grove Trojan team and the staff was pretty impressed with most facets of the game. We still have a lot of work to do but for basically this being the first time outside in this young 2008 season we were pleased...
We played 5 1/2 innings and threw 5 pitchers. Just about the entire staff received a little work on the mound at the new pitching distance.. Alec, Zach, AJ, M&M and Dillon all received an inning of work. Nice job men..
Most of the bats were late but we made plenty of contact none the less. Timing will come.. We really liked most of the teams pitch selection as compared to last year. We have a good grasp of the strike zone which is key at this level.
Base running though very sharp at times was equally bad at other times. Secondary secondary boys.. A great secondary will make base running, stealing and reading much much easier... WE HAVE A LOT OF SPEED AND WE WILL GET BETTER..
Defensively we were sharp other than a few mental errors at where to be and where we are going on every pitch..
We will be off for the next week or so for Spring Break so enjoy but come ready to hit it hard.. We will roll right into the season come the second week of April.
LETS GO HAWKS!!!
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Friday, January 25
Monte Carlo Night is Now a Reality!
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With the help of many Monte Carlo Night is now full speed ahead! We have the date! We have the place! We have all the licensing and permits needed! We even have security!
WHAT: Monte Carlo Night! Black Jack, Hi-Lo, Texas Stud Poker, Raffles, Pull Tabs & much much more!
WHEN: Saturday February 9th 6:00pm till ???
WHERE: 218 Addison Street.
WHY: This is a fundraiser for the 2008 Decatur Hawks 11U Travel Baseball Team! All proceeds will go directly to the team for the 2008 season
PROVIDED: With your $10.00 ticket ($12.00 at the door) you will receive with your admission, door prizes, food and drink, access to all gaming tables, and the chance to win the $$CASH GRAND PRIZE$$ at the end of the night (no need to be present to win)!
Parents: This is where we are asking for your help! In addition to your time we need to get all of the food, drink, raffle items, and door prizes we can to make this the most successful Monte Carlo Night fundraiser ever! Time is running out! We only have 2 short weeks left to get everything in order!
Please call or e-mail Shanon Gibson or Angela Berninger with any items that you are able to provide so we can keep a running total of things we have!
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Friday, January 25
The 2008 Decatur Hawks 11U Will Enter the Indiana Select League
The 2008 11U Decatur Hawks travel team will enter the Indiana Select League for elite travel teams. This will be a very competitive league for the Hawks with many challenges ahead. Teams also in this elite league are as follows.
Decatur Hawks
Skiles Test Cobras
Noblesville Rebels
Franklin
Indiana Blazers
Center Grove Cyclones
Terre Haute Tornado
Indiana Irish
Smithville Storm
Indiana Longhorns
Indiana Phenom
Southside Saints
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