Pike Liberal Arts and Autauga Academy capture AISA baseball titles, Macon East softball reaches final – Montgomery Advertiser

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The Alabama Independent School Association baseball finals concluded Thursday at Paterson Field with Pickens Academy (Class A), Autauga Academy (AA) and Pike Liberal Arts (AAA) each earning state championships.

Pickens defeated Jackson Academy in a doubleheader sweep, with four players earning spots on the all-tournamentteam.

For coach Rush Hixon and Pike Liberal Arts, capturing his first title at his alma mater was a "surreal" experience for the 24-year-old head coach.The Patriotsswept Bessemer, 6-2 and 12-0,to complete its three-peat and win a fourth trophy in nine years. It also secured a trifecta for Pike, which also won the state's football and basketball titles.

Autauga Academy players celebrate after the AISA class AA state championship in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Autauga defeated Edgewood 2-0 (4-2,5-4) to win the series. (Photo: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)

Hixon started his coaching career while nursing an arm injury with an American Legion baseball team when he was 17. After stints at Lurleen B. Wallace, Central Alabama and Troy, Hixon was tabbed to fill the shoes of Allen Ponder and the two titles Ponder brought to the Patriots. Hixon was a senior during Ponder's firstseason, and when Hixon was hired, his old coach reached out and told him he was the right fit.

"I reflect a lot at times," Hixon said, "I don't think I'm deserving of a lot of things. ... It's a blessing from God to be in this situation. Not a lot of people get the chance to do it, much less at a place they love and have a lot of pride for."

Walker Stallworth, Jayden Jordan, Skylar Kidd and Scott Taylor Renfroe were named to the all-tournament team.

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In the Generals' case, coach Bobby Carr made a long-awaited return to the diamond and made an unlikely run with a young group.Autauga slid past Edgewood, outscoring the Wildcats 9-6 in two games, leadingto its fifth straight finals and first win since Carr joined the school.

Carr won 11 titles at Edgewood but focused on football upon his arrival at Autauga. His former assistant Scott Tubbs led the baseball team but when he took the same role at Holtville, Carr figured it was time to return to the sport he loves most. A college player and member of the New York Mets' developmental system, Carr spent the past few seasons watching games in left field, itching for a return.

The 2021 Generals featured no returning starters, Carr said. An underclassmen-led group was 9-7 but then won 11 of 14 to eventually top Carr's old school at Paterson Field. Postgame, surrounded by his team, Carr got emotional.

Autauga Academy coach Bobby Carr celebrates with his team after the AISA class AA state championship in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Autauga defeated Edgewood 2-0 (4-2,5-4) to win the series. (Photo: Jake Crandall/ Advertiser)

"They brought a lot of joy back into my life," Carr said, "It was much needed."

Noah Ray was one of four Generals' on the all-state team, which included Will Traywick, Josh Palmer and John Gabehart. Edgewood's Walker Hall, Alex Johnson and Mitchell Boyd were also honored.

Abbeville Christian (Class A), Southern Academy (AA) and Bessemer (AAA) captured state titles as well.

Macon East's Taylor McKinney against Tuscaloosa Academy during the AISA State Softball Tournament at Lagoon Park in Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday May 2, 2019.(Photo: Mickey Welsh / Advertiser)

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Macon East was a runner-up in Class AA, dropping two games late to Southern. The Knights had reached the finals for the ninth straight year and hadthree players Taylor McKinney, Breane Morrison and Kylee Smith make the all-tournament team.

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Pike Liberal Arts and Autauga Academy capture AISA baseball titles, Macon East softball reaches final - Montgomery Advertiser