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Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Greenfield-Central has new HR record holder, Cougars slug way to first regional title since 2017
GREENFIELD – Savvanna Riall didn't think she'd get a pitch to hit during the IHSAA softball Class 4A Regional 5 championship Tuesday night. Greenfield-Central coach Gary Roberts assumed the same after his junior third baseman crushed two home runs during sectionals, including a grand slam for a total of eight RBIs the past three games. 'We talked about not getting a pitch at all. I thought I was going to get walked every single time, but thankfully, they did throw to me,' Riall said. Surprisingly, Lawrence North (13-16) decided to offer Riall six pitches in total. She hit two for singles, and the final one never stood a chance. Riall took two balls in the bottom of the fourth, and then as she's done 14 times this season, blasted a solo home run over the right-centerfield fence at Greenfield-Central to become the program's single-season record holder. Her leadoff home run jump started a five-run frame as Greenfield-Central (19-7) bested their 21-run sectional championship showing with a 23-3, five-inning run-rule victory to capture the program's fourth regional title all-time and first since 2017. 'I've been a little bit too antsy at the plate. I've kind of been swinging to try to get a home run, and then finally it happened,' Riall said. 'Oh, yeah. I bat flipped, which I kind of got scared with after, but, I mean, you gotta do it. It was one of the greatest feelings. Honestly, I couldn't be happier, and my teammates were right there with me the whole time. They knew I could do it.' The previous home run record belonged to former Cougars' all-state slugger Morganne Denny at 14, but the record-breaker Tuesday held special meaning for Riall, who was mobbed at home plate by her jovial teammates. Riall's longball was the exclamation point for a Cougars program that has won 11 games in a row with its last loss dating back to May 12 at Triton Central, 6-1. 'They refuse to lose,' Roberts said. 'When we were down seven to Pendleton (in the sectional semifinals), I looked in the dugout, and they were all positive. They were like, we'll get one or two here, and we'll do this and this, and they did it. They made a believer out of me.' Greenfield-Central rallied to beat rival Pendleton Heights, 8-7, after trailing the first two innings. Riall's grand slam highlighted the comeback before she hit another home run against Anderson in the sectional final, while the Cougars posted 20 hits to score 21 runs. On the season, the Cougars are hitting .354 with 30 home runs and 215 runs scored in 26 games. Greenfield-Central had 18 hits against Lawrence North and two home runs. Senior Leilani Forshey (3-for-4, 5 RBIs) belted a two-run homer to cap Greenfield-Central's five-run bottom of the first and a two-run double in the second. An 11-run second inning put Greenfield-Central ahead 16-1, while junior Charlotte Riehle (2-for-4, 3 RBIs) gave the Cougars four extra-base hits with a two-run double in the second. Riall was intentionally walked twice, including with the bases loaded in the bottom of the fourth for the game's final run, but she still finished a perfect 3-for-3 with four runs scored and two RBIs. On the season, she carries a .658 batting average with 58 RBIs. 'Technically, she should have had 17 (home runs). We were a half inning short at Rushville. She hit two before we got rained out in four innings,' Roberts said. 'If we'd have got another half inning in, she'd have two more and four more RBIs. She's been wanting that record real bad, and how about starting that triple play?' Riall ended her milestone day by catching a line drive before doubling up two base runners at third and first base for a triple play in the top of the fifth, clinching another banner for the team's outfield wall. Along the inside of the fence, Greenfield-Central has eight sectional banners hanging in left field where No. 9 awaits, and three regional banners in right-centerfield next to a 1987 state finalist and 2015 Hoosier Heritage Conference sign. After a 12-12 campaign in 2024, the Cougars are surging following a 7-7 start to the 2025 season. 'It's huge for the community, really. We were kind of underdogs. A lot of people think in semistate, we're not going to make it far, but I have different thoughts. I think we can really make it far,' Riall said. 'We're just glad that we can put a banner on the board for everyone and keep building as a team. It's going to take a lot of grit, and right now, that's exactly what we have.'
