The 2018 high school baseball season turned out to be one of the more successful in recent memory, and the second consecutive campaign that northeast Georgia produced a state champion.
Jefferson brought home the Class 4A state title in 2018 in Rome, truly earning its first-ever baseball crown by knocking off perennial powers Blessed Trinity and Cartersville in the final two rounds.
Longtime Jefferson coach Tommy Knight said there has been a little extra giddy-up in the steps of those who have returned for the 2019 season. But he also knows that what happens in Rome, stays in Rome.
"There's been a different kind of spark from the kids who are coming back," Knight said. "But I think what I've noticed the most is there is a look of confidence that says they know what it takes to get there and win it. Last year was a lot of fun and just an amazing ending and we love the fact that we're the defending state champs.
"But that year is over. This a new team and they're going to have to earn whatever they get. We have a lot of talent and they have a chance to be good and have some success. We know that everyone will be looking to knock us off but I think the kids are ready for the challenge."
The Dragons weren’t the only ones with strong playoff runs in 2018. Buford fell to powerhouse Loganville in the Class 5A finals and Flowery Branch lost to the Wolves in the semifinals.
And as we get ready for the 2019 campaign, which is officially slated to begin on Monday, all three of those teams will be loaded and should help highlight what is expected to be another banner year for area teams.
On Monday, Gainesville and West Hall will open the season at Ivey-Watson Field while Branch plays host to Stephens County at the Hog Mountain Sports Complex. Jefferson opens at home against Athens Christian on Tuesday. Most area teams also will begin on Tuesday with North Hall, the 2017 Class 3A state champion, entertaining Class 6A Cambridge. Meanwhile, Buford, the 2015 Class 4A state champion, travels to Marist, the 2017 Class 4A state champ, on Wednesday to open the season.
There are also eight new coaches running northeast Georgia programs, including former Gainesville coach Jeremy Kemp taking over the new Cherokee Bluff program and former Jackson County coach Jonathan Gastley now at Lumpkin County.
AccessWDUN has a full package of video and written stories to get you ready for the season.
Click here to watch a webcast with Bo Wilson and Jeff Hart as they preview the upcoming season.
Click here for a story on the eight new coaches.
Below are the previews for our area teams to jump start our 2019 campaign:
BANKS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Peyton Hart, 2nd season, 13-17
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-17
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. LHP/OF Ty Davis (Class 2A Preseason 2nd Team All-State), Jr. OF/P Caden Cotton (2017-2018 Region 8-2A All-Region, So. INF/P Ty Burchett, Jr. UTL Braxton Simpson
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Leopards return the bulk of their starters from a team that gained valuable experience playing in a tough region last season. Region 8-2A will be deep again but with pitchers Davis, Cotton, and Burchett back they may have enough arms to be more than competitive. They are young overall so if the younger players develop quickly they could be a force by the end of the season to challenge for a playoff spot.
BUFORD
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Stuart Chester, 2nd season, 27-13 (591-139 overall)
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 27-13, Region 8-5A runner-up, Class 5A state runner-up
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Ramsey David (2018 All-Region 1st team, Class 5A 2019 Preseason all state, Auburn), Sr. P Sean Adams (2018 All-Region 1st team, Class 5A 2019 Preseason all state, Ga. Southern), Sr. P Dylan McKinnis (Jacksonville University), Sr. OF Austin Turner (Class 5A 2019 Preseason all state, Auburn), Sr. 3B Brandon Jolliff (Young Harris), Sr. OF Christian Griffin (Georgia Southwestern), Sr. C Patrick Walker (2018 All-Region 1st team, Class 5A 2019 Preseason all state, Georgia Highlands), Sr. P CJ Couch (2018 All-Region 2nd Team), Sr. INF Caleb Elder, Sr. INF Evan Place (2018 All-Region 1st team, Class 5A 2019 Preseason all-state)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves return nearly all of their key pieces from last year's run to the title series. They are loaded on the mound with David, Adams, and McKinnis and defensively they should be good enough to compliment what is probably the second-best staff in Class 5A, behind only defending region and state champion Loganville. Offensively they have power with Jolliff and plenty of speed on the bases. They should once again challenge for the region title and state title.
