Southeast Georgia April 2018 Edition

Licensed to Thrill Jake Wheeler, Pierce County

Blazer Bound

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

IN THE

SEGA Baseball Player Profiles

April 2018

Derrin Cox Ware County

In The Game | 1

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In 8

e u s s I s i h tT

SEGA Baseball Player Profiles

17

Blue Collar Coach

26

No Offseason

Trent Mongero, Glynn Academy Bryce Reilly, Glynn Middle School

Also 21

Baseball Coach Bids Farewell, Football in Sight Bacon County

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23

Seniors Lead the Way

Blazer Bound

36

Licensed to Thrill

24

Raining Buckets

Derrin Cox, Ware County Jake Wheeler, Pierce County

Ware County

Pierce County

In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Spring is in full swing in southeast Georgia despite the frigid temperatures for April. All the spring sports are winding down and getting ready to enter their playoff runs. There’s a few region champs already crowned in SEGA. The Wayne County Yellow Jackets, coming off their 2017 state championship appearance in baseball, have already clinched Region 2-5A. Congratulations to the Appling County Pirates who are region champs of 2-3A in baseball. Brantley County continues to dominate the tennis courts in 2018 as both the girls and boys teams are Region 2-3A champions.

Several other teams around SEGA find themselves in battles to win a region championship or at least finish second, putting themselves in position to host a first-round playoff match up. Stay up to date on all the action right here in the pages of In the Game.

I stated in last month’s publisher’s letter that we could do 50 stories on outstanding baseball players in SEGA, and I stand by my statement — so much so I felt five was not enough to cover, so we came back this month with five more deserving guys from all over SEGA from different classifications. Again, I think we’ve only made a ripple in the deep talent pool of SEGA, but these five guys are some of the best in our area.

It should be fun watching these and all our SEGA baseball players as they battle it out for the 2018 state titles.

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I may not have a Ph.D. in education, but I do know if you make a 31 on the ACT, that’s pretty good. Jake Wheeler, a senior at Pierce County, has been crushing it on the soccer pitch and in the classroom for the Bears the last four years. They say he has a confidence about him, maybe even a swagger, but if you were Region Player of the Year as a junior, carried over a 4.0 GPA, and scored a 31 on the ACT, you’d have a right to have a little spring in your step.

Glynn Academy was shocked at the end of the 2017 baseball season when they found out their second-year head coach was heading back to St Simons. So, what do they do? They go out and snag a proven winner to lead their program, one coming off a state championship in 2017 with North Hall — Trent Mongero.

Mongero is a proven winner and true student of the game. His basic coaching philosophy is to compete against the game, not your opponent. He believes in preparation and playing to your potential, and all this produces great results for the Red Terrors as they went 12-0 out of the box before their first loss.

Let’s see: football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and soccer in the spring. Oh, I get it: NO OFFSEASON! Bryce Reilly of Glynn Middle School is a committed student-athlete. Taking on three sports and academics is a tall task indeed, but he handles it with precision. Reilly has found a way to excel in all his endeavors and even takes his competitiveness into the classroom, always wanting to finish at the top. Look for big things from Bryce over the next four years in

26

a myriad of places as he starts his high school career at Frederica Academy.

It’s always tough to make a move your senior year, but it’s good to come home. After playing at Pierce County the last three seasons, senior Derrin Cox decided it was time to come home to Ware County. Cox has quickly ascended to the top of the pitching rotation for the Gators as their ace and is currently leading the Gators in RBIs. He’s already had a five-RBI game and is one of the go-to guys for coach Jamie Ammons. If the Gators are to make a deep playoff run, they’ll need Cox at the top of his game. Decisions are tough, but the Gator faithful are glad Cox made this one.

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.itgnext.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/itgnext.

Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. Keep a lookout for some exciting news coming soon on new online programing via our online radio station. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS!

Email us at info@itgnext.com to let us know what you thought of the March edition of ITG!

Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Photography Michael Brinson Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Writers Rob Asbell W. John Wood John DuPont Phil Jones Evan Smoak Jaron Raulerson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Alex Dunn Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2018 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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HOME OF THE LIFETIME WARRANTY

SEGA Baseball

Player Profiles Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

The high school baseball season is well under way across the state and especially here in Southeast Georgia as teams battle for a playoff spot in their respective classifications. As always, our region of the state is well represented with several teams at or near the top of their classifications' weekly polls. I’m sure we can expect several of our teams to be vying for a state championship once the state playoffs are under way.

In this edition of In the Game, we highlight five area players who are leading their teams through the regular season and hopefully toward that dream of a championship.

These Player Profiles give you an up close and personal look at some of Southeast Georgia’s brightest young stars who excel at the game they love.

You’ll find out some things about these young men other than just hard stats. You’ll read about their earliest memories of playing the game; why they chose the number they now wear; their mindset when either on the mound facing a batter or in the batter’s box facing the opposing pitcher. Camden catcher/outfielder Brooks Bryan revealed how being superstitious actually made him a better player.

For some players, baseball is a family affair. We feature Jason Ammons of the Appling County Pirates, who follows in the footsteps of his two older brothers, both of whom also played for Pirates coach Jeremy Smith.

While this spotlight certainly focuses on these players’ abilities and performances on the baseball field, you’ll also see how competing in multiple sports helped to shape these players as better all-around athletes. One particular athlete is Brantley County senior Cameron Moore, who spoke of how playing basketball and football — in addition to baseball — helped shape him as a better player, teammate, and leader.

Ever wonder why and how players choose their uniform numbers? For some, like Ronnie Keaton of Liberty County, it’s a sentimental gesture to someone very close to them. Each of our players in this feature is super talented on their own, but most, like Brunswick High shortstop Harrison Trawick, rave about the pure joy and love they get from playing with and relying on their teammates every day.

Finally, while three of our players are currently planning on playing baseball collegiately, all revealed their plans and interests for when and if baseball is no longer a part of their lives.

That time will come. But for now, baseball is what’s on their minds, on ours, and I’m sure yours as well! We hope you’ll enjoy our Southeast Georgia Player Profiles.

