Ashburn, Va. — With his future college coach in attendance, Briar Woods High School senior southpaw Wilson Ayers put on a show, leading the Falcons to a VHSL Region 5C championship berth with a dominant pitching performance in an 8-0 win over Potomac District-foe Rock Ridge High School on May 30.
Ayers was exceptional, showcasing the talents that made him a key target by the Naval Academy. He went all seven innings, striking out eight on his way to a shutout performance.
“It was great to see his improvement. He’s got a better idea of the strike zone,” Navy head coach Paul Kostacopoulos said. “He’s gotten a lot better, and that’s what you’re looking for as far as high schoolers.”
[adrotate banner=”19”]The Briar Woods bats were also spectacular throughout the game, scoring early and then again late in the game. In the first inning, Briar Woods sophomore infielder Nathan Cmeyla hit a triple that scored a run. Rock Ridge freshman starter Sam Davies settled down before giving up two runs in the fifth inning, when his night would end.
In the sixth, the Falcons exploded. Senior infielder Jake Rayfield, senior outfielder Brandon Hamm, senior first baseman Ryan Jaekle, senior infielder Nathan Mostow and Cmeyla drove in five runs in the sixth, putting the game out of reach for the Phoenix.
Ayers had to get just three more out to close the game out for the Falcons.
“I have to trust what I got and trust my defense behind me,” Ayers said.
And he did just that. After giving up a single, Ayers stayed composed and picked off the runner at first. Energized by that play, Ayers dominated the last two batters, striking them out, giving his team the win.
“That’s typical Wilson right there,” Briar Woods head coach Rob Sikora said. “He can give up a hit here and there, but as long as we play defense, we know we can be in the game.”
With the win, Briar Woods earned a berth into the VHSL Region 5C championship game against Freedom High School on June 1.
