The 2023 Georgia High School Association baseball campaign landscape will look much different for several Northeast Georgia programs.
The season officially opened on Monday, with area teams East Jackson, Habersham Central, and Jackson County all getting underway. On Tuesday, East Hall opened against East Jackson and Flowery Branch opened against Forsyth Central. But most area teams will begin Wednesday.
In 2022, 14 Northeast Georgia-area teams overall advanced to the playoffs. Buford in Class 6A, North Hall in Class 3A, and Commerce Class A Public all made it to the semifinals. All three are now in new classifications.
Buford has moved up to Class 7A, and 8-7A in particular, which has playoff teams Mountain View, Dacula (6A), and Mill Creek, a semifinalist from 2022. Mountain View was hit hard by the new school Seckinger opening, but it still should be a tough race, as Collins Hill missed out by just one game last year.
Stuart Chester, now in his sixth season leading the Wolves, said they are looking forward to “the next challenge” but knows it will be a tough journey after graduating all nine position starters and their top three pitchers from a year ago.
They don't open the season until Feb. 14 but will do so with flare, traveling to defending Class 7A state champion Woodstock. They also will take on defending Class 5A state champ Loganville on the road a week later. They also have traditional power Parkview and 7A state runner-up Etowah later in the season. That's a tough slate.
“We lost a lot of talented guys, but we have some talented guys coming up,” Chester said. “But we’re in probably the toughest classification when you look at the Woodstocks, and Parkviews, and Etowahs, and really almost all of the Gwinnett schools. We have put together perhaps the toughest schedule, but we wanted a tough schedule to challenge the guys.”
Juniors Ethan Murray (middle infielder, Georgia Tech-commit), Nate Taylor (P/1B, Georgia Tech-commit), catcher Sam Humphrey, and sophomore outfielder Cannon Goldin will be looked at early on to provide leadership.
But the biggest question mark for Buford will be on the mound, where no set rotation has been established.
“We have arms, but none of them have more than two or three innings of experience,” Chester said. “Our goal is get as many of those guys some early innings to get them that experience. Nothing is ever guaranteed in baseball. Our expectations are always to make the playoffs. But this group will have to take everything one game at a time while we see what we have.”
North Hall lost to state champion Pike County in the Class 3A semifinals last season but is now in a powerhouse Region 8-4A, which has defending state champion North Oconee. Madison County, Cherokee Bluff, and East Forsyth all made the playoffs last season. Add in new school Seckinger out of Gwinnett, and a usually good Walnut Grove program, plus a solid Chestatee group that missed out on the playoffs by one game last year, and you have seven of the 10 programs with a legitimate chance to make the playoffs.
Early predictions have North Oconee winning the South subregion and Bluff the North. Bears coach Jeremy Kemp, however, took some slight umbrage with that preseason assessment.
“I don’t agree with that. North Hall may have lost a lot of guys, but they also have a ton of young talent,” Kemp said. “I love our team. This is probably the best team we’ve had in our five years. But until someone knocks off North Hall, they are the ones to beat (on our side).”
Cherokee Bluff made it to the Sweet 16 in Class 3A and could give North Oconee and the Trojans a run for the top spot overall. They will find out quickly opening region play on March 1 against the Titans at home.
The Bears will feature six players rated as preseason All-State selections, including seniors Brett House (Mississippi State-signee), Bryce England (Georgia Southern-signee), and Braxton Beal (Georgia Southern-signee).
Despite Kemp’s reluctance, the Bears are expected to have the deepest rotation on the North side, and maybe in the entire region. Beal, junior Jacob Vokal, sophomore Tucker Holton, who was their No. 1 during last year's playoffs, and Brady Stephens will give them plenty of experienced depth. Gabe Gowder and Jack Sparks also return.
“It always comes down to pitching,” Kemp said. “Again, I like the makeup of our team, but we will be tested in every series. I feel 8-4A is the toughest region in the state in all classifications. Every series will be tough.”
Commerce is now in Class A Division 1 and in 8-A with Rabun County and has now made the quarterfinals or better for three straight seasons, including a Final 4 appearance last year. The Tigers are in a region where four of the six teams made the playoffs in 2022, and another missed out by just one game.
However, no other Northeast Georgia area teams made it out of the second round in a tough playoffs in 2022.