CHEROKEE BLUFF
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeremy Kemp, first season (258-63 in 11 years at Gainesville)
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 0-0, first varsity season
-- RETURNING STARTERS: New Team
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/SS Parker Shope, Sr. 2B/SS Caleb Hatcher, Jr. C/OF Jackson Kemp, Jr. OF/2B Tino Mukuno, Jr. OF/RHP Ashton Balizet, So. 1B/OF/P Dylan Kautz, So. OF/P Tyler Zawacki
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The first-year Bears will jump right into the fray in one of the toughest regions in the state. New coach Jeremy Kemp said they will be young as well as inexperienced in several key areas but they have some talent. If they can develop quickly with Gainesville transfer Jackson Kemp (nephew) leading them they could make a possible playoff push by the end of the season.
CHESTATEE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jon Brewer, 3rd season,30-36
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018 RECORD: 17-17, Class 4A playoffs (lost to eventual state champion Jefferson in 3 games)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP Will Cantrell (Region 7-4A POY runner up; 2.05 ERA), Jr. C Phillip Lemay (.320 BA), Jr. P Benson Miller (2.45 ERA, .300 BA), Jr. CF Caleb Carter (.306 BA)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The War Eagles return their entire pitching staff back, along with their up-the-middle defense, including Lemay and Carter. However, they will also be young in spots with 14 incoming freshmen. Pitching and defense will be the strength of the team this year. Their playoff fate, however, in an uber-tough region may be the offense and how quickly it can come together with some young, inexperienced pieces.
COMMERCE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steve Cotrell, 11th season, 160-126, (197-167 overall)
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-13, 2nd round Class A Public playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. 1B Jacob Welch, Sr. SS Chandler Martin (2018 Region 8-A Honorable Mention), Jr. 2B Colby Rogers (2018 Class A All-State Honorable Mention, Region 8-A 1st Team All-Region; 2019 Class A preseason 1st team All-State selection), Sr. C Chase Bridges (2018 Region 8-A 2nd Team All-Region), So. OF Will Slater, So. OF Gray Holbrook, Jr. P Nate Ray P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers return the majority of their starters, along with most of their pitching staff. Rogers will be one of the region's best players and should lead an improved offense. They will play a tough non-region schedule along with a brutal 8-A schedule that includes Class A Private semifinalist and quarterfinalist Providence Christian. With only three seniors among their top players, they should be built for several years of upper-tier seasons. Look for them to make another run in the playoffs.
DAWSON COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Dwayne Sapp, 4th season, 54-35
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-16
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 4
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. LHP/OF Hudson Sapp, Jr. C/INF Bo Lewis, Jr. INF TJ Allen, Jr. OF/P Kristian Kelley, So. Kincade Weaver, Sr. Jason Browning, Sr. Justin Browning, Sr. Jackson Verhoven, Sr. Cameron Moore
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers will be young across the board with 95 percent of the roster juniors or below. They do have pitcher Hunter Sapp, who could be one of the region's best, but the pitching is young overall. "Inexperience," is a word Coach Sapp used to describe his team in the early going and they will have to develop quickly to compete in a tough region. The future does look good with the youth, but again it will have to develop under fire.
EAST HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Eric Fowler, 3rd season, 23-33
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-16, reached Class 3A playoffs for just the second time in 18 years
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. C Mike Matuska, Sr. P/UTL Luke Holtzclaw, Sr. P/OF Matt Lacey, Jr. P/SS T.J. Smith, Jr. 3B Taylor Smith, So.P/UTL Luke England, So. 1B Alex Brock
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings will have a lot of unanswered questions coming into this season after graduating a strong senior class. They will have to rely on a crop of freshman and sophomores to fill several key spots. Holtzclaw will be a big addition as he returns from an ACL tear. Holtzclaw and Smith should lead the pitching staff but the offense will have some early question marks. Scoring runs in a tough pitcher-heavy Region 7-3A could determine their playoff fates.
EAST JACKSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tedd Sims, 3rd season, 16-42
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-16
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. RHP Cole Sealey, Jr. RHP Halton Hardy, Jr. RHP Josh Comtpon, Jr. RHP Caleb Adair, Jr. 1B Jarrett Pursley, Jr. C Jake Varner,
So. RHP Dylan Varner, Jr. OF Josiah Stansell
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles improved their win total by three-fold over the 2017 season and were very competitive in a tough region last year. Sims said the key this year will be, "learning...to finish. This group is hungry and I think heading in the right direction." With 5 returning hurlers on the mound, the Eagles should be able to stay in most games. Overall they have six returning starters and eight returners with varsity experience. Some early success could be a sign that the Eagles could make a bid for a playoff spot.