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Putting your weight onto the balls of your feet, pull your knees toward your chest, pausing when they are about three inches in front of your hips. Hold for one second and then slide your legs back out into the top of a plank. Do another push-up and repeat; keep going for 30-45 seconds.

COLLEGE PLANS: “I plan to continue my baseball career at Charleston Southern University on a baseball scholarship.”

INTENDED MAJOR: Business Management

BASEBALL HISTORY: “I’ve played baseball my whole life. I started as a middle infielder and outfielder when I was young and got put behind the plate in middle school. I stuck with catching from then on.

I played travel ball with Chain National and Baseball Scoutz.”

WHEN DID YOU BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL STARTER? “I started some games freshman year and took over as a fulltime starter my sophomore year.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL FACT ABOUT YOU? “I’ve played football and baseball my whole life but stopped playing football after my freshman year to focus on baseball.

I decided to come back out for my senior year and started at quarterback for Camden. I’m also very superstitious and feel that I have to go to my cage every day to be successful.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR AND WHY? “I wear No. 17 because my birthday is Jan. 17.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL HOME RUN: “It's not my first home run, but my most memorable was against Brookwood in the Sweet 16 my junior year. I lead off the top of the seventh with a home run to tie the game up.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN COMING TO BAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A GAME? “I come up to the plate with a mentality that I’m better than the guy I’m facing.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL? “My favorite part about playing baseball is that it’s a very humbling game and that on any given pitch or swing, the outcome of the game can change. I also enjoy the many lifelong friendships I’ve made through playing the game of baseball.”

Brooks Bryan

Senior Catcher/Outfielder Camden County High School St. Mary’s, GA

THE STATS

GPA: 4.5 Hits/Throws: R/R Batting Average: .370

CAMDEN HEAD BASEBALL COACH CHUCK SEYMOUR ON BROOKS BRYAN: “I'm proud to say that I get to coach young men like Brooks Bryan. Brooks was named our team captain by his peers and is a definite game changer on the field and in our dugout. He is blessed with obvious baseball talents, and I expect big things out of him as the season continues. Brooks understands the game of baseball and is maturing into what should be a strong future college catcher, hitter, and athlete. I think Brooks' athletic abilities were on display this past fall as he stepped in and started at quarterback for our football team after two years off from the sport. I am proud of the student, player, and person that Brooks Bryan is. It will be tough to follow in his shoes for our upcoming players. I'm excited to watch and see where his career goes from here. Captains and true team players always leave a legacy, and Brooks is continuing to leave his mark on our program. Utmost respect to No. 17!”

COLLEGE PLANS: “I plan on attending Thomas University to continue my baseball career.”

MAJOR: Accounting

BASEBALL HISTORY: “I always played ball with my older cousin growing up, starting about 3 or 4 years old, and that helped me learn the game at an early age. I continued playing through the recreational league and travel ball all the way up until my junior year of high school. I played for Brantley County Middle School and continued for our high school team. I grew up playing travel ball with a team mainly from Brunswick, Georgia, from 8 years old and stopped at about 14 years old. We traveled to Cooperstown, New York, as the PSDS Yankees and placed fourth out of 104 teams.”

WHEN DID YOU BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL STARTER? “I played in a couple of games as a freshman early on, but my first start came in the region playoffs at the end of my freshman year. I started on the mound the last game of the three-game series.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL FACT ABOUT YOU? “Playing baseball at Cooperstown Dream Park in New York and visiting the MLB Hall of Fame.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR AND WHY? “I grew up wearing No. 11 after my dad, but since my sophomore year I started wearing No. 1 just to create my own legacy for younger kids in the school system to look up to.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL HOME RUN: “My first high school home run was in my junior year in a region game against Long County. It was a sloppy game, but it was tied at 4 in the bottom of the last inning at home, so we were up to bat. Nobody on base, 3-2 count, two outs — the iconic situation every player dreams of being in. Then I hit a walk off home run. It’s just a great feeling when you can find a way to help your team win.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL? “My favorite part about baseball is the lessons it teaches you.

You can be 18/20 at the plate, and in a matter of four games you can be 0/16. There’s so many opportunities to succeed and fail, and you learn from each whether you’re successful or you fail. I also like the competition part of the game; you realize it’s not all about your stats as a player. If you go 3-4 with a couple doubles and lose the game, that isn’t near as good as going 1-4 with a win. It isn’t fun not contributing to your team, but competing any way you can and getting a team win is the ultimate goal.”

BRANTLEY HEAD BASEBALL COACH PAUL ABLE ON CAMERON MOORE: “Cameron is one of a few three-sport athletes we have in our school system. Cameron played football this season to improve on his toughness and leadership skills. He is returning this season after a 1st Team All-Region nomination last season.

He is hungry for the playoffs and is willing to play any position any day of the week.”

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Cameron Moore

Senior Shortstop for high school; third or second base in college Brantley County High School Nahunta, GA

THE STATS

GPA: 3.82 Hits/Throws: R/R Batting Average: .396

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COLLEGE PLANS: “I plan to play baseball at Piedmont College while pursuing a major in criminal justice.

BASEBALL HISTORY: “I've been playing baseball ever since I started T-Ball

when I was 4 years old. I played baseball at Jane Macon Middle school my seventh- and eighth-grade years. I have also played travel ball, the teams including Team Elite South and Baseball Scoutz.”

WHEN DID YOU BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL STARTER? “I became a true varsity starter in my sophomore year.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL FACT ABOUT YOU? “I visited Puerto Rico for two weeks this past summer.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR AND WHY? “No. 15 because that has always been my lucky number.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL HOME RUN: “My first high school home run came last year during the first round of the state playoffs. I came up to bat with two outs in the bottom of the seventh; my team was down my one. I worked the count to 3-1. The pitcher tried to throw his fastball past me, but I connected, sending it over the batter’s eye in center field, tying up the game.”

AT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN FACING WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN FACING A HITTER OR COMING TO BAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A GAME?

“I am the one in control, and I’m not going down without a fight.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL? “My favorite part about playing would have to be being out there every day with all of my brothers. My teammates are my family. I’d go to war with them anytime. My teammates are by far my favorite part of the game.”

