Concrete High School Fastpitch: Welcome
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| 2007 Lions Fastpitch |
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Welcome to the home of the 2007, 2006 & 2005 Northwest League Undefeated Fastpitch Champions!
Four Time Tri-District Fastpitch Champions (2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007).
2007 STATE 2B CHAMPIONS, Second Place Finishers @ The 2005 State "A" championships And A Fourth Place Finish in 2006!
This site is dedicated to the young ladies of the CHS Softball team. Go get'm Lions!
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Monday, July 9
Three Players Named To All State Team! Howell Named State MVP!
Class 2B
MVP Britt Howell, Concrete
Coach of year Kelly Howell, Concrete
FIRST TEAM
P Britt Howell, Concrete; Amanda Arnzen, DeSales; Jessica Mangis, Liberty (Spangle); Kayla Vickaryous, Toutle Lake. C Kassy Taylor, Concrete. INF Amanda Taylor, Concrete; Camille Depew, Seattle Lutheran; Brittany Woods, Pe Ell; Corina Allen, Mossyrock. OF Elizabeth Zimmerman, DeSales; Jordan Zurfluh, Adna; Lindsey Sheffler, Toutle Lake; Tori Gonzalez, LaSalle.
HONORABLE MENTION
P Camille Depew, Seattle Lutheran; Cassandra Dickson, Rainier Christian; Jessika-Jo Sandrini, Adna; Kayleigh Fisk, Davenport. C Juana Lara, Adna; Stephanie Morrison, Davenport. INF Megan Tompkins, DeSales; Hayley Kindell, Adna. OF Amber Enyeart, Selkirk; Cory Warner, Evergreen Lutheran.
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Concrete Claims Title
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Lions defense helps lift team to state championship
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleyherald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
YAKIMA When it mattered most, the Concrete softball teams defense was perfect so Britt Howell wouldnt have to be.
Now, after a four-year run at the state tournament that has seen both a relatively quick exit and two memorable clashes in title games, the Lions and their stellar pitcher have claimed the state title they were dreaming of.
Howell drove in the games only run, the defense played error free and the Lions defeated Mossyrock 1-0 on Saturday afternoon for the Class 2B state title.
While the game capped another impressive year at the tournament for Howell, who did not give up an earned run in her four starts, the win over Mossyrock was also fueled by a defense that was drastically changed before and in at least one case, after the season began.
It was the defense and intensity, shortstop Lindsay Ehmke said of the state title. It was the team that brought us this championship.
While Howell had her first tournament game that lacked doubledigit strikeouts, the defense turned in several crucial plays that dampened Mossyrocks scoring opportunities.
In the third inning, left fielder Tasha Smith drifted over to the line to snag a fly ball to end the inning with a Mossyrock runner on second base. In the fourth, second baseman Brandi Dellinger dove in the dirt to stop a ball before it could leave the infield. Also in the fourth, third baseman Amanda Taylor avoided stumbling over third base as she hunted down a fly ball to end a two-out threat.
In the seventh, first baseman Beka Thomas scooped a throw out of the dirt for an out on the leadoff batter.
They saved my butt so many times, Howell said. The game could have gone either way. But they showed that even if you have a strikeout pitcher, you can have a great defense.
While most of the Lions played on previous state teams, many were shifted to different positions as the 2007 campaign began. Taylor moved from the outfield to third, Thomas from second to first and Kassy Taylor to catcher after a stint at first.
But the most dramatic addition may have been Smith, who started the year as one of the Lions team managers.
Coach Kelly Howell said he had faith that Smith, who starred for the Lions basketball team this winter, could be a valuable addition.
When asked what duties she performed in her brief stint as team manager, he quipped, None. I just had her there to talk her into playing.
Smith decided to join the team as a player after the season started.
Th e c h a m p i o n s h i p w i n ends the prep careers of three seniors: Tanja Pringle, Ehmke and Howell. Howell became the first pitcher in state history to surpass 1,000 career strikeouts, finishing her career with 1,128. She will play college softball at East Carolina.
Howell struck out 52 batters in 29 innings at this years tournament. She gave up four walks and eight hits.
It was a memorable fouryear stretch for the Lions, who after a relatively quick exit in 2004, lost to Onalaska in the title game in 2005 and claimed fourth place in 2006.
