North Linn tries to continue good season

North Linn baseball is trying to add that cherry to place on the sweet sundae of a season.

The Lynx have treated themselves and their fans to a strong season, including a school record 32 wins.

'It's been one of those seasons everything has worked out,” Griffith said. 'We have a good mix of really young kids and those three seniors.

'The seniors have done a great job leading and keeping us in position to win.”

One more win and a substate berth will come much tougher. North Linn will travel to third-ranked Lisbon for an Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 1A District 11 final Saturday at 7 p.m.

The Lynx didn't stack its schedule with easy wins. They played at least 10 ranked teams from various classes. Tough competition has allowed their underclassmen to mature.

'We play hard games against a lot of really good teams,” Griffith said. 'I think that helps us. We are young, but we're experienced. Kids keep hustling and getting after it, they are fun to watch.”

Interestingly, the Lynx have played with composure, leading to some come-from-behind wins. North Linn had to come back to beat Bellevue Marquette, 4-3, in the previous round.

'It's almost a confidence thing where we think we are going to keep coming back,” Griffith said. 'We find a way.”

Lisbon (32-2) has been powered by a potent offense, dominating opponents all season. The Lions have outscored its first two postseason foes by a combined score of 24-0.

Lisbon swept an earlier doubleheader, 14-2 and 3-2. Griffith said the Lynx played looser in the second game, but praised Lisbon's talent and ability.

'We have to come out and play our game,” Griffith said. 'I told the kids to soak up the environment. You'll remember the game the rest of your life. Let's come play loose and enjoy it out there.”

In other 1A district finals, Maquoketa Valley (19-15) faces host Jesup (20-12). Wildcats Coach Larry Meyer reached 500 career wins July 10. He earned win No. 502 with an 8-1 victory over East Buchanan in a district semifinal Thursday.

BGM (21-9) will try to move closer to a second straight state berth, playing Iowa Valley (18-6) at Sully.

In 2A, top-ranked Cascade (35-3) hosts Bellevue (17-12). First pitch has been pushed back to 7:45 p.m. at American Legion Field.

Third-ranked Dyersville Beckman (22-16) will host No. 9 Monticello (21-10) at Commercial Club Park.

Fifth-ranked South Winneshiek (31-8) takes on No. 8 New Hampton (25-6) at Calmar. Iowa City Regina (14-14) heads to Wellman to play West Burlington (20-8).

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