BRUNSWICK HEAD BASEBALL COACH BRIAN CRAWFORD ON HARRISON TRAWICK: "I knew of Harrison before entering my first season as the head coach at Brunswick High; I knew he had some talent, but I had my doubts of the all-around impact he would have toward our success. He has since proven just how dynamic he can be on the baseball field. He is the biggest competitor we have, and he is a true role model for our upcoming players as to what it means to be a student-athlete. As a coaching staff and team, we are grateful to have Harrison's leadership on and off the field. He is as well rounded as a player and person as you can find, and the expectations for this young man should be set to a higher standard because his character allows him to absorb a certain level of expectations."

Harrison Trawick

Senior Shortstop/Right-Handed Pitcher Brunswick High School Brunswick, GA

THE STATS

GPA: 3.7 Hits/Throws: R/R Batting Average: .418 ERA: 0.575 OBP: .475 12 | itgnext.com

OPS: 1.094 Hits: 23 Runs: 14 Bases Stolen: 7

COLLEGE PLANS: Undecided

INTENDED MAJOR: Electronics

BASEBALL HISTORY: “I started playing baseball really young because I had two older brothers who excelled in the game and I was always traveling to watch them play. As I grew older, I eventually started playing at our recreation department and travel ball.

Once I became the age to play for middle school, I began my school baseball career.”

WHEN DID YOU BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL STARTER? “I became a high school starter my sophomore year. During my freshman year, I was asked to pitch a few times on varsity, but my sophomore year was when it was more frequent.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL FACT ABOUT YOU? “I am an avid hunter and fisherman. If you don’t find me on the baseball field, I’m either in the stand or wetting a hook.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR AND WHY? “I wear the No. 20 because being called up on a senior heavy team after they had already picked the jerseys, Coach Smith gave me number 20, so I gladly took it.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL PITCHING WIN: “My first start and win was in the hostile environment of Brantley County. Any time you can go over there and escape ‘Rick Flair’ claps and cheers with a win is an accomplishment. I was a sophomore and ended up throwing a complete game. This was a big confidence builder for me and kick started my career. Being the young guy on the team and knowing the seniors had confidence in me throwing and competing made me feel like I was an important part of the team that year.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN FACING A HITTER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A GAME? “When pitching to a batter, my motto is to throw strike one.

I am confident in all three of my pitches and will throw them in any count.”

Jason Ammons

Senior Pitcher/First Base Appling County High School Baxley, GA

THE STATS

GPA: 3.65 Hits/Throws: R/R Batting Average: .310 HR: 1 RBIs: 12

ERA: 0.969 K's: 33 Innings Pitched: 21.2

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL? “My favorite part of playing baseball is the camaraderie that I have with my teammates. The game of baseball brought us together, and it has built a bond that will last a lifetime. The blood, sweat, and tears that each of us have poured into this program has allowed us to make memories that each of us will cherish for a lifetime. Like most families, we may not always agree on everything, but when we are between the white lines competing, we are one unit. When we are playing as a unified team with one goal in mind, we are tough to beat.”

APPLING HEAD BASEBALL COACH JEREMY SMITH ON JASON AMMONS: “Jason is the third Ammons that I have had the privilege to coach, and like his two older brothers, Jason is a great student of the game and has worked very hard to be the player he is today. Jason is a great leader and a great competitor and the guy you want on the mound when the game is on the line.”

In The Game | 13

COLLEGE PLANS: "I plan to play baseball in college"

INTENDED MAJOR: Human and Health Services

BASEBALL HISTORY: “I started playing baseball at the age of 5 in Cleveland, Mississippi. I was allowed to play up with the 6- and 7-year-olds because I had the skills to play with them. I then moved to Harker Heights, Texas, and played on the Longhorns as my middle school travel ball team. After Texas we moved to Lansing, Kansas, where I played on the 14 and under Major Kansas Redlegs, where my passion and love for baseball grew even larger and my skills got better. I then moved to Columbus, Georgia, and attended Hardaway High School. I made varsity my freshman year but was only a bullpen catcher and a backup catcher.”

WHEN DID YOU BECOME A HIGH SCHOOL STARTER? “I became a high school starter my sophomore year at Liberty County.”

WHAT IS ONE COOL FACT ABOUT YOU? “I’m a down to earth person and cool with everyone.”

WHAT NUMBER DO YOU WEAR AND WHY? “I wear the No. 12 because that’s the number my deceased brother and dad wore when they played high-school baseball and college.”

DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST HIGH SCHOOL HOME RUN: “When I hit my first home run I was happy rounding the bases and smiling from ear to ear. But once I touched home plate, it was like it was gone because I knew the team still had business to take care of.”

WHAT GOES THROUGH YOUR MIND WHEN COMING TO BAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A GAME? “When I’m coming to bat for the first time in a game, I have to time the pitcher when he’s warming up. It’s like a ritual because if I don’t, my at bats don’t go as planned. But while I’m timing him, I’m working on keeping my hands inside and making sure my hips don’t fly, and I’m trying to pick up on movements he may give away when throwing a certain pitch.

But when I’m finally in the box, it’s like I have tunnel vision; it’s just me and the pitcher, and everything I worked on in the on deck circle, I apply it then.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLAYING BASEBALL? “My favorite part about baseball is when you face a guy or meet a guy who has the same mindset and goals as you and have the same work ethic because it’s like we can talk about baseball all day and things we’ve done or drills and hitting tips for each other.”

LIBERTY HEAD BASEBALL COACH BRANDON WHITMORE ON RONNIE KEATON: “Ronnie Keaton is one of the most versatile players I’ve seen play. He can play any position on the field. What makes him stand out is his hitting. He throws right, but hits from the left and absolutely strokes the ball to all fields.”

