NOTEBOOK: Jesse Smith leads Bell City baseball team's air-tight defense in title game

O'FALLON, Mo. -- Bell City junior Jesse Smith didn't really expect to be such a factor on defense in the Cubs' 7-2 win over New Covenant Academy in the Class 1 state championship Wednesday at CarShield Field.

The starting second baseman also didn't know the Warriors had four left-handed batters in their starting lineup.

Bell City's Jesse Smith tags out New Covenant Academy's Alan Ramsey in the third inning of the Cubs Class 1 championship game in O'Fallon on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Bell City won 7-2.Laura Simon

"I didn't know anything about them," Smith said. "Coach didn't really tell us anything about them. We saw them a little bit yesterday when we watched them. Other than that, I didn't even pay attention to all the lefties, and it felt like there was about a million of them."

However, the challenge of handling those lefties never fazed Smith.

The 5-foot-10 infielder handled all seven ground balls hit his way and turned them into outs, including three in the top of the fifth inning.

He also recorded the final out of the game with a toss to senior first baseman Tyler Evans, sending the Cubs into a celebration in the infield.

"The second play of the game yesterday, he had a little miscue, and then I think he played pretty much flawless since then," Bell City coach Justin Simpher said. "That's just what he does. He's one of those hard-headed, tough-nosed guys who's going to go out there and do what it takes for his team.

"Maybe it was a good thing -- I didn't maybe see it at the time -- but maybe a good thing to get him focused in to then come up and get ready to make his plays today."

Bell City's Jesse Smith is greeted by supporters after the Cubs Class 1 championship win against New Covenant Academy in O'Fallon on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Bell City won 7-2.Laura Simon

The Cubs' error-free game was steadied by junior starting pitcher Cole Nichols, who threw a complete game and was glad to see his fellow teammate up for the challenge.

"Staying down on balls -- that's one thing -- he's not scared of nothing," Nichols said about Smith. "He'll take one off the chest. He did great with every ball that went to him, no problem."

Regardless of how well he played on the biggest stage, Smith prefers to share the spotlight.

"It's just my team. I mean, it's not anything about me," Smith said. "It's just we all work so well together. We've got so much confidence in our pitchers on the mound. We're all just brothers."

Four special seniors

Bell City seniors Nate Finney, left, and Peyton Maddox receive their Class 1 championship trophy after defeating New Covenant Academy 7-2 on Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in O'Fallon, Missouri.

The historic repeat brought an end to the varsity careers of four Bell City seniors.

Evans, center fielder Peyton Maddox, right fielder Brandon Abner and third baseman Nate Finney were able to put another state championship under their belts with Wednesday's win, and Simpher believes its a bittersweet farewell.

"These seniors are tremendous. There's going to be a huge hole to fill," Simpher said. "I couldn't ask for four better guys. Since I've been here, they've come ready to play, worked hard, have just been tremendous kids in general. They will truly be missed. This is going to be tough, tough for me and tough for us. They've paved the road and set good examples for the younger group of guys around the community to step up and have that same success and fill their spots."

For Finney, his final at-bat was a metaphorical moment when he delivered a sacrifice fly that scored his junior leadoff man in Nichols for the final run of the game.

It'll be up to players like Nichols and junior shortstop/pitcher Austin Hicks to continue to carry that torch next season.

"I thought last year was unbelievable, but going out as a senior with a state title, it's the best feeling I've had in my life so far in sports," Finney said. "It's unbelievable."

"We've developed a motto of family. It's like losing a brother. We're losing four of our brothers," Hicks said. "It's going to be tough, and we're going to have to figure out what we're going to do about it. They're going to be missed very much."

An unforgettable birthday

Bell City's Cole Nichols scores in the first inning of the Cubs Class 1 championship game against New Covenant Academy in O'Fallon on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Bell City won 7-2.Laura Simon

Nichols was never supposed to be pitching in a state championship on his birthday.

The game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but after Monday's state semifinal against Silex was washed out, the opportunity became apparent.

Nichols was going to be turning 17, and the Cubs were going to be defending their state crown.

"Best birthday present I've ever had," Nichols said. "... I was honestly like, 'Just don't be nervous whenever you go out there,' and I just felt good. I felt confident out there. I didn't really worry about it being my birthday, but it just happened to be that way."

Nichols, who was hitless the day before, finished 3-for-4 at the plate with a triple and two RBIs.

He also threw a gem on the mound, allowing only two earned runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and three walks.

"He's a stud, man," Finney said. "He's an animal. He can hit. He can pitch. He can swing. He can field. He can throw. What can't he do?

"He's awesome. I love him. He's probably the best ball player we've got on the team this year."

An all-state basketball player who averaged more than 20 points per game last winter for the Cubs, Nichols' .506 batting average proves he's just that -- versatile.

It's no surprise he draws such brief and concise reactions when he's brought up around his teammates

"Oh my gosh, Cole Nichols," Hicks said. "That's all you've got to say."