FLOWERY BRANCH
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joey Ray, 2nd season, 22-18, (203-108-1)
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 22-18 (Region 8-5A), Class 5A semifinalists
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 7
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP Zack Wagner (Region 8-5A 2018 Honorable Mention), Jr. OF/LHP Zander Sechrist (Tennessee-commit; Class 5A 2018 1st Team All-State; Region 8-5A 2018 1st Team All-Region), Jr. 1B/LHP Andrew Armstrong (Class 5A 2018 2nd Team All-State; Region 8-5A 2018 2nd Team All-Region 8-5A), Jr. OF/LHP Grant Lackey (Region 8-5A 2018 2nd Team All-Region 8-5A), So. INF Connor Larson (Region 8-5A 2018 Honorable Mention), So. Kaleb Freeman (Region 8-5A 2018 Honorable Mention), So. RHP/C Anthony Woeltje
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons are coming off one of the great surprise seasons of 2018 advancing all the way to their first-ever semifinal appearance, where they dropped two tight, one-run games to Buford. They were part of three Region 8-5A teams to make the Final Four. But they dropped down to Region 7-4A this season, where they will not get much of a letdown with traditional powers Blessed Trinity and Marist in the region. They return the bulk of their team, which was young last year but now has a year of varsity experience, and success, under their belts. The Falcons will prepare for a tough region gauntlet with one of the more challenging non-region schedules in the state, including games against North Gwinnett, Cambridge, Johns Creek, Northview, Brookwood, Starr’s Mill, Kennesaw Mountain, and a trip to play in the St. Thomas Aquinas first pitch classic in Ft. Lauderdale. That tournament will consist of 8 teams, including three of the top 20 programs in the country. Expect the Falcons, who managed their playoff run last year from the No. 3 seed position, to be right in the middle of another playoff run in 2019, especially with Sechrist and Armstrong at the top of the rotation.
GAINESVILLE
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Adam Miller, first season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 22-11, Region 8-6A runner-up, 2nd round of Class 6A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 3
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/1B Cale Conley, Jr. RHP/2B Zach Valentine, Jr. RHP Harris Bell, Jr. LHP/OF Grady Vardeman, Sr. CF Corbin Lindsey, Sr. INF Dalton Kyle, Sr. SS Riley White, Sr. OF Shawn Gregg
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: For the first time in 10 years, and just the second time since 1989, the Red Elephants are sporting a new coach. Miller was a long-time assistant at Gainesville (15 seasons) before being promoted when former head coach Jeremy Kemp left to start the new Cherokee Bluff program. They lost 7 starters off last year’s team and will be in a rare rebuilding mode with only three players that saw starting action a year ago. They will be inexperienced on the mound with Conley, Valentine, and Vardeman getting the early rotation spots. The lineup should be able to score some runs with Conley, Lindsey, and Kyle giving them a good middle of the order. However, a brutal non-region and region schedule awaits and how quickly they can piece together a consistent pitching staff may well determine if they can keep their long playoff streak alive.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Akridge, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-16
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP Peyton Irvin, Sr. RHP Colby Jones, Sr. 1B Hogan Pitts, Sr. RHP Alex McFarlane, Jr. C Christian King, Jr. OF Ryte Woodruff
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders have a good mix of older guys with previous varsity experience and young guys. They will have to rely on the older, experienced guys while also needing the younger players to step up. They could challenge for a playoff spot but will need Irvin, Jones, and McFarlane to give them some consistent innings in a traditionally tough region.
JACKSON COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Matt Bolt, first season
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-18, first round Class 3A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. OF Joey Corso (Region 8-3A All-Region), Sr. RHP/INF Tanner Crump (Region 8-3A All-Region), Jr. RHP/INF Grant Hardegree, Sr. C/INF Zac Saine (Region 8-3A All-Region), Sr. C/INF/RHP Logan Stockton (Region 8-3A All-Region), Sr. LHP/OF Evan Giroux, Sr. OF Trevor Murphy, Sr. RHP/INF David Owens
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers are sporting a new coach after Jonathan Gastley left for Lumpkin County. New coach Bolt said, "Our goal is to improve on last year, where we made the playoffs. The Panthers do have a core group of seniors who are capable of moving the program forward.
JEFFERSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Knight, 19th season (515-387 overall record)
-- REGION: 8-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 28-12, Region 8-4A champions, Class 4A State Champions
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/3B Lane Watkins (Class 3A Preseason 1st Team All-State), Sr. 1B Ryan Godfrey, Sr. P/SS Zac Corbin (Class 3A Preseason 1st Team All-State), So. C Mason Cooper (Class 3A Preseason 2nd Team All-State), Sr. CF Sammy Elegreet, Sr. P/1B Vinny Farley, So. P Derek Vaughn
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Dragons return the bulk of their title team from last season but also move down into a region that features a Class 3A state semifinalist (Morgan County) and an Elite 8 team (Hart County), not to mention Franklin County, which is always a solid program. Knight said they should be able to challenge for a region title but to expect a slugfest every game day with one of the most balanced regions in the state. Watkins could be one of the best Class 3A pitchers in the state and Cooper is already considered one of the top catching prospects in the area despite being just a sophomore. Farley and Vaughn both have experience on the mound and give the Dragons a solid rotation.
JOHNSON
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Mike Holland, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-21
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 2
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. C James Lancaster, Sr. SS Avery Goss, Jr. RHP Robbie Brady, Fr. LHP/1B Peyton Lavergne, Fr. LHP/OF Tristan Nguyen
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Knights were young last season and struggled in a powerhouse region that sent three teams to the Final Four. They will have a new look this season with just 2 returning starters. They will be young again overall but the sophomore has a year under them and some promising freshman will join the program as Holland tries to get the Knights back among the area's perennial top teams.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Deuce Roark, 20th season, 243-256
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-15
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 8
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. 3B/P Ian Echols, Sr. 1B/P Campbell Melson, Sr. INF/P KJ Millwood, Jr. SS/P Andrew Estes, Jr. OF/P Jordan Thomas, Jr. OF/P Holden Cooper, Jr. C/P Sam Stewart, So. INF/P Skyler Thelman
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions made tremendous strides last season with a group comprised mostly of underclassmen. Now, that group is senior-laden and they have eight returning hurlers. They will have plenty of versatility on the mound and in the lineup depending on who is on the mound. Several key guys can play multiple positions giving Roark a plethora of lineup combinations. Look for the Lions to make a serious playoff run in 2019 despite being in a tough region with 6 of 11 teams making the playoffs and two that made the quarterfinals or better.
LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jonathan Gastley, first year, (167-116)
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2017-18 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-15
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 8
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. 1B/RHP Jacob Martin, Jr. 2B/RHP Nic Turner, Sr. SS/RHP Matthew Grizzle, Jr. 3B/RHP Dalton Caldwell, Jr. OF/LHP Tucker Kirk, Sr. OF Connor Pierce, Sr. OF/LHP Dalton Stephens, Jr. C/OF Logan Choflet
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians return an experienced group, including six pitchers that should give them a solid staff that has seen action in a rugged Region 7-3A. They were within one series in 2018 of making it out of the region and into the playoffs so they also should be battle-tested down the stretch. Defensively they also should be solid up the middle with returning starters at catcher, both middle infield positions, and at centerfield. The offense will perhaps be the key to any run to the playoffs.
NORTH HALL
-- COACH: Trevor Flow, 2nd season, 24-7 (148-54 overall record)
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-7, Region 7-3A champion, Class 3A 2nd round playoffs (lost in 3 games to eventual state champ Lovett)
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 8
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. OF/P Caleb Clark (2018 7-3A All-Region Pitcher of the Year, All-State 1st Team), Sr. SS Caleb Wiley (2018 7-3A All-Region first team, All-State), Sr. OF Dylan Wiley, Sr. OF David Seavey (2018 7-3A All-Region first team), Jr. IF/P Jackson Dyer (2018 7-3A All-Region), Jr. IF/P Tyler Brooks, Sr. IF/P Kelton Kiseschnick, Jr. C/DH Caden Bales
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans in 2018 were coming off a state title and sporting a new coach with several key personnel changes on the field. Coming into this season, they graduated just three seniors, but all were key losses, including Milwaukee Brewers-signee (RHP) Reese Olson. But with 8 returning starters, they should be among the favorites in Region 7-3A, which will once again be tough and balanced. Clark and Kiseschnick will be key on the mound as they look to try and fill the top-of-the-rotation slots. Look for North Hall to have a productive lineup behind Clark, Seavy, Dyer, and Bales. A very competitive non-region schedule against highly-ranked Class 7A and 6A schools, including a home-and-home series with Gainesville early in the season, should help get them ready for region play.
