American Legion NC Area IV Senior Championship Game

Hendersonville, NC (WNN) - West Henderson High School was the site of the 2025 American Legion Area IV Championship game between Asheville Post 70 and Cherryville Post 100. Both teams had already qualified for the state tournament, and this game would be a winner-takes-all for the Area IV title and a higher seed in the state tournament. Coming into the night, Asheville had only lost two games, one to Shelby Post 82 and the other was a suspended game they were leading, yet decided to forfeit to avoid another trip from the mountains to Gastonia. Asheville benefits from being the only team in their section of Western NC, with players from approximately 12 different schools. They are attempting to resurrect American Legion baseball in that part of the state, and their strong showing this year should help.

Cherryville Starts Strong

The first batter of the night, Cherryville shortstop Nate Rollins, set the game's tone as he lined a single between short and third. Unfortunately, he would get caught in a double play, and a strikeout would end the threat. Asheville made some noise in the bottom of the 1st as Evan Conner and Cayden Davidson would each hit singles, starting pitcher Kellen Karr was not phased and struck out Micah Simpson to close the inning. The top of the 2nd saw Post 100 do what few teams have accomplished this season. Landon Jenkins singles to left field with one out, Talon Dalton's base hit advances Jenkins to 3rd base, and a pitch hits Zane Williams to load the bases. Eli Black works a walk to put Cherryville in the lead 1-0. Eli Webb puts the ball in play, and when he reaches due to a throwing error, it allows Dalton to score. Rollins lands on 1st on a fielder's choice as Williams is thrown out at home plate. Preston Henson drills a bases-clearing double to left field, and Post 100 has exploded to a 5-0 lead. He advances to 3rd on a wild pitch to Evan Matile. Asheville's starting pitcher is relieved by Deegan Randall, who gets out of the inning as Matile flies out to left field.

Asheville Comes Alive

Cherryville would see Asheville's bats come to life in the bottom of the 3rd as Reagan Smith started things off with reaching on a bobbled infield hit, and with one out, Colt Nelson drove him in for Post 70's first run with a double. Evan Conner and Cayden Davidson would both walk, and a wild pitch and a passed ball would lead to another run. Micah Simpson added a base hit, and Karr's night was finished after pitching two good innings before an incredible rally by Post 70. Brayden Reynolds came in relief, and the first batter he faced worked a base on balls to load the bases. Luke Nesbit strikes out looking. Following, Carson Wallace gets two RBIs on a base hit. Reynolds closes out the inning as Smith lines out to center field. The game was now tied 5-5. Asheville would add two more in the 4th and four more in the 6th. Heading into the top of the 7th, Post 100 trailed 11-5. Cherryville attempted to rally in the final frame as Tucker Sigmon hit a two-out single to right field, followed by Jenkins getting a base hit, and a bad throw to 1st allowed Sigmon to reach 3rd. The rally would
fall short as Dalton's fly ball to deep right field was caught. Final score: Asheville 11, Cherryville 5.

Asheville's Record Year

During the playoffs, Asheville Post 70 has won seven straight games and outscored its opponents 67-13. Tonight's effort by Cherryville was gallant considering Asheville's dominance in the playoffs to this point. Both teams are off until July 26, when the state tournament begins in Cherryville. The top hitters for Post 100 were Preston Henson with 3 RBIs and Landon Jenkins with three hits. This is Asheville's first Area IV Championship, after two runners-up finishes in the late 1920s. Heading into the state tournament, Post 70 has a record of 25-2, and Post 100 is 25-8. Although falling short in a championship game is disappointing, a 25-win season and Area IV runner-up finish is not a bad season.

Heading To The State Tournament in Cherryville

Cherryville's record might be the motivation needed for a good showing in the upcoming state tournament, July 26 – July 30 at Fraley Field in Cherryville, NC. Half the field has been confirmed, with Area IV sending Asheville and Cherryville, and Area III qualifiers are Rowan County and Union County. They face off Sunday for their Area Championship. No information on Area I and Area II playoffs was available. Don't forget Cherryville is also the site of the 2025 NC American Legion Jr Division State Tournament. This tournament begins at 10 am on July 19 and concludes the evening of July 23. The Post 100 Jrs' first game will be July 19 at 7:30 pm. Make plans to come out and support both teams in their respective tournaments.