How do you top arguably the most successful high school baseball season in northeast Georgia history?
Three teams made it all the way the state championship series in 2015 – Gainesville in Class AAAAA, Buford in Class AAAA, Jefferson in Class AAA – with one winning it all (the Wolves in a sweep of Whitewater). One other team, Rabun County (Class AA) advanced to the Final Four, and three others, North Hall (Class AAAA), Jackson County (Class AAA), and Commerce (Class A Public) made it to the quarterfinals.
For the 2016 season, the question will be which among the two dozen teams in the AccessWDUN coverage area will make a run in 2016.
There will also be seven new coaches in the area after a busy off-season. Region 7-AAA will have more than half of the teams sporting new coaches with former Chestatee standout Chad Sage taking over at West Hall, Dwayne Sapp taking over at Dawson County, Tom Kelley at Banks County, and Jon Ayres taking over for long-time coach David Dyer at Fannin County.
Region 8-AA has two new coaches in Justin Clutter at Rabun County and Robbie Roxbury at Union County. White County will have its third coach in as many seasons with Josh Bartlett taking over the Warriors in Region 8-AAAA.
As for the state finalists from 2015, Buford lost its top four pitchers and All-State catcher Joey Bart. Region 8-AAAA foe North Hall will also sport a new look after graduating a large group from its Elite 8 team. Chestatee also should be much improved, not to mention typical stalwarts Stephens County and North Oconee, which could make for an interesting battle to see if any of them can knock off the Wolves.
Gainesville lost five of its top hitters from last season but also returns senior left-handed pitcher and LSU-signee Jonathan Gettys to what could be an even deeper pitching staff in 2016. Loganville should once again battle the Red Elephants for the Region 8-AAAAA title, but Flowery Branch faces some big questions after suffering big losses to graduation.
Jefferson is in fluctuation after losing its top three pitchers and four of its top five hitters to graduation. The Dragons should be in the Region 8-AAA playoff race once again but watch out for a loaded Jackson County team in 8-AAA that returns nine starters from a team that advanced to the quarterfinals in 2015 despite a rash of injuries.
Region 7-AAA should be wide-open again this year as all but one team in 2015 was in the playoff race on the final day of the regular season. There could also be the factor of the unknown with all the coaching additions. Dawson County certainly could be a team to watch with senior and Georgia-signee Tucker Maxwell atop the rotation.
Look below for our annual season preview of the area programs that we were able to garner information on for the 2016 season:
(Teams are listed in alphabetical order)
BANKS COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tom Kelley
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-16
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Taylor Boisclair P/RF, Dylan Nix P, Zane Millwood 3B, Sr. Alex Lewis OF, Sr. Cody Parker P/1B, Judd Roberts OF/C, CJ Thomas 2B, Walker Rogers CF, Easton Staton C, Sr. Dylan Patrick SS/P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK:The Leopards have experience returning from last season on the mound in Boisclair, Nix, and Patrick. Getting some offensive production will be a key but the Leopards should be competitive and battle for a playoff spot.