This year, they faced a pair of crucial challenges, winning an eight-inning game 2-1 on Friday against Adna, then beating an athletic Mossyrock team that had upended two-time defending state champion Toutle Lake in the semifinals.
Howell struck out six and gave up three hits against Mossyrock, and her two-out double that scored Kassy Taylor proved to be the game winner. Taylor had singled, one of the Lions six hits against Hannah Pomeroy.
Ehmke said the team was better prepared to face this seasons challenges because of the state experience it had from the past three years.
Weve gotten so much better, she said.
I dont know if we could have done this two years ago, and I know we couldnt have four years ago, Kelly Howell said. This year, they werent as intimidated. Their eyes werent as wide open.
Concrete beat DeSales 4-0 in the semifinals. Howell had two run-scoring doubles, Taylor hit a double and Dellinger had an RBI single. Howell gave up three hits and struck out 12.
The title is the first in any team sport for Concrete since the football teams state title in 1985. It is the first title in any girls sport.
The Lions went 24-2 and did not lose to a team in their classification.
Amanda Taylor said the players worked harder than they ever had to bring home the trophy.
On Saturday, it paid off.
Our dream came true, she said.
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CONCRETE WINS FIRST EVER GIRL'S STATE TITLE!
2B, 1B fastpitch Rock-solid defense lifts Concrete to title
By DAVE THOMAS
YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC
All season long, Britt Howell has been a one-player wrecking crew for Concrete, rolling up strikeouts at a prodigious rate.
But in order to cap her prep career with a championship, she needed and indeed got some help from her teammates.
Turning in several fine defensive plays behind the East Carolina University-bound pitcher, the Lions held on to defeat Mossyrock 1-0 in the Class 2B state championship game Saturday at Kiwanis Park.
"Once you get to state, you can't just wing it by the hitters," said Howell, who came into the tournament averaging
15.6 strikeouts per seven innings but had just five in the final. "My defense, they all played amazing.
"It's been an amazing year. This just tops it off. We knew we'd have to play the best we can and we did. This is a fairy tale ending."
Curlew also enjoyed a successful ending to its season, upending Colton 7-0 in the 1B championship game, pulling away with a six-run fifth inning.
In the game for third and fourth place, Adna rallied past Pe Ell 4-3 in eight innings in 2B, while Entiat outslugged Garfield-Palouse 8-7 in 1B.
Locally, La Salle topped Kittitas 8-1 in a loser-out game, but the Lightning were stopped in the next round, 10-0 by Pe Ell.
Howell, who finished with 49 strikeouts in Concrete's four games, also did damage with her bat in the final, driving in the game's only run with a triple in the third inning to score Kassy Taylor.
That proved to be enough for the Lions (22-2) as Howell kept Mossyrock in check, with a little help from her defense.
"We knew coming in that it would be a battle the whole weekend," said Kelly Howell, Concrete's coach and Britt's father. "We played great defense all weekend, got great pitching and timely hits.
"It's a dream come true."
It may not have been the stuff of dreams for La Salle and Kittitas since their tourney runs ended short of a trophy, but the coaches for both teams still considered the past two days a success.
"We knew it was going to end; we have to be realistic," La Salle coach Bill Harris said after the Pe Ell defeat left the Lightning with an 18-9 record. "But we won two games here to meet our preseason goal ... and we had a great, great year. You hate to end on a loss, but I don't see how it could've been better."
There was a similar sentiment from Kittitas' Nate Phillips, whose team finished
18-8 after going 1-2 here.
"It was a successful, but definitely not the way we wanted to end it," he said, noting that his team has no seniors on the roster. "The experience was great and hopefully, they'll come back next year a little hungrier."
IMPRESSIVE DEBUT: While Howell came into the tournament with most of the attention, it was Adna freshman Jessika-Jo Sandrini who wound up making perhaps a bigger impression these past two days.
She fanned 12 in the third-place game against Pe Ell, capping a four-game run Saturday that saw her total 54 strikeouts. Sandrini had 69 in her final five games after getting 15 in a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to Concrete on Friday, losing a duel with Howell.