Flowery Branch advanced to the Sweet 16 but fell to eventual state runner-up LaGrange in three tough games in Class 4A. The Falcons are now part of what is expected to be a brutal Region 8-5A with perennial powerhouse and defending 5A state champion Loganville, which has won four of the last five 5A state titles. Throw in Jefferson and Winder-Barrow, both playoff teams from last season, and you have the makings of what could be a tremendous four-team race for the region title.
Falcons' coach Joey Ray has the bulk of that squad returning and is expected to have a potent lineup led by seniors Kade Smallwood (1B, Young Harris-commit), Mason Compton (3B, Wofford-commit), and Aaron Attaway catcher/pitcher (South Ga State-commit), and Riley Mitchell (INF/OF/P).
“We have depth at every position, which is something we haven’t had in a while,” Ray said. “Kade, Mason, Aaron -- we’re expecting big things from them. Riley Mitchell is a special athlete, one of the most athletically gifted players I have ever coached. He will be a huge factor for us.”
They will need everything they can muster in a Region 8-5A that Ray considers the state’s best.
“Our one area of concern early may be on the mound. We have a lot of depth and options, but we don’t have any high-end arms,” Ray said. “Our region will be brutal. You could have an all-star team and finish fourth in this region. Loganville, Jefferson, Winder all return a bunch of experienced players.
“We have a couple of freshmen that could make a huge impact this year, including Javy Ojeda, an outfielder who has plus speed and athleticism and plays beyond his years. While there is definitely talent in the dugout, finding the right mix and consistency will be key both in the lineup and on the mound.”
Banks County also made the second round in Class 2A. The Leopards return the majority of their roster, but a new 8-2A configuration will be challenging. Fellowship Christian advanced to the Final 4 in Class A Private, and five of the six teams advanced to the playoffs in 2022.
Region 8-6A could be an interesting season-long showdown as well. Both Class 5A playoff teams Apalachee, a semifinalist last season, and Jackson County, have moved up while North Forsyth, a playoff team from Class 7A, has moved down to join Lanier, which is the only playoff team left from the 2022 region lineup. Gainesville also moved down from 7A while Habersham Central missed out on the playoffs by a game last year, and Shiloh lost four region games by a run and missed out by three games.
(Below are the previews for our area teams we received information on to jump-start the 2023 campaign, listed in alphabetical order:)
BANKS COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Derrick Davis , 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-12, Class 2A Sweet 16
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Cam Davis 3B/P, Sr. Blake Holcomb SS/P, Sr. Carson Hill 2B, Sr. Nolan Angel OF/P/C, Sr. Caine Griffin P/OF, Sr. Hunter Heath P/1B, Jr. Colin Caudell OF/P/C, So. Cam Cooper OF/1B, Sr. Cade Rogers OF (transfer from East Hall), Jr. Jonathon Faulkner 2B (transfer from Dacula), Jr. Andrew Humphries INF (1st season back after missing previous 2 with injury), So. Judd Spear P (1st season back after injury), So. Aucy Jacobs OF, So. Austin Anderson OF/P, Fr. Gavin Sears C, Fr. Owen Miller INF/P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Leopards should be more than loaded to challenge for the region title, returning 8 starters from a year ago, getting two transfers, and also getting back two others that missed the season due to injury. But with private schools Fellowship Christian, a Final 4 team in Class A Private in 2022, and perennial power Athens Academy, it will be a challenging region once again. Five of the six teams in the newly-created region advanced to the playoffs in 2022. Finding consistency on the mound will be the key for the Leopards.
BUFORD
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Stuart Chester, 6th season
-- REGION: 8-7A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 29-8, Class 6A Final 4
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Ethan Murray INF (Georgia Tech-commit), Jr. Nate Taylor (P/1B, 5 wins as a So. in 2022; (Georgia Tech-commit), Sr. Cole Taylor INF, So. Cannon Goldin OF, Jr. Sam Humphrey C, Fr. Bubba Coleman INF (LSU-commit), Fr. Kyle Krause P (Virginia-commit), Sr. Tyler Dushan OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Wolves graduated all 9 starters and their top three pitchers from last year's team. They are extremely young, with only 2 seniors as projected starters with just a handful of players with any real varsity experience. But they may be one of the most talented young teams in the area. Chester has assembled perhaps the toughest schedule in their history. They open on the road against defending 7A champion Woodstock and also play defending 5A champion Loganville as well as 7A state runner-up Etowah and will play in a Perfect Game tourney in Alabama that will feature some of the nation’s best teams. The tough early schedule should help them prepare for a good 8-7A region with 7A semifinalist Mill Creek. They should challenge for a playoff spot.
