This week’s Cedar Ridge Red Wolf of the Week is pitcher/first baseman B.J. Thornton. Last week, Thornton was honored on Cedar Ridge’s senior night, where the Red Wolves defeated Western Alamance 12-4. Thornton earned the win on the mound, striking out nine over six innings. Thornton has been a reliable presence for head coach Bryson Massey as Cedar Ridge finished 7-5 in the Central Carolina Conference this season. Against Eastern Alamance on April 4, Thornton drove in five runs, including a double, as the Red Wolves defeated the Eagles 11-5. Thornton also picked up the win on the mound, striking out ten over five-plus innings. When he isn’t pitching, Thornton plays three positions on the infield. After Cedar Ridge suffered heavy losses last season after the graduation of eight seniors and the loss of catcher Efrain Morales, the Red Wolves still bounced back and will reach the state playoffs for the second straight season. Against Northwood on March 21, Thornton struck out eleven in a 7-1 Red Wolves victory. Cedar Ridge will wrap up its regular season this week. They will travel to Roxboro Community at Optimist Park in Roxboro on Wednesday night.