Gwinett County Media Day
January 9, 2026
As the high school season gets closer and closer, we headed out to Seckinger High School for the Gwinnett County baseball media day.
This was our 2nd year heading out to cover the event and we were lucky enough to sit down with over 20 schools to hear about their thoughts for this upcoming spring season.
Archer
Head Coach: Eric Love
Team Outlook: -“Hard-working veteran group leading the way. New talent on the team with an impactful transfer arm and day 1 freshman starters. The team expects to make the playoffs.” Eric Love
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“How to deal with adversity and overcome that to win the region this year.”
Senior OF/LHP Apollo Bailey, Wallace Dothan CC commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Hitting a home-run at LakePoint this Fall season.”
Senior
Senior 1B/LHP Sean Gates
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“ Finish strong from start to finish and overcome slumps or adversity that may come during the year.”
Senior 3B/RHP Kaleb Watkins
Lanier
Head Coach: Paul Cromie
Team Outlook: -“First year with the team and have already noticed a strong blend of leadership, unity, brotherhood. Existing culture in the clubhouse and expect to do much better than last year as the seniors lead the way.” Paul Cromie, Head, Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“We were a young team last year and return experience this year. Could improve upon building chemistry and growing up together.”
Senior LHP Ethan Curtis, Lincoln-Memorial commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Hitting the curve testing center with a foul homerun this Fall.”
Senior MIF Zach Diaz, Newberry commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Pitching depth, a lot of talented younger guys coming up.”
Senior RHP/IF Patrick Goodheart, LaGrange commit
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Seckinger and Milton (chippy matchup from last season).”
Senior LHP Lawson Smithers, Emmanuel commit
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“To build each other up and overcome adversity”.
Senior OF Nick Sampona, Shorter commit
Collins Hill
Head Coach: Bryan Linnell
Team Outlook: - “ This is a young group with more talent than years previous. Deep pitching staff. Different mentality, hard workers. Expect a lot from them this year.” Bryan Linnell, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“The importance of a senior class. I have to take over the role of leading the group this year.”
Senior OF Atticus Joseph, Stanford football commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“When the power went out at Lakepoint and the lights cut off during the middle of receiving a pitch.”
Senior C Hunter Sokol, Young Harris commit
-“The competition amongst everyone in practice”.
Senior LHP/OF Sylas Brooks
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Our brotherhood and chemistry amongst one another and we look to build upon it this season.”
Junior MIF Borahn Ly
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Dacula. We lost all 3 last season and have something for them this year.”
Junior 1B/OF/LHP Hunter Lee
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“To get into the playoffs and make ourselves known.”
Junior MIF Noe Rivas
Seckinger
Head Coach: HC Justin Bishop
Team Outlook: -“ Strong senior class with 14 in total and 11 of the 14 that have played together all the way through. Great relationships throughout the clubhouse. We started off strong and didn’t finish the year the right way last season. Heading into 2026 we look to peak at the right time.” Justin Bishop, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Cooperate more as a team. Bring the energy each and every time out. We want everything and to win it all.”
Senior MIF Sam Melanson
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Pitching at Lakepoint during GDC. I felt as if I was wanted as a transfer student and to play for his team and the guys around him.”
Senior RHP Landon Niemotka
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“The connected senior leadership and our willingness to fight for each other.”
Senior RHP Steven Byers
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Gainesville. Storied history between both coaches.”
Senior MIF EJ Hannah
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“ This is a gritty group and we will be a tough game each time out. Look for us to surprise some people this year.” Justin Bishop, Head Coach
North Gwinnett
Head Coach: HC Ryan Moity
Team Outlook: -“Questions surrounding losing 16 seniors and experience as a whole. Exciting to see new faces in the mix and staff will get to coach more. This team learned a lot from the guys ahead of them and will look to take over the existing culture.” Ryan Moity, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Transferring in, I'm excited for the atmosphere and the high-level of competition in 6A baseball. You play for the people and community around you.”
Senior C/RHP Joseph Mittiga, Indiana commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Playing with Devine”
Senior OF/1B CJ Brown, Calhoun CC commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Pitching. Return experience and bring in young guys.”
Senior RHP Joseph Park
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Parkview”
Junior 3B/RHP Austin Neese
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Expectations to lead the younger guys and carry out the existing culture.”