14 | itgnext.com

Ronnie Keaton

Senior Catcher/Shortstop Liberty County High School Hinesville, GA

THE STATS

GPA: 3.7 Hits/Throws: L/R Batting Average: .438 OBP: .561 Bases Stolen: 8

Doubles: 3 Slugging: .612 Fielding: .817

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Blue Collar Coach Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

When Trent Mongero started playing college baseball, he had no idea that the town he always passed that was just north of the Florida state line would one day become his home. Originally from upstate New York, he would drive I-95 south on his way to South Florida State Junior College.

“I used to drive by the Brunswick exit many times a year driving to and from college,” he said.

Now, he calls the Golden Isles home as the first year head baseball coach at Glynn Academy.

Mongero comes to the Brunswick school from North Hall High School in Gainesville,

Georgia, where he won last year’s state 3A championship. He coached North Hall for 11 years and was in two state title games in the past five years, falling to Cartersville in 2013 and winning it all against Pierce County last year.

He will always remember watching the North

Hall team celebrate after winning the 3A state title last year.

“To add to this amazing moment, my son, Taber, was a senior on that team,” Mongero said.

With so many strong private school teams in 3A, many said winning a championship would be an impossible feat.

In The Game | 17

Atlanta Professional Sports Legends

Michael Vick Atlanta Falcons (2001-08) 4-time Pro-Bowler Deion Sanders Atlanta Falcons (1989-2003) 8-time First-Team All-Pro

Dominique Wilkins Atlanta Hawks (1982-94) 9-time NBA All Star Joe Johnson Atlanta Hawks (2005-12) 7-time NBA All Star Pete Maravich Atlanta Hawks (1970-74) 5-time NBA All Star

Hank Aaron Atlanta Braves (1955-75) 1957 NL MVP Chipper Jones Atlanta Braves (1993-2012) 1999 NL MVP John Smoltz Atlanta Braves (1988-2008) NCLS MVP Greg Maddux

Atlanta Braves (1993-2003) 4-time NL Cy Young Award Winner

Tom Glavine Atlanta Braves (1987-2002) 1995 World Series MVP

18 | itgnext.com

Among the most memo- “The opponent is irrelrable games of his career evant. ‘Be Uncommon’ is Game 3 of last year’s with all your actions, both first round of the state on and off the field, and playoffs against Pace control the controllable.”

Academy. After splitting Players say he is a a double header, North hard-working coach who Hall jumped out to a lead gets the entire team inin the third and deciding volved in the game. game of the series. Mon“Whether it be somegero’s son, a senior pitch- body pinch hitting or er, was on the mound running, because he is a for North blue collar coach we Hall. Pace “Compete against the have drasmade a comeback game. The opponent tically imin the fiproved at is irrelevant. ‘Be nal inning, all facets of but the the game,” Uncommon’ with Tr o j a n s said Glynn all your actions, were able Acadeto hold senior both on and off the my on to take Randon the one field, and control the Jernigan, run victory who is controllable.” and adheaded to vance in the Uni— Trent Mongero the playversity of offs. They Georgia to would not lose another play baseball after gradgame. uation.

Going into the 2017 Originally from Yorkseason, Mongero’s North town Heights, New York, Hall Trojans had been Mongero played college ranked No. 1. They fin- baseball in Florida before ished the season in the heading to UNC-Wilmingtop spot with the school’s ton, a Division I school in first ever state cham- the Colonial Athletic Aspionship in any of the sociation. three major sports in the “I was a short stop school’s 65-year history. and played in the Atlanta He did it with a basic Braves farm system after coaching philosophy of college,” he said. “My preparation and playing first season was Chipper up to your potential.

Jones’s first season in pro “Compete against the baseball.” game,” Mongero said.

In 1992, Mongero be-

Glynn Academy baseball coach Trent Mongero grew up with, and is still friends with, alternative rock superstar Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band.

They both lived and went to school in Yorktown Heights in upstate New York.

In 1996, he won third place on “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

He has written two books on baseball instruction: "The Coach’s Companion: Winning Baseball."

Books 1 and 2 are available at coachmongero.com.

Image courtesy of coachmongero.com

came an assistant coach at Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina, best known as Michael Jordan’s alma mater. He spent two years with the Buccaneers before taking over the head coaching job.

In his first year as head coach, ESPN came to Wilmington to see them play, but the national media was more interested in the other team, who just happened to be the cross town rival. Three thousand fans packed the stadium for what was supposed to be a record-breaking night. Instead, Mongero’s Buccaneers downed USA Today’s No. 1 team in extra innings.

After several successful seasons at Laney, Mongero moved to Richmond Senior High School in Rockingham, North Carolina. He led the Raiders to playoff appearances in his three years there until making his move to Georgia and North Hall High School in 2006.

Georgia Dugout Club Magazine has his coaching record at 435-191, although Mongero himself does not keep up with it. He has twice been named the Georgia Coach of the Year and was the 2017 American Baseball Coaches Association’s National High School Baseball Coach of the Year. Earlier this year, he spoke before 6,000 college and high

school baseball coaches at the National Baseball Coaches Convention in Indianapolis.

When the head baseball coach’s job opened up at Glynn Academy last summer, the Terrors knew they wanted someone who could guide their team to a championship. With the opening of Glynn Academy’s new baseball facility, Wainwright Field, they wanted a proven leader to take the reins. Under Mongero’s leadership through March, the Red Terrors had won 15 of 16 games and were ranked as high as No. 2 in the state by Georgia Dugout Preview Magazine.

Mongero credited the team’s success to how well the players get along

with each other.

“They are a very close group who respect one another,” he said. “No real cliques on the team. They pull for one another and want to see each other succeed.”

When he is not teaching or coaching, Mongero and his wife travel to visit their two college freshmen children. Taber, who was the Georgia 3A Player of the Year last season, now plays for Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, while their daughter is at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

In The Game | 19

Where I can participate in sports that allow me to show off my talents.

Where I can save money while earning my associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Where even as a Florida, South Carolina, or Alabama resident, I qualify for in-state tuition.

Where I can live on campus in a modern residence hall.

Where I will get the support I need to build a solid foundation for my future.

What are you waiting for?