Indianapolis Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Savvanna Riall helped Greenfield-Central blast its way into semistate
Savvanna Riall hit a home run and turned a triple play in the Cougars' 23-3 regional title win over Lawrence North on Tuesday. Rich Torres Special for IndyStar
Indianapolis Star
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
IndyStar 2025 Sports Mom of the Year opens arms to all Lawrence North students
"I could care less about the sport." It's all about the kids for Tamika Beeler. Our 2025 Sports Mom of the Year comes to Lawrence North with open arms.
Indianapolis Star
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
2025 IndyStar Sports Mom of the Year never says no. 'When help is needed, she is there'
When Tamika Beeler gets in her car, the GPS pulls up her 'work' address as 7802 Hague Road. As it turns out, the GPS is a creature of habit. And while Beeler is not employed at that address, the location of Lawrence North High School, she makes enough trips there — often six days a week during the football season — her car is convinced she is driving to work. 'It just thinks that's where I'm going,' Beeler said with a laugh. Beeler's dedication to Lawrence North started out with the football program. Her youngest son, Caleb, is a senior who will be leaving for college at Indiana Wesleyan later this month. When Caleb was 5 years old, she started helping youth coach Raymond Barnett as the 'team mom.' Those duties started out as making sure the kids had snacks after the games. More than a decade later — from the youth league, to Fall Creek Valley Middle School to Lawrence North — she is like family to those who know her best. 'I'm so thankful for Miss Tamika,' said Lawrence North senior Davion Chandler, an Indiana football recruit who has known Beeler since he was 6 years old. 'I feel like when you have people like that around, you are bound to have seasons like we had last year. You look forward to going out and playing for people who support you the way she does. She's been taking care of me since I was a little boy.' Beeler's selfless dedication and endless energy — Lawrence North football coach Pat Mallory calls her 'my do it all' — makes her the choice as our 2025 IndyStar Mother's Day 'Sports Mom of the Year.' Though the 1999 North Central graduate did not play sports herself, something clicked when she started helping out with Caleb's teams. It was not necessarily the game of football itself she loved, though you can find her — and hear her — about halfway up the bleachers at the 50-yard-line of every Lawrence North game. It was the people Beeler came to love. As Caleb started playing football, she noticed some of the kids did not always have a family member there to support them. It was then her role as 'team mom' took on a different meaning. 'I couldn't care less what sport they are playing whatsoever,' Beeler said. 'All of these kids have a background. They need somebody who is going to understand that. Being out there, you see the parents that come and the parents that don't come. Some of these kids need a, 'You did an amazing job' or 'You killed it out there.' There's nobody to tell them they killed it out there. Some of these kids, they just don't have anything … these kids are what brought me in.' Beeler credits her husband, Rodney Beeler, for making their home a welcome place for kids to hang out. But Rodney, admittedly the more laid back and quiet half of the couple, said he marvels at his wife's generosity. 'Her heart is in it,' Rodney said. 'It's not a chore to her. It's not like, 'Oh, coach (Mallory) called so I gotta go up there.' She wants to help. Some people do it for, 'I get this or that,' but she does it for nothing. She's so good at what she does that it will be hard to fill her shoes.' Thankfully for Lawrence North, at least for now, she is not going anywhere. At the start of the football season last fall, Beeler went out of her way not to make a personal connection with the freshmen. With Caleb going through his senior season, she thought this would be her last year helping out. The fewer the connections, she figured, the easier it would be to walk away. 'With the freshmen this year I was like, 'Nope, don't talk to me,' she said with a laugh. ''(They were like) Miss Tamika, Miss Tamika!' I'm like, 'No, stop it. Stop it.'' That did not last, of course. The bonds strengthened. And now, even though Caleb will be off to college, Beeler is planning to come back and help again next season. Maybe a little bit more in the background. But she will be back. 'When help is needed, she is there,' Lawrence North athletic director Mike Penrose said. 'She never says no. Tamika has become an invaluable part of our Wildcat family, providing a bridge between the coaches, parents and administration. She is loved by so many people around here.' Beeler has three older children: daughter Amaya, 24; son Rodney, 23; and son Jayson, 20. They were all involved in sports, too. But Caleb's personality seemed to mesh best for Tamika to get involved. Caleb calls her 'my best friend.' 