CHEROKEE BLUFF
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jeremy Kemp, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 25-10, Sweet 16 Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Bryce England OF (.371 BA, .546 OBP, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 41 runs, Class 3A All-State, Ga Southern-signee), Sr. Brett House OF (.602 SLG%, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 28 runs, Mississippi State-signee), Sr. Braxton Beal P (3-1 before season-ending injury, Ga Southern-signee), Jr. Ty Corbin UTL (.435 BA, 42 runs 24 SB), Jr. Caleb Miele C (.398 BA, 43 RBI, 28 runs, 23 SB), Jr. Jacob Vokal SS (.405 BA, 47 runs, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 31 SB, Davidson-commit), So. Landon Kemp 2B (.324 BA, 32 runs, 21 RBI, 15 SB), So. Kaden Thompson 1B (.398 BA, 24 RBI, 31 runs, 18 SB), So. Tucker Holton P (4-1, 2.43 ERA 40.1 IP, 43 K)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Bears advanced to the Sweet 16 despite several key players suffering season-ending injuries. Everyone is back, and with Beal, Vokal, and Holton atop the rotation, they should have more than enough on the mound to challenge for a region title. They also have most of a lineup back that averaged 9.45 rpg last year, powered by England, House, Vokal, Miele, and Thompson, who drove in 177 runs as a group in the middle of the lineup.
CHESTATEE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kevin McConnell, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-16
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Nick McKoy IF/OF, Sr. Ethan Andrews C, Jr. Jake Hitchcock P/OF, Jr. Dylan Thompson IF/P, Jr. Brock Moody P/OF, Jr. Colton Wilbanks P/OF/IF, Jr. Joshua Bull IF/P, Jr. Wesley Gossett P/OF, So. Thomas Martens IF/P, So. Eli Chaffin IF/OF/P, Fr. Cohen Miller IF/P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The War Eagles were one of the best teams in Class 4A not to make the playoffs. They tied for 4th with Madison County, who won their season series 2-1, including a 2-run loss to take the final playoff spot. They lost two other region games by 2 runs or less. They return the bulk of that group, which has experience on the mound, at the plate, and in the field. If they can stay healthy, they should be able to challenge for a playoff spot, though the region may be the toughest in the state, with North Oconee, North Hall, Cherokee Bluff, East Forsyth, Seckinger, and Walnut Grove all capable of making the playoffs. Finding ways to win close games may decide their fate.
COMMERCE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Steve Cotrell, 15th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 1
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 26-14, Region 8-A Public champs, Class A Public Final 4
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Alex Rainey (.342 BA, 2.71 ERA), Sr. Hampton Hutto (.400 BA, 7 HR, 52 RBI), Sr. Coleson Smith (.442 BA, 31 RBI), Sr. Braxton Morris, Sr. Cayden Lord (.330 BA, 2.97 ERA, 55 IP, 47K),
Sr. Cohen Thomason (.346 BA, 30 runs), Jr. Hudson Thomason (.350 BA, 2.80 ERA), Jr. JP Allen, Jr. Coy Argo (2 HR, 23 runs, 4.7 ERA, 26 IP, 26 K),
Jr. Jaxon Foster (3.1 ERA, 31 2/3 IP, 33 K)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers had their best season in more than a quarter-century last year. They should be primed for another deep playoff run. They return 9 players that got significant playing time last season. The pitching staff, which should be better, allowed just 4.8 rpg last season. The offense pounded its opponents for 8.8 rpg behind Rainey, Hutto, Smith, Lord, Thomason, and the rest. They are in a newly-configured 8-A Division 1 and may be the early favorite to win the region that has Athens Christian, Elbert County, Rabun County, who all made the playoffs in different classifications last season.
DAWSON COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL – Logan Burt, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 19-13, 1st round Class 3A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Trey Harvey P/INF, Sr. Colton Rucker INF, Jr. Sawyer Bearden OF, Jr. Julian Horner OF, So. Davis Glass P/INF, Jr. Joshua Priest P/INF, So. Elijah Odom INF/C, So. Jacson Rickett OF/P, Jr. Banks Hickman P, Jr. Chase Adams C/INF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Tigers have a new coach in longtime assistant and former player Logan Burt. They also return most of their key players from last year’s playoff team in a tough region. They have experience back on the mound and several key guys from a lineup that averaged just under 8 rpg last season. They should have enough arms and bats to challenge for another playoff spot.