Your next chapter at SGSC awaits...enroll today! www.sgsc.edu | hawknation@sgsc.edu Douglas: 912.260.4206 | Waycross: 912.449.7600

BACON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

BASEBALL COACH BIDS FAREWELL, FOOTBALL IN SIGHT Written by: Rob Asbell

Photography courtesy of Debra Tanner

Baseball Coach Departing

Football Begins Aug. 3

The Red Raiders baseball team will have new leadership next year. Head baseball coach Derek James has informed the team that he will be leaving Bacon County High School at the end of this school year.

James has accepted the job at Toombs County High School and will make the one-hour trip up U.S. 1 to Lyons to coach the Bulldogs next year. The news was delivered during a team meeting March 23, the same day Bacon defeated Toombs 8-7 in extra innings.

Currently in his ninth year as head of the baseball program at Bacon County, James has been successful, leading the Raiders to the state Final Four in 2017. This season has been a rebuilding year for Bacon, but they are still in contention for a playoff spot going into the final part of the season.

James will replace Bulldogs coach Brian Fitzgerald, who announced his intention to step down at the end of the year. He guided Toombs County to the state Final Four last season as well.

The 2018 football schedule has been released by the Georgia High School Association, and Bacon County will see some new opponents this year in a regular season with six road games.

Instead of a spring game, Bacon opted to have two scrimmage games at the beginning of the season. The Red Raiders will have a preseason scrimmage against Appling County on Aug. 3 and Atkinson County on Aug. 10.

Bacon will open the regular season at home against 2A powerhouse the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane on Aug. 17. The two teams have not played one another since 2005.

The following week Bacon will travel to Blackshear to face the Pierce County Bears. Week 3 has the Raiders in Nashville against Berrien County, and Week 4 will be on the road in McRae to face the Telfair County Trojans.

Following an open week, the second half of the season sees Region 2-2A play start with the big rivalry game against Jeff Davis County at home in Alma.

Then comes a road trip to “The Pit” in Toombs County before returning home to play Swainsboro. That is followed by road games against Metter and then Bryan County in Pembroke. The final regular season game will be at home against the Vidalia Indians.

Coach Kyle Langford’s Red Raiders won their first four games in 2017, but finished the season at 6-4 and tied for fourth place in Region 2-2A. A mini-game decided the region’s final playoff spot, which went to Jeff Davis County.

Bacon County Red Raiders’ 2018 Football Schedule 8/17 Fitzgerald 8/24 at Pierce County 8/31 at Berrien County 9/07 at Telfair County 9/14 open 9/21 Jeff Davis County 9/28 at Toombs County 10/05 Swainsboro 10/12 at Metter 10/19 open 10/26 at Bryan County 11/02 Vidalia

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WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS LEAD THE WAY Written by: Evan Smoak | Photography by: Michael Brinson Spring is in full swing here in Southeast Georgia, and so is baseball. The Ware County High Gators have been playing well on the diamond. As of April 8, they sit with a 13-10 overall record with an outstanding region record of 5-1.

However, the Gators face a tough stretch over the next two weeks as arguably the two toughest teams in our region come calling.

Ware plays a series with the No. 1 ranked team in GHSA 5A, Wayne County, the week of April 9-13. The following week, the South Effingham Mustangs come calling. The Gators are led by first-year head coach Jamie Ammon and are laden with eight seniors.

Coleman Tanner has been excellent both on the mound as a pitcher and with his bat, leading the team in RBIs with 16. Behind the plate as a catcher, Tanner has thrown out 16 runners.

First baseman and ace pitcher Derrin Cox has been a nice addition to the team after transferring back home in the offseason. He and Tanner are tied for most home runs on the team.

Senior infielders Cole Andreoli and Acy Paulk have been great bats for the Gators all throughout the order. Outfielders Jacob Hendrix, Jake Manders, and Gage Bray have swarmed

the outfield, making great catches and daring throws that have thrown runners out flat.

Manders and Hendrix have also spent time on the pitching mound this year. Manders has been the “2A” starter, while Hendrix has primarily been used as a reliever in critical late innings. Bray, while pitching sparingly, has been making big contributions to the team with his bat. He leads the team in batting average with a .375.

Senior reliever Victor Steedly has started the season holding the bag down at third base. Freshman Caleb Stewart has been a utility man for the Gators as he split time between third base, shortstop, and center field while being the Gators’ leadoff hitter for most of the season. Junior Demarco Gibson has manned second base lately and has been used as the designated hitter.

Juniors Colton Tyre, Drew Johnson, and Jeremiah O’hara have stepped up and played well when their counterparts have either been pitching or injured.

Junior Sergey Steedley has also been a great late inning pitch hitter, while junior Austin Pitman has done well pinch running.

Sophomore standouts Bryson Wheeler and Trent Thomas have used their

speed on the base path, scoring crucial runs when needed. Wheeler has also spent time on third base and as a pinch hitter and even as a pitcher for the Gators early in the season. We here at In the Game wish the best of luck to the Gators as the fight for a region crown comes to a close.

In The Game | 23

PIERCE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

RAINING BUCKETS

Written by: Jaron Raulerson | Photo courtesy of Chandler Watson

Pierce County basketball has always been one of the more prided sports at PCHS, and coach Lacie Evans strives to keep the Lady Bears on track along with the help of her three seniors: Keara Clark, Gabby Garner, and Abby Cox. When the season was nearly completed and the playoffs were soon to follow, Clark set a major mark in Pierce County basketball history. Pierce County was facing off against Long County for the second and final time for the season. This was a game where a win was the second thing on everyone's minds.

The Lady Bears ultimately came out of Ludowici with a win to sweep the season series, but along with the victory, Pierce County’s all-time scoring leader, Clark, scored her 1,000th career point in the process, the first girl to do so under Evans. Evans had nothing but kind words to say when asked to describe Clark’s impact on the team.

“She’s our best scorer, she is one of our best defenders, and she is one of our best players,” Evans said.

Clark's accomplishment was one of the many highlights from the 2017-18 season for the Lady Bears.

