Mark Pifer

Brooke Hess committed recently to continue her academic and athletic careers at Bridgewater College. Pictured are, from left, front row: Brooke’s mother Kim, Brooke and Brooke’s father John; back row: Former BCHS tennis coach Kris Phillips and BCHS athletic director Jake Phillips. (Recorder photo by Mark Pifer)

Chris Carroll swipes second ahead of the tag from Staunton’s Kaleb Williams. (Recorder photos by Gavin Dressler) COVINGTON — How is a Valley League roster put together? In one word, the answer is relationships. And it’s a bond formed early in his high school years that brought Chris Carroll to Covington this summer.

The 4x100 relay team of Brooke Williams, Amelia Good, Adelaide Baxter and Colleen Adams finished ninth and set a school record at the state track meet held at JMU. HARRISONBURG — Five Highland athletes combined for five top-10 finishes and a pair of school records at the Class 1 state track meet on Friday and Saturday at James Madison University.

Alleghany senior Kiera Lowman closed her high school running career with fourth-place finishes in both the 1,600 and 3,200 at the Class 3 state track championships at Liberty University in Lynchburg on Saturday. LYNCHBURG — A fitting sendoff for a talented senior class. And a glance at the immediate future of the program.

LOW MOOR — Three recent Alleghany graduates continue to roll in spring sports postseason honors. Kai Rowland was selected as a first-team outfielder on the Class 3, Region C all-region baseball team, Brady May was a second-team catcher pick, while Emma Skidmore was named to the softball second-team as a pitcher.

High school state champions were crowned on the diamond, pitch and courts last weekend. It was tennis that provided Region C with their lone titles, both in the Class 3 and Class 1 classifications. Western Albemarle flexed its net muscle, led by junior twins Blythe and Gage Sturman, winning five championships.

Nate Black, a linebacker and team captain on the 2001 Bath County High School state championship football team, was the guest speaker last Thursday at the annual Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club, Richard Brian Snead Sportsmanship Award ceremony. (Recorder photo by Gavin Dressler)

Deundre Jones COVINGTON — Most Covington Lumberjacks have the same dream — to play professional baseball. Deundre Jones has been there. Now, he wants another chance. Jones had committed to Kansas State University out of Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas, but his name was called in the 2022 Major League Amateur Draft.

HOT SPRINGS — Five members of the Bath County High School baseball team have been selected to the second team of the Class 1, All-Region C honor squad. Senior Owen Perdue landed a spot at third base, senior Hunter Kirby was picked at first base, sophomore Gunnar Whiddon was on the team as a designated hitter, while senior Nathan Hunt and sophomore Dylan Hicklin were pitchers.

Jailyn Ford HOT SPRINGS — Folks in this area have followed Jailyn Ford’s professional softball career for a decade. This summer, they will have a chance to turn on their televisions and watch the former Bath County Charger in action.