Defending State Champ Wall to Host No. 1 Jim Ned

WALL, TX — The Wall Hawks will host Jim Ned at 7 p.m. Friday in a clash between the defending state champs and the No. 1-ranked team in the state in Class 3A.

Wall would be the favorite in most matchups considering the Hawks are ranked No. 9 and won last year’s Class 3A Division II state title.

However, it’s debatable who is actually the favorite in this game.

Jim Ned is undefeated with a perfect record of 23-0. The Indians haven’t lost since they were knocked out in the second round of the 3A D-I playoffs last year by Iowa Park.

While Wall’s record isn’t nearly as impressive at 20-9, the Hawks loaded up their schedule with numerous 6A and 5A opponents. The only reason they dropped four spots in this week’s rankings is they lost 22-19 to 5A Abilene High in eight innings last week.

Wall also dominated both games against Jim Ned last year, 18-4 and 13-2, so it’s hard to consider the Hawks the underdogs.

This year’s meeting feels like it should be much closer. Jim Ned has allowed only two runs per game while averaging 12.4.

Wall is giving up 4.2 runs per game while scoring 11.9.

After Friday, Wall and Jim Ned will meet again at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Tuscola.

These two matchups will have implications in the state rankings and determine the District 6-3A champion.

As far as their potential playoff paths, however, Jim Ned will be going into the 3A D-I bracket, while Wall will be in 3A D-II.

We also have a high-profile matchup between the Wall and Jim Ned softball teams, who will meet at 4 p.m. Friday in Wall.

Wall (24-4 overall, 9-2 in district) is ranked higher at No. 7, but it’s No. 13 Jim Ned (24-4, 11-0) that has already locked up the district title after sweeping Clyde last week.

The Lady Indians also defeated Wall 13-10 when they met last month in Tuscola.

It’s the last regular-season game for both teams before they begin the playoffs late next week.