EAST FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kyle Counts, 2nd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 18-14, Class 3A playoffs in inaugural season
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Logan Pedretti OF/P, Sr. Blake Riley SS, Jr. Bradlee Hamby RHP/1B, Jr. Lucas Kniola 3B, Jr. Matthew Lyons OF, Jr. Will Moffit OF/P, Jr. Parker Roberts RHP, So. Zach Aschoff INF, So. Wyatt Barden P/1B, So. Trey Farr P/1B/OF, So. Mason Schreiber C
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Broncos put together a solid season in their inaugural campaign, making the playoffs in a difficult 7-3A. They moved up to Class 4A and into 8-4A, perhaps the toughest region in the state in any classification. The Broncos are still on the youthful side with just two starting seniors but have plenty of talent to be able to challenge for a playoff spot. However, they allowed 5.8 rpg last year and will have to improve on that against some of the tougher lineups in the state to make a serious playoff run.
EAST HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zeb Lackey, 3rd season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-21
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Carter Gillespie OF/LHP, Sr. Walker Barrett OF/LHP, Sr. Haden Brock INF, Sr. Christian McCullough C/RHP, So. Levi Kinney INF/OF, So. Tyler Parker SS/RHP, So. Caden Crocker OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Vikings will still be on the younger side but return 6 seniors and 7 starters from last season and could be one of the more improved teams in the area. However, they are in the toughest region in the state with defending state champion North Oconee, North Hall, a Final 4 team, Cherokee Bluff, a Sweet 16 team, East Forsyth, and newcomer Seckinger out of Gwinnett County, and will need to find a way to scratch out a win or two among that group to challenge for a playoff spot.
FLOWERY BRANCH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Joey Ray, 6th season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-12, Sweet 16 in Class 4A
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Kade Smallwood 1B (Young Harris-signee), Sr. Mason Compton P/3B (Wofford-signee), Sr. Aaron Attaway P/C, Sr. Riley Mitchell INF/OF/P, Sr. Ethan Mieldezis P/INF, Sr. Austin Bourrie, INF, Sr. Max Wagner P, So. Jackson Freeman C/P, So. Kyle Adamec OF/P
--SEASON OUTLOOK: The Falcons return a wealth of experience and talent. They are in one of the toughest regions in the state with defending Class 5A state champion Loganville, Winder-Barrow, and Jefferson, who are also loaded with experience and talent. Ray may have one of his most talented teams, with depth at every position, and should not only challenge for a playoff spot but perhaps the region title also. But Ray said finding the right mix and getting consistency will hold the key both in the lineup and on the mound to making a serious playoff run.
GAINESVILLE
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Adam Miller, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-17
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Baxter Wright C/OF, Sr. Riley Valentine P/1B, Jr. Cooper Reid P/INF, Sr. Anthony Lugo P/SS
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Red Elephants should be able to make some noise in 8-6A, especially with the return of Reid, Valentine, Wright, and Lugo, who are two-year starters with a lot of innings and at-bats under their belt. Talented newcomers in freshmen Branson Crawford, Dawson Vaughn, Smith McGarvey, and Jr. Jeremy Medina are expected to contribute as two-way players on the mound and in the lineup. Freshmen Phillip Williams and Tyler Rothell could see some action as well. Look for the Red Elephants to compete for a playoff spot by season’s end.
HABERSHAM CENTRAL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Chris Akridge, 14th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-21
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Hunter Tatum LHP/1B (.300 BA), Sr. Cooper Shirley SS, Sr. Mason Dawe INF/RHP, Sr. Blandon Grizzle C, Jr. Konner Burrell 1B/OF/RHP (.294 BA), Jr. Kaleb Chastain OF (.300 BA)
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders missed out on the playoffs last year for the first time since 2018 by just one game. They have several key experienced players returning, which should put them in the mix to challenge for a playoff spot. Hunter, Burrell, and Chastain will need to set the pace for an offense that averaged just 4.5 rpg last year. They also will need to improve on the mound, where they allowed 6.5 rpg and lost 6 games by 3 runs or less.