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Britt Is Named Player Of The Year
Going out a winner
Concretes Britt Howell finished her career as a state champion
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleyher ald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
CONCRETE This year, Britt Howells dominant season didnt end sooner than she would have liked. Howell, who before this year had three trips to the state tournament end short of a championship trophy, proved invaluable both on the mound and at the plate as Concrete won the Class 2B state title. She pitched four scoreless games and drove in what proved to be the game-winning run in the championship contest. For that, Howell has been named Skagit Valley Herald Softball Player of the Year. Its the third consecutive year she has earned that honor. The East Carolina University recruit was again stingy on the mound, going 23-2 with a 0.14 earned-run average
Skagit Valley Herald All-Area Softball Team
P P P P 1B 2B 3B C SS DH OF OF OF Util Britt Howell Carlie Crawford Maddie Lynch-Crumrine Corinne Stillman Erika Browning Bailey Brewer Kelsey Anderson Jill Barnett Allison Kutz Caitlin Dotlich Tessa Bisbey Leslie Crawford Rachelle Berry Sara Brennan Sr. Sr. Fr. Soph. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Soph. Sr. Sr. Sr. Soph. Soph. Concrete Mount Vernon Sedro-Woolley Stanwood Burlington-Edison Sedro-Woolley Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Mount Vernon Burlington-Edison Sedro-Woolley Mount Vernon Burlington-Edison Anacortes
and striking out 324 in 151 innings. She passed the 1,000-strikeout mark in her career and is believed to be the states leader with her career total of 1,128.
At the plate, she hit .623 with five home runs, five triples and 29 runs batted in. She drew 24 walks, many of them intentional.
Howells dominance continued in the state tournament, where she pitched every inning of the Lions four games and did not allow an earned run.
The feat was all the more impressive since Howell and her teammates faced a tough crop of opponents, including a dangerous group of teams from District 4. Those teams finished second, third and fourth at the tournament.
Instead of one dominant team, we had to face several, Howell said. There was some stiff competition.
The Lions wins included a dramatic, 2-1 win over Adna in extra innings and a 1-0 victory over Mossyrock in the championship game.
Howell had the game-winning RBI against Mossyrock.
Howell said the teams previous experience helped it overcome adversity.
It was just experience, she said. The juniors had been to the state tournament three times and had been coached by my dad (Kelly Howell) for three years. When we got behind against Adna, we didnt bow our heads.
Kelly Howell said Britt improved her mental toughness throughout her career.
When she was younger, shed cry easy. Shed get frustrated, he said. Things would happen this year and shed have a smile on her face ... She did a better job of not worrying about the things she cant control.
The next stop for Howell is Greenville, N.C., where she will play for the Pirates.
Howell picked the school over other suitors, which included Idaho State and Portland State. Although its far away, she said in some respects it reminded her of Skagit County.
It was green all along the interstate. It felt like home, she said.
Thursday, May 3
Howell Featured In Seatttle Times
Sideline Smitty
Pitcher has etched her name in Concrete
By Craig Smith
Seattle Times staff reporter
Britt Howell is 16-2 with a 0.21 ERA.
Q: What do you know about fastpitch ace Britt Howell from Class 2B Concrete High School in Skagit County?
A: I know she'd strike me out.
The East Carolina recruit is having a remarkable senior year. She has a 16-2 pitching record after Monday's 3-1 victory over 3A Squalicum of Bellingham.
She has 229 strikeouts with an earned-run average of 0.21 and only 12 walks. She has 1,033 career strikeouts, which may be the state record.
Her losses this season have come against 2A Lynden and 3A Everett.
Howell has pitched seven no-hitters this year, including a pair of perfect games. Four no-hitters came in the same week in mid-April. Not a bad week.
She is batting .660 with four home runs and her career batting average is .523. She is 5 feet 3, 160 pounds and has power.
The lefty is coached at Concrete by her father, Kelly.
Howell said a big factor in her success this year has been the athletic ability of first-year catcher Kassy Taylor, a junior who previously played first base.
"Kassy is doing awesome," said Howell, who requires a catcher who can handle a rise, drop, curve, screwball and changeup, plus a fastball consistently over 60 mph. That pitch arrives in a hurry because the pitching distance is 40 feet.
Howell was recruited by Portland State and Idaho State but the visit to East Carolina in Greenville, N.C., "just had a feel" that she liked.
