“All good things must come to an end” WPS
Do not let your past rob your future. Each new day is a chance to make a new beginning. Count your blessings, live with gratitude and love with all your heart! Today I close the door to the past, just opened the door to future, taking a deep breath, stepping on through and starting this exciting new chapter in my life. Here I come Raleigh, NC. Lets make this ride one to remember for the ages Wolf Pack Nation! SpiritStrengthConfidencePridePassionCourage (Facebook)

Mitchell ultimately chose NC State over Michigan, UAB, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State..  He visited Raleigh back on May 10-12th.

Joe Schad of ESPN caught up with Mitchell and the incoming Wolfpack signal caller had this to say about his decision.

“I like the culture, coaches, expectations within the program starting all the way at the top, and most importantly chemistry,” Mitchell said. “I felt I built it with players in just three days. Bottom line is I want to win, and I want to win now. They have the best opportunity there for success and just had one missing piece.” (Via ESPN).  

Out of high school, Mitchell was a 3-star recruit according to Rivals, and was listed as an Athlete.  He also held offers from Michigan and Mississippi St.  Mitchell boasts 4.4 40-yard dash speed.

Highlights 2013 Arkansas Spring Game

Lorenzo Brown

Prior to the Combine, DraftExpress had former NC State Point Guard Lorenzo Brown going in the late 1st round, with the 30th overall pick.  After the Combine, Brown fell four spots, currently ranked 34th.  Brown didn’t have a tremendous showing at the Combine.  His athleticism paled in comparison to some of the freaky athletic point guards in this years class.

C.J. Leslie

Leslie shined during athletic testing, but his failure to participate during the skills drills the day before might have given the opportunity for others to ultimately shine brighter in the opinion of Draft Express.  Prior to the Combine, DraftExpress had him penned in at the 25th overall pick, and he has now slipped to 42nd overall on their boards.

Richard Howell

According to Draft Express, Sir Rich saw his stock fall after the Combine.  Prior to the Combine he was ranked 48th overall, and has now fallen to the backend of the draft, sitting at 60th.  Howell was measured last Thursday, and participated in the skill drills.  He measured 6’6.5″, which didn’t help his stock.  He then failed to participate in the athletic tests on Friday.

“He is now a licensed peace officer in the state of Texas,” said Larry Stewart, one of Williams’ instructors at Lone Star College, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. ”That means he can be a police officer anywhere in the state of Texas.”

According to the article linked above, Williams passed his exam this past Friday, and had to complete 643 hours of class work.

“It’s something that I’m definitely going to fall back on after football is done, which hopefully is years and years down the road, but it’s there. It’s something that can’t be taken away,” Williams said.  ”I’m setting up myself for the future and I think that’s the most important thing.  I’ve been studying like crazy. Staying up late at night. With everything else that’s going on, you got to fit it in. To be able to handle that load just speaks volumes.”

Williams signed a six-year $96 million contract in March of last season, and will be entering his second season with the Bills this Fall.  In his first season in a new jersey he collected 10.5 sacks, but was still underwhelming.  He believes that the new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will free him up to make more things happen on the field.

“If I had to guess I’ll probably be all over the place,” Williams said. “But it comes with working out and being able to just move and know whenever you’re in a different position that you have to switch it up a little bit in terms of your point of attack.” (Via RotoWorld)

Rodon makes his second appearance on the first team after leading the nation in strikeouts and surpassing his freshman year total with 137.

The Holly Springs, N.C. native, has had single-game strikeout totals of 14, 15, and 16 during 2013, moving to fourth place on NC State’s career strikeout leaderboard with 272 through 31 appearances. Rodon is 10 strikeouts away from tying the program record for strikeouts in a single season.

Turner lands on the first team at shortstop for the first time in his career after a second team mention at third base in 2012. The sophomore broke NC State’s career stolen base record in the 94th game of his career, and needs 46 more to tie Georgia Tech’s Ty Griffin for the ACC career record.

