When last we left the baseball diamond, North Hall was putting the final, thrilling wraps on its second Class 3A state title in five years at Coolray Field.
In 2021, 13 teams in the AccessWDUN coverage area made the state playoffs across the eight Georgia High School Association classifications, with just the Trojans being able to navigate past the Elite 8 round.
After an Elite 8 run in 2021, Cherokee Bluff now has made the playoffs in both seasons that were completed (the 2020 campaign was halted after just nine games due to COVID) since the program began and is coming off its best playoff showing. Commerce in Class A Public has made two straight Elite 8 rounds.
After that, however, no one else got out of the second round in their respective classifications. Buford (Class 6A) along with Jefferson and Flowery Branch (Class 4A) were the only other teams to advance out of the first round.
So, what can we expect from the 25 programs in our coverage area as the 2022 campaign gets under way Monday around the state? That’s what we’ll take a look at as we preview the teams in the Northeast Georgia area.
Can North Hall, the Georgia Dugout pre-season No. 1 in Class 3A, repeat? Can Buford, which spent much of the season ranked in the top 5 nationally, avoid another stunning playoff upset? The Wolves are the preseason No. 1 in Class 6A. Which teams could have breakout seasons?
As for other programs heading into the 2022 campaign, Flowery Branch is ranked seventh and Jefferson eighth in Class 4A and Cherokee Bluff is fifth in Class 3A. North Forsyth (Class 7A) and White County (Class 3A) received votes in the preseason rankings.
North Hall coach Trevor Flow said coming off a title run is rewarding but knows it will come with huge challenges as well. The Trojans will play a very intriguing non-region slate, which includes a home-and-home series against 2021 Class 4A state runner-up North Oconee and perennial Class 7A power North Forsyth.
“It’s difficult to end the year with a win, because only one team gets that defining moment and it takes a lot of things going your way along the way for that to happen,” Flow said about the 2021 campaign. “It's humbling to be in this position (but) we have to make sure we aren’t complacent in our preparation and that we focus on all the little things that we did to be in that position a year ago. I think out of all the sports, this is the one that will get you if you don’t remain humble.
“The only thing different from this year than last is that we have a bigger bullseye. That’s a privilege but also a responsibility to focus on being better at what we do. If you want to be considered a top tier team, then you have to perform at an elite level each day when you know you're going to get other teams' best shot.”
(Below are the previews for our area teams we received information on to jump start the 2022 campaign, listed in alphabetical order:)
BUFORD
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Stuart Chester, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 32-2, Region 8-6A champions, ranked No. 1 in nation for portion of season, 2nd round Class 6A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Dylan Lesko P/IF, Sr. P/IF Jackson Gaspard, Sr. P/IF Riley Stanford, Sr. OF Stan Zagrodnik, Sr. OF Parker Walsh, Sr. INF Andrew McMurry, Sr. P Andrew Nixon, Sr. C Ahston Kehren
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves come into 2022 once again ranked No. 1 in Class 6A in preseason polls and highly-ranked nationally. They will possess one of the most potent pitching staffs, behind Lesko, Gaspard, and Stanford, not just in Class 6A but in the entire state. Offense was the only issue late in the season in 2021 and they will have to rework the lineup after some graduations. But they are considered the odds-on favorite to win their region and the Class 6A title. Finding enough offense in a tough 6A field once playoff time arrives will once again decide their fate.
CHEROKEE BLUFF
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeremy Kemp, 4th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-12, Class 3A Elite 8, 2nd in Region 7-3A
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. P Austin Cantrell (Georgia Tech-commit), Jr. C/OF Bryce England, Jr. P Braxton Beal, Sr. P Chandler Shope, Sr. 1B/3B Caleb Piland, Sr. 1B Lucas Tritt, Sr. OF Brody Beal, So. SS/P Jacob Vokal, So. C/OF Caleb Miele, So. C/OF Ty Corbin, Jr. OF Max Eubanks, Sr. RHP Dante Root, So. LHP Jackson Grant, So. OF Tanaka Mukono, So. RHP Jack Sparks, So. UTL Caleb Davis, Jr. OF Brett House, J. RHP Ben Crumpton, Fr. INF/P Landon Kemp, Fr. 1B/3B/OF Kaden Thompson, Fr. OF/P Tucker Holton
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bears had their best season in their young history in 2021 and should be ready to build on that. They won every series in a tough 7-3A in 2021 except to North Hall and should be in the mix to challenge for a region title once again. Cantrell and Beal atop the rotation will make for a formidable 1-2 punch and they have a deep staff that can carry them. Piland is one of the better offensive players in the region and should carry an offense that averaged nearly 8 runs/game last year. They also should make another deep playoff run.