"It was green just like home and it was a smaller town and it offers nursing, which is going to be my major," she said.
Concrete hasn't lost a Northwest League game for three years. The team finished fourth at the 1A state tournament last year and was second in 2005. This is the Lions' first year as a 2B school and they obviously are the team to beat.
Concrete Beat 3A Sqaulicum
Softball Concrete Lions ................................ 3 Squalicum Storm ............................. 1
CONCRETE Concrete stepped up in competition in the nonleague game.
The classification may have been larger Squalicum is 3A and Concrete is 2B but the outcome was typical as Concrete improved to 17-2 overall.
It was a good game, said Concrete coach Kelly Howell. They (Squalicum) got on the board first, scoring in the first inning. They had a couple of hits and then we shut them down.
Concrete answered with a run in the second and a pair in the third. From there, pitcher Britt Howell kept the Squalicum bats in check while the Lions took advantage of Storm mistakes. Howell finished with 16 strikeouts and no walks.
Our kids were ready, Kelly Howell said. They really stepped it up.
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Lion's Sweep LaConner For 33rd & 34th Straight League Wins!
Concrete gets pair of wins
Howell throws no-hitter, perfect game for Lions
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleherald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
LA CONNER Britt Howell started the Concrete softball teams doubleheader against La Conner Friday by throwing a no-hitter.
Then she followed up by topping the feat the only way any pitcher could: with a perfect game. The second was her fifth no-hitter of the season.
Howell pitched 10 scoreless innings, the Lions hit well throughout the lineup and Concrete beat La Conner twice 13-0 in the first game, and 19-0 in the second to remain undefeated in the Northwest 2B/1A League.
Howell, a senior who has committed to Division I East Carolina, struck out 11 batters in the first game and nine in the second to help the Lions improve to 9-0 in league.
It was her second perfect game of the season against La Conner.
On Friday, she walked two in the first game and none in the second, where no La Conner batter got the ball out of the infield.
Both games were shortened to five innings because of the 10-run rule.
Theyre the elite team in our league, La Conner coach Peg Seeling said. We hope we get to meet them again, because if we do itll be the last game of the tridistrict tournament. Catcher Kassy Taylor went 6-for-8 on the day with a double, a triple and six RBI. Infielder Lindsay Ehmke went 4-for-5 with a triple and three RBI; Amanda Taylor went 4-for-7 with six RBI. Tanja Pringle went 2-for-2 with three RBI in the first game; Beka Thomas went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the second. Howell added four RBI in game two. The weather warmed up and our bats warmed up, Concrete coach Kelly Howell said. The girls hit well today. Howell said Kassy Taylor did a good job behind the plate, especially in the second game, when she called all the pitches that led to the perfect game. It was the first time that Taylor, a firstyear catcher, has called the pitches this season.
The Lions effort in the second game was also aided by third baseman Amanda Taylor, who successfully fielded four of the six balls put into play, including a pair of well-placed bunts by La Conner batters to open the game.
Taylor said time spend fielding bunts in practice have improved her skills.
I watch (the batters) body language in the box, she said. Its all about reading the player and knowing what to do when you catch it.
La Conners record fell to 4-3 in league, 4-5 overall
Friday, April 20
Lion's Hit Three Homeruns In Double Header Sweep
Softball Concrete Lions............. 15-23 Darrington Loggers........... 0-9
CONCRETE Britt Howell helped the Lions to a pair of dominating victories over the Loggers.
In the first game, she struck out 12 in five innings on her way to a no-hitter in a game shortened because of the 10-run rule.
In the second, she went 3-for-3 at the plate with a grand slam.
In the first game, Amanda Taylor went 2-for-3 with four RBI, while Lindsay Ehmke went 2-for-2 with five RBI.
Their pitcher had a tough time throwing strikes, Concrete coach Kelly Howell said. We had 15 runs on five hits.
In the second game, Kassy Taylor went 1-for-2 with a home run and got the win on the mound. Beka Thomas went 3-for-4 with four RBI, Kayla Zitkovich added a 2-for-2 day and Ehmke had a home run and five RBI.
Concrete (7-0 in the Northwest 2B/1A League and 11-1 overall) travels to La Conner on Friday for a doubleheader.