The Lake Worth, Fla., native became more than a base stealer in 2013, leading the Pack in batting average (.383), slugging (.589), on-base percentage (.463), runs (68), triples (4), and home runs (6). Turner also leads the team in hitting with runners on base (.403), with runners and two outs (.433), with runners in scoring position (.422), and runners in scoring position with two outs (.474).

Senay captures his first All-ACC honor by being named to the second team at first base. The senior earned the first ACC Player of the Week honor of his career earlier this season by hitting .411 during the Pack’s sweep at Georgia Tech. Senay came to the plate with the bases empty twice over the entire weekend, and made the most of the opportunity with a career high six RBIs in game one.

The South Park, Pa. native, holds a share of the team lead with six homers this year, and leads the team with 49 RBIs.

For the second year in a row the Wolfpack has multiple first teamers and three or more total mentions. In 2012, NC State sent three players to the first team and one to the second.

NC State takes the field at the 2013 ACC Baseball Championship on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Clemson.

As you can see from the schedule below, NC State will face off against Clemson, Miami and UNC.

The Tigers will be the Pack’s first opponent on Wednesday night (7pm), and the result earlier this season wasn’t pretty. The two played one series against each other this season, and Clemson took two out of three back on March 8-10. In Game 1 Carlos Rodon was shelled for 8 earned runs in 4.1 innings (8 k’s), and the Tigers won 10-5. In Game 2, Clemson won 7-4, with Ethan Ogburn taking the loss, only squeaking out one inning on the mound. The Wolfpack saved themselves from a complete sweep in the finale, defeating Clemson 4-1, led by 4.1 solid innings by Brad Stone. Trea Turner was sprained his ankle in Game 1 of the series, and missed a total of 10 games from the injury.

Batting vs. Clemson

Trea Turner – 1-5, 1 hr, 1 rbi, 1 r
Jake Fincher – 6-10, 1 3b, 3 r, 3 bb, 3 sb
Brett Austin – 5-12, 2 2b, 1 bb, 3 r, 1 sb
Tarran Senay – 4-13, 1 2b, 2 rbi, 1 r
Will Nance – 3-10, 1 hr, 1 r, 3 rbi, 1 bb
Brett Williams- 2-12, 1 bb, 2 r, 1 rbi, 1 sb
Bryan Adametz – 5-12, 1 r, 1 bb
Logan Ratledge – 1-6
Jake Armstrong – 2-11, 1 bb, 2 sb

The Wolfpack’s matchup against Miami on Friday (11am) will be their first time facing the Hurricanes this season.

On Saturday, the rivalry continues, as NC State faces UNC (7pm). The two rivals split two games back in late April (26-28), with the finale canceled due to rain.. Ryan Wilkins took the loss in game 1, failing to get more than one out before being removed, giving up 3 earned runs 1/3 of an inning. UNC won Game 1 by the score of 7-1. In Game 2, Carlos Rodon had his way on the mound, giving up 2 earned runs in 6.2 innings, and striking out 10 in the 7-3 victory. Both teams will relish in the chance to actually determine a winner of the series this year.

Batting vs. UNC

Trea Turner – 2-7, 1 rbi, 1 r, 3 bb, 4 sb
Jake Fincher – 1-8, 1 rbi, 1 bb
Brett Austin – 3-10, 1 rbi
Tarran Senay – 2-10, 1 2b
Grant Clyde – 2-7, 1 2b, 2 r, 1 rbi, 1 sb
Brett Williams – 2-7, 1 r, 1 bb, 1 sb
Jake Armstrong – 2-5, 2 rbi, 1 r, 2 bb
Bryan Adametz – 4-8, 2 r
Logan Ratledge – 1-3, 1 bb
 

The Wolfpack (42-13, 19-10 ACC) erupted for four runs in the top of the first, added a pair in the third and stretched its lead to 7-0 in the eighth. The Blue Devils (26-29, 9-21) made it 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth, before State added two more in the ninth to set the final at 9-1.