'She puts her all into everything,' Caleb said. 'I've been seeing that since I was a kid. She greets everybody with open arms. It's like, 'If Miss Tamika don't like you, you did something wrong.' That's why you don't hear anybody saying they don't like her.' Rodney said Caleb and Tamika have a special bond that is difficult to describe. Their birthdays are two days apart — Sept. 9 and 11 — which may have something to do with it. 'They are just alike,' Rodney said. 'It can go either way. Sometimes I'm the referee. (Caleb) is the baby of the family. But I know he enjoys the support, and I couldn't ask anything more from him. He's always pushing himself.' Mallory is happy to have Tamika back next season. 'I knew you wouldn't leave me,' he told her when she confirmed she was coming back to help next season. 'It's been part of my life for six years,' she said. 'How do you just let it go?' During the football season, often the only day she does not come to school is on Sundays. But if there is youth football, she will come to help with the concession stand. She coordinates the meals through the week, which can mean preparing them, coordinating with the parents and/or making trips to the grocery store. She attends practices. The only other day she does not come to the school — unless there is a home game — is Friday. 'I feel like it will jinx them,' she said. Even though she is not officially part of the coaching staff, she does do some coaching. Just not of the X's and O's variety. 'Some of (the freshmen) are standoffish when they come in,' she said. 'One thing I'm not is easy on them at all. I'm going to hold them accountable. Even if they see me on the field or been sent to me, I'm not going to take it easy on them. I am real with them but I'm not their friend. I want to understand them if they are willing to tell their story. But I'm not going to push or pry.' Part of Beeler's nurturing nature is her background. She went to school for early childhood education with plans to run her own daycare. But once she had kids, she had to make a choice between 'Mommy, mommy, mommy' or 'Miss Tamika.' She raised her kids and worked in social services. But once she started getting involved with Caleb's football teams, she was hooked. Caleb said he could even sense that at an early age. 'She built a bond with all the kids,' he said. 'I knew she was going to play a part in it because that's just how she does everything. It definitely means a lot to her.' Beeler's investment in the kids is obvious on Friday nights. She cheers for the center. The kicker. The coaches. If the public address announcer incorrectly identifies the tackler, she will correct it. 'I want them to know I'm there supporting them,' she said. She is proud all 21 seniors from last year's team that finished 11-1 and was ranked No. 1 in the state will graduate. 'Everybody loves her,' Chandler said. 'When coach Mal rips you, she'll be right there to make you feel better. You can talk to her outside of football stuff. I always look forward to seeing Miss Tamika after games and giving her a hug.' Rodney jokes his wife is more known around Lawrence North than him, even though he graduated from there and she went to North Central. Even outside of football season, she helps out with track and field and is a regular volunteer in the building for other events like teacher's appreciation nights or open houses. 'She's got the steering wheel when it comes to LN,' Rodney said. 'She's the quarterback. I don't know what they would do without her.' Beeler certainly does not do it for recognition. She is not an overly emotional person. But when she found out she had been selected for this award, it brought her to tears. Not because it was about her, but because those close to her felt she was worthy of recognition. 'I know if one of these kids was riding with their parent and saw me on the side of the road, they would stop,' she said. 'I see kids out at their jobs and hear them say, 'Miss Tamika, Miss Tamika!' That means a lot. I like doing this because I want to do good for them, not because there is anything in it for me.' No matter what the GPS says, that does not sound like work at all. Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649. Get IndyStar's high school coverage sent directly to your inbox with the High School Sports newsletter. 2024, Katie Hupfer: 'You can't put a value on playing sports.' 2023, Crystal Clark: 'How Sports Mom of Year dealt with unimaginable.' 2023, Amy Dinwiddle: 'Susan Jordan died a hero. Sports Mom of the Year lives lessons learned from her.' 2022, Susie Strange: 'Her daughter's gym closed. So IndyStar Sports Mom of the Year started a gymnastics team.' 2021, Kris Schepers: 'IndyStar's Sports Mom of the Year 'has been a mother to many more than just her own boys.' 2020, Kathy Loggan: 'It may not be easy, but I'll be here.' Kathy Loggan is this year's Sports Mom of the Year