2027 3B Graydon Sellers
Mill Creek
Head Coach: Paul Pierce
Team Outlook: -“Excited for the upcoming year. Plenty of stars throughout the roster and relentless type of work ethic guys that make for a good blend.” Paul Pierce, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“This will be my first year as a leader and I learned a lot from Daniel Pierce.”
Senior MIF Walker Myhand
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“ Future Games it was an awesome experience from top to bottom.”
1B/LHP Will Myhand, North Carolina commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Lots of depth on both sides of the ball and teammates carry a good mentality.”
Junior IF Brady Flesner
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“ Mountainview”
Junior RHP JJ Sims
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“ Give it all I have. Take it one game at a time and hope to win the region.”
Senior RHP Jack McCoy
Central Gwinnett
Head Coach: Karl Craig
Team Outlook: “Return most of the team as only 2 seniors graduate. 2 solid arms and trying to build depth for the pitching staff. Won our first region game last year and look to build upon that.” Karl Craig, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Staying consistent doing all the right things to take care of your body.”
Senior Javonte Worthy
-“Opponents. We were able to get familiar with the other teams in the region.”
Junior Jude Alderete
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Playing in my first game was a new experience and I was nervous.”
Senior Henry Lopez
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Chemistry. This is the closest I have ever been with my teammates.”
Senior Julian Diaz
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“To win the most region games ever. We feel good about this year.”
Senior RHP/SS Izaiah Delossantos
Buford
Head Coach: Stuart Chester
Team Outlook: -“ We are very excited collectively as a staff and team. Good blend of upperclass and underclass talent. Had a great off-season and have grown in the pitching department. Need to be ready for a tough series in the playoffs.” Stuart Chester, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Approaches at the plate need to improve and to push through adversity.”
Senior C Vance Bock, Air Force commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Hitting a homerun in my last game of the Fall.”
Senior OF/RHP Ayden Lockett, Northwest Florida commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Team hitting as a whole”.
Sophomore RHP/OF Dexter McCleon Jr
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Mill Creek. It's always a fun and energetic series.”
Senior 1B Caleb Griffin
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“To take every moment in. Construct memories with teammates and make it fun.”
Sophomore SS Lio Garcia
Norcross
Head Coach: Aaron Wilkens
Team Outlook: - “ Looking forward to a bounce back season as the culture has improved over the last couple of months. Good mix of talented upperclassmen and underclassmen that play for one another. Pitching is younger guys for the most part. Really talented group up-the-middle.” Aaron Wilkens, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“ To take leadership and step in for each other when needed. Learned a lot about one another last season and there are a ton of guys that can fill leadership roles.”
Senior SS/RHP Tristan Alvarez, Piedmont commit
-“To be there for one another and to be scrappy on the diamond.”
Junior OF/RHP Matthew Isaacson
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“ When I took a Changeup backside for a double during a showcase.”
Senior C Will Thiry, Gordon State commit
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“ Peachtree Ridge. I know and have grown up with a lot of the players over there.”
Senior IF Austin Walsh
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“ Not to look at the win and loss column. The biggest things to look at are attitude and comradery. Mistakes are part of the game and we need to move on as they won’t define the season.
Senior C Will Thiry, Gordon State commit
-“ Be close in every game. We need to focus on staying positive. Be like Dory and forget the mistakes.”
Senior IF Austin Walsh
-“Keep improving from last year. The sooner we can bounce back from mistakes is when the wins will come.”
Senior SS/RHP Tristan Alvarez, Piedmont commit.
Wesleyan
Head Coach: Mark Pope
Team Outlook: -“Excepting big things. Senior class is a very close-knit group. Looking for a few guys to fill holes, including converting a third baseman into a catcher.” Mark Pope, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“How to overcome a tough start. Player’s only meeting lit a spark last year and helped us understand that staying connected is the biggest thing.”
Senior RHP Thomas Pressman, Brevard College commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“My last game this summer. We went like 15/16 innings, easily the most fun.”
Senior 2B Knox Bingham
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Mount Paran. Need Revenge.
Senior SS Carter Hayes, GSCU commit
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Not to point fingers and bond amongst each other. Have no regrets or what if’s.”
Senior OF Brice Gillis, North Georgia commit
Parkview
Head Coach: David Reynolds
Team Outlook: -“Build on last year’s success. 13 seniors return with 10 being committed. Good blend of talent on both sides to lead the charge. Fully expect to be successful in the region and push for the playoffs.” -David Reynolds, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“We learned a lot about leadership. Having to bond with someone makes it easier to guide the team in a positive direction.”