The Lady Bears finished the season with a 21-8 record, 10-1 in regional play — similar to last year when they finished the season also at 21-8. The Lady Bears advanced all the way to the finals of the regional tournament after defeating Liberty County 35-28 in the semi-finals. The girls fought their hardest, but just missed their shot at bringing home the trophy, losing to Tattnall County 53-45.

A week after the loss, the girls looked as if they were going to have an early exit in the GHSA state playoffs after being pinned to an early 8-28 deficit against Dougherty in the first round. Pierce County quickly adjusted and outscored the Trojans 61 to 25 in the remaining three quarters. Despite the great teamwork exhibited by the team, the Lady Bears just couldn’t follow through the next round against a more talented Peach County.

The tough loss was the final high school game Clark, Garner, and Cox played for the Blue and Silver, but they will undoubtedly keep enjoying basketball at the next level.

24 | itgnext.com

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No Offseason Written by: W. John Wood | Photography by: Michael Brinson

There has never been a time that Glynn Middle School eighth-grader Bryce Reilly didn’t have a ball near him. Countless soccer seasons made way for baseball, basketball, and football since he was 3 years old.

“The first memory I have of playing soccer, I think I was in second grade, and we played a tournament on Jekyll Island and won the championship and scored nine goals in two games," Reilly said. "I had four goals in the first game and five goals in the second game."

His first championship wasn’t the only one he was part of with the Golden Isles Soccer Association and other travel teams. However, even during soccer season, Reilly occasionally played baseball at the Glynn County Recreation Department and with travel teams, the SSI Terrors and Coastal Georgia Hooks.

Reilly came by his love for sports naturally. His parents, Ed and Meredith Reilly, were both accomplished athletes. His father was a strong football and basketball player when he was a Maryland prep player, and his mother is an accomplished equestrian who competed for years riding American Saddlebreds. Reilly will join his brother, Will, a junior who runs cross country, at Frederica Academy next fall.

Reilly gained experience playing rec and travel ball for years, but when he entered Glynn Middle School as a seventh-grader, he realized that organized school athletic programs were different from what he had played before. For one thing, athletes who play multiple sports are forced to make a choice because of overlapping seasons.

“One of the first things that I learned about the difference between rec and middle school sports is that you face better competition," Reilly said. "It’s much more serious than rec sports because a lot of these players are trying to get better so they can hopefully be able to play in high school.”

Reilly’s work ethic, drive, and dogged competitiveness helped him be part of three middle school championships for Glynn Middle School, two in football and one in soccer.

“The time between my seventh- and eighth-grade 26 | itgnext.com

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years was really important because as a seventh-grader you don’t get to play as much as you do as an eighth-grader," Reilly said.

"When you are an eighth-grader, you get a chance to play more and not be in the shadows so much. You have a bigger opportunity to prove yourself."

This past football season Reilly caught his first touchdown pass for the Hurricanes football team and enjoyed learning to play corner on defense, showing a willingness to come and hit. On the soccer field he also saw some adjustment moving between forward and defender. Reilly is a defender at heart but enjoys using his physicality on the offensive side as well.

One sport in a competitive feeder system can be a lot for a middle school student to handle because it’s the beginning of adolescence. It’s often a time when extracurricular activities start to compete with the need for a social life and other opportunities. However, Reilly never skipped, wavered, or missed a beat during his years at Glynn Middle School. Reilly went from the gridiron to the hardwood to the soccer field for two years, and as an eighth-grader he plays a significant role as an athlete and leader on each team.

One of the most impressive stats that Reilly has tallied in his time at Glynn Middle School isn’t one that flashes across the scoreboard.

Playing three sports for the school system and also playing multiple travel sports, Reilly has still maintained an A average in all of his academic work.

“Bryce is a very enthusiastic student who is always on top of his academic responsibilities,” said Dr. Robin Hunter, Glynn Middle

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"Bryce’s competitive nature is apparent in academic situations. He always finishes among the leaders for his class when using programs that reward students for productivity. Bryce definitely brings an elite athlete’s mentality to the classroom.”

— Dr. Robin Hunter School principal. “He is always conscientious about completing assignments to the best of his ability. Bryce actively participates in class, and he is always willing to weigh in on a difficult topic. Bryce’s competitive nature is apparent in academic situations. He always finishes among the leaders for his class when using programs that reward students for productivity. Bryce definitely brings an elite athlete’s mentality to the classroom.”

Though Reilly has had the opportunity to play on a number of county recreation league all-star teams, the experience and honor is not lost on him. Last season, Reilly made the Glynn County Recreation All-Star 12U basketball team, which made a deep run for a Georgia Recreation and Park Association title. He was honored to be a part of the first Glynn County team to win a district championship and play in a state tournament.

That experience also led to him playing AAU with some of his same teammates.

Playing multiple sports is a way of life for Reilly, but just like any athlete, there is always another challenge on the horizon. Working outside of school and on his own time, Reilly has started to train to be a more versatile athlete on the field.

On a breezy, overcast Sunday morning when Reilly could have been a dozen other places, he was working through a progression of drills from quarterback coach Eddie Willingham from IProvideFitness, out of Savannah.

Willingham played quarterback in high school at Daytona Beach but ended up signing with the University of Southern Mississippi as a defensive back.

28 | itgnext.com

“Keep working hard, keep the ball up, and move your feet," Willingham said to Reilly. "You have a good arm, but you also have to be a dual threat sometimes."

Sprigs of yellow grass flew around as Reilly’s cleats clutched the ground as he tried to find an extra gear to finish a 30-yard sprint through cones ending with a rollout and quick spiral to Willingham on the sideline.

“Bryce has worked really hard because he has athletic ability," Willingham said. "It’s tough to develop a new skill set, but just the fact he is willing to work hard and be coachable speaks volumes. Plus, he has some core strength and hasn’t even started to hit his major growth spurt yet."

Willingham has worked with some of the best talent in the Coastal Empire, including West Virginia Mountaineer bound receiver and past Player Spotlight feature Sam James from Richmond Hill. As Willingham worked through progression reads, he told Reilly to imagine the placement of the Will linebacker on a glance route. Reilly drank it all in.

Away from the field, Reilly enjoys being in the outdoors, fishing, and being on the water.