Lion's Defeat Friday Harbor for Third Time
Concrete wins on Howells no-hitter
Skagit Valley Herald staff
Boys Golf
Results reported by area coaches
CONCRETE Concrete pitcher Britt Howell was up to her usual softball antics on Monday tossing no-hitters.
Friday Harbor was unable to get a hit as it fell to Concrete 11-0 in five innings in a Northwest 2B/1A League game. The victory was Concretes 30th consecutive league victory.
It was a good win for us, said Concrete coach Kelly Howell. The weather was cold, but our bats were hot.
Howell had 10 strikeouts and no walks.
Beka Thomas went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and five RBI. Brandi Dellinger was 2-for-2 with a triple, while Lindsay Ehmke went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
Concrete is 5-0 in league play and 9-1 overall.
Thursday, April 19
Lions Play @ Husky Stadium
Concrete softball team tops Brewster
Howell throws onehitter against Bears
Skagit Valley Herald staff
SEATTLE The Concrete Lions softball team pinch-hit for Cedar Park Christian on Saturday at the second annual Washington Fastpitch Festival played at the University of Washingtons Husky Softball Stadium.
They Lions were matched up against Brewster and defeated the Bears 6-0.
We played well, said Concrete assistant coach Brooke Howell, especially in the beginning (of the game).
Concrete pitcher Britt Howell garnered her eighth win of the season. She gave up a single hit in the game, however, she did issue a pair of free passes.
She (Britt) walked the first batter she faced, the coach said. Her first five pitches were balls. We were just a little bit worried. But she settled down.
Howell settled down and mowed them down, amassing 17 strikeouts by the time the final Bear was put into the book. She also helped her cause from the plate, where she ripped three singles, going 3-for-4.
Amanda Taylor added to the Lions total with a pair of singles to go along with a pair of RBI.
The Lions were one of eight elite high school teams from around the state invited to play in the festival, which showcased teams from four of the states five classifications for fastpitch softball.
Five of the eight participating teams, including Concrete, competed in their respective state tournaments.
While Concrete wasnt initially invited to participate at the festival, Cedar Park Christian was forced to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
The festival was originally scheduled for March 24th, however rain suspended the event.
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Behind the mask
Behind the mask
Concretes Kassy Taylor has had to adjust to playing catcher this season
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleyherald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
CONCRETE Kassy Taylor is the new face behind the mask for the Concrete softball team.
Taylor, the Lions first baseman last year, has taken on the new and challenging role this season with little catching experience on her high school résumé. So far, with the Lions off to an undefeated start and eyeing a berth in the playoffs, she has drawn positive reviews.
In turnout, she seemed shaky. In games, it seems like its what she was born to do, pitcher Britt Howell said.
After placing in the state tournament last season, the Lions graduated two-year starting catcher Kasey Swanson, leaving coaches and players curious about who would take over the position this year.
That was my biggest worry, Howell said. I was scared.
Coach Kelly Howell eventually decided on Taylor, whose athletic ability has allowed her to star for the Lions in several sports.
Shes a natural athlete. If she puts her mind to anything, she can do it, Kelly Howell said.
Taylor said she didnt expect to be approached about playing the position.
I was surprised. Its a big responsibility, she said. Youve got to be vocal, and I dont really like to talk. Youve got to catch for Britt, which is a big responsibility.
When Taylor decided to make the switch in positions, she willingly placed more responsibility on her shoulders. Although every position has its own challenges, those of a catcher are unique. Catchers must call pitches, block pitches that go awry, position their bodies for defensive plays, and be aware of what is happening on the field at all times.
In other positions, you can take time off between pitches, Kelly Howell said. Not with catching. Mentally, its taxing.
Concretes catcher faces another task as well: catching the hard-throwing Howell, who will play her college softball at East Carolina University.
Youve got to be tough, Taylor said. One of her pitches hit my thigh, and I have a bruise there the size of a football.
Taylor also had to learn the subtleties of Howells pitches. There are about five Howell can throw in a game, and Taylor has to be prepared to catch all of them.
I trust her to get it to the right spot, Taylor said. If she doesnt, Ive got it handled.
She also has things handled at the plate.
Through the first four games of the season, Taylor has batted .312 with three doubles, a triple and six RBI.