The Pack’s 19th conference win of the year ties the school record, set by the 2012 squad. In the last two seasons, NC State is 38-21 in ACC play. State’s 42nd win of the regular season ties for second most in program history, trailing only the 1988 team that completed its regular season with 43.

Florida State defeated Clemson 6-1 on Saturday, leaving NC State half a game shy of the ACC’s Atlantic Division crown.

Adametz set a career high for RBIs by the third inning of Saturday’s contest, finishing the day 3-for-5 after a two-run single in the first and another in the third and extending his hitting streak to 12 games.

Trea Turner bounced back from a rough outing on Friday to submit a 3-for-6 game with one run and one RBI. Turner added one stolen base to improve to 24-for-30 on attempts this season. With 81 for his career, Turner already ranks 24th on the ACC’s career leaderboard. The sophomore needs 46 to tie Ty Griffin’s record of 127, set at Georgia Tech from 1986 to 1988.

Grant Clyde scored three times to tie his career high and drove in a pair of runs in a 2-for-4 ballgame. John Mangum drew the start at catcher and set a career high with two RBIs. Jake Fincher went 2-for-4 with a run and a double to improve to 52-for-54 on reaching base at least once in games this season. Matt Bergquist scored once as a pinch hitter, going 1-for-1 with a double.

Wolfpack reliever Josh Easley (4-2) claimed the win by shutting out the Blue Devils for 2 1/3, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out a pair. Starter Logan Jernigan went 4 1/3, holding Duke scoreless with three hits and two walks. Jernigan fanned six batters, the first time he’s had more than five since May 15, 2012, against UNC Greensboro. Will Gilbert, Anthony Tzamtzis and Andrew Woeck combined for the other 2 1/3, holding Duke to one earned on two hits.

Duke starter Michael Matuella (4-4) ended up with the loss on six earned over the first two innings. The Blue Devils utilized five more pitchers on the afternoon, who combined to allow three earned on eight hits and two walks.

State wasted no time in taking command of the game, scoring four times in the top of the first. Turner led off the game with an infield single to short. Fincher followed with a double to put two in scoring position. Brett Austin walked behind them to load the bases with nobody out. Clyde singled to right center to drive in the first two one out later, and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Adametz singled to center to drive in him and Austin.

Two more crossed in the Wolfpack third, started by Austin’s single to left center. Tarran Senay followed him with a single through the right side, and Clyde walked to load the bases with no outs. After a fielder’s choice at the plate for the first out, Adametz singled to right center to plate Williams and Clyde, extending the Pack’s lead to 6-0.

Logan Ratledge doubled to center field to produce the Pack’s run in the eighth. Turner singled up the middle with one out to drive him home. Duke answered with a run in the bottom half after a leadoff single followed by a walk. A swinging strikeout and a fly to left kept those runners planted until Andy Perez singled down the left field line to score Grant McCabe.

The Pack set the final at 9-1 in the ninth with two more runs. Clyde singled to left to start the rally. Two outs later, Bergquist doubled off of the wall in left to put two in scoring position. Mangum cashed in both runners by spraying a two-RBI single to right center.

NC State returns to action on Wednesday, May 22, for the first day of the ACC Tournament at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Radio coverage for the tournament will be handled by 88.1 WKNC. Fans can also follow along with live stats on GoPack.com, or on Twitter via @NCStateBaseball.

Box Score

Six ACC teams currently have annual matchups against their rivals on the final regular season weekend.  This leaves Miami, Boston College, NC State, UNC, Duke, and the incoming Pitt, Syracuse, and Louisville without season ending rivalry games.

The possibility of a ACC sanctioned ‘Rivalry Week’ could land the NC State vs. North Carolina game as the last game of the regular season on an annual basis.

