Banged-up Bishops in need of spring break

Some soccer coaches will seek a little rest and relaxation during spring break.

Bishop England girls soccer coach Dave Snyder is looking for a little rest and a rematch.

The Bishops are 9-2 but are showing a little wear as spring break nears. The Bishops have games against Ashley Ridge on Thursday and Park View on Friday and then get 18 days to heal before they play Garrett Tech on April 13.

"Ever since West Ashley (on March 12), we have had some nicks and dings," said Snyder, whose team has won eight consecutive Class AA-A state titles. "We have a couple of players (Emilie Huesca and Chandler Coggins) who can't play because of injuries, and we have a couple of players (Elizabeth Miller and Hanna Kearse) who are hobbling around."

The injuries took their toll Saturday night when Christ Church posted a 3-0 victory at Jack Cantey Stadium. It was a rematch of last year's title game and could be a preview of this year's state championship.

The Bishops topped Christ Church 2-1 in last year's title game as Lizzie Daly scored in the fourth minute of the match, and Miller scored on a penalty kick in the 65th minute after the Cavaliers were called for a hand ball. But Saturday night, Christ Church blanked the Bishops.

"I thought we could match up with them," Snyder said. "I was a little disappointed. We don't have a large number of players compared to past years. We have only 21 players and we go only 13-14 deep with the injuries."

The Bishops' other loss was a 2-0 decision to defending Class AAAA state champion Mauldin in the opening round of the Viking Cup. The Bishops were healthy in that game and were able to play 16 to 17 players and not miss a beat.

Snyder said the trainers feel the team should be completely healthy after spring break, which begins April 1 at Bishop England. The team will have some tough tests with Class AAAA powers James Island, Summerville and Wando on the schedule next month.

"I'm excited about the team," Snyder said. "We have the potential to play an outstanding brand of soccer. We have a lot more offensive punch than we've had in the last couple of years."

That punch could give the Bishops a rematch against Christ Church -- and revenge -- in the state championship match.

Region 6-AA stars

Sidney Sanders of state runner-up Burke has been named the Region 6-AA boys basketball player of the year, while the Bulldogs' Earl Brown has been named the coach of the year.

Sanders is one of three Burke players on the team. Del'Javon Simmons and Michael Heyward are Burke's other selections.

Woodland also has three players on the team: Ryan Braxton, Divine Kelly and Rashod Edwards.

Ashley Ridge's picks include Khalil Davis and Tre Deloach, while Goose Creek's picks are Rashudis Goode and Michael Broughton.

Alex Abrams of Bishop England and Xavier Moultrie of Cane Bay round out the team.

Baseball statistics

The Post and Courier will publish baseball statistical leaders on the Prep Zone page, which runs on Friday. Coaches are asked to provide their top players in all hitting and pitching categories. The deadline to submit statistics is at noon on Thursdays. Send to pbowman@postandcourier.com or at 937-5592. The fax number is 937-5579.