All-Albany Baseball team announced: Walker named Coach of the Year, Cooper player of the Year

ALBANY — With the high school baseball season over, it’s time to recognize the standout players who have left a lasting impression. The Albany Herald’s All-Albany area baseball team aims to acknowledge those we had the privilege of covering throughout the spring season. We extend our apologies to teams that were not covered, as we couldn’t get to them all.

Coach of the Year: Ashley Walker, Terrell Academy — Despite a rocky start, the defending state champions, armed with a young team, showed resilience under Walker’s guidance. Overcoming a discouraging stretch where the Eagles lost nine out of ten games, they rallied and reached the GIAA final four with a commendable 16-13 record. Reflecting on their early struggles, Walker remarked, “We had to make some mental changes within ourselves. We were exhibiting selfishness in various aspects of the game, neglecting the essence of Terrell Academy baseball.”

Player of the Year: Chip Cooper, Worth County — In a fiercely competitive Class AA region, senior center fielder Cooper left a lasting impact with his impressive offensive prowess. Batting an impressive .476, Cooper launched nine home runs, smacked 11 doubles, and achieved an outstanding 1.597 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). He drove in 31 runs and crossed the plate 28 times. He also earned the title of “Player of the Year” for Region 1-AA. Cooper, who also excelled as Worth County’s quarterback in football, has committed to playing college football at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville.

Offensive Player of the Year: Will Worsham, Baconton Charter School — Worsham’s contributions to his high school baseball team were nothing short of remarkable. He played a pivotal role in leading the Blazers to a 23-7 record and securing a spot in the Sweet 16 of the state playoffs. Worsham dominated the competition, boasting a .549 batting average, the best in Class A Division II, and holding the highest on-base percentage of .736 across all classifications in the state. With six home runs, 31 RBI, 35 runs scored, and proficiency on the mound and at shortstop, Worsham epitomized excellence.

Defensive Player of the Year: Gavin Brinkley, Lee County — Behind the plate, senior catcher Brinkley showcased exceptional defensive skills for the Trojans. With a remarkable 99 percent fielding percentage, he committed a mere two errors in 222 total chances, adding 21 assists to his impressive tally. Brinkley’s proficiency in deterring stolen bases further solidified his defensive impact. At the plate, he maintained a .303 batting average, driving in 17 runs and compiling an impressive .815 OPS. Brinkley has signed to play college baseball at South Georgia State College.

Freshman of the Year: Christopher Jones, Westover — Despite his freshman status, Jones made an immediate impact, earning a well-deserved spot on the first-team All-Region. Finishing the season with a .342 batting average, Jones truly thrived in the final nine games, hitting a remarkable .476 with a .645 on-base percentage. With eight RBIs, seven runs scored, and seven stolen bases, he displayed his versatility and ability to consistently find his way onto the base paths. Jones showcased his talent by achieving this feat in 16 consecutive games and achieving it in 22 out of 24 games this season.

Pitcher(s) of the Year: The Lee County Trojans boasted a trio of talented pitchers, making it impossible to select just one standout player. Gavin Smith, Billy Myler, and Greyson Holley each showcased exceptional skills in a highly competitive Class 6A region. Smith started 10 games, pitched in a total of 11, and demonstrated his dominance by working 53 innings and striking out an impressive 81 batters. With a 7-4 record and a 2.906 ERA, Smith established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Myler, starting 10 games and pitching 50.1 innings, compiled a commendable 6-3 record and a 2.364 ERA. Not to be outdone, Holley started nine games, pitched in 14, and amassed a total of 51.1 innings, finishing with a 3-3 record and a 2.864 ERA. Their collective efforts fortified the Trojans’ pitching staff and played a vital role in their season’s success.

The Diamond Dozen

Arin Chevers, Westover, .462 BA, .551 OBP, .708 SLG, 2 HR, 21 RBI 10 SB;

David Kile, Terrell Academy, .418 BA, 6 home runs, 32 RBI, .737 SLG, 1.250 OPS;

Daylor Drawdy, Terrell Academy, .418 BA, 2 home runs, 26 RBI, .636 SLG, 1.150 OPS;

Jaylan McLloyd, Westover, .487 OBP, HR, 14 RBI, 20 Runs, 36 SB;

Korey Fortson, Westover, .315 BA, .543 OBP, .611 SLG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 25 Runs, 16 SB;

Grayson White, Baconton Charter, .409 BA, one home run, six doubles, and 26 RBI;

Logan Hurst, Baconton Charter, .424 BA, one home run, six doubles, and six RBI;

Davis Coleman, Deerfield-Windsor, .416 BA, .571 SLG, 1.066 OPS, six doubles, a home run, 16 RBI; will play at ABAC;

Chewy Willis, Deerfield-Windsor, .312 BA, .388 SLG, .816 OPS, six doubles, and 11 RBI; Signed with Albany State;

Lalan Ellis, Worth County, won three games on the mound for the Rams and put together a 1.9 ERA in 54.2 innings of work. He struck out 63 batters. He earned one save;

Coy Etheridge, Worth County, batted .349 following Cooper in the lineup. He finished with 26 RBI;

Avery Kilcrease, Worth County, is another strong candidate for “Freshman of the Year,” with a .320 batting average with a home run, eight doubles, and 16 RBI. He also compiled a 7-3 record on the mound with a 2.69 ERA with 44 strikeouts;

Brent Smith, Lee County, .325 BA, 27 hits, 16 RBI, OBP-446, OPS-.795.

Honorable Mention: Grayson Spears, Deerfield-Windsor; Reid Shiver, Baconton Charter; Brayden Proctor, Lee County; Tillman Dew, Deerfield-Windsor; Dozier Swain, Terrell Academy; Owen Fletcher, Worth County; Gavin Lacey, Terrell Academy; Austin Hatcher, Baconton Charter; Thomas Ray, Deerfield-Windsor; Carter Singletary, Lee County.

Marsha Hickox
Worth County BaseballJoe WhitfieldJoeWhitfield[email protected]