COLLEGE BASEBALL
Boyd Sports takes over State Liners
It became official on Thursday that Boyd Sports, LLC has taken over ownership and operations of the Appalachian League’s Bristol State Liners.
Boyd Sports owns all five teams in the Appy League’s West Division as the company also operates the Johnson City Doughboys, Greeneville Flyboys, Elizabethton River Riders and Kingsport Axmen. They also own the Knoxville Smokies, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
“We are excited to partner with Boyd Sports as they take on the operation of the Bristol State Liners,” Bristol, Tennessee, mayor Mark Hutton said in a press release. “Their extensive knowledge of the game, commitment to top-tier promotions and dedication to fan engagement will be a tremendous asset to our community. This partnership will not only enhance the baseball experience but also contribute to improving the overall quality of life for our citizens. We look forward to working with Boyd Sports to create exciting opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”
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Boyd Sports and the City of Bristol, Tennessee, are working on upgrades to Tod Houston Field for a new stadium for the State Liners and Tennessee High Vikings.
The Bristol State Liners will play 2025 home games in Johnson City. They based their operations in Greeneville last season.
PREP BASKETBALL
The Classic players honored
St. Joesph’s Tounde Yessoufou during the Slam Dunk Contest Friday night. Yessoufou went on to the be winner of the contest.
Shon Abaev and Tounde Yessoufou played in The Classic in December in Bristol. They’ll face off on April 1 in the McDonald’s All-American Game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Abaev led Calvary Christian Academy of Florida to The Classic title and earned MVP honors. The 6-foot-7 guard has signed with Cincinnati.
Yessoufou was the dunk contest champ at The Classic and the Baylor University signee plays for St. Joseph High School of California, which placed third at The Classic.
PREP SOFTBALL
Davidson inks with Bluefield
Pictured left to right: Nick Johnson, Bill Rasnick, Aliyah Davidson, Makenzie Brewer, and Rebecca Sturgill
Union High School’s Aliyah Davidson has signed with the softball program at Bluefield University.
A pitcher and third baseman for the Bears, Davidson had an 11-6 record and 3.37 ERA while she hit .242/.359/.485 with two home runs and 17 RBIs
West Ridge duo signs
West Ridge’s Natalie Moore and Lily Frazier signed with college programs on Friday.
Moore is headed to Emory & Henry, while Frazier will play at Milligan.
Moore played catcher, third base, second base and shortstop and had 44 hits.