Kelly Howell said hed like to see Taylor, who is normally quiet, get more vocal with her teammates, as catchers tend to be.
But he likes the improvement hes seen and the efficiency of the Lions new battery.
Theyve built good communication between them, and hopefully by the playoffs theyll be well established, he said.
As for Taylor, she said that catching has taken time to get used to, both mentally and physically.
But shes glad to have donned the gear.
With every play, I know Ill be part of it, she said.
Concretes Kassy Taylor has had to adjust to playing catcher this season
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleyherald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
CONCRETE Kassy Taylor is the new face behind the mask for the Concrete softball team.
Taylor, the Lions first baseman last year, has taken on the new and challenging role this season with little catching experience on her high school résumé. So far, with the Lions off to an undefeated start and eyeing a berth in the playoffs, she has drawn positive reviews.
In turnout, she seemed shaky. In games, it seems like its what she was born to do, pitcher Britt Howell said.
After placing in the state tournament last season, the Lions graduated two-year starting catcher Kasey Swanson, leaving coaches and players curious about who would take over the position this year.
That was my biggest worry, Howell said. I was scared.
Coach Kelly Howell eventually decided on Taylor, whose athletic ability has allowed her to star for the Lions in several sports.
Shes a natural athlete. If she puts her mind to anything, she can do it, Kelly Howell said.
Taylor said she didnt expect to be approached about playing the position.
I was surprised. Its a big responsibility, she said. Youve got to be vocal, and I dont really like to talk. Youve got to catch for Britt, which is a big responsibility.
When Taylor decided to make the switch in positions, she willingly placed more responsibility on her shoulders. Although every position has its own challenges, those of a catcher are unique. Catchers must call pitches, block pitches that go awry, position their bodies for defensive plays, and be aware of what is happening on the field at all times.
In other positions, you can take time off between pitches, Kelly Howell said. Not with catching. Mentally, its taxing.
Concretes catcher faces another task as well: catching the hard-throwing Howell, who will play her college softball at East Carolina University.
Youve got to be tough, Taylor said. One of her pitches hit my thigh, and I have a bruise there the size of a football.
Taylor also had to learn the subtleties of Howells pitches. There are about five Howell can throw in a game, and Taylor has to be prepared to catch all of them.
I trust her to get it to the right spot, Taylor said. If she doesnt, Ive got it handled.
She also has things handled at the plate.
Through the first four games of the season, Taylor has batted .312 with three doubles, a triple and six RBI.
Kelly Howell said hed like to see Taylor, who is normally quiet, get more vocal with her teammates, as catchers tend to be.
But he likes the improvement hes seen and the efficiency of the Lions new battery.
Theyve built good communication between them, and hopefully by the playoffs theyll be well established, he said.
As for Taylor, she said that catching has taken time to get used to, both mentally and physically.
But shes glad to have donned the gear.
With every play, I know Ill be part of it, she said.
Wednesday, April 11
Lion's Sweep Friday Harbor!
Concrete Lions............................. 16-15 Friday Harbor Wolverines .................. 0-1
FRIDAY HARBOR Britt Howell went a combined 7-of-8 with with a home run, three doubles and five RBI, and struck out 22 as the Lions stayed undefeated, taking a pair from the Wolverines.
This is by far the best weve ever hit in back to back games in one day, said Concrete coach Kelly Howell, who is in his fourth season with the team.
The Lions pounded out 29 hits on the afternoon. Several Concrete batters had multiple hits in both games.
Britt Howell also allowed just two hits in her nine innings of work, including a onehitter in the second game, both of which were shortened to five innings by the 10-run rule.
Concrete is 4-0 in Northwest 2B/1A League play and 7-0 overall
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Howell Perfect Against LaConner
Concrete pitcher no-hits Braves
Howell strikes out 11 in shutout win over La Conner
Trevor Pyle can be reached at 360-416-2156 or by e-mail at tpyle@skagitvalleyherald.com
By TREVOR PYLE
Staff Writer
CONCRETE Britt Howell and the Concrete softball team opened their league schedule Tuesday in the same dominating fashion in which they tore through it the past two seasons.
Howell threw an 11-strikeout no-hitter and the Lions hit well throughout the lineup for a 17-0 victory over La Conner in both teams first game of the Northwest 2B/1A League season.