CHESTATEE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin McConnell, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-16, 1st round Class 4A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. INF/P Nolan Turner, Sr. INF/C Nathan Bull, Sr. OF/P Mattox Miller, Sr. C/P Asa Smith, Sr. 1B/P Levi Stowers, Sr. INF/P Bryan Cantrell, Jr. INF/OF Nick McKoy, Jr. OF Christian Jarrard
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The War Eagles return several key guys from a team that was competitive in a very tough region in 2021. They return five on the pitching staff that got quality innings in 2021 as well as parts of the outfield and infield. The key will be pitching in a region that has three teams ranked in the top 10 in preseason polls. Finding the right mix on the infield early in the season may also be a priority.
COMMERCE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steve Cotrell, 14th season
-- REGION: 8-A Public
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-12, (school-record in wins), Region 8-A Public champions, Class A Public quarterfinals
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. IF/OF/P Cayden Lord, Jr. C Coleson Smith, Jr. 1B/P Hampton Hutto, Sr. SS/P Ryan Cooper, Sr. OF/P Nate Rainey, Sr. OF/P Kade Morgan
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers graduated 8 seniors from last year’s record-setting squad and will be rebuilding the pitching staff and having to replace several key spots in the lineup. They will be young overall but Cottrell said their goal is to once again compete for a region title by season’s end.
DAWSON COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Dwayne Sapp, 7th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-15
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. P/SS Nick Mullinax, Sr. P/1B Brandon Cramer, Sr. C Luke Mulberry, Sr. 3B Andrew Burt, Jr. INF/P Colton Rucker, So. P/OF Sawyer Bearden, So. OF Julian Horner, Sr. P/OF Jacob Poss, Sr. P/OF Ryley Moore, Fr. P/INF/OF Davis Glass, Jr. P/INF Joshua Priest, So. Sr. P/1B Trey Harvey
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers, who did not make the playoffs in 2021, should be able to lean on plenty of experience and will need it in a tough region. They return most of their top mound performers and key players in the lineup and should be ready to make a run at a playoff spot.
EAST FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kyle Counts, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Inaugural season for the Broncos
-- KEY PLAYERS: Jr. OF/P Logan Pedretti, Jr. INF/P Blake Riley, So. INF/P Lucas Kniola, So. OF/P Will Moffit, So. OF Matthew Lyons, Fr. INF/P Wyatt Barden, Fr. C Mason Schreiber, Fr. P/OF Trey Farr
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Broncos first campaign could not be tougher being housed in one of the toughest regions in the state with the reigning state champion (North Hall) and another in the Elite 8 (Cherokee Bluff). They also have no seniors but also have the opportunity to get quality time on the field for their young roster. Coach Counts, who knows the area well after time at Chestatee, said he is expecting his group to be competitive by season’s end.
EAST HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zeb Lackey, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-23
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF/P Zachary Kinsey, Sr. INF Luke Barton, Sr. INF Cooper Williamson, Sr. OF/C Levi Howard, Jr. P Walker Barrett, Jr. P Carter Gillespie, Jr. Christian McCullough.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings were rebuilding with a young team in 2021 but now returns the bulk of the roster, including the majority of the pitching staff. The seniors Kinsey, Barton, Williamson, and Howard should offer plenty of leadership on the field but the strength of the team could be on the mound. They are in a tough region but if the staff holds up and they find the right combinations on offense, they could be in the playoff mix.
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zeb Lackey, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-23
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF/P Zachary Kinsey, Sr. INF Luke Barton, Sr. INF Cooper Williamson, Sr. OF/C Levi Howard, Jr. P Walker Barrett, Jr. P Carter Gillespie, Jr. Christian McCullough.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings were rebuilding with a young team in 2021 but now returns the bulk of the roster, including the majority of the pitching staff. The seniors Kinsey, Barton, Williamson, and Howard should offer plenty of leadership on the field but the strength of the team could be on the mound. They are in a tough region but if the staff holds up and they find the right combinations on offense, they could be in the playoff mix.
FLOWERY BRANCH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joey Ray, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 24-9, Class 4A Sweet Sixteen
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF/LHP Jake Beaver, Sr. C Connor Edwards, Sr. OF Nick Linkowski, Sr. RHP Darren Schultz, Jr. C/RHP Aaron Attaway, Jr. INF Austin Bourrie, Jr. INF/RHP Mason Compton, Jr. Jacob Kross, Jr. 1B Kade Smallwood, Jr. RHP Max Wagner
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons should once again be in the mix in a tough Region 8-4A and their strength, once again, should be on the mound, led by two D-I arms in Beaver and Compton, and complemented by Attaway, Wagner, Jr. Riley Mitchell, and a pair of Fr. in David Miller and Jackson Freeman. The offense will be anchored by 4-year starters Beaver and Linkowski, and by 3-year starters Smallwood and Compton. They will need other newcomers like Jr. Ethan Meildezis, sophomores Chase Hammock, Tristan Browning, and Jacob Moore, as well as Fr. Luke Stone, to contribute at the plate.
