By Sydney Case, Staff Writer
The River Hill High School baseball team is putting together an impressive season, highlighted by two huge wins over Howard and Centennial. Both games came down to the wire, showing only the team’s talent but also their ability to stay composed under pressure.
In their matchup against Howard, River Hill pulled off a narrow 3–2 victory in what turned into a tense battle. Every inning mattered, and the Hawks had to fight for every run. Junior catcher Gavin Dang emphasized how “locked in” the team had to be. “We knew it was going to be close the whole time,” Dang emphasizes. “Everyone stayed focused, especially on defense, and we just trusted each other to get it done.”
That same determination carried into their game against Centennial, where River Hill secured another tight win, this time 3–1. Strong pitching and timely hitting made the difference, as the team once again proved they can execute in high-pressure moments.
Senior captain Jonathan Norwood highlighted the team’s mindset in these close games. “We don’t panic,” Norwood explains. “Even when it’s tight, we know how to stay calm and play our game. That’s what’s been helping us win.”
Fellow senior captain Ryan Walsh shares that confidence, pointing to the team’s chemistry as a major factor. “We’ve been playing together for a long time, and it shows,” Walsh says. “Everyone knows their role, and we all step up when it matters.”
Junior Ryan Miller also spoke about the intensity of the recent wins. “Those games could’ve gone either way,” Miller said. “But we stayed aggressive and didn’t back down. That’s what makes this team different.”
Senior Carter McLellan added that the team’s work ethic has been key all season. “We’ve been putting in the work every day at practice,” McLellan asserts. “It’s paying off now, especially in games like these where every little thing counts.”
However, the Hawk’s season has not been without its challenges. After a strong start, River Hill faced a setback, dropping three games in a row, including a tough 17-3 loss to Long Reach. The stretch tested the team’s resilience and exposed areas for improvement. Instead of letting the losses define their season, the Hawks used it as motivation.
River Hill has since bounced back, in a very big way, with a 9-6 win over Long Reach, an impressive turnaround that highlighted their growth and ability to adjust. The victory not only avenged their earlier loss but it also showed how much the team has improved as their season progressed.
Looking ahead, the Hawks have three key matchups against Mt. Hebron, Reservoir, and Marriotts Ridge. These upcoming games present important opportunities for River Hill to continue proving themselves and demonstrate just how far they’ve come.
As the season continues, River Hill looks to build on this momentum and keep their winning streak alive. If their recent performances are any indication, they have both the skill and the mindset to finish the season strong.