The Indianapolis Star from Indianapolis, Indiana • Page 45

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR WWW.INDYSTAR.COM Sports THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2002 D9 AREA HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS Bishop Chatard shortstop works, plays hard SOFTBALL (As reported through Apr! 27 HITTING Player. School 5 Katie Armour. New Palestine. I 42 28 .667 30 18 .600 16 552 20 11 550 20 10 500 36 18 jenny Mendelsohn, Park Tudor 1 Kellie Archer, Greenwood Moulton, Triton Central Jamie Coffman, Elwood Laura Thomas, Lutheran Stacy Kutcher. Ritter.

30 15 500 29 14 .483 Danae Griffey, Mt Vernon -1 Erin Detty, Center Grove Jennifer Russell, Triton Central Kim Richards, Warren Central-. Hole. Franklin 40 19 15 7 .475 .467 .465 43 20 13 6 Karen Korb, .462 .455 .452 22 10 42 19 42 19 .452 .452 42 19 Leah Moscrip, Martinsville Tiffany LaRue, Pendleton Hts Julie VanZee, Perry Meridian DOUBLES Player, School Megan Hall, Center fimw City baseball Quarterfinals: Northwest at Ritter, 4:30 p.m. today; Scecina-Arlington winner at Manual, 4:30 p.m. Friday; Heritage Christian at Bishop Chatard, 5 p.m.

today; Broad Ripple at Cathedral, 4:30 p.m. Friday Semifinals: Ritter-Northwest winner vs. Scecina-Arlington-Manual winner, 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Manual; HC-Chatard winner vs. BR-Cathedral winner, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday at Bishop Chatard Championship: Semifinal winners, 8:30 p.m. May 10 at Victory Field rations beyond high school and college, and he isn't afraid to work to achieve his goals." Prickel, who helped an Indiana Bulls squad win a National Amateur Baseball Federation national championship last summer, said he is proud of the time he puts in. He knows that is a big part of landing a scholarship to a high-profile program and, possibly, a professional career. "It's possible to be outplayed, but I don't ever want to be outworked," said Prickel, who carries a 3.85 grade-point average and cites history and art as his favorite classes. "I like being able to say I work harder than most people." Although his hitting commands a lot of attention, the shortstop also focuses on fielding.

"I feel a great responsibility as the leader of the infield," he said. "I love defense more than anything, and I've team in average as a freshman and finishing second last year. Harmon moved him to the third spot this year to take advantage of his productivity. "I liked leading off because it was a great way to start the game," Prickel said. "But we had noticed I had a lot of extra-base hits and not many RBIs to go with them.

So this gives me some more opportunities. I am seeing a lot more off-speed or breaking pitches, but it's not a lot different if you are patient." Prickel said he'd like to play professional baseball. "The idea of playing a game that I would pay to play, and they would pay me to play," he said, hesitating to find the right words. While premature to predict whether he will make that level, Prickel has proven he will put in the time. Call Pat McKee at 1-317-444-6182.

By Pat McKee pat.mckeeindystar.com Talented, competitive and willing to work. That is how people describe Bishop Chatard High School junior A.J. Prickel, who is among the area's baseball leaders in home runs, doubles and RBIs entering a City Tournament quarterfinal game at 5 p.m. today against visiting Heritage Christian. "A.J.

has been a solid player from day one of his freshman year, and he continues to get better," Chatard coach Mike Harmon said, noting Prickel's team-leading .471 batting average with five homers, eight doubles and 24 RBIs for the 11-6 Trojans. "He obviously has been blessed with ability, but the thing that sets him apart is his work ethic. He typically is the first one out to practice and the last one to leave. He has aspi made somewhat of a name for myself with the glove. I like that reputation." Teammate Tony Barnes, a junior right-handed pitcher and third baseman, said he cannot decide if Prickel is more valuable stopping runs or driving them in.