GAINESVILLE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Adam Miller, 4th season
-- REGION: 6-7A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-22
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF Will Barrett, Sr. OF Cody Brewer, Jr. SS Anthony Lugo, So. P/IF Cooper Reid, Jr. P/IF Riley Valentine, So. C Baxter Wright, Sr. 1B Tanner Allen
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Red Elephants will bring a young team into one of the toughest regions in the state, any classification. A rough season in 2021 allowed several key underclassmen to get varsity experience and they should be improved. On the mound, Valentine and Reid got quality innings and should be competitive atop the rotation. Returning All-Region players Lugo and Wright will anchor the middle of the defense. Offensively, they have a better mix of power and speed.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
--COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Akridge, 13th season
-- REGION: Region 8-6A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 11-21, 1st round Class 6A playoffs, 3rd state playoff appearance in school history
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF Azzi Cervantes, Jr. SS Cooper Shirley, Jr. 3B/P Mason Dawe, Jr. P/1B Hunter Tatum, Jr. C Blandon Grizzle, Jr. 2B Cody Thomas,
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders graduated 70 percent of innings pitched in 2021 and will be very young and inexperienced on the mound overall. Finding reliable starters and developing depth on the mound in a tough region will be the key to challenging for a playoff spot. Several of the underclassmen gained valuable experience at the plate and in the field last season and may be leaned on early while the pitching develops.
JACKSON COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Matt Bolt, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-12, first winning season since 2017
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. RHP/INF Nick Streuer (2021 All-Region, Gordon State College-commit), So. Sam Bradley (2021 All-Region, University of Kentucky-commit), Sr. OF/INF Justin Ethridge (2021 All-Region, Union College-commit), Sr. LHP/OF Zach Daniel, Jr. RHP/INF Bryson Evans, Jr. INF Spencer Muffuletto, Jr. LHP Hayden Gregory, Jr. RHP Jack Venable, Jr. RHP/C/INF Weston Skinner. Jr. OF Ben Strickland
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers also play in one of the toughest regions in the state in any classification as two teams made the Elite 8 with Loganville finishing as the state runner-up. But Bolt may have his best team in his four years in 2022. They should be ready to challenge for a playoff berth behind a solid lineup as they return the bulk of their batting order, led by college commits Ethridge, Streuer, and Bradley. In addition, the infield will be held down by 2-year starter Muffuletto, who made 50 of 51 potential plays at SS/2B last season. But pitching rules in that region and their chances may go as their pitching staff goes.
JEFFERSON
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Tommy Knight, 22nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 23-10, 2nd round Class 4A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. 2B/SS Bowman Horn, So. P/INF Jase Peoples, Sr. 1B Mathew Perrin, Sr. P Brice Glausier, Fr. P/1B Eston Simpson, Sr. OF Levin Jones, Jr. C Roger Hulsey, Jr. OF JoJo Martin, Jr. P Brennan Carter, Jr. INF Aiden Dumas, Sr. P Spencer Neese, Jr, INF Nick Cremeens
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Knights will field one of their most inexperienced teams in years. Horn, Peoples, and Perrin are the only mainline players from 2021 returning with any appreciable varsity experience. They have some top newcomers that could see plenty of action and may be instrumental in how 2022 plays out. In a tough 8-4A with 2021 semifinalists North Oconee and Sweet 16 team Flowery Branch, and several expected improved teams, the Dragons may go through growing pains in 2022. But Coach Knight always seems to find hidden talent and if his young group can develop early, they could challenge for a playoff spot by season’s end.
JOHNSON
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Mike Martin, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1-23
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. P/1B/OF Tristan Nguyen, Sr. P/1B Peyton Lavergne, Jr. SS/P Joshua Mascrier, Jr. OF/SS/P Jud Farmer, Jr. INF/C Andrew Wilhite, Fr. Nathan Nguyen, Fr. Braydon Black, Fr. Cruz Gobert.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Knights suffered a rough season in one of the toughest regions in the state in any classification as two teams made the Elite 8 with Loganville finishing as the state runner-up. It will be tough again and the Knights will have to replace 5 starters in the lineup. They will be short on experience but should be competitive on the mound. Finding some offense will be the key with an inexperienced lineup.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Deuce Roark, 23rd season
-- REGION: 6-A Private
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-11
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: The Lions have just one returning starter and just one senior in Ryan Black (IF/P) who played nearly every position on the field in 2021. He is expected to be the ace of a very young and inexperienced staff. They have just one junior in Jr. C/P Jarrett Atwill, who will be behind the plate, to go with 5 sophomores and 3 freshmen that all should see significant action. So. Stuart Daniel will man first but most of the other spots are up for grabs with 8 of the 11 players on the roster probably seeing time on the mound.
