EMORY, Va. (WCYB) — A year ago, it was a heart-shattering walk-off loss in the Class 1 state championship game. So in 2025, it’s all about unfinished business for Chilhowie baseball.
Our team theme this year is ‘find a way,’ said head coach, Jeff Robinson. “So far we’ve found a way to do everything we’ve set out to do. We still have a long road ahead of us.
The first step in making a run back to Salem to finish what they started begins with a district title – and on Friday, the Warriors did just that.
Despite being down 1-0 into the fourth inning, the bats did some work to take the lead and put pressure on Honaker. After that, it was up to their defense to close the door en route to a 3-1 win.
Fittingly, at the center of it was senior Noah Hill – even through injury.
Noah Hill, man. Less than three weeks ago he broke his index finger on his left hand,” said Robinson. “Then he comes out here and does that. He’s really stepped up for us on the mound this year. Another dominant performance.
Hill was the hero in last year’s district title win over Rural Retreat – hitting a walk-off single for the win. A year later, getting it done on the bump.
It feels good. I’ve just been straightening it (finger) out these last couple weeks and they said no surgery,” said Hill. “I just got cleared to play yesterday. So it feels good to be out here.
Hill and the Warriors now keeping their eyes on the prize – taking one game at a time towards a hopeful return to state.
This is another goal checked off the list for these guys,” said Robinson. “Next goal will be on the regional tournament now. It never gets old. And it makes it more special when you have to earn it. Honaker made us earn it today.
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