Indianapolis Star
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
'Best in Indiana go to Indiana.' Top-30 national recruit has options. Many. But IU is in mix
The reaction from one the state's top high school football prospects to Kasmir Hicks' commitment to IU last week caught the attention of quite a few interested fans on social media. After the Decatur Central junior wide receiver committed to the Hoosiers on Friday, Lawrence North sophomore receiver Monshun Sales posted: 'Best in Indiana go to Indiana.' Though Sales still has two years of high school football remaining, his comment is notable. Why? Because the 6-5, 205-pound Sales is ranked as a four-star prospect and the No. 28 overall recruit in the county by On3sports in the 2027 class. That is not to say Indiana is leading in his recruitment. But the Hoosiers, with former Lawrence North stars Omar Cooper Jr. and incoming freshman Davion Chandler in his receiver position group, are 'definitely' in the picture. 'LSU, Michigan, IU and Penn State,' Sales said of the programs among his favorites at this stage in the recruiting process. 'Those (schools) are somewhere I think I could make home. Somewhere I could come in and be a part of their family, and they come in and treat me great and show me I can come there and get developed and get to the next level.' Sales took an unofficial visit to LSU a week ago and received an offer from the Tigers. His nickname of 'Bama,' which stemmed from his background growing up in Birmingham, Ala. (he moved to Indianapolis in 2021), did not really fly in Baton Rouge. 'They call me 'Showtime' over there,' he said of the LSU coaches. That nickname fits, too. On last year's team that was ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 6A and finished 11-1 with a one-point loss to Brownsburg in the Class 6A regional, Sales caught 34 passes for 568 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games. With seniors Chandler (49 catches for 971 yards and 10 TDs) and speedster Damario Moore (34 catches for 631 yards and six TDs) gone to graduation, Sales will be counted on even more as a junior. 'I really looked up to them,' Sales said of Chandler and Moore. 'They really taught me how to do everything, along with my receiver coach. But whenever I needed something, I could look at them and follow in their footsteps. I have to step up now and show the younger kids what it means to be a Lawrence North receiver.' The Wildcats will have a new quarterback in the fall as sophomore Darian Prather is expected to slide into the role vacated by graduating senior Tanner Aspeslet. Sales said he is just working this spring on fine-tuning things like route running and timing, in addition to running track and field. 'I'm just focused on getting better,' he said. 'I don't really look at (the national rankings). I feel like there is always going to be room for improvement. Like (tonight) at practice I messed up on a couple of routes. To get to the next level, I can't be doing that against high competition. Rankings don't mean anything because some unranked guys are better than ranked guys.' Sales, who won the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference indoor event in the long jump (22-1 ¾) this spring, ran season bests in the 100 (10.90 seconds) and 200 (21.56 seconds) last week. In the meantime, he picked up an offer from Auburn, adding to a list that includes (deep breath), Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Miami (Fla.) Michigan, Michigan State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, West Virginia and Wisconsin. 'They really rolled out the red carpet for me (at LSU),' Sales said of his most-recent visit. 'They showed me that they wanted me there and showed me I can get ready and compete and get me to the league.' Sales said he has visited Michigan 'about four times.' There is another Lawrence North connection there with former Wildcats' standout Donaven McCulley, a transfer from Indiana, on the roster at receiver. McCulley appeared in just four games last season for IU but led the Hoosiers with 48 catches for 644 yards and six touchdowns the previous season. 'I like everything about Michigan,' Sales said. Sales said he is not close to narrowing down a college choice. But he said he is starting to get an idea of what he is looking for in a college home. 'I really just want to come in and get developed and get the ball,' he said. 'But I know to get the ball, you have to do the dirty work. I'm willing to do the dirty work it takes to become a great receiver. I want to come in and be able to start as a freshman.' Where will that be? Too early to tell. But Sales has options, including one at home.
