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Admin
 
Carolina LookOuts18U
Greg Bissette
252-937-6498
4287 Lauren Drive
Rocky Mt., North Carolina
27804
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 TEAM NEWS |
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LOOKOUTS NEWS
2005 RECORD
70 WINS 16 LOSES |
CAROLINA LOOKOUTS
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA
2005 WORLD CHAMPIONS!
UNITED STATES FASTPITCH ASSOCIATION
#1 IN THE WORLD! |
As hard as Hurricane Dennis tried, it just could not stop 156 teams from across the United States and Canada from converging on Panama City Beach, Florida for a chance to compete for a National Title and the right to call themselves the Champions of The USFA World Series, especially the Carolina Lookouts.
As Hurricane Dennis made its way toward the Gulf of Mexico and toward the Florida Panhandle, so did the Carolina Lookouts. If Dennis hit Panama City, the Lookouts would have to turn around and go home and see their chance at a World Series Title crushed by an act of nature. However the Lookouts were ever confident that the good Lord would answer their prayers and the storm would not hit Panama City Beach, Florida and they would get to play in the World Series they had worked so hard for. The team headed to Florida and made base camp about 4 hours east of Panama City and waited for the storm to pass. It did pass and the Carolina Lookouts made it to Panama City to play in the USFA Fastpitch World Series during the week of July 10 July 17.
The Carolina Lookouts are made up of young ladies from across eastern North Carolina. Coaches Greg Bissette and Kim Knox said they firmly believe they have a quality team and expect to win. We feel we have done a great job at recruiting the best players with the best attitudes and best view of what it takes to be a true team. We have a great pitching staff that ranges from junk ball pitchers to a hurler that can reach speeds of 63 miles per hour. At 40 feet that's better than a 95 mph fast ball in baseball. Our infield is solid and smart and backed up by an extremely fast outfield with strong arms. We have a strong catching staff with lots of stamina for long hot days. At one time, the Lookouts had a streak of not allowing a run in 19 games and only allowing 9 runs in 29 games and out scoring opponents 16-1. As a team, every girl on the team has the power to clear the fence at every bat or the finesse to lay down a crucial bunt. The Carolina Lookouts had high hopes and high expectations for their chances at the World Series. After all, the Lookouts were ranked number one in the country by the USFA, were the USFA state champs for North Carolina and had won first place in their last 5 tournaments. This year, the Lookouts had made it to the championship game in every tournament they played in, so they said they would not settle for less in this one.
The Lookouts would be facing other teams with equally impressive records. This would be the level of competition that one error or one bad throw could send you home with nothing. The Lookouts were determined to bring home some hardware and a World Series Championship.
In pool play, the Lookouts would see two top nationally ranked teams. The number 2 and the number 4 teams would put the Lookouts to the test early. In the 2 games the Lookouts only managed to post 2 runs in these games; however they did keep their opponents from scoring any runs at all. This would set the tone for a tight defense for the week for the Lookout squad.
The Carolina Lookouts then moved on to the elimination bracket with a first round bye due to their number one ranking. The Lookouts would not have to play until the second round of eliminations where they would see the Blount Flames from Tennessee. The Lookouts easily won this game with a 6-0 margin. This would be the last time the Lookouts would see that many runs in one game.
Head Coach Greg Bissette said naturally the deeper you go into the eliminations, the tougher the teams get. The pitching and the defense get better. The bats get stronger and the small ball game gets faster. Its white knuckle softball from this point till the end
The next round saw plenty of white knuckle softball when the Lookouts faced the Jacksonville Storm from Jacksonville, Florida. This was a tough game for the Lookouts. Both teams left runners in scoring position several time during the game. Finally in the 5th inning the Lookouts managed to get one run across the plate and hold on to the lead for a 1 0 win.
Now deeper into elimination play, the Lookouts would have to get past the North Mississippi Cardinals. A big, strong team with a lot of attitude and determination. They looked more like a college team than a 16 year old team said Coach Knox. It was like a replay of the previous game said Coach Bissette. A zero to zero game until the 5th inning when the Lookouts scored the lone run of the game and managed once again to hold on to the lead for the victory.
Now the Lookouts had made it to the final four and could possibly be two games away from winning the World Series. Coaches Knox and Bissette both said this is the way it should be. Tight, one run ball games. We were not expecting any blowouts. This is a tribute to the level of skill and competition we are seeing here this week. We did not come here expecting anything less or to give anything less. One bad game, one bad inning, one bad play or one bad throw and you are headed to the losers bracket.
