For the first time in school history, the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots (20-15) will play in the AHSAA Class 2A State Semifinals this Wednesday, May 7, against the Reeltown Rebels (20-12). 

Pike Lib is coming off a three-game series win over Tuscaloosa Academy in the quarterfinals last week. Tuscaloosa Academy defeated reigning 2A Champion Ariton to get to the quarterfinals. 

“I thought the guys played well,” PLAS Coach Will Austin said. “We competed and they had a really good ball club. Hats off to (Tuscaloosa Academy) but I’m very proud of our guys.” 

Meanwhile, Reeltown bested Cottonwood in a three-game series in the quarterfinals. Reeltown also holds playoff series wins over GW Long and Isabella. 

“Reeltown is a very good baseball team,” Austin said. “They hit it well, pitch well and are good on defense. It will be a good challenge for us.” 

During the playoffs, Reeltown’s Jamarkius Smith has been a star at the plate and on the mound. He holds a .455 batting average in three playoff series with a triple, a double, a home run, six RBIs and 12 runs. He’s also pitched nine and 1/3 innings and has yet to give up a single earned run or hit, while striking out 18 batters. Hutson Lewis has also pitched 15 and 2/3 innings and holds an eye-popping 0.57 ERA with 16 strikeouts. 

For Pike, Luke Barron and Kade Brookins have led the way through the playoffs. Barron holds a .455 batting average with a homer, five doubles, 13 RBIs and five runs, while Brookins boasts a .421 batting average with three doubles, two triples, five RBIs and five runs. Brookins has also struck out 20 batters and holds a 2.37 ERA in 19 innings pitched. Barron has pitched 17 innings and holds a 1.59 ERA with 11 strikeouts and just three total earned runs given up. 

“I think for us, it’s going to be about doing the little things right,” Austin said of this week’s semifinal series. “We have to work ahead in our count, hit it when we need to hit and play good defense. If you do those things you have a good chance to be successful.” 

Pike Lib has a rich baseball tradition, with the Patriots winning four State Championships as part of the AISA between 2018 and 2022. Since moving to the Alabama High School Athletic Association, the Patriots made it to the Elite 8 in each of their first two seasons but this is the first time Pike has made it to the Final Four. Still, Austin says they aren’t satisfied. 

“It’s definitely something to be proud of to make it this far,” Austin emphasized. “I told our guys that this is a great accomplishment but we want to continue to move forward and play another week and move closer towards a state championship. That’s the ultimate goal.” 

Pike and Reeltown will begin the semifinal series on Wednesday, May 7, at 4:30 p.m. with a game two at 7 p.m. If a game three is necessary it will be held at 4:30 p.m. on May 8. All games will be played at Butch Austin Field on the campus of Pike Liberal Arts School.