Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bowlin nearly perfect for Pea Ridge
Hitting the first batter to start a game is usually a sign of trouble for a pitcher, but Emory Bowlin made sure it was not.
Bowlin hit the first batter she faced before retiring 21 consecutive batters — all on strikeouts — as Pea Ridge defeated Harrison 5-0 in the Bruce Dean Invitational Tournament at Rogers. Bowlin wasn’t through after falling just short of a perfect game. She came back later and pitched a 2-0 shutout to end Rogers’ 17-game winning streak.
For her effort, Bowlin is the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Girls Player of the Week. Sloan Jones of Fayetteville is the NWADG Boys Player of the Week.
Dominating the competition is not new for Bowlin, a junior right-hander. Bowlin made the NWADG All-Area team last season with a .400 batting average and a 17-9 record in the circle, highlighted by a perfect game when she struck out all 21 batters against Rogers Heritage.
In three tournament games last week, Bowlin pitched 21 shutout innings where she struck out 51, allowed three hits, walked two and hit one batter.
“Emory is a great kid who works hard and gives us a chance to be successful,” Pea Ridge Coach Josh Reynolds said. “She has emerged this season as being more of a vocal leader.”
Fayetteville made a statement by sweeping the boys and girls team titles against a strong field in the Lake Hamilton Invitational track and field meet at Pearcy. The Bulldogs dominated a 23team field with 146 points, far ahead of second-place Vilonia with 61 points.
Jones was a major contributor in the blowout victory by winning the 110 hurdles in 14.78 seconds and the 300 hurdles in 39.58. He is off to an impressive start this spring after missing most of last season because of a broken foot.
“Sloan felt like he had something to prove this year,” Fayetteville Coach Drew Yoakum said. “His attitude is whatever he needs to do to help his team, and his drive to improve each day has spread among our team. I cannot be prouder of an athlete that has accomplished as much as Sloan and still has the fire to be better as an individual and team leader. Looking forward to what his track future holds.”