PREP BASEBALL: VHSCA All-Star Game will be Strong

By: Tim Hayes | Bristol Herald Courier
Published: July 13, 2011

The Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star Game is always a showcase for the top baseball talent.

It’s only fitting then that Bradley Strong of Richlands will be there.

One of the area’s most skilled hitters over the last four years, Strong will be one of six players from Southwest Virginia to suit up for the West in the annual event tonight at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Hampton, Va.

“It’s an honor just to be selected,” Strong said. “Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to start and get some innings in. It will be a great way to finish up.”

Mike Wood (Tazewell), Caleb Daniels (J.I. Burton), Wes Hughes (Gate City), Clint Chafin (Virginia High) and Scott Pennington (Chilhowie) will also play, while Virginia High’s Mark Daniels will serve on the West coaching staff.

Strong will need no introduction to the other players on the roster for tonight’s game. He’s traveled across the state over the past few years – from the mountains of Southwest Virginia to the beaches of the Tidewater — playing in weekend tournaments with various travel ball teams.

“I know a lot of guys on my team and the East team,” Strong said. “I probably know more guys on the East team actually, where I’ve been playing travel ball. I ran into a lot of those guys at some point and hope to reconnect with them this week.”

Strong hit .524 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs and had a .960 fielding percentage at shortstop in 2011, wrapping up an eventful tenure at Richlands. He’ll play at Western Carolina University next season.

“It was a great experience,” Strong said. “I got to play with my brother [second baseman Reece Strong] for three years and for my dad [Blue Tornado head coach Brad Strong] for four years. Not many people can say that. It was pretty special for four years, that’s for sure.”

SOCCER

After a record-setting career at John Battle High School, Matt Fleenor is ready for an encore.

Fleenor will play for the West in the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Christopher Newport University.

Fleenor scored more than 100 goals in his four seasons with the Trojans and helped the team reach the state semifinals in 2010.

“It was a lot of fun,” Fleenor said. “I had some good teammates I played with and that made it a lot better.”

The Battle star will get a chance to play with some of the state’s top talent tonight. Devin Jones and Bryan Zaring of Group AA champion Jefferson Forest are also on the West roster.

“It will be a lot different,” Fleenor said. “A lot faster-paced.”

Nicole Roman (Honaker) is on the West roster for the VHSCA girls game, which is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start at CNU.

thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter:@Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570