Over the past three seasons, NC State has played Maryland on the final week of the regular season twice (10 & 11) and Boston College once (12).  The Wolfpack vs. Terrapin matchup will close out the regular season once again in 2013.  

The possibility of a ACC sanctioned ‘Rivalry Week’ doesn’t come without it’s difficulties.

It’s uncertain how many rivalries would stay within divisional play or whether they would affect future divisional realignment. One concern for the league is minimizing the chance of two rivals playing on back-to-back weeks if those teams make the ACC Championship Game. (Via CBS)

Fowler closed out his article by pointing out that the securing of the grant of media rights, which has postponed the possibility of conference realignment for quite some time, gives the ACC the opportunity to create a permanent rivalry slate, “which is a way for the conference to mushroom its tradition”.

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a sanctioned ACC Rivalry Week?

The Wolfpack (41-13, 18-10 ACC) fell behind 4-0 in the third before rebounding with three runs in the top of the fourth. Duke (26-28, 9-20) extended its lead to 6-3 in the fifth. State chopped its deficit to 6-5 in the sixth and tied the game in the eighth, before plating the game-winning run in the top of the 10th to escape with a 7-6 victory.

Rodon’s 15 strikeouts fell one short of his career high, 16 set this year against Florida Atlantic on March 2. The sophomore took over fourth place on NC State’s career strikeouts leaderboard with 272 through 31 appearances. He also passed Vern Sterry, Terry Harvey and his own 2012 campaign on the single-season strikeouts leaderboard, moving into a tie for third with Cory Mazzoni at 137. Rodon needs 10 to tie the program record for a single season and 114 to equal the career record.

State picked up its 41st regular-season win for the first time since 1996. The school record for regular-season wins is 43, set in 1988. The Pack’s .759 regular season winning percentage is tied with the 1992 squad for sixth best in program history.

Rodon (8-2) claimed the victory on nine innings of work by allowing six runs, four earned, on six hits and three walks. The win puts him within one of matching his freshman year total.

Bryan Adametz scored the game-winning run after a single in the 10th, part of a 3-for-5 night with two runs scored. Adametz extends his current hitting streak to 11 games with the effort. Grant Clyde made a spectacular grab falling into the stands on the third base side to seal the victory and went 2-for-4 at the plate with a run scored.

Jake Armstrong had one of two extra-base hits on the night for State, going 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs, one run and one walk. Brett Austin had the Pack’s other double in a 2-for-5 outing with a run and an RBI. Jake Fincher improved to 52-for-54 on reaching base at least once in games this year, submitting a 1-for-5 performance with a run.

Grant Sasser recorded his seventh save of the year by inducing the foul ball that Clyde snagged on the only batter Sasser faced. Chris Overman worked the first 2/3 of the ninth, allowing one hit and one walk with a strikeout.

Duke reliever Andrew Istler (3-6) ended up with the loss on 2 2/3 innings. Istler allowed one earned on three hits and one walk. Starter Trent Swart gave up six runs, five of them earned, on eight hits and two walks over 7 1/3.

The Blue Devils stormed out to a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the third after loading the bases with nobody out on a pair of singles and walk. The first run came home on a wild pitch, then another pair scored on Jordan Betts’ one-out double down the left field line. Betts scored from third one batter later on a wild pitch.

Fincher started the rally that cut the Pack deficit to 4-3 in the top of the fourth with a single to center field as the leadoff man. Austin doubled off of the top of the high wall in left to score him. Two outs later, Tarran Senay walked to put runners on first and second. Adametz singled to second base to load the bases for Armstrong, who singled up the middle to score a pair.

Duke stretched its lead to 6-3 in the bottom fifth, started by Andy Perez reaching on a passed ball for the third strike. Perez stole second and a pair of walks loaded the bases with nobody out. A fielder’s choice brought the first run in and a sac fly to center plated the second.