The victory extends Concretes league winning streak to 26 games.
Howell, who has committed to play at East Carolina University, walked none and didnt allow a ball out of the infield.
Britts overpowering, La Conner coach Peg Seeling said. Shes always around the strike zone and mixes her pitches well.
Concrete catcher Kassy Taylor and third baseman Amanda Taylor each had a single, a double and four RBI, and center fielder Tanja Pringle had a two-run double.
Concrete coach Kelly Howell said it was good to see the Lions lineup perform well early. The Lions scored three runs in the first inning.
We came out aggressive and swung the bat well. That was good to see, he said. Our offense took control from the beginning.
There have been a couple of games when the bats havent warmed up early, Kassy Taylor said. But this game will lead to other games.
Howell noted that Amanda Taylor had one of the most crucial hits, stroking a two-out, two-run single in the first inning for Concrete (1-0 in league, 4-0 overall).
That hit in the first inning by Amanda Taylor, that opened it up for us, he said.
The Lions virtually clinched the game with a 10-run fourth inning, during which they took advantage of six walks and a double by Amanda Taylor that barely landed inside the right-field line.
Kelsey Barnett, Tasha Smith and Lindsay Ehmke drew bases-loaded walks in the inning.
Britt Howell said the lineups perfor- mance wasnt a shock.
Theyve been doing so well. If anything, well put runs on the board, she said.
Britt Howell also lauded Amanda Taylors defense. Taylor speared a few threatening hits by La Conner and threw to first base both times for the out.
Seeling said the Braves (0-1, 0-3) didnt help their cause early, as a pair of errors in the first two innings fueled the Lions run.
We made some mental errors and it took us out of the game, she said.
The game was shortened to five innings because of the 10-run rule.
Wednesday, March 28
Lion's Continue Winning Ways!
Concrete Lions .................9 Meridian Trojans...............0
BELLINGHAM Strikeouts accounted for 18 of the 21 outs Lions pitcher Britt Howell recorded in the nonleague victory. Meridians Amanda Sires had the only hit off Howell. Lindsay Ehmke went 3-for-4 with a pair of triples and drove in four runs for the Lions (3-0), who scored eight of their nine runs after the fourth inning.
Friday, March 23
Lion's Add Second Win On The Season
Concrete Lions ................. 6 Granite Falls Tigers........... 3
GRANITE FALLS Britt Howell struck out 13 and had three hits in the non-league victory. Violet League drove in a pair of runs for the Lions (2-0). Howell also scored twice. We looked OK. It was very cold, but the bats were hot, Lions coach Kelly Howell said. We had other hard-hit balls that didnt drop in. We could have had several other runs.
Saturday, March 17
Lions Open Season With A Victory!
Concrete softball team wins its opener
Howell strikes out eight Viking batters
Skagit Valley Herald staff
Results reported by area coaches
CONCRETE The Concrete softball team kicked off its season with a victory Tuesday as the Lions downed Bellevue Christian 11-3.
Pitcher Britt Howell struck out eight in three innings, and hit a two-run home run to help the Lions to the win.
Infielder Lindsay Ehmke went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and two RBI and third baseman Amanda Taylor went 1-for-1 with a double and two RBI.
Ashley Johnson added a two-RBI double
Howell to play at East Carolina
Concrete softball player signs with CUSA school
Britt Howell will be staying in purple after her high-school softball career is over.
Howell, who has helped power Concrete to three straight appearances at the state softball tournament, will attend East Carolina University on an athletic scholarship after her career with the Lions is complete.
H o w e l l w a s recruited by several other schools, includi n g I d a h o S t a t e, Portland State and Long Island University. She said East Carolina proved to be the best fit for several reasons she liked her future t e a m m a t e s , h e r coach-to-be, and the
atmosphere at the school.
When I went to East Carolina, I knew it was where I wanted to go. Its like home, she said.
She also liked her potential role on the team. Howell said coaches have told her shell get a chance to swing the bat as well as pitch.
They recruited me as a pitcher, but Ill stay in the lineup ... on days when Im not pitching, Ill probably DH or play the outfield. It seems like Ill be able to get a lot of innings, so thats great, she said.