BUFORD
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tony Wolfe, 20th year, 389-172
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 34-2, Region 8-AAAA champions, Class AAAA state champions,
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Justin Glover LHP/1B (UGA-signee, .387 BA, 12 RBI; 2-0, 0.39 ERA, 24 K, 18 IP), Sr. Griffin Jolliff, RHP/3B (Ga. Tech-signee, .321 BA, 25 R, 29 RBI, 3 HR; 2-0, 1.17 ERA, 19 K, 12 IP), Sr. Austin Wilhite SS/RHP (Ga. Tech-signee, .389 BA, 34 R, 24 RBI, 2 HR), Sr. Nick Wilhite, OF/LHP, (Ga. Tech-signee, .349 BA, 31 R, 35 RBI, 23 HR), Sr. Brandon Marsh OF/RHP (Kennesaw State-signee .370 BA, 43 R, 15 RBI), Sr. Dillon Lancaster 2B (.302 BA,18 R, 10 RBI), Sr. Thames Hudlow 1B/3B (.273 BA), Sr. Kent Baldy OF, So. Noah Ledford C, Jr. Nathan Haines C, Sr. Clay Dickie RHP, Jr. Frank Bradshaw LHP, Jr. Zach Fordham LHP, Jr. Tyler Perkins INF/RHP
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves, who are ranked in the top 10 in two national polls (Perfect Game and Collegiate Baseball), have a strong core of starters returning from their championship squad and look solid on the mound once again, led by Glover and Joliff. But, they have little varsity experience behind them in the field except for the Wilhite twins. The big defensive question will be who replaces All-State catcher Joey Bart behind the plate. Offensively Nick Wilhite had a breakout year in 2015 and should anchor what should be an above-average lineup. Pitching depth is a question mark and they play a difficult pre-season schedule. Wolfe is hoping the early challenges will prepare them to compete for the region title and make a run in the state playoffs.
CHESTATEE
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kyle Counts, 4th year; 20-56
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-14, seventh in 8-AAAA
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Mikey Petraroi 1B/3B (2015 1st Team All-Region DH), So. Joe Sutton – 2B/RHP (2015 2nd Team All-Region 2B as a freshman), Jr. Sean Irick CF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The War Eagles are young but talented. They will look to Irick, perhaps the best defensive CF in the region, to also lead the offense. They will need to find some quality arms to be able to compete in a tough region with defending state champion Buford and quarterfinalists North Hall.
COMMERCE
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steve Cotrell, 8th season, 110-84
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-16, reached the quarterfinal round of the Class A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 9
-- KEY PLAYERS: Drew Hulsey (.447 BA, 5 HR, Mathew Flint (.412 BA, 4 HR), Jonathan Ray P, Trey Parr P, Charlie Ledford P, Triston Price P, Devin Burnett P, Trevor Johnson P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers were up and down last season missing two key players to injury yet still managed to make a strong push in the state playoffs. They have nine 9 seniors and 3 juniors returning giving plenty of experience. With 6 of their top 8 pitchers back they should be poised to make a run at the Region 8-A title and another deep run in the playoffs.
DAWSON COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Dwayne Sapp, 1st season (421-165 career record)
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-16, 5th in region
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Tucker Maxwell OF/P (Georgia-signee), Sr. Brody Chester 3B
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers just missed on the playoffs in 2015 and should be improved with the addition of Tucker Maxwell, who is one of the top pitchers in the state. New coach Sapp, who came from North Oconee, led the Titans to the playoffs each of the last four years. They should be right in the mix as the region should be wide-open again in 2016.
EAST HALL
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Wesley Crow, 8th season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-13, Region 7-AAA runner-up, 1st round state tournament
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Jonah Crocker (.370 BA, 1st team All-Region), So. Levi Crocker (.360 BA), Sr. Eli Stuart (3.12 ERA), Sr. Jesse Cooper (.381 BA, 1st team All-Region), Sr. Cole Smith, Newcomers: J.B. Banks, Isaac Buffington, Luke Cooper, Tripp Rider, Trevor Rider, Mike Matuska, Luke Holtzclaw, Trey Campbell
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings have a solid, experienced core but will need some of the newcomers to step and fill some key spots, especially on the mound. with a wide-open region expected once again, the Vikings could make a run at a playoff spot if they can find some pitching depth.
FANNIN COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jon Ayres, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-14
-- RETURNING STARTERS: N/A
-- KEY PLAYERS: N/A
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Rebels will look to get in the playoff mix in what was, last season, a turbulent Region 7-AAA. Fannin is under a new head coach for the first time in some years.
