Crenshaw Christian Academy (CCA) baseball and softball teams claimed the Alabama Independent School Association Area 1A Runners-up title on April 11 and with it a place in the state semifinals.

The Cougar teams secured the titles after a three-game series against Meadowview Christian academy on April 10-11.

On April 10, the Cougars crushed the Trojans with a 10-4 win. A game-changing three-run surge in the third inning put the Cougars in the lead, with David Menefee doubling on a 3-12 count. 

Three more runs in the fifth inning, thanks to a triple by Logan Owens and a single by John Barrett Williams, plus a groundout by Coleman Owens solidified the lead.

Jake Lawrence brought home the Cougar’s win from the hill, allowing 11 hits and four runs in just over six innings. 

CCA baseball coach Paige Owens said the Cougars have enjoyed a strong season so far.

“We’re basically 500 right now,” Owens said. We’ve won more games this year than in the last two years.”

On April 11, the Cougars defeated Meadowview by an overwhelming 12-0 victory in the first double-header game.

CCA put five runs on the board in the third inning. Drake Mills, Logan and Coleman Owens, and Shawn Thomas all pushed runners home with runs batted in (RBIs) in the inning.

Grant Taylor kept the Trojans from scoring, lasting four innings and allowing only two hits.

Owen’s coaching for his first year at CCA, said the team boasts several strong young men who have led the team throughout the year.

“Logan [Owens] plays center field and leads off,” Owens said. “Williams bats second and he is a very good pitcher. Shawn Thomas, he has to play everywhere and Coleman [Owens} too. Our top four in batting averages are Shawn Thomas, Logan, Coleman, and Williams.”

In the second double-header on April 12, Meadowview tried hard to hold off the Cougars. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the fifth, but the Cougars prevailed in the end.

Menefee pitched for the Cougars early, allowing three runs but no hits.

Haden Worthington led CCA with two hits in three at bats. The Cougars walked away with a 7-5 victory.

And while the baseball teams battled for the runners-up title, CCA’s softball team faced the Trojans for a slot in the semifinals.

“The win against Meadowview put us in runners-up,” said CCA assistant coach Eddie Billings. 

CCA pitcher Abby Henderson threw a no-hitter on April 10, securing a 14-0 victory over the Lady Trojans.

Henderson also went 4-for-5 at the plate and Tanna Singleton hit a solo home run in the first inning.

The Lady Cougars scored ten runs in the seventh inning. The team collected 12 hits, with Henderson and Singleton collecting multiple hits.

CCA also grabbed two overwhelming wins over the Trojans on April 11.

In the first double-header game, CCA defeated Meadowview 11-0 in another no-hit victory.

Singles by Henderson and Maggie Mount, a groundout by Libby Tompkins, and an error on a ball put in play by Mattie Register combined with a double from Singleton to secure six Lady Cougar runs in the first inning.

Overall, CCA gained 12 hits in the game. Henderson, Payton Martin, and Lakin Harrell each had multiple hits for CCA.

Billings said Singleton and Henderson have been team leaders throughout the season. One younger player, catcher Libby Tompkins, has stepped up when needed as well.

“We’ve been blessed that Libby Tompkins has really stepped up for a young player,” Billings said. “She is in junior high, but she has stepped up and come through clutch when we needed her.”

CCA claimed victory in the final game of the evening, defeating Meadowview 13-2.

The game was tied at two in the bottom of the third. Henderson singled on the first at bat pitch and scored a run.

Singleton scored four hits, singling in the first and third, homering in the third, and doubling in the fourth.

Lady Cougar Molly Martin pitched for the victory, lasting four innings.

Billings commended Lakin Harrell for her season accomplishments too, noting she is fast and hard to throw out.

“The whole team has stepped up their game this year,” Billings said. “The whole team has worked hard. We fully expect a state championship. That’s our goal.”

The Cougars face Escambia Academy at home on April 24. The team winning the best two out of three will advance to compete in the finals.