Sunday, Jul. 10, 2011

Notebook: Rodon named to all-American roster

Already a two-time conference player of the year, MVP of the state championship and two-time N&O baseball player of the year, Carlos Rodon can add one last high school award to his illustrious career: all-American.

The lefty hurler was a third-team all-America selection by Baseball America.

Rodon, an N.C. State recruit, is one of three North Carolinians on the list, joining UNC recruits Benton Moss (third team, Rocky Mount High School) and Dillon Maples (first team, Pinecrest High School).

Rodon struck out 132 batters this season and went 11-0 on the mound for the Golden Hawks. His ERA was 1.40.

Rodon was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 16th round of this year's MLB Draft. He has until Aug. 17 to either agree to a minor-league contract with the Brewers or play for the Wolfpack for the next three seasons.

Bugg picks Stanford: Madison Bugg, one of the top high school volleyball setters in the country, grew up wanting to play for Stanford.

Her desire was so intense that it helped motivate her to become a better player. It is no surprise that she recently committed to Stanford.

"Stanford was the first volleyball team that I ever remember watching," she said. "There was just something about them. For years, my goal was to improve enough to play there. Within the last couple of years, that became a reality."

Bugg, an Apex resident, made a verbal commitment to Stanford in May but held off making an announcement until recently.

"It is not just the athletic challenges, but the academic opportunities that the school offers," Bugg said. "The campus is amazing. I really like the team and the feel of the program."

"I've really wanted to go there since I was 7. It was not a hard decision for me."

Bugg was a member of the 2010 U.S. U-19 national team and the U.S. Girls Youth Olympic team that played in Singapore. She also helped Cardinal Gibbons to 2009 and 2010 state championships.

Nunn, Cannon head NCSCA 4-A honors: The North Carolina Softball Coaches Association released its 2011 all-state list and a number of area players were named.

Holly Springs' Erica Nunn was named 4-A East pitcher of the year, while Fuquay-Varina shortstop Alexa Cannon was named 4-A East player of the year.

Also making the list were Apex second baseman Elizabeth Margagliotti, Fuquay-Varina centerfielder Camise Patterson, Green Hope third baseman Lexi Ross, Holly Springs catcher Cianna Burt and Middle Creek outfielder Allison Geiner.

Staff writer Tim Stevens contributed to this report.