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin McConnell, first Season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2017-18 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-18, reached 2nd round of Class AA playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 6
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/OF Sean Thompson, Sr. RHP/OF Aaron Bryson, Sr. OF Cameron Lovell, Sr. RHP/INF Keaton Beavers, Sr. P Kasin Old, Jr. RHP/INF Jon Sego, So. RHP/INF Brody Jarrard, So. P/C Brady Wilson, Fr. INF Gunner Stockton
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wildcats look to build upon their playoff appearance in 2018. They will be led by 4 returning seniors and a group of talented underclassmen. With 5 pitchers returning they should be able to compete for a region crown and make a run in the playoffs.
TOWNS COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shannon Floyd, 26th season
-- REGION: 8-A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-24
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. P Seth Fullerton, Sr. P Trent Bradshaw, Sr. C Andrew Griffin, Sr. OF Brett Denton, So. P Aiden Berrong
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians struggled last season in a tough region that sent 6 of 11 teams to the playoffs. They should be able to improve on their record with three of their top pitchers returning and two of their solid up-the-middle defenders returning in Griffin and Denton. They did not play a game at home last year due to an unplayable outfield and have a favorable home schedule this year as a result. Look for them to challenge for a top 24 spot in Class A Public. But they will need some key wins in region play to make that happen.
UNION COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zach Odom; first season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2017-18 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-19 in Region 7-3A
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. LHP/OF Ean Harkins (2nd Team All-Region 7-3A), Sr. INF Alec Scott, Jr. Catcher Alec Youngblood, Jr. Cayden Rich, So. P Isaak Mullinack, So. P Zeke Swartz, So. P Austin Garrison
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers will be young in terms of experience after having to replace seven seniors off last year's squad. But seniors like Scott and Harkins and juniors Youngblood and Rich should give them leadership on the field and in the middle of the lineup. On the mound, they will look to Harkins to be the foundation but sophomores Mullinack, Swartz, and Garrison should give them a young core to build around for the future as they get varsity and region experience. They dropped down from the uber-tough Region 7-3A to Region 8-2A and should challenge for a playoff spot if the young pitching matures.
WEST HALL
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chad Sage, 4th season, 45-37
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2017-18 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-10, Class 4A playoffs
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. C/1B Gabe Allison, Jr. OF/RHP Canaan Koger, So. INF/RHP Kyle Murphy, So. INF/C/RHP Clayton Jenkins, So. INF/OF/RHP Braden Simms
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Spartans lost five key seniors from last year, including Mercer-signee Jeffrey Jenkins, and have several key spots to fill coming into the 2019 season They will young on varsity experience and will have to get solid production guys like Koger and Allison in the field and at the plate. The region will be tough with Marist, Blessed Trinity, and Flowery Branch expected to be the teams to beat for the region title. However, with some early-season growth and success, West Hall should be able to challenge for a playoff spot
WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH, YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Waits, 2nd season, 7-19
-- REGION: 7-4A
-- 2018 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-19
-- RETURNING STARTERS: 5
-- KEY PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/OF Sawyer Loggins, Sr. RHP/INF Austin Payne, Sr. RHP/ INFJared Johnson, Sr. OF Wyatt Sieveking, Jr. RHP/ INF Riley Norton, Jr. RHP/OF Connor McGuire, So. C/OF Evan Chambers, So. OF/ INF J.Ben Haynes
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors will sport another young team returning just 2 seniors and 1 junior in positions they played in 2018. The biggest area of question will be replacing All-Region catcher and Berry College-signee Weston Bray. A pair of sophomores and a freshman will be battling to fill that role. But they do 4 players with some starting experience on the mound. Waits said there will be tremendous competition between several guys to crack the starting lineup, especially early on as they look for the right combinations on the field and at the plate.
