Gryphons to play in the Johnston Co. Easter Invitational

- Gryphon senior lefty Hobbs Johnson

For the first time since 1976, Rocky Mount's baseball team will being playing in someone else's Easter tournament.

Rocky Mount will join Smithfield-Selma, Cardinal Gibbons, West Johnston, Fayetteville Academy, Clayton, Harnett Central and host South Johnston in the 2010 Johnston County Easter Invitational April 3, 5-6.

The Gryphons will open the event on Day 1 (Saturday) at 11 a.m. against Smithfield-Selma.

The event, which was started in 1991 by former South Johnston and Rocky Mount head coach Pat Smith, will also have a Home Run Derby on Day 1 at 3 p.m. - between Game 2 and Game 3.

Smith, who led not only led the Gryphons to a state title, but the Trojans also in 1990, has an event award named for him - the Pat Smith Most Outstanding Defensive Award. An Outstanding Hitter (Andy Pleasant) Award along with the (John Stott Memorial) MVP will be given out after the championship game.

A 17-member All-Tournament team will be selected with four going to the first place team.

Here is Day 1's schedule:

2010 Johnston County Easter Invitiational
@South Johnston HS

SATURDAY, APRIL 3

Game 1 - Rocky Mount vs. Smithfield-Selma, 11 a.m.
Game 2 - Cardinal Gibbons vs. West Johnston, 1 p.m.
Home Run Derby, 3 p.m.
Game 3 - Fayetteville Academy vs. Clayton, 5 p.m.
Game 4 - Harnett Central vs. South Johnston, 7:30 p.m.

Clayton is the defending champion.

JOHNSTON COUNTY EASTER INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONS

2009 - Clayton
2008 - Middle Creek
2007 - South Johnston
2006 - Jack Britt
2005 - Jack Britt
2004 - South Johnston
2003 - Smithfield-Selma
2002 - South Johnston
2001 - Cape Fear
2000 - South Johnston
1999 - Clayton
1998 - Clayton
1997 - Fuquay-Varina
1996 - Fuquay-Varina
1995 - Clayton
1994 - South Johnston
1993 - South Johnston
1992 - Princeton
1991 - Rosewood

JOHNSTON COUNTY EASTER INVITAIONAL
HOME RUN DERBY CHAMPION

2009 - Josh Elmore, Fayetteville Academy
2008 - Kris Richards, West Johnston
2007 - Quincy Lattimore - Middle Creek
2006 - Trenton Lansgton - Smithfield-Selma



- Photo, Baseball America