"It's great to know that A.J. is behind you because you know that any groundball to the left side of the infield is going to be an out," Barnes said. "That makes my job easier because you know you don't have to strike everybody out. You just relax and make pitches. "Then as a hitter, you know he'll get on.

That makes hitting behind him easier because you're going to see some good pitches. And even though he's often pitched around, when the game's on the line, he'll find a way to give us whatever the team needs." Prickel was Chatard's leadoff hitter the past two seasons, topping the jana souers, Hamilton SE Emily Wilkinson, Noblesviiie LaRue, Pendleton HeightsI 1 Allison Dugger, New Palestine Jennifer Mullikin, Center Grove Katie Laughner, Park Tudor Julie VanZee, Perry Meridian No 10 7 7 7 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 AmDer Manger, Pike Jennifer Underwood, Roncaiii' liJerica Derr, Westfield No TRIPLES Player, School Kerrie Schludeker, Roncaiii Knsta Gumiela, Ben Davis Kristin Lay, Center Grove Katie Hamstra. Park Ashley Werner, Kim Richards, Warren Central HOME RUNS Player, School Souers, Hamilton SE Julie Owens, Pendleton -r Molly Taylor, Southport Firebirds' Coe a big hit as defensive specialist No 2 2 2 0 RUNS f- Player, School 'Kristin Lay, Center Grove Ashley Hall, Noblesviiie Long, Lutheran No ..18 ..17 16 Sara Smaltz, Center jj Tiffany LaRue, Pendleton Heights Laura Thomas, Lutheran Julie Owens, Pendleton Heights Brooke Bullock, Warren Central. Heidi Shreve, Franklin Central Whitney Harrison, Frankton Tonya Moore, Hamilton SE "Sandy McLean. Mt.

Vernon. Allison Dugger, New Palestine. Jessie Hilton, Noblesville Saturday's game Who: Firebirds vs. New York Klckoff: 7 p.m. TV: Fox Sports Net Radio: WNDE-1260 AM right in my face and saw me coming," Coe said.

"The ball hit off his shoulder pads and went into the air, and I got an interceptioa" The Firebirds' three interceptions last week, two by Coe and one by De- pressure on your offense to score every time. "When you have a good defensive game, offense is still all they talk about. But you have to understand that you are appreciated by your team and your coaches and your fans, and you have to let all the other stuff go over your head." After completing his college career at Northern Michigan in 1998, Coe spent a year in the Indoor Football League before being named the Arena Football2 Defensive Player of IT 1 'ffl RUNS BATTED IN Player, School Megan Hall, Center Grove Emily Wilkinson, Noblesviiie (Jana Souers, Hamilton SE Nickt Ewing, "Sandy McLean, Mt. Vernon Danae Griffey, Mt. Vernon Kim Darling.

Noblesviiie Richards. Warren Central No -17 17 -16 -14 14 13 13 13 -12 -12 12 -12 Bobbi-Leigh Pietz, Lutheran Katie Armour, New Palestine. Rachel Ramsey, Noblesviiie Tiffany LaRue, Pendleton Heights. By Jeff Rabjohns jeff.rabjohnsindystar.com Mention Cornelius Coe to anyone in the Arena Football League, and you'll hear a recurring theme. The Indiana Firebirds' top defender is known as a big-time hitter.

"You'd better know where he is on the field because he'll knock the crap out of you," Orlando Predators coach Fran Papasedero said. Firebirds coach Mike Dailey puts it this way: "Some guys are good tacklers, and then there are some guys that have that little bit of burst at the end who hit you with a lot of lead in their pencil. "He's one of those guys." In his second season with the Firebirds, Coe has established himself as one of the top defensive specialists one of the two defenders who don't play both ways in Arena football The 5-11, 180-pound Coe set the single-season tackles record last year with 121.5 in his first Arena season. In two games this season, he has 13 tackles and two interceptions, both coming in last week's 49-43 road upset of defending ArenaBowl champion Grand Rapids. "My philosophy is, don't give up the touchdown and punish the receiver every time he catches it," Coe said.