“I need to keep working hard to get bigger, faster, and stronger,” Reilly said. "I really need to work hard on the weights. I want to be a better student of the game, learning to watch film and see what I am doing right and what I need to work on."

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JENNIFER CARTER JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURING MEMORIES As you thumb through the pages of In the Game's Southeast Georgia edition, you no doubt notice the quality of the photographs that accompany the stories.

Many of those were taken by photographer extraordinaire Jennifer Carter Johnson of Blackshear. For the past six years, Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography has been taking pictures of high school seniors and student athletes.

“Through the years, I have learned what I love to photograph, and that’s what I tend to concentrate on," she said. "I just have a passion for sports, the action shots.

And seniors; I love their energy.”

Now, she follows her passion by doing photography for high school seniors and out on the playing fields.

As a photographer, she has a keen eye for subjects that stand out. She will put people in surrounding locations that emphasize their own interests. One of her photos captures a softball team coming out of a corn field as if they are in a “Field of Dreams” remake.

The photo adorns the top of her Facebook page that features several other examples of her work.

Like many parents, Johnson got her start by photographing her own children and then posting the pictures on social media.

“Other people would see it, and it just sort of went from there," she said. “It’s

something that with time the more I did it the more I liked it and the more interest I had from other people.”

Before long, she had a following who loved her photographs with their attention to detail and a certain flare that made them more than just pictures.

She began taking photos for others and was soon doing signature photos for high school seniors.

“I am so blessed to be surrounded by coaches and kids that don’t mind having my camera in their face during games and by lots of amazing clients that trust me enough to capture their memories,” she said.

Her favorite type of photo is one that challenges her, and her favorite place to be is on the sidelines of a Pierce County Bears football game on a Friday night. Shooting photos of action pulls her in and gives her the freedom to get good, exciting photos.

“When it’s dark it is so much more of a challenge to catch those guys in the air catching the ball,” she said.

Whether she is photographing a game or shooting a magazine cover, each of Johnson’s photos stands out from others.

“I just get out there and try to have fun regardless of what it is I am photographing," she said. "I feel like, ‘If I am not having fun, why do it?’ I don’t know if it is the energy behind it or the heart behind it. I just really enjoy what I do.”

raphy at (912) 2812599 or by email at jennifer@jennifercarterjohnson.com. She is also available on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

To make an appointment, contact Jennifer Carter Johnson PhotogIn The Game | 31

BLAZER BOUND

Written by: Rob Asbell | Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

W

are County senior Derrin Cox takes baseball very seriously.

“I have never settled for remaining the same player,” he said. “I always work during the offseason in the cages and in the weight room.”

His hard work paid off. Since transferring to Ware County this season, Cox has become the ace on the mound for the Gators. Each day he can be found at practice working to be the best pitcher, hitter, and first baseman possible. He constantly works to improve him-

self, and it shows. The 6’3”, 240-pound fireballing pitcher has already signed a scholarship to play at the collegiate level next year. The hurler caught the eye of college scouts and inked his National Letter of Intent during the early signing period to play for the

Valdosta State University Blazers.

Cox’s favorite part of playing baseball is being “Valdosta is a on the mound facing opschool that I have posing batters. He enjoys always wanted to at- the one-on-one challenge tend,” Cox said. “It from the mound. This season as a Ware County is a school that is Gator, Cox pitched a comrecommended by plete game against his almost all of its stu- old teammates at Pierce dents, and being able County, putting in seven to play baseball there innings of work; he threw just 78 pitches for the vicis only a bonus.”

The senior right- tory over the Bears.

“He has worked really hander played his first three years of high school hard in the weight room baseball for Pierce Coun- to increase his strength ty, but traded the Bears’ and durability while also blue for the Gators' green decreasing his recovery this season. Cox made the time between starts,” Amtrip to Waycross when mons said.

A c o a c h t o u g h J a m i e competiAmmons tor on the c a m e mound, over from Cox takes Appling e v e r y County. pitch as a Prior to challenge, his time not only in Baxley, — Derrin Cox against Ammons the batter coached but whethCox earer or not ly in his he locates career his pitch at Pierce where he County. wants it.

“Derrin He has has comcommand manded of three his pitches d i ff e re n t better this pitches year than and can I rememt h r o w ber,” Amthem in mons said. any count.

“He comHe is menmands the strike zone and throws a heavy base- tally tough and brings out ball. His curve ball breaks the best in his teammates on multiple planes and through his example of is very difficult to square a strong work ethic. Although he has complete up.”

“Do a job and do damage.”

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control of the strike zone with all of his pitches, Cox likes to throw his fastball the best because he can locate it the most consistently.

A strong, silent leader, Cox takes a business like approach to the game.

Whether on the mound or at the plate, his demeanor never changes. Coaches use the word “stoic” to describe him when he is playing because he maintains an even emotional balance. Each time he comes to bat, Cox is focused on getting the job done at the plate.

“Do a job and do damage,” Cox said.

A student of the game, Cox once spent time talking to former Atlanta Braves player Sid Bream about “The Slide,” the play that enabled the Braves to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1992 National League Championship Series, sending Atlanta to the World Series.

Cox started playing baseball at 4 years old.

He played recreation league baseball and was on several travel squads, including Team Zero and 5 Star National. He still recalls his first home run at 9 years old.

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“I can still picture every second of seeing it fly off the bat and trotting around the bases,” he said.

He continued to play into high school and got his first varsity start as a freshman at Pierce County.

He credited his father and coaches for helping him steadily improve over the years.

“All of them have instilled an attitude in me to never settle for average,” he said.

Ammons will hate to see Cox go after graduation.

“Derrin is one of those kids that any coach would love to have in his program, and we will miss him next year as he takes his game to the next level at Valdosta State,” Ammons said.

The son of John and Ellen Cox, Derrin holds a 4.0 GPA. He plans on majoring in education in college. Away from the baseball diamond and school, Cox attends Walkerville Baptist Church and enjoys hunting and fishing.

“All of them have instilled an attitude in me to never settle for average.”