FLOWERY BRANCH
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Scott Myers, 6th season, 85-48
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-11
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Trey Groves 3B, (.340 BA, .444 OBP, 21 RBI), Sr. Dylan Childress, C, Sr. Kohlton Hamann, P/OF (3.07 ERA), Sr. Jackson Harrell, P/1B, So. Anthony Grutadario SS, Jr. Cam Holmes, OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: This could be a rebuilding year for the Falcons. They graduated the bulk of their pitching staff and a good bit of their offensive production. Coach Myers said to expect a slew of younger players to "get their feet wet" during the season. Solid defensive play will be a key.
GAINESVILLE
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeremy Kemp, 8th season, 182-44
-- REGION: 8-AAAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 29-8, Region 8-AAAAA champions, Class AAAAA state runner-up
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Jonathan Gettys LHP/DH (LSU-signee), Sr. Sam Carpenter LHP/1B (missed all of 2015 with injury), Sr. Fedrick Cardona SS, Sr. Anthony Carrera CF, So. Banks Griffith 2B/P, Sr. Jack Langford C, So. Noah Bond P, So. Collier Scott 3B/P, So. JC Sewell P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Red Elephants head into 2016 with some big holes to fill with the losses of Michael Curry (C-Georgia), Mikey Gonzalez (3B), Caleb Whitenton (1B-South Carolina), and OFs Drew Wright and Brandon Sewell. Langford may face the biggest task having to replace Curry in handling the pitching staff and replacing their biggest bat from last year. But, with the return of Carpenter and the emergence of sophomores Bond, Scott, and JC Sewell to complement Gettys, the Red Elephants may be deeper on the mound in 2016. They should be sound defensively with Cardona, Griffith, and Carrera patrolling the middle but look for more small-ball this season with bombers Curry, Whitenton, and Sewell now gone. They are also looking for their seventh consecutive region title but expect Loganville, Winder-Barrow, and Salem to offer heavy challenges.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Akridge, 6th season, 53-102
-- REGION: 6-AAAAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-21
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: So. Jarred Jones OF/P, Jr. Austin Disharoon OF/P, Jr. Cole Wilbanks P/INF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders are still a young squad but should be more competitive in 2016 with a young staff that has improved since last season. Offense will be a key factor on a team that scored two or fewer runs, including three shutouts,10 times last season.
JACKSON COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Fountain, 9th season, 108-105, (126-136 overall)
-- REGION: 8-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-13, 3rd in Region 8-AAA, advanced to Class AAA quarterfinals
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 9
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Joel Ellis 1B, (.410 BA, 43 H, 24 RBIs, 3 HRs), Sr. Coleman Barbee LHP, (2.84 ERA, 6-4, 2 SVs, 61 2/3 IP, 46 H, 92 Ks, 41 BB), Sr. Jeremy Cook LHP (missed all of 2015 with knee injury), Sr. Jase Latty RHP (1.67 ERA, 4-2, 1SV, 37 2/3 IP, 43 Ks, 21 BB), Jr. Chris Griggs RHP/IF (1.46 ERA, 7-4, 67 1/3 IP, 86 Ks, 18 BB; .323 BA, 30 H, 19 RBIs, 1 HR), Sr. Ty Smtih C, missed first half of 2015 with injury (.353 BA, 12 H, 6 RBIs), Sr. Brett Bowen SS, also missed the entire 2015 season, Jr. Chandler Saine 2B, (.288 BA, 10 R, 15 H, 4 RBI), Sr. Tyler Sartain 3B/C/DH, will see action at all three positions and come out of the bullpen, (.238 BA, 15 H, 11 RBIs)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers are considered an early favorite to win 8-AAA. They return nine starters, counting starting pitchers. They also return their entire pitching staff back and have added Dacula transfer Tyler Barber (RHP) to an already strong staff. Barbee and Griggs will anchor the top two starting spots with Latty, Barber, or Cook battling for the third spot. Jr. Zane Corley will return as the closer after not giving up a single run in region play last year as a sophomore.
