Ashland Crestview, a surprise but then again not so much

Lorain and Ashland County may be Ohio's best
Coming from Ashland/Lorain Counties, most know there will be plenty of summer and fall harvest markets, but most also will tell you that softball may be the most important entity in this rich culture. While Akron used to be known as Ohio's first softball hot bed, Lorain County would make a big time argument stating their claim today. Take a look at this. D1 Elyria advances to regional finals last nightD2 Lagrange Keystone advances to regional finals last nightD3 Wellington advances to regional finals last nightCommon theme? All are Lorain County schools. Pretty darn impressive considering just how good these three schools are. Throw into the mix Columbia Station who dethroned state title contender Hillsdale as well in districts. Lagrange Keystone's success speaks for itself and has passed the test of time. Elyria has turned themselves into one of the best programs in D1. Combined, they have given us 16 state final four appearances. Hold for a moment and look slightly southwest towards Ashland County. They have made their claim as well as Ohio's best softball county. Ashland County offers us Ashland Crestview, Ashland, Jeromesville Hillsdale, Loudonville just to name a few combining for 20 state final four appearances. I repeat, 20 final four appearances. Something in the water? Rather, something in the culture. Travel ball starts early here. Backyard hitting and pitching certainly starts in the womb, and they have the social support for their softball programs. Once you gain momentum, it's hard to stop. I think the greater Akron area has proven this to be true. Ashland Crestview's win over Portsmouth Clay last night in the D4 regional semi-final game was dramatic in 11 innings. On second thought, maybe it's par for the course and not such a surprise afterall. Crestview will now take on the winner of Symmes Valley and Danville. If Crestview has history and tradition on it's side, then Ashland County has yet another apperance in the final four!

Here's more on Ashland Crestview:
Ashland Crestview Continues Surprise Season with 11th Inning Heroics
http://www.times-gazette.com/news/article/3864942