State wasted no time in responding, scoring a pair in the top sixth on a two-out rally. Adametz started it with a single up the middle. Armstrong doubled to the left center gap to plate him and scored when Logan Ratledge reached on a throwing error by the shortstop.

The Wolfpack sent the tying run to the plate in the eighth. Clyde singled through the left side to start the comeback, advanced to second on a wild pitch, and moved to third on a groundball for the first out. A swinging strikeout left him stuck at third with two away, but Ratledge singled through the right side to knot the score at 6-6.

Adametz reached on an infield single to start the decisive 10th frame. Armstrong moved him to second on a sac bunt. Ratledge moved him to third with a fly to right. The first pitch of the next at-bat went wild to bring Adametz home.

State needed some last-minute heroics to seal the deal. Perez started the Duke 10th with a single through the right side and moved to second on a sac bunt. Jeff Kremer walked to put the winning run aboard, but Overman dealt a swinging strikeout to the next batter to put two down. Sasser entered there and induced a foul pop down the third base line. Clyde went ranging to the wall and dove over a rolled up tarp to snare the game’s final out.

NC State returns to action on Saturday at noon for its regular-season finale at Duke. The Pack needs a win over Duke, coupled with a win by the loser of Friday night’s Clemson-Florida State matchup, to secure the ACC’s Atlantic Division crown. Radio coverage will be handled by 88.1 WKNC. Fans can also follow along with live stats on GoPack.com or on Twitter via @NCStateBaseball.

Box Score

Lorenzo Brown

In the video below, provided by ComcastSportsNet, Brown states that he was interviewed by the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.  He also adds that he believes he is a “dominant Point Guard”, but would be willing to play wherever he is needed.

Browns Combine measurements were as follows: 6’4 w/0 shoes, 6’5.25 w/shoes, 189.2 lbs, 6’7 wingspan, 8’4 reach, 4% body fat.

His standing vertical jump was 28 inches, and his max vertical was 34 inches.

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford, Brown didn’t shine in the line agility drills.

Siva, Larkin, Kabongo, Carter-Williams with great lane agility numbers. Trey Burke & Lorenzo Brown not so much. #NBACombine

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 17, 2013

NC State head coach Mark Gottfried was in Chicago supporting his players and had this to say about Brown.

N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried tells @espnandykatz Lorenzo Brown is in the “last third of the 1st round.” Has only played PG for 2 years

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 16, 2013

The ACC Digital Network put together this compilation of Brown’s highlights at NC State.

C.J. Leslie

Leslie had a minor sprained wrist, and was unavailable to participate in the skills drills yesterday.  Apparently Leslie told Andy Katz that he will be back in no time.

C.J. Leslie tells @espnandykatz of his right hand injury, “I should be back in no time.”

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 16, 2013

He did get measured, and the results were as follows: 6’7.5 w/o shoes, 6’8.75 w/shoes, 209.2 lbs, 7’2.25 wingspan, 8’8.5 reach, 8% body fat.  Leslie may have missed the skills drills yesterday, but that didn’t stop him from turning heads today.

CJ Leslie. 32.5″ standing vert. 40.5″ max vert. #NBACombine

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 17, 2013

CJ Leslie just recorded a ridiculous 10.19 sec lane agility drill. Top score at Combine and he’s 6-9. #NBACombine

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 17, 2013

Top 5 Sprints. Larkin, Leslie, Caldwell-Pope, Pressey, Blue. #NBACombine

— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) May 17, 2013

Gottfried reminded Andy Katz what Leslie’s real name is.

Another pop for @mark_gottfried on #NBACombine @espnu. Discussing his 3 guys in the gym w/@espnandykatz “(C.J. Leslie) is Calvin to me.”

— David Scott (@ESPNprDScott) May 16, 2013

The ACC Digital Network put together this compilation of Leslie’s highlights at NC State.

Richard Howell

Howell’s measurements came up a little bit shorter than some might have expected.  He measured 6’6.25 w/o shoes, 6’7.5 w/shoes, 249.6 lbs, 6’10.25 wingspan, 8’9.5 reach, and 8.8% body fat.