In the first game of the final four, the Lookouts would face the Extreme Whippets from Georgia. A top notch team with a great deal of speed, a lot of heart and smarts when it comes to the game and they are very well coached. Before they realized it, the Lookouts were behind and in danger of being sent to the losers bracket which meant a long and hard day to make it back to the championship game. But the Lookouts dug in deep and played some hard ball and rallied to tie the game and force extra innings with an International Tie Breaker. An International Tie Breaker is when after regulation play is complete, the team at bat in each half of the inning starts with their last batted out as a runner at second base. This puts a runner in scoring position in order to speed up the game to produce a winner to keep tournament play on schedule as best as possible. In other words, its a real pressure cooker for the defense and the pitcher. One bad pitch or one error and the runner will score. The Lookouts managed to keep the Whippets from scoring. However the Lookouts failed to score at their next at bat which forced another inning of International Tiebreaker. Once again, the Lookouts kept the Whippets from scoring and at their next at bat, the Lookouts had runners at Second and third and one big hit sent the winning run across the plate sending the Lookouts to the Championship game.
Here they would face an enthusiastic team with a rowdy bunch of fans, the Dixie Chicks from Mobile Alabama. They were a strong team that hit the ball really hard, but they had one loss which meant they had to beat the Lookouts twice. The Lookouts were definitely in the drivers seat. The Dixie Chicks managed to score one run early in the game and the Lookouts had runners in scoring position several times but were unable to score. The Lookouts were handed their first loss of the week and were now headed to the if game of the World Series.
After the loss Coach Bissette and Coach Knox both agreed the Chicks threw a smart pitcher that kept our batters off balance. Our pitcher did a great job, they just managed to put together a couple of back to back hits and score one run. We have just got to play harder and smarter than them next game. It will be tough. We kept one pitcher off the field but in the batting line up this game as they did. So we both will have fresh pitching. Our advantage is, we are deeper in pitching and we will throw all four pitchers if we need to. We feel its going to boil down to heart and stamina and who can keep their head in the game. Also our experience of having been here in this situation will give us a mental edge.
In the third inning of the final championship game, the Lookouts scored giving them a 1-0 lead. The Lookouts held the 1-0 lead until the 7th inning and the Dixie Chicks had 2 outs with their last at bat. A deep hit in the gap and a bad throw later and its a tie ballgame. The Lookouts would have one more chance to score and win the game since they were home team and had last bat. However the Lookouts fell short and were forced into another International Tiebreaker.
Neither of the Lookout coaches could believe it. What a game. This is white knuckle softball. I think I am actually having a heart attack moaned Coach Bissette. I hope it can wait till after the game was Knoxs reply. Weve got a job to do. Both coaches also said at this point they felt confident for several reasons. One, because they had been in countless International Tiebreakers this season and had the experience of handling the pressure. Our players are confident they can get the job done. They want it and they want it bad. Last of all, they are a little mad at this point. Mad at themselves and at the celebrating going on across the field. Unlike most teams, when they get mad, they fall apart. Our team becomes more determined and more focused. I have seen it many times this year. Other teams players and fans will try to get under their skin and our girls dig in and crank it up a notch or two. Their attitude when they get mad is OK, you called down the thunder, well you got it. They dont talk trash, they just go out on the field and play ball and get the job done.
This would be no exception. Within the blink of an eye, the Lookouts had the bases loaded and no outs. The Dixie Chicks could see their hopes of the World Series fading fast and the Lookouts team and fans were on their feet along with every other fastpitch fan in Panama City Beach, Florida. One big hit later to the fence and the Lookouts were crowned The United States Fastpitch Association World Series Champions.
Carolina Lookout coaches Greg Bissette and Kim Knox attribute their success to teamwork, parental support, player support, hard work, determination, and unselfish attitudes. Knox and Bissette both said this is a great team to coach. No player or parent has a personal agenda for themselves or their player. Not once have we heard someone ask why my child cant play this or that position or play more. Its just the opposite. It has been, coach you sit my kid if you need to or sit my kid because she is not performing. We have players come to us and tell them to take them out and put someone else in their spot and give them a chance to work at that position. We dont have one player looking to be the superstar. They all just want to be a player on the team. The parents have allowed the coaches to coach without interference and the players have always done what they were asked to do with out hesitation. By the same token, the coaches have always been willing to talk with parents and players about any concerns or goals they may have. If a player wanted to try something different, they can talk to us about it and we will see what we can do. As coaches, our motto has always been, as players, we want to see you succeed.