The Pirates, who are based in Greenville, N.C., play in Conference USA and went 40-24 last season. They play a competitive schedule that in 2006 included South Carolina, Michigan State, Penn State and North Carolina.
They went to the Conference USA championship and were eliminated by Houston.
The Pirates are coached by Tracey Kee, who was a former standout for the program and has been the head coach for 11 years.
Howell also liked the fit academically. She wants to pursue a Bachelor of Science in nursing, then get a masters degree to become a neonatal practitioner. East Carolina offers both.
Over the last three years, Howell has gone 55-12 on the mound with 804 strikeouts in 446 1 /3 innings. Shes thrown 11 no-hitters and one perfect game.
At the plate, shes batted .496 with 87 RBI.
She was named Skagit Valley Herald Softball Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006.
Howells 2005 campaign was especially stellar, with three straight no-hitters and 28 consecutive scoreless innings in the Class 1A state tournament, where the Lions finished second after a 2-0 loss to Onalaska.
Her Concrete career is far from over. Howell still has her senior season coming up, and she expects the Lions to make waves once again in the state tournament.
Our goal is a state championship. Well have to take it one step at a time, but were really excited, she said.
Wednesday, November 15
East Carolina Softball Receives Two Commitments During Early Signing Period
Nov. 15, 2006
Greenville, N.C. - Two high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent to play softball at East Carolina, according to an announcement made by head coach Tracey Kee. Left-handers Brittany Howell (Concrete, Wash.) and Britain Jimenez (Oakdale, Calif.) are scheduled to enroll at ECU in the fall of 2007 and begin playing during the 2008 campaign.
"Both Britain and Brittany have the ability to make immediate impacts in our program," said Kee. "They are both focused and driven on the field and in the classroom. They are fierce competitors and relentless workers. As a coach, that's all you can ask for. I look forward to seeing them in a Pirate uniform in the near future."
Howell, a talented pitcher and hitter, earned first-team all-state honors in 2005 and 2006 and second-team in 2004. At Concrete High, Howell culminated a record of 55-12, striking out 804 batters. Howell also recorded eleven no-hitters and one perfect game in her prep career. At the plate, Howell batted .496 with five home runs and 87 RBI for Concrete H.S. Her ASA travel team is the Washington Lake Breeze where she gained the majority of her experience.
"Brittany brings a much needed left-handed arm to our pitching rotation," said Kee. "Her ability to focus and make the pitches she needs is mature beyond her years. She has an unbelievable understanding of the game and that will pay huge dividends in her success on the mound."
"Out of my choices, East Carolina felt the most like home," said Howell. "I loved the `college town' atmosphere. It had everything I looked for in a college including my intended major of nursing. I felt really comfortable with the coaches and players and I don't think I could have ended up at a better place."
Jimenez is a versatile first baseman who could play multiple positions for the Pirates. Jimenez led Oakdale High to league championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006, Jimenez was named first-team all-state and Valley Oak League Offensive Player of the Year. She compiled a career batting average of .437 and tallied 71 RBI at Oakdale High. She is a member of the All-American Sports Academy ASA Gold Team.
"Britain Jimenez is one of the purest left-handed batters we have ever recruited," said Kee. "Her hitters' mentality and ability to drive the ball to all fields will mix well in our future line-up. As a coaching staff, we felt we needed that true hitter who could drive in runs and we feel we found that in Britain."
"I chose ECU because I felt that it had the atmosphere of my hometown," said Jimenez. "Coach Kee, Coach Koz and all the girls all made me feel like I was part of their family. When I had the chance to watch practice, I could see this was a hardworking, dedicated team and that this was a program for me."
Kee hopes both players will perform well on the field and in the classroom for the Pirates. Howell ranks first in her class with a 3.97 GPA and a three-year member of the National Honor Society, while Jimenez was named to the Renaissance Gold Honor Roll in 2005 and 2006 with a GPA of 3.83.
"We are thrilled about the signing of these two student-athletes," Kee said. "We look forward to watching their athletic and academic goals come true. East Carolina University will benefit greatly with the addition of these two signees."
The Pirates will begin the 2007 Season Feb. 9 when they head to Chapel Hill for the Carolina Classic. The team's first home game will be Feb. 23 when they host Towson as part of the annual Hampton Inn Pirate Classic.
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