Former Owl opens baseball season as reliever
Josh Mancuso has worked his way back to the mound.
The Anderson-Shiro High School graduate nursed a sore elbow during the fall for Paris Junior College, according to head baseball coach Clay Cox.
“He came out of summer ball kind of tender,” Cox said, noting the pitcher’s time in the Expedition League, where the left-hander started four of the five games in which he appeared. “He’s doing well.”
The sophomore allowed three hits and two earned runs in one and two-thirds innings of relief against Tyler Junior College but did not factor in the decision. He struck out one and walked one.
The plan is to have him pitch in relief until he builds the stamina needed to become a starter again. “He’s throwing a lot of strikes,” the coach said. “He’s got his big breaking ball again.”
Mancuso has committed to play for Nicholls State University after graduation.
More baseball
Brookhaven College sophomore pitcher Trent Clark did not allow a hit or run in his season debut. The Navasota High alumnus struck out two and walked one in one and two-thirds innings of relief against Cisco.
Men’s basketball
Jabril Hunter had the lone double-double of a recent Wilberforce University game. The past Rattler led the team with 17 points during a loss to Crowley’s Ridge. The junior had 11 rebounds to lead players from both teams, three assists and two steals. In the previous game, against Lincoln, he led Wilberforce with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Junior starter Kae’ron Baker had 26 points for Louisiana College against Belhaven. The former Rattler led players from both teams in points and with his nine rebounds.
Kyle Kildare had four points for Howard Payne University against Sul Ross State. The Iola High product had one rebound and one assist.
Women’s track and field
Navasota graduate Malaiya Jedkins won the 55-meter dash for McNeese State University at its home meet Jan. 31. The sophomore claimed victory by finishing in 7.33 seconds. She was first in the preliminaries as well, turning in a career-best time of 7.27. Jedkins placed eighth in the long jump with an effort of 17 feet, 9 inches.
Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com .