We dont yell and scream at players. They perform because they want to, not because they are scared not to.
Our team probably does something no other travel team does. We play every player every game. We did it all year and won a World Series by doing that. It can work. We feel if you are good enough to be on the team, you are good enough to play. We dont feel it is right to take someones money to be on the team just to have them sit the bench in case we need them or if we get a good enough lead, we will put you in. If we put you on the team, you play, simple as that. That way, everyone knows they are an asset to the team and are needed for the teams success. This goes along way in building a young athletes confidence.
The Carolina Lookouts will soon be moving up to the 18 and under age division in hopes of duplicating their success as a 16 and under squad. Coach Bissette and Knox agree that they have reached the pinnacle of success as a 16 year old team and want to go out on top in that age group. Its time to move forward.
PARENT AND PLAYER QUOTES
It's tough and expensive to travel with your child in something she truly loves to do. But, to see her face and the faces of her teammates when they won the World Series has made every penny and sacrifice worth it!!! The Coaches, Parents and Players have made this year an exceptional one for our daughter and us.
--- Debra and David Watson
Everyone gets along with one another and supports each other. We saw some great teams in Florida especially the Dixie Chicks from Mobile, Alabama. I was holding my breath in the last championship game until Mary Drew drove in the winning run. Victory is so SWEEEET!!! I enjoyed every game at the World Series, it will be a memory I will never forget. I feel I am so lucky to be a catcher for the Carolina Lookouts. --- Taylor Rogers
I was looking for anybody that had some ROLAIDS to conquer my HEART BURN from pacing back and forth from one side of the dug out to the other. We have a great defensive team and an excellent coaching staff." Ken (Scooby) Keech
Throughout the years, I have played on a lot of different teams, but for the first time, I really feel a part of a true team spirit." --- Jodi White
PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
Meredith Knox 3 run homerun blast over left centerfield wall to break open a close game in the first elimination game. Smashed a double and then scored winning run on double by Tara Stancill in a 1-0 victory against Mississippi Cardinals in the last inning. Played 8 games without an error at shortstop.
Tara Stancill- Smashed 2 doubles each time driving in the winning run in two 1-0 victories in bracket play. Defense at 3rd base was stellar.
Taylor Rogers Tremendous job catching all 8 games in the tournament. Big factor in assisting our pitchers in throwing 2 no-hitters. A real spark plug.
Mary Drew Drove in the winning run in the championship game with a base hit up the middle. Played centerfield with no errors.
Lindsay Shaw Smashed a double in the semi-finals to drive in the winning run putting the Lookouts in the championship game. Flawless defense a 2nd base.
Jodie White Played 1st base making no errors the entire tournament. Dug several balls out of the dirt.
Charity Watson Pitched the Lookouts to victory in the championship game. Went 9 innings in the semi-finals with a victory putting the Lookouts in the championship. Pitched 1 no-hitter and combined on another no-hitter. Went undefeated on the mound in tournament play. Were still counting the strikeouts.
Marissa Fucito Came through in the championship game with 2 big hits driving in a crucial run in the final game.
Heather Sanders Played left field with no errors making several shoe-string catches saving runs on each occasion.
Brittny Bissette Pitched several scoreless innings and played impeccable defense in right field making several outstanding catches.
Aimee Davis Combined to pitch a no-hitter. Pitched a gem of a game in the 1st championship game only to lose 1-0 on an unearned run. Pitched flawlessly throughout the tournament. Also came up with a clutch hit in the championship game.
Lookouts only gave up 4 runs the entire tournament. This is a tribute to our pitching staff and our great defense |
CAROLINA LOOKOUTS
USFA NASHVILLE THROWDOWN CHAMPIONS!
STILL #1! |
CAROLINA LOOKOUTS
NORTH CAROLINA STATE CHAMPIONS!
UNITED STATES FASTPITCH ASSOCIATION
#1 IN THE STATE!
GO UNDEFEATED 6-0! |
LOOKOUTS WIN CHAMPIONSHIP!
WFC PARADISE AT THE BEACH IN MYRTLE BEACH JUNE 4-5!
5-0 RECORD OUTSCORING OPPOSTION 31-2!
OUR LOOKOUTS ARE ROLLING NOW! |
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