— Derrin Cox In The Game | 35

Licensed to Thrill Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Imagine David Beckham as a teenager. Or perhaps more accurately, James Bond. Pierce County High senior Jake Wheeler carries himself with that same swagger — a confidence beyond his years — but he’s also one of the most likable guys you’ll meet. The son of Dr. Hank Wheeler and Anna Wheeler, the twosport star is among the top scholars at PCHS.

“Probably I am most proud of the fact I made a 34 on the reading section of the ACT,” said Wheeler, who scored a 31 overall on the college admissions exam. “I have considered studying something in the medical field, but my family is full of doctors, dentists, and vets. I’m really thinking now about business. I don’t want to be just your average Joe stockbroker, though. Politics actually interests me, too.

I became interested in the last presidential election, and it never really died.”

Alive and well also is Wheeler’s ability to acquire knowledge for

36 | itgnext.com

its own sake. An honor graduate with a 4.0 GPA, Wheeler began the final nine weeks of his senior year ranked 14th in a class numbering 245. He has taken more than a half dozen college classes and made A’s in all of them: three math, three history, and one biology.

Other accolades include membership on the First Southern Bank Junior Board of Directors and service as a junior usher at the 2017 PCHS graduation. Appropriately, he was named Most Spirited as a senior along with classmate Bennett Strickland.

“Teaching Jake in the classroom, it is no surprise to see the tremendous success he has had on the soccer field,” Brett Brooker, PCHS teacher, said. “Jake's desire to learn the intricacies of content in Honors Economics must parallel his efforts to diagnose weaknesses and dominate opponents on the pitch.

His conscious efforts to achieve at the highest levels of the academic realm carry over to his training regimen and allow him to exhibit earnest leadership for his teammates on and off the field.”

Soccer ranks particularly high among Wheeler’s passions. He first took

up the game in fifth grade after a brief pursuit of baseball. The year before, his brother, Matthew, also switched from baseball to soccer, and the Wheeler household has been sold on the game since. These days at PCHS, the brothers enjoy a most unique situation with Matthew having served as Jake’s head varsity coach.

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“Being Jake's brother and his coach has not been an issue at all,” coach Wheeler said. “We have always had a great relationship, and sports have always been a part of that. When we’re together outside of practice, we talk about soccer and football. Jake does a good job understanding when I am being his coach and when I am being his brother. Being able to coach my younger brother has been pretty awesome, and I couldn't be prouder of the player, student, and person that Jake is.”

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Intellect plays a key role in Wheeler’s position: center midfielder. As the chief passer on the front line, it’s an assignment predicated upon field awareness. And while he’s using his head to make grades, he also uses his head to make plays.

“Jake has many strengths as a player, but his most admirable attribute is that he plays with a tremendous amount of heart,” coach Wheeler said. “He has great skills, he can shoot with either foot, he's got speed, he makes crisp passes, and he has the ability to see the entire field. Jake is the best player I've ever seen when it comes to scoring with his head, especially on corner kicks. That is once again his desire to win and go after the ball and not let anyone stop him from getting his head on the ball and putting it in the back of the net.”

A four-year starter who was the Region 2-3A Player of the Year in 2017, Wheeler helped lead the Bears to a 10-7 mark last season and a state play-

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off berth. Heading into spring break this year, the Bears were already 10-2 with Wheeler leading the team in scoring (15 goals, 13 assists). He laughed off questions of signature moves, saying the secret to success is to simply outwork everyone else.

“During the offseason I’m always training, but with soccer, no matter how hard you train, you’re always going to get tired,” he said. “For example, on corner kicks, some people are going to use that time to relax, but probably 60 percent of my goals are coming then. I’m just trying to get in everyone’s way and get open. If the goalie can’t see the ball because of you, that ball can go anywhere. Good things usually work out for teams that can cause chaos.”

Earlier this season, 38 | itgnext.com

Wheeler scored four goals in the second half against Long County to key a near comeback.

However, he said his favorite highlight came on a corner kick last season versus Appling County.

The Bears trailed the Pirates with two minutes left with Daniel Bennett cornering for PCHS. Wheeler said Bennett launched a perfect kick that Wheeler then used to find the back of the net. The goal forced overtime, and PCHS went on to win it on penalty kicks.

“Jake is a very aggressive player on the field," said teammate Angel Lacot. "He wants to win badly. During games, it’s the way he talks — he talks with madness; he’ll beat his hand and say, ‘I want to

win’ and look at us as if to say, ‘We’ve got to win.’

He acts like a leader.”

Last fall Wheeler also played football for the first time since his rec league days. Serving as the Bears place kicker, he did so in part due to encouragement from longtime soccer teammate Cooper Saussy, who handled football kicking duties the previous three years. Wheeler’s longest field goal was a 38-yarder, but he’s most proud of the two onside kicks he executed against Appling County.

Past summers for Wheeler have often centered on his travel soccer team based out of Jekyll Island. He cited travel coach Lee Swafford as a key resource for his success there as well as in the prep ranks.

This summer brings a new challenge, though.

Wheeler plans to go on a mission to the Dominican Republic through Holt’s House of Hope, a favorite charity. He also engages in Christian outreach efforts through First Baptist Church in Blackshear.

Support from his family, Wheeler said, has been a chief ingredient to his success. In addition to his parents and his brother/ coach, the inner circle also includes oldest brother Ben and younger sisters Caroline and Kate. Along with Saussy, Wheeler cited former teammates Ben Hopkins, Ashton Cantrell, and Thomas Echols as key influences on him throughout his career.

“This year is probably the closest the team has ever been,” he said. “Lots of times the soccer players will bring their game consoles over to my house. We’ll wind up hav-

ing a Fortnite tournament or something until about 4 in the morning.”

Still to be decided is Wheeler’s college choice.

It’s a verdict that will no doubt hinge in part upon his ultimate selection of a major. Whereas his longterm plans hang in the balance, there’s no doubt what he wants to accomplish in the short run.

“The hardest thing I ever attained was being named Region Player of the year last year,” he said. “But I’d trade that in a heartbeat to be region champs.”

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