JEFFERSON
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Knight, 13th season
-- REGION: 8-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 28-8, 2nd in region, Class AAA state runner-up
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Taylor Wilkes P/OF, (.407 BA; 4-1, 2.04 ERA), Sr. Asher Standridge P/1B (2-0, 2.26 ERA), Sr. Will Breese 2B/SS, (.308 BA, 21 RBI), Sr. Hunter Thompson CF, (.290 BA, 19 RBI), Sr. Joshua Hutch P/OF, (.300 BA), Jr. Zack Boobas C, (.300 BA)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Dragons lost their top three pitchers and four of their top five hitters from a year ago. It may be more of a retooling than a rebuild but they will need to find some consistency on the mound to complement Wilkes. Wilkes and Boobas will have to carry the lineup early but the Dragons should be in the mix for at least a playoff spot by season's end.
JOHNSON
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jared Hodge, 3rd season, 6-46
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2-24
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Isaiah Torres CF, Jr. Payden Grizzle 1B/P, Jr. Chandler Barkley OF/P, Jr. Ramon Munoz C, So. Tim Smith, So. Bud Abercrombie, So. Dean Eidson
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Despite a large amount of returning starters, the Knights are still a young team with only two seniors. They could put as many as two freshmen and four sophomores on the field at any one time. The younger will have to mature quickly in a very tough region. Coach Hodge is hoping they can get some early non-region wins to help build some confidence. They may still be a year away from a serious playoff challenge.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Deuce Roark, 16th season, 216-183
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-19
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. Rob Hamby P, Jr. Bailey Whitlock C, Sr. Rob Collison P, Sr. Brandon Ragone P/OF, Sr. Logan Barwick OF, Jr. Josh Henderson C/Inf/P, Jr. Brannon Browner SS
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions were young last year but have a year of experience under them, which should translate to more wins in 2016. They will depend on what could be a good pitching staff by season's end. The offense should also see improvement from last year.
LUMPKIN COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Dustin Allen, 7th season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 15-13, advanced to AAA state playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Sebastian Dunn SS, Sr. Ben Brown C, So. Caleb Chastain 3B, Sr. Wil Pence OF, Sr. Zack Samples RHP, Jr. Julio Romero LHP, So. TJ Rider INF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians will be young overall but the returning starters all saw meaningful innings in last year's run to the playoffs. Dunn and Brown give them a solid core up the middle and Samples and Romero should anchor a staff that will need to find more depth. Coach Allen is optimistic that they could challenge for a third straight playoff berth and even a home playoff series.
NORTH FORSYTH
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Cahill, 14th season, 249-172-1
-- REGION: 6-AAAAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-10-1, finished third in 6-AAAAAA, lost first round of the AAAAAA playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Cory Campbell OF/LHP, Sr. Parker Enright C, Sr. Tyler Koch OF/LHP, Sr. Andrew Grogan RHP, Sr. Bailey Gerstner IF/RHP, Sr. Zac Slaton OF, Jr. Tyler Sheley IF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders will have a lot of senior leadership and have good pitching depth as they try to improve on last season and make a deeper run in the state playoffs.
NORTH HALL
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Trent Mongero, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-10, 2nd in 8-AAAA, quarterfinals of Class AAAA playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Drew Atha P/CF, Sr. Fowler Brooks C, Jr. Taber Mongero SS/P, Sr. Clark Hill 2B, Jr. Austin Adams INF, So. Reese Olson P/3B, Sr. Jake Chester, Jr. Corban Meeler P, Jr. Jackson Latty P/1B, Jr. Dylan Lavender P/CF, Jr. John Mark Montgomery OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans are in a retooling mode with just three returning starters and only one pitcher (Atha) that saw significant time on the mound in 2015 and an almost entire new lineup with five new starters in the field. But, North Hall has found a way in recent years with two trips to the Elite 8 over the past three seasons. They play a tough non-region schedule leading into what should be a tough 8-AAAA schedule once again.