"Then when that crucial play comes along, he might drop it or tap it in the air and you'll get an interception. Or maybe you hit him enough, PITCHING: (Ranked by ERA) Minimum of 16 killings pitched ERA juan Alfonzo, were keys in giving the Firebirds more possessions, something even more critical in Arena football because teams score on such a high percentage of possessions. But being a top defender in Arena football doesn't equate to being a star in a league with the slogan "Offensively fun football." "I tell a lot of people that my spot is the hardest spot the Year as a member of the undefeated Quad City Steamwheelers in 2000. Coe had nine interceptions and three forced fumbles. With only eight men on the 50-yard field, a missed tackle by a defensive specialist can turn a 5-yard pass into a 45-yard touchdown in a hurry.

"When the other team is in high motion and you're in man coverage, it's tough t. Player, School Bobbi-Leigh Pietz, Lutheran. Megan Howell, Perry Meridian-' Nkki Hellem, Whiteland 0.00 0.00 0.10 0.25 0.30 0.49 0.55 0.64 JSmtm Lindsey McNaughton, Carmel Ashley Young, Center Grove Amanda Burns, Franklin Central-Alisha Baker, Greenwood Darcy Wood, Center Grove Beth Lane, Warren Central Britney Morris, Whiteland IP 32 16 70 47 76 33 32 21 50 69 58 65 33 Cornelius Coe 1 0.66 0 0.67 2 0.70 4 0.71 5 0.72 Erin Lafayette, Zionsville- Kat Tetrick, Brebeuf Jesuit Megan Hunter, Warren Central-' Ashley Hobbs, Brownsburg Jesse Privett, ML Vernon 0.75 0.85 Robert Seheer staff photo Hit man: In two games this season, Indiana's Cornelius Coe (right) has 13 tackles and two interceptions, both in last week's win over Grand Rapids. STRIKEOUTS Player, School Lindsey McNaughton, Carmel to say you can play tight enough he wouldn't catch a stop route or a hitch," Dailey said. "But when he catches it, you have to put it on him and not let him get any yards after that.

"That's the nature of this game, and C.C. is really good at that." Call Jeff Rabjohns at 1-317-444-6183. No in Arena football," said Coe, a former football and wrestling standout at Chicago's Taft High School. "I feel like I'm going to either win the game or lose the game every week for my team. "By being a defensive specialist, if you're not making plays and doing a decent job, the other team is going to score every time, and then you put Alisha Baker, Greenwood Jessica Mardini, Noblesviiie he'll start fumbling." The plan worked to perfection last to Willis Marshall.

Coe leveled him. Grand Rapids went right back to Marshall, but there was a residual ef- Katie Armour, New Palestine Nicki Hellem, week at Grand Rapids. 73 71 71 69 66 58 57 57 On the first play from scrimmage, feet from the hit. Bobbi-Leigh Pietz, Lutheran-Erin Lafayette, Zionsville. Casie Dean, Hamilton SE Kat Tetrick, Brebeuf Jesuit Ashley Young, Center Grove the Rampage completed a short pass "The next play, he was looking BASEBALL (As reported through April 27) HITTING Coach Player, School Billy Salazar, Frankton Erich Rusie, Jimmy Parks, Franklin Eric Osborn, Hamilton SE.

Aaron Neldon, Decatur Josh Burgess, Lutheran i Sam Scheib, Southport Scott Midla. Martinsville Julian 8rown, Noblesviiie Ivg. 21 .600 13 591 10 .588 20 .588 14 .583 7 .538 21 .538 18 .529 22 524 14 .519 28 .509 9 .500 23 .500 9 .500 16 .485 but didn't characterize him as aloof. "He's our coach, but he's one of those guys you look at as kind of a father figure," Battle said. "Guys feel comfortable going up and presenting problems that they're having.