Senior SS/2B Emani Ford, Kennesaw State commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Future Games. Florida vs. Georgia. High scoring game with a crazy atmosphere. The top coaches in the country were sitting next to my mom.”
Senior OF Malachi Washington, LSU commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“A lot of energy. Funny group. We love playing for each other.”
Senior RHP Grant Benefield
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Brookwood.”
Junior RHP/1B Andres Jimenez
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Win it all. This is a tight-knit group and we have everything we need to win a chip. We need to take it.”
Senior OF Ellis Appling, Wabash Valley commit
South Gwinnett
Head Coach: Matthew Powell
Team Outlook: -“Expecting a much better outlook than years previous. Guys are starting to mature and fine-tune mechanics. Little things have hurt in years past.” -Matthew Powell, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Leading the team from not going down on themselves.”
Junior OF/1B/RHP Christopher Frazier
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Last year at GDC. Went 7 innings against Archer and also hit a triple.”
Senior OF/RHP Cameron DeHall
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Tight bond among the group and always in communication.”
Senior P/OF/1B Mason Chambers
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Grayson. We want revenge for getting swept last season.”
Senior CIF/P Kay Rayford
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Keeping a high motor and not losing your head when things get tough. Fight through adversity and keep moving forward. Be a goldfish.”
Senior C/UTL Keyshon Mills
Greater Atlanta Christian
Head Coach: Josh Lee
Team Outlook: -“Excited to get started. 10 seniors with a lot of core pieces returning. Young guys coming up as well with opportunities to take.”
Josh Lee, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“First year on varsity and had to step up. Going to carry that momentum into this year. Help teammates with the experiences that I had.”
Senior 1B Ian Cobbs, Southern Union commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“A lot to choose from. Probably the ground-rule double at Senior Games last summer.”
Senior 1B Jared Givins
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Community. Returning production. Solid base of guys who know what they’re doing.”
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“North Hall. Bested us last year and ready to get our get back.”
Senior RHP Jacob Todebush, Rhodes College commit
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Expect to make a deep run and win the region. Bitter taste from the elite eight last year. Super stoked to get back out there and play winning baseball.”
Senior 1B Jared Givins
Brookwood
Head Coach: Robby Gilbert
Team Outlook: -“Senior production and experience. High expectations with intentions to win the region and fight for a state title.”
Robby Gilbert, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“It comes from us. It’s up to this group to change the culture and start a new narrative.”
Senior SS Boomer Rogozinski, Stetson commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Prep Baseball National Championship and making a good run with Devine.”
Senior LHP Joseph Soto, Valdosta State commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Chemistry. We have grown up playing together and have to execute.”
Senior RHP Marshall Jackson
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Parkview. Big rivalry.”
Senior OF Carson Tullos
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Less than five losses.”
Senior C Alex Reyes, Northwest Florida commit
Dacula
Head Coach: Jake Bova
Team Outlook: -“Every year is exciting in different ways. These four upperclassmen here have contributed in big ways. 12 seniors graduated, so expect this group to take the young guys under their wing.”
Jake Bova, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“How to be a leader. Keep a level head and teammates will follow.”
Junior C Logan Peralta
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Cooperstown when younger. It was a great experience.”
Junior RHP/SS Reid Dzikowski
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Buford.”
Senior OF Garrison Cantrell
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Play hard and to the best of our abilities. Put it all together.”
Senior Damien Washington
Grayson
Head Coach: Jed Hixson
Team Outlook: -“We expect to compete for the region title. Lots of guys without any varsity experience so different players will look to take on larger roles and compete.”
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Anything is possible, that I took on more playing time than expected and built off of it. Excited for the younger guys to experience what I went through.”
Senior IF Ryan Edington
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“The first time going out of town with the team and building a brotherhood.”
Junior OF/RHP Deuce Smith
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Our team chemistry and we developed our hitting.”
Senior OF Adrian Figueroa
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Archer because it helps the community along with Newton.”
Junior LHP Michael Hambrick III
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Expect everyone to be bought in and compete with one another. We intend to win a region title.”
Senior IF Ryan Edington
Mountain View
Head Coach: Jason Johnson
Team Outlook: “Staff and I are super optimistic for this upcoming season as we were a young team last year which led to underclassmen stepping into big spots and gaining experience. Main arms return and the guys from last year will look to lead.”