JACKSON COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Matt Bolt, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 12-15, 1st round Class 5A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Sam Bradley 1B (2022 Region 8-5A POY, Kentucky-commit), Jr. Nick Austin INF/DH (.379 BA), Sr. Spencer Muffuletto INF (.364 BA, 38 runs, 23 SB), Sr. Hayden Gregory LHP (3.05 ERA), Sr. Jack Venable RHP (5 wins, 4 CG), Sr. Luke Pruitt RHP, Sr. Ben Strickland OF, Sr. Weston Skinner RHP, Sr. Bryson Evans P/INF, Sr.Drew Matthew P, So. Colin Price P/OF, Jr. Karson Wheeler C/INF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers made the playoffs in a very difficult region last year that housed the eventual state champion (Loganville). They jumped to 8-6A and should be among the group to not only challenge for a playoff spot but perhaps the region title. Bradley is one of the better players in the area, and with Muffuletto, who has multiple offers, they make up one of the better infields in the region. The key will be if the pitching staff, led by Venable, can improve after allowing 6.7 rpg in 2022.
JEFFERSON
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Kyle Hardy, 1st season
-- REGION: 8-5A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 16-15, 1st round of playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Bowman Horn SS, Sr. Roger Hulsey C, Sr. Aiden Dumas 2B, Jr. Jase Peoples 3B/P, Jr. Owen Primm OF, So. Eston Simpson P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Dragons are under new management as longtime coach Tommy Knight retired. Hardy, an assistant for the last 9 years, has taken over. Don’t look for much drop-off. The Dragons return their top seven in the batting order in what could be one of the best lineups in what will be a brutal region. They also return three solid starters in the pitching rotation, but building depth in the bullpen will be a major focus as the season progresses. They should not only challenge for a playoff spot but the region title as well.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Deuce Roark, 24th season
-- REGION: GIAA 4-3A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 3-16
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: James Cobb OF/P, Ethan Croft OF/P, Jarrett Atwill C/P, Brock Graham SS/P, Liam Plaisted 3B/P, Ricky Brown INF/P, Adam Sanders C/P, Evan Yaskulka OF, Wade Haynes OF/P, Clyde Jones OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lions have moved over to the GIAA and will face new challenges learning its new surroundings. They’re probably glad to get out of the brutal Region 8-A Private, where they were not able to win a game in 2022. The Lions will be young again, and Roark is hoping another year of experience will get them ready to make a run. But Roark said they are excited to see what the GIAA can offer.
LUMPKIN COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Ryan Zaideman, 1st season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 10-20
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Alejandro Narvaez P/INF, Jr. Harper Davenport OF/P, Jr. Hayden Gilbert INF/P, Jr. Dakota Bennett C/INF, Jr. Peyton Wood P/OF/INF, Sr. Landon Greene P/OF, Sr. Cooper Scott P/OF/INF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians return the bulk of their pitching from a young group that got plenty of experience in a brutal region. If the offense , which averaged just 4.7 rpg in 2022, can come around, they could challenge for a playoff spot by season’s end.
NORTH FORSYTH
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Cahill, 21st season
-- REGION: 8-6A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 21-12, 3rd in Region 6-7A, 1st round Class 7A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Parker Adams P (Flagler-signee), Sr. Drew Bentley P (Piedmont-signee), Sr. Gavin Busse OF, Sr. Gabe Cuellar INF, Sr. Logan Curry C/OF, Sr. Andrew Elkhill P (South Alabama-signee), Sr. Cason Engert P (East Tennessee State-signee), Sr. Billy Mason C , Sr. Kyle Roper P (Toccoa Falls-signee), Sr. Colin Seabold INF (Emmanuel-signee), Jr. Kyle Duckwall INF/P, Jr. Luke Mercado INF, Jr. Austin McCabe 1B/P, Jr. Jake Prince INF/P, So. Brady Holbrook OF/P
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Raiders are loaded on the mound, led by D1 signees Elkhill and Engert. They were just two wins from finishing in the top two in 6-7A last season and dropped 8 games by 2 runs or less and 4 by 1 run or less. If they can improve an offense that scored just 5.3 rpg, they should be considered one of the favorites to win 8-6A.