We're having a lot more fun now. "This team is mature enough to understand when it's time to joke around and when it's time to take care of business. I've seen coach Willingham put his foot down on a lot of issues." Call David Woods at 1-317-444-6195. 12 8 4 10 9 4 12 10 14 9 17 Z15 ZZZu have played with such an attitude that former players can look them in the eyes and say, 'We're proud of what you've done today and the effort you've given Willingham said. "Then that is the attitude we want to carry on this football team." Willingham departed from one Notre Dame tradition when he declined to appoint captains for the upcoming season.

He indicated he might have different captains each game. Notre Dame players repeatedly referred to their coach as businesslike his first head coaching job at Stanford. Work values he teaches now are those he learned at home. His father was a landlord and self-taught contractor. His mother, an elementary school teacher, made so many civic contributions that a park and parkway in Jacksonville are named for her.

Willingham ended spring training by stating the team will attract attention this fall for the collective effort it displays. "I think when our football team walks off the field that they (will) ter compiling a 44-36-1 record in seven years at Stanford. That followed the resignation of O'Leary, who admitted to false claims on his resume. Being second choice didn't deter Willingham, who has always made the most of each opportunity. He left Jacksonville, N.C, to become a 5-7, 139-pound walk-on in football and baseball at Michigan State.

He eventually earned a scholarship as a backup quarterback. He was an assistant at Central Michigan, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Rice, Stanford and the Minnesota Vikings before accepting Sean Gaston, Brownsburg Kyle Stephenson, Players have a favorable impression of their new coach. From D1 and offensive tackle Jordan Black said Willingham's influence has made the Irish more confident. "We believe in coach Tyrone," Black said. "Already he's making an impact on us.

We just feel like when he talks, it's at another leveL" Willingham, 48, was hired Jan. 1 af Ryan Johnson, Beech Grove. A J. Prickel, Bishop Chatard. Kevin O'Donnell.

Broad Sam Bush, Center Grove Player, School Derek O'Brien, Avon AJ. Prickel, Bishop Chatard Brian Bego, Jeff Brunette, Bishop Chatard. David Jones. Bishop Chatard Tyler Riddle, Frankton Joey Barnes, Lawrence North. Rob Cox, Perry Meridian.

Chad Tucker, Perry Meridian -j Derek Walker, Plainfield Ryan East, warren central In addition to everything else, Tommy Coy, Western Boone TRIPLES Player, School Nick Klein. Cathedral. Aaron Weir. Franklin -l Derek O'Brien, Avon Billy Walters, Avon -J Tyler Malone, Carmel we had the audacity to make it all-wheel drive. It's obvious that we, at Jaguar, simply can't leave well enough alone.

The new Jaguar X-TYPE was a desirable automobile even before we added the standard Traction 4 all-wheel drive. After all, it already had impeccable styling, standard wood and leather trim and speed-sensitive steering. Not to mention the complimentary scheduled maintenance and limited warranty. The new Jaguar X-TYPE is indeed a car with everything. And then some.

Brian Deyu, vdiiieuiai John McDowell, Franklin Central AJuu-nnfi. Justin Rummell, Pendleton Heights. John Kitley, Roncaiii Sam Scheib. Southport. XJ 8 for 39-month lease K) due at signing.

Security deposit Acquisition fee waived. 10K milesyear. Excludes tax, title and license fees. MSRP starting at 56,975" Lance LaBonte, whiteland HOME RUNS Player, School A.J. Prickel, Bishop Chatard Evan Kelsay, Lawrence Central Tony Barnes, Bishop Chatard- 7 Scott Midla, Martinsville Jake Armstrong, Warren Central.

All-new X-TYPE 3 3 month for 39-month lease S3.591 .97 due at signing. $450 Acquisition fee, Security deposit waived. 10K milesyear. Excludes tax, title and license fees. MSRP starting at 36,320" Mike Dury, Bishop cnatarq Matt Machala, Carmel Ryan Myers, Cascade Jeff Fontaine, Cathedral Justin Goss, Eminence Rillv la7ar.