Nick Collins, Assistant Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“To take more situations seriously and win the games we are supposed to win.”
Senior RHP/IF/OF Trevor Waite
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Future Games. Great environment with a packed out crowd and to be able to play with the best players in the state.”
RHP/SS Andrew Brech, Georgia Tech commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Team bond, pitching, and offense.”
Senior C Grayson Weed
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Buford, We look to beat them at least 2 out of 3 times.”
Senior RHP/OF Jackson Resnick
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Not satisfied with last year. Go into this year hungry and make noise in the playoffs and win it all.”
Senior OF Sean Forbes
Peachtree Ridge
Head Coach: Jamie Suggs
Team Outlook: -“This is a top heavy senior team that will need to instill the existing culture throughout the younger classes. Expect to win region series and so forth while achieving small goals one step at a time.”
Jamie Suggs, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“To play more as a team this year as there were a lot of individually minded players last season. Rely more upon one another”.
Senior RHP/UTL Jaxon Barron, Southern Union commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“ When I picked up with East Cobb and we started a game at 11:55 pm.”
SS/RHP Erik Grunduski, Southern Union commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Starting to play like a team. Situational hitting and pitching depths as strengths on the field. Getting stronger as a whole in the weight room.”
Senior OF Nicolas Taylor, King University commit
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“North Gwinnett. Always a chippy and energetic matchup.”
Senior OF Aaron Alonso, Truett McConnell commit
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“Win a region championship and make it further in the playoffs.”
Senior 1B/LHP Brady Holt
Discovery
Head Coach: Eddie Pratt
Team Outlook: -“Will be a very interesting year after losing a strong senior class last season. Have to rely on this senior class in multiple roles with most having to both pitch and hit. Starting 6 freshmen and seniors will need to show brotherly love as they take the freshmen under their wing.” -Eddie Pratt, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“We need to focus on being connected as a team. Unite as one and flow fluently.”
Senior C Tristan Breedlove
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“When I made my coach cry, I broke my finger and continued catching until the end of the game.
Senior Alvaro Romero
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Team Bond”
Senior Pitcher Dominic Danaie
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Excited to every team. I will play with my head and my heart and fight until the end.”
Senior Sebastien Daal
Expectations for the 2026 season?
-“ Expect the team to go over .500. Capable of overcoming the obstacles thrown at us during the season.”
Senior C Tristan Breedlove
Hebron Christian
Head Coach: Johnathan Wymann
Team Outlook: -“Last season was frustrating. This group of five guys is the epitome of the team with a good blend of upperclass and underclass talent. This group as a whole has a chip on their shoulder after looking past the first round of playoffs a year ago. They carry a different work ethic this year. Sophomore class gained valuable experience as freshmen last season. Younger sophomores will push guys and step into certain roles. This team has a different dynamic of players across the board and is an extremely disciplined and high IQ group.” Johnathan Wymann , Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“Focusing on the game at that very moment and the task at hand.”
Senior RHP/OF Dallas Rice, Young Harris commit
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“Hitting a homerun over the curve testing center at LakePoint.”
Senior C Demitri Watts, Citadel commit
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Baseball knowledge and being able to compete at a high-level along with chemistry.”
Junior MIF Tyler Rogers
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Prince Avenue. Massive private school rivalry.”
Sophomore C/3B Gus Steve
What did you learn as a freshman in the 2026 season?
-“Learned my confidence level going into this year and what to expect. Be myself and not try to do too much.”
Sophomore MIF Brodie Lewis
Berkmar
Head Coach: Travis Odom
Team Outlook: - “Simply put we have to get better. I have players with very little baseball IQ. I intend to give them the structure to do the fundamental things the right way.” Travis Odom, Head Coach
What did you learn last year that will help you guys have a better year in 2026?
-“To build off the winless season last year and win a region game.”
Sophomore UTL Jair Francisco
Favorite lakepoint/baseball memory?
-“When I received the game ball at a younger age.”
Sophomore UTL Jair Francisco
What do you think your biggest strength is going into the 2026 year?
-“Everyone strives to be better. Aim high, miss high”.
Junior UTL Samuel Pulgar
Region match up you are looking most forward to?
-“Mill Creek”
Junior UTL Samuel Pulgar