RABUN COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Justin Clutter, 1st season (11th season overall, 202-108)
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-7, 10-2 in region, Region champions, Final Four in Class AA
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Alden Wright OF/P (.390 BA, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 23 R; 7-2, 2.58 ERA), Sr. Eli Gipson 2B (.360 BA, 2 HR, 26 RBI, 21 R), Jr. Trey Wilcox SS (.352 BA, 12 RBI, 30 R), So. Chase Horton 3B/P, Sr. Jack Johnson C/OF (5 RBI, 11 R), Sr. Tyler Harris OF (4 RBI, 14 R), Fr. Austin Jones OF/P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wildcats are coming off a tremendous season but only return one of their top starters from last year's Final Four team in Wright. They should be in the mix for a playoff spot but will need significant contributions from their younger players like Horton and Jones on the mound. The offense should still potent with Wright, Gipson, and Wilcox to anchor things.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Mike Hutch, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-13
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Trevor Ballard RHP, Jr. Ricky Jones OF, Sr. Russ McAfee RHP, Sr. Watson Thomas OF, Jr. Lyle Lopez INF, Joshua Basham C, Alex Kerns RHP, Jack Sullivan INF, Trevor Derry INF, Greg Stroyne INF, Jon Bond C, Miller Porter OF. Matt Adams RHP, Noah Reisenfeld RHP, Chase Vanscoter, RHP
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles should put a solid lineup on the field but pitching depth will be the key fopr them to make a run at a playoff spot. Ballard, McAfee, Adams, and Reisenfeld all saw significant time on the mound last year.
STEPHENS COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Greg McCall, 3rd season, 32-19
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-10
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Cole Morgan INF, Kooper Briley SS, Dylan Simpson 1B, Houston Mullinix INF, Konnor Quick 2B, Jacob Haddock OF, Dylan Simpson 1B/P, Zach Boyd P, Chaz Bridges P, Kole Rogers P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians will be young but talented. Nine of the 17 roster players are sophomores and 5 of their top 7 pitchers are sophomores. If they can build some confidence early they could make a run at a playoff spot in a Region 8-AAAA that should be balanced once again.
TOWNS COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shannon Floyd
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: N/A
-- KEY PLAYERS: N/A
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: After scoring just 48 runs in Region 8-A play last season, the Indians must find a way to produce more at the plate in 2016.
UNION COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Robby Roxbury, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-AA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-6, 8-AA co-Region Champs, reached 2nd round of state playoffs.
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Joe Mancuso RHP, Sr. Lance Rich C/RHP, Sr. Andrew Brown OF, Sr. Will King RHP, Jr. Dawson Groves IF, Jr. Josh Nachtrieb RHP, So. Patrick Baggett INF, So. Crawford Colwell INF, So. Candler Colwell OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: Pitching should be a strong again for ther Panthers with experienced seniors to lead the way. They do have a good core of underclassmen ready to step up both on the hill and at the plate. Offensively the Panthers should have a good mixture of speed and power in the lineup and should once again contend for a region title.
WEST HALL
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chad Sage, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-AAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-16, 7-11 in region
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Josh ANderson C, Sr. Brian Newman 1B/C, Sr. Zach Collin 3B, Sr. Merrit Gazaway CF, Sr. Trey Horton RF, Jr. Charlie Cochran, Sr. Kyle Reynolds
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Spartans were a young team in 2015 coming off its best season (2014) in years. They will have plenty of senior leadership this campaign and a solid balance of hitting and pitching that should help them compete for a playoff spot again.
WHITE COUNTY
COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Josh Bartlett, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-AAAA
-- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-13
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. Tray Gearin SS, Sr. Trey Allen 2B, Sr. Sean Kennedy CF/P, Sr. Trey Cantrell P, Sr. John Henry Mullis P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors have senior experience and should be solid defensively with an improved pitching staff. If the offense comes around the could compete for a playoff in what should be a tough region again.