Frankton ')! Eric Osborn, Hamilton SE. Ken Bargfeldt. Hamilton SE ic Zach Jones, Lawrence North Clay Walker, Martinsville Ryan Bond, Pendleton Heights. A.D. Mendoza, Westfield RUNS S-TYPE SpOrt $499monfi for 39-monfi tease 1 ,999 due at signing.

$450 Acquisition fee, Security deposit waived. 10K miiesyear. Excludes tax, title and license fees. MSRP starting at 48,320" Player, School Kyle Stephenson, 9' AJ. Prickel, Bishop Chatard Brent Holman, Roncaiii Eric Osborn, Hamilton Tony Barnes, Bishop Scott Midla, Martinsville Rillv Frankton Jeff Fontaine, Cathedral.

-V Aaron Weir, Franklin. m. hrz -trn i Ryan Bond, Pendleton Heights -j RUNS BATTED IN i Player, School AJ. Prickel, Bishop Chatard John Kitley, Jeff Fontaine, Cathedral Scott Midla, Martinsville Mike Dury, Bishop Tony Barnes, Bishop Nick Klein, MattWolski, Cathedral Ryne Foster, Danville. Jake Armstrong, Warren DITtt4IN(l! fDjuikMl fav ERAi (Mia 11 Innings pitched) XK6 Convertible XK8 $Q99month for 4Q-month lease 53,999 due at signing.

$450 Acquisition fee, Security deposit waived. 10K milesyear. Excludes tax, title and license fees. MSRP starting at 74,975" Player, School Dan Shearin, Center Grove John Demotte, Franklin Mike McFadden, Roncaiii Chris Fetter, Carmel IP EN I ERA 0 1 0 11.00 16 0 3 0 0.00 18 0 2 0 0.00 24 1 3 0 0.29 1 1 0 0.41 15K 1 2 0 0.45 27 2 2 2 0.51 13 110 0.53 24 2 4 1 0.58 2 0 2 0.74 17 2 3 1 0.82 16 2 2 1 0.87 3 2 2 0.94 21K 3 2 1 0.98 14 2 2 0 1.00 Brad Madden, Lawrence North Jeff Cart, Warren Central Tito Landrum, Pendleton Jake MummenL Pendleton Heights Zach Grage. Cascade 4 Brett Wampler, Perry Meridian Kyle Landers.

Noblesviiie Don McEntire, Noblesviiie. DustinEck, New STRIKEOUTS v- Player, School Travis Ham, Decatur Matt Scott. Danville rl Michael Moore, Ml. Vernon Steve Swain, Tn West Ryan Tatusko, Nnhlcsville A Robbie Rhinesmith, ML Vernon TOM WOOD JAGUAR "96th Keystone" 3473 E. 96th St.

(317) 848-7447 SALES HOURS: MON, WED, THUR 9-8 TUE, FRI, SAT 9-6 SERVICE HOURS: WED MON.TUE, THUR, FRI SAT 10-2 NOT ALL BUYERS WILL QUALIFY FOR THE LOWEST LEASE PAYMENT. SEE RETAILER FOR QUALIFICATION 0ETAILS. payments higher, some tower. Residency restrictions xoly. Lessee responsible for excess wear 'tear and mileage at $.20 over 32,500 miles.

See ret price and details on kmiled warranty, Roadside Assistanc x) scheduled mantenance. Take new retail delivery Irom dealer stcx 43102. "MSRP excludes lax, title and license fees; see retail their price. Call 1 -800-4-JAGUAR or visit iaguar.comus. Cars.

Clay Collins, rranmin Jared Shore. Notilrsvillo Scott Circle. Center n.im Corey Brown, Franklin Cenlral 35 Dan Fair. Brownsburg iiCinH ra thn cuhmitted to The Star's Stats Bureau by the respective schools on the correct reporting forms. They are to be faxed to (317 444500 by 5 p.m.

Monday each week. Please include first names..