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The youth will need to grow and develop quickly for the Lions to have any chance at a playoff run in a very tough region that had semifinalist Fellowship Christian. If they can develop another starter and get a bullpen rotation put together, they could be competitive as the season progresses.
LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jonathan Gastley, 4th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 7-21
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. INF Will Mincey, Sr. C Scooter Ligon, Sr. UTL/P Gannon Flakes, Sr. OF/P Brady Rice, Jr. 1B/P Cooper Scott, Jr. INF/P Hunter Cooper, So. SS/P Alejandro Narvaez, So. UTL/P Harper Davenport
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians also play in one of the toughest regions in Class 3A, which houses the reigning state champion and another Elite 8 program. However, they graduated just three players and return a slew of experienced younger players that saw plenty of playing time in 2021. They could be poised to make a run at the playoffs but will need to get quality innings on the mound..
NORTH FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Cahill, 20th season
-- REGION: 6-7A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-13, 5th place in region
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. P/1B Brett Barfield, Sr. C Hayden Brown, Sr. OF Trystan Davis, Sr. C/OF Michail Harris, Sr. P/OF Baylor Homesley, Sr. P Hank Simonds, Sr. IF Tyler Triche, Sr. P Nolan Wood, Sr. INF/OF Josh Zirlott, Jr. C Logan Curry, Jr. P/OF/1B Andrew Elkhill, Jr. P/1B Cason Engert, Jr. P/OF Kyle Roper, So. OF Chandler DeBlois, So. INF/P Kyle Duckwall, So. INF/P Jake Prince, Sr. OF Elias Gomes, Sr. P Cole Munhall, Jr. P Parker Adams, Jr. P Drew Bentley, Jr. UTL Gavin Busse, Jr. INF Gabe Cuellar, Jr. C Billy Mason, Jr. INF Colin Seabold, So. P/1B Austin McCabe, Fr. P/1B/OF Brady Holbrook
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders missed out on the playoffs by one game in a region that had three teams in the Elite 8 and one in the semifinals last season. They are deep at nearly every position and are exceptionally deep on the mound with a solid defensive unit behind them. They will look to their speed on the bases to put pressure on opposing teams. The Raiders will be serious playoff contenders that could be poised for a deep run.
NORTH HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Trevor Flow, 5th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 33-6, Class 3A State Champions, Region 7-3A champs, most wins in a season in program history
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. C Tate Brooks (2nd-team Class 3A All-State), Sr. P/OF Jaret Bales (2021 Class 3A Pitcher of the Year; 1st-team Class 3A All-State), Sr. P/1B Eli Reece (1st-team Class 3A All-State), Sr. SS Jace Bowen (2021 Class 3A Player of the Year), Sr. 1B/P Hunter Brooks (2nd-team All-State), Sr. INF Luke Erickson, Sr. INF Hudson Barrett, Sr. P Landon Davis (All-State Honorable Mention), Sr. 1B/P Baker Dyer (All-State Honorable Mention), Sr. OF McKay Kemp, Sr. OF Bradford Puryear (2nd-team All-State), Sr. OF Cooper Helton, Jr. P Landon Lee, So. OF Ajay Jones, So. INF Jon Jon Read
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans are coming off their second state title in five seasons. They return a slew of experience, including the Class 3A Player and Pitcher of the Year in 2021. They have perhaps the best 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation in Class 3A with Bales and Reece and also have depth on the mound, a solid lineup, and should be very good defensively again behind Tate Brooks, Bowen, and Bales up the middle. They have a tough non-region schedule to challenge them and play in a tough region. They should be one of the preseason favorites to repeat as state champs, barring injury.
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Wesley Satterfield, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 13-13, 1st round Class 2A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. UTL Baxley O’Brien, Sr. P/INF Grayson Carver, Sr. OF Grant Britton, Sr. P/INF Trevor Reese, Jr. OF Cory Keller, So. P/INF Keilin Sanders, So. P/INF Cooper Welch
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wildcats graduated a bunch of innings on the mound and developing pitching depth will determine if they can challenge for a playoff spot and make a run in the playoffs. However, they have tons of veteran experience on the field and return the majority of their infield. They also have some talented underclassmen and add O’Brien, who saw action last season with Flowery Branch.
RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chad Sage, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-18
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. 2B/C/P Declan Bethel, Jr. UTL Evan Dewey, Fr. 1B/3B/P Max Pincott, Jr. INF/P Mike Giampapa, Jr. 1B Stone Phillips, Sr. OF Christian West, So. OF Dylan Rwagasana, So. 3B/2B/P Micah Buice, So. 1B Brady Kriegel, SoOF/INF Justin Hornick
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Eagles were just glad to get on the field as a group after the school had canceled the football and basketball seasons. They had a slew of new players. This season Sage and his staff have been able to have an offseason program and should be more competitive in what is usually a small but tough region.
TOWNS COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shannon Floyd, 9th season
-- REGION: 8-A Public
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-17
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SS/P Collin Crowder (2021 2nd team All-Region), Sr. OF Kyle Oakes, Sr. OF/P Cabe Poston, Jr. INF Seth Gillis, So. 2B/P Zane Floyd, So. C Conner Chastain, So. P Kade McConnell, So. P Stone Chauncey
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians will depend on a big but talented sophomore class. Crowder is expected to be the leader on the mound and at the plate. Floyd and Chastain also should be key parts of the offense. They should be deep on the mound but also will need a young staff to get innings before a tough region schedule.
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shannon Floyd, 9th season
-- REGION: 8-A Public
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-17
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. SS/P Collin Crowder (2021 2nd team All-Region), Sr. OF Kyle Oakes, Sr. OF/P Cabe Poston, Jr. INF Seth Gillis, So. 2B/P Zane Floyd, So. C Conner Chastain, So. P Kade McConnell, So. P Stone Chauncey
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians will depend on a big but talented sophomore class. Crowder is expected to be the leader on the mound and at the plate. Floyd and Chastain also should be key parts of the offense. They should be deep on the mound but also will need a young staff to get innings before a tough region schedule.
UNION COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zach Odom, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-19, 1st round Class 2A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. OF/P Thomas Dyer, Sr. OF/P Lake Hughes, Sr. SS Conner Shields, Sr. 1B/P Christopher Fletcher, Sr. OF Caleb Towe, Sr. 1B/P Parker Grisham, Sr. 3B/P Tyler Loyd, Jr. UTL/P Will Duncan, Sr. 2B Bailey Brown
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers return 9 seniors from last year’s group, including five everyday starters. Dyer, Hughes, Shields, Fletcher and Towe should be the spark in the lineup this season. They also return key pitchers in Hughes, Dyer, Grisham, Loyd and Duncan. They should be sound defensively with Dyer, Hughes, and Towe roaming the outfield when not on the mound. Brown and Shields provide a solid and experienced middle infield. With their largest senior class since 2011, the Panthers should be able to compete for the region title after a third-place finish in 2021. The key will be depth in the pitching staff to give them a variety of options against opposing lineups.
WEST HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brannon Humphries, 6th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-12 overall, 1st round Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. P/3B Nick Sturm, Sr. P/INF Ryan Svetz, Sr. 1B Michael Gaddy, Sr. P/OF Alex Holman, Sr. P/C/3B Jackson Bassler, Jr. OF Evan Connor, and So. C/INF Justin Shaffer
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Spartans are coming off their first playoff appearance in three years and return a solid core of upperclassmen to try and build off last season. They have the bulk of their pitching staff back and several key guys back in the lineup. They posted a winning record (11-7) in a tough region and should challenge for a playoff spot once again.
WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Waits, 4th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2021 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 20-11, 1st round Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: So.SS Ryan Fowler, Jr. 2B Landon Roberts Sr. INF/C/P Dylan Sargent, Sr. OF/P Jake Johnson (2021 Region 7-3A Player of the Year), Jr. INF/OF/P Kyler Mayo, Jr. 1B /OF/P Nate Bray, Jr. INF/P Mark Daniels, Jr. 1B Luke Dockery, Sr. OF Billy Carder, Jr. P Adam Nix, Jr. OF Kanaan Cleveland
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors have a ton of senior leadership but also will have several new faces in the line-up. They will rely on Johnson, Daniels, and Bray atop the rotation and should be good defensively up the middle with Sargent (C), Fowler, Roberts, and Johnson in center. Daniels will patrol third when he is not on the mound. Bray and Dockery will share first base. The outfield will have Carder and Mayo. They should be in the mix once again for a playoff spot if they find consistent innings from their younger arms in the bullpen.