Sir Rich was interviewed by the Sacramento Kings yesterday.

Coach Gottfried compared Howell to the Knick legend Charles Oakley.

Mark Gottfried compares Richard Howell to Charles Oakley & Udonis Haslem. “I think he can rebound with anybody in the country.”

— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) May 16, 2013

The Wolfpack (40-13, 17-10 ACC) raced ahead 3-0 in the first thanks to a two-RBI triple by Brett Williams. Duke (26-27, 9-19) cut that deficit to 3-1 in the second. The two sides traded runs in the fourth to make it 4-2. State added an insurance run in the seventh to set the final at 5-2.

For the first time under NC State head coach Elliott Avent, the Pack recorded its 40th win of the regular season. With two conference games left to play, the Wolfpack has a shot at tying the program’s ACC wins record of 19, set in 2012. The win, coupled with an 8-2 victory by Clemson over Florida State, pulls the Pack within 1/2  game of the Atlantic Division lead, trailing both Clemson and Florida State at 18-10.

Williams’ added a single to his first inning triple to finish 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk. Jake Fincher submitted a 3-for-4 performance with a run, and improved to 51-for-53 on reaching base at least once in games this season. Bryan Adametz extended his hitting streak to 10 games on a 1-for-3 night with a run socred. Grant Clyde contributed a 2-for-4 effort with two runs.

Stone claimed his first career save by navigating the final three innings while holding the Blue Devils scoreless with one hit and one walk, striking out three. Reliever Ryan Wilkins (6-2) scored the win on 3 2/3 innings, allowing one earned while fanning five. Starter Ethan Ogburn gave up one unearned run over 2 1/3.

Duke starter Robert Huber (5-7) claimed the loss on four earned over the first three innings. Nick Hendrix worked the next 3 1/3, allowing one earned. Sarkis Ohanian held the Wolfpack scoreless over the final 2 2/3 frames.

The Wolfpack wasted no time in taking command, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Fincher knocked a one-out single through the left side to get the rally started and advanced to second on a wild pitch during the next at-bat. After a pop up for the second out, Tarran Senay singled to center field to drive in the game’s first run. Clyde followed with a single up the middle, setting the table for Williams to triple down the right field line.

Duke answered in the bottom second when Chris Marconcini singled to right field as the leadoff. A fielding error moved him to second and a wild pitch advanced him to third. After a walk loaded the bases, Kenny Koplove lifted a sac fly to center to make it 3-1 but Ogburn recovered with a swinging strikeout and a pop up to second to end the threat.

Adametz led off the fourth with a walk, and moved to third on Sam Morgan’s double down the right field line. A hit batsman loaded the bases with nobody out. Trea Turner sent a sac fly to right to push the Pack ahead 4-1.

Duke responded with a run in the bottom fourth after Aaron Cohn was hit by a pitch as the leadoff. A fielder’s choice got Cohn at second, but allowed Grant McCabe to reach. Koplove singled to center to push him into scoring position for Reed Anthes’ double off the top of the wall in left. The towering fly ball glanced off of the high wall in left, scoring the first run easily but Koplove overran the bag at third, allowing Adametz to throw behind him for the second out. A called strike three ended the inning on the next at-bat.

State added an insurance run in the seventh, started by Clyde’s single through the right side and Williams’ bunt single. Adametz bunted both runners into scoring position with one out. Carlos Rodon pinch hit and sent a grounder to first to plate Clyde and stretch the Wolfpack lead to 5-2.

NC State returns to action on Friday at 6 p.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park for game two of its series with the Blue Devils. Saturday’s game has been moved to a 12 p.m. start due to impending weather. Radio coverage for both games will be handled by 88.1 WKNC. Fans can also follow along with live stats on GoPack.com, or on Twitter via @NCStateBaseball.

Box Score