NORTH HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: 6th season
-- REGION: 8-4A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 32-7, Regions 7-3A champions, Class 3A Final Four, tied for second-most wins in a season
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Jr. Ajay Jones OF (.390 BA, 29/29 SB), Sr. Will Jackson OF, Sr. Landon Lee P (4-1, 2.30 ERA), Jr. Jon Jon Read INF/P, Jr. Andrew Bales P/INF, Jr. Nathan Vermeer C, Jr. Korbyn Sosebee OF/INF, Jr. Luke Sanders OF/INF/P, Jr. Charlie Wright C/OF/P, Sr. Brantley Watson P, Sr. Andrew Hlavacek INF/P, So. Mills Lothridge P/INF/OF, So. Kian Allen P/INF, So. Campbell Payton P/INF/OF, Fr. Kaleb Sexton P/INF, Fr. Kenny Foudy C/OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans graduated 13 from last year’s group that won a state title in 2021 and fell to eventual state champion Pike County in the semifinals last season. They will be young across the board on the mound and in the field. However, they return Jones, who should lead what could be a solid lineup by season’s end, and Lee on the mound, who will have to have a good season with most of the rest of the staff having little to no innings of varsity experience. Bales could be a huge factor but is returning from an injury. They also moved up to Region 8-4A, which still houses defending Class 4A state champ North Oconee and could have as many as seven teams seriously challenging for the four playoff spots.
RABUN COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Wesley Satterfield, 4th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 1
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 6-19
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Cory Keller OF, Jr. Jarret Giles OF/P, Jr. Cooper Welch 3B/P, So. Parker Smith SS/P, Sr. Aiden Stewart INF/P, Sr. Nathan Thompson OF/P
TOWNS COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Shannon Floyd, 10th season
-- REGION: 8-A Division 2
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 14-16, 1st round Class A Public playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Seth Gillis INF, Jr. Connor Chastain C, Jr. Zane Floyd P/INF, Jr. Kade McConnell P/1B, Jr. Tanner Cunningham OF, Jr. Stone Chauncey P/INF, Sr. Caleb Berrong DH (missed 2022 due to injury), Jr. MAtthew Chastain P, Jr. Cale Kirby P/OF, Sr. Layne Rouse OF
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Indians made the playoffs in a tough region and should be improved, especially on the mound with several returnees. They return 6 starters, and the return of Berrong from injury may give them one of the best lineups in the region. How well the pitching holds up could decide if they can make a deep playoff run.
UNION COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Zach Odom, 5th season
-- REGION: 8-2A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 9-20, Class 2A playoffs
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Will Duncan P (lead team in innings in 2022), Sr. Hunter Fleming, Sr. Jordan Gilliam, Jr. Brayden Sweat
-- SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers graduated 9 off last year’s playoff team but return some key players that could keep the playoff streak alive. They will have to give Duncan some help on the mound. They allowed 7.3 rpg last year and will have to cut down on that number in what will be a very challenging region. However, Odom is expecting his group to compete for the top spot in the region and make a playoff run.
WEST HALL
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Brannon Humphries, 4th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 8-19
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Evan Connor OF/P, Sr. Cody Davis 2B/P, Jr. Cooper Tapp P/1B, Jr. Justin Shaffer C/MIF, So. Marcus Pugh OF/MIF, So. John Kendrick P/1B/3B, So. Jaden Young P/OF/MIF, So. Drew Svetz C/3B
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Spartans bring plenty of youth with experience into the 2023 campaign. They finished last in 7-3A in 2022 but look for them to make a move upward this season behind what they hope is a good young rotation on the mound.
WHITE COUNTY
-- COACH/YEARS AT SCHOOL: Jim Waits, 5th season
-- REGION: 7-3A
-- 2022 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 17-12
-- KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: Sr. Mark Daniels RHP-INF, (4-2 on the mound, .350 BA), Sr. Nate Bray RHP-OF (2-0 on the mound, .356 BA, 4 HR), Sr. Kyler Mayo RHP-OF (.290 BA, 8 SB), Sr. Devin Norton INF, (.282 BA, 1.000 fielding percentage), Sr. Landon Roberts INF, (.280 BA, 6 SB), Mason Gee C, (threw out 70% of stolen base attempts), Jr. Ryan Fowler INF-OF, (.302 BA, 2 HR, 7 SB), So. Trevor Butler OF-LHP, So. Shelton Ramey INF-RHP, Sr. Adam Nix RHP, Sr. Kanaan Cleveland OF, (.300 BA)
SEASON OUTLOOK: The Warriors were one of the best teams in the state to not make the playoffs in a brutal region. They have loads of experience on the mound, at the plate, and in the field to be considered a playoff team and challenge for the region title. Daniels and Bray could be one of the better 1-2 combos in the region atop the rotation.
