SPORTS BRIEFS: Mitchell fastpitch team named co-champions at Nebraska tourney

OMAHA, Neb. — Mitchell’s Unleashed fastpitch softball team was named co-champion of the U16 Nebraska Fall Championships Sunday.

Mitchell took first place and was a co-champion with the Nebraska Diamonds from Lincoln, Neb.

The championship game was called off because of cold weather and the two teams were named co-champions.

The tournament was played Saturday and Sunday, and Unleashed won four of its six games.

On the weekend, Hallie Misiaszek went 4-1 on the mound. She gave up nine hits, two earned runs and struck out 49 in five appearances. She also was 6-for-12 at the plate.

Alyssa Green went 7-for-14; Jenna Skinner was 7-for-13 and Hannah Webster was 9-for-15 at the plate. Skinner added a three-run home run.

The win qualifies Mitchell Unleashed to the USSSA World Series in 2013.

Team members of Unleashed are Andrea Konz, Sydney Swindler, Jayci Hinker, Megan Zephier, Alyssa Green, Hallie Misiaszek, Hannah Webster, Madison VanWallagen, Sarah Ramsay and Jenna Skinner.

MHS to host winter activities meeting today

By The Daily Republic

At 7 p.m. today at the Mitchell High School auditorium, there will be a winter activities meeting.

Before each activities season, a general meeting is held to discuss district code of conduct policies, district travel explanations and other items of general interest.

Coaches and advisors may also have information tonight. The meeting will last approximately 20 minutes. Contact Activities Director Geoff Gross at 770-0757 with questions.

Vikings could get Raymond to return

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings could have safety Mistral Raymond back in action this weekend.

Raymond hurt his right ankle in the Sept. 23 game against San Francisco and hasn’t played since. He has been practicing, however, and coach Leslie Frazier said Monday “it looks that way” for Raymond to be available for Sunday’s game at Seattle. Frazier said a final decision will come later in the week.

Jamarca Sanford took over Raymond’s starting spot, and he’s likely to keep that for now while Raymond is brought back up to speed. But cornerback Chris Cook is out with a broken right arm.

Stangeland helps SD United to championship

By The Daily Republic

Kayla Stangeland, sophomore at Mitchell High School, helped the South Dakota United girls’ soccer team to a tournament championship over the weekend in Omaha, Neb.

The team went 3-1 overall and picked up a 2-1 shootout victory in its final game Sunday.

United, a U16 team, won the championship in the U17 division. United is a statewide club team that has players from communities from North Dakota and South Dakota.

Meeting held Thursday for rec men’s basketball

By The Daily Republic

There will be an organizational meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday for anyone interested in having a team this year in the men’s basketball league.

All teams must have a representative present to be included in the league. Roster forms are available at the Recreation Center. For more information, call Kevin or Rob at 995-8450.

Twins decline option on Baker’s contract in 2013

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have declined their $9.25 million option on right-hander Scott Baker’s contract for next season, making him eligible for free agency.

The team announced the decision on Monday. Baker didn’t pitch this year because of an elbow injury that required elbow-ligament replacement surgery.

The Twins have expressed interest in bringing him back for 2013, but not at that price.

The 31-year-old Baker was a second-round draft pick by the Twins in 2003. He is 63-48 with a 4.15 ERA since his debut in 2005, spanning 163 appearances and 159 starts.

The Twins also agreed to terms with right-hander P.J. Walters on a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Walters went 2-5 with a 5.69 ERA in 12 starts last season.

Tags: sports, updates