By: Banks Faulkner – May 10, 2024 -Wildcats hold off Patriots, advance to Upper State Championship- DP was back at Wildcat Field Saturday for a winner’s bracket matchup against the JL Mann Patriots. The Wildcats would jump out in front with three runs in the bottom of the first inning highlighted by a 2-RBI double from Jackson Cionek. Tradd Burton’s walked to leadoff the second before swiping 2nd and then 3rd base. Lincoln Hill’s single made it 4-0 and it looked like this one may be a runaway for the Wildcats. The Patriots had other ideas however and managed to hold the Wildcats at bay until finally denting the scoreboard on a 3 RBI-single (yes you read that correctly) from Ashley Shiffer to make it 4-3. Not taking 2nd proved costly as a single to follow didn’t score the run and Brian Hucks turned it over to sophomore Brayden Studebaker who recorded a key strikeout to end the threat. Studebaker retired the side in order to end the ballgame and send Lexington to the Upper State Championship Friday. 1234567FinalMANN00000303LEX31000004 WP: Brandon Cromer LP: Hunter Howard; 2B: Brayden Jeffcoat (LEX); Jackson Cionek (LEX); Ashley Shiffer (MANN) On Deck…On Wednesday, Lexington will host the winner of Dorman/JL Mann Monday in the Upper State Championship. JL Mann will play Dorman in an elimination game Monday. -Prospect Info- Christian Spivey – 2027, Lexington HS, IF, Uncommitted: One of the best freshman hitters I’ve seen in quite some time. Very mature approach at the dish. Found his way in the middle of the lineup Saturday after a 3-3 night on Friday. I suspect he will remain there the remainder of his Wildcat career. A definite ‘must see’ for college coaches this summer! Lincoln Hill – 2025, Lexington HS, OF, Uncommitted: Not your typical 9-hole hitter at all. Has plenty of juice and makes a lot of loud contact at the plate. Some players just seem to have a knack for hitting and he is one of them. Serviceable outfielder that will get better with time as he continues to learn the position. Brandon Cromer – 2025, Lexington HS, OF/LHP, University of South Carolina Commitment: Very good outing Saturday for Cromer. Not a lot of hard contact and was extremely efficient for five innings before tiring and losing command of the strike zone in the sixth. Two-pitch guy for most of today. Fastball was up to 88 MPH early before settling in at 84-85. The fastball is tough to pick up and probably plays a few ticks higher than the gun indicates. High slot limits the movement but creates a downward angle that is tough to square up. Delivery looked cleaner today than I’ve seen in the past. He can swing the stick too and had a huge single to begin Lexington’s rally on Friday. Hunter Howard- 2024, JL Mann HS, P, Radford Signee: Not Howard’s best day today. Velocity was down from previous outings. Up to 89 MPH but a lot of 86-87. Athletic delivery and it’s easy to see why he’s a division one signee. His inability to land the breaking ball and some free passes cost him early today and drove up his pitch count which led to a short day. Look for him to bounce back Wednesday if the Pats are able to get back to Lexington. Bryce Harder- 2024, JL Mann HS, OF/RHP, Wofford Signee: Baseball player. Has been since he was a Freshman. Plays a solid centerfield, goes back on the ball with ease and covers a lot of ground. Good approach at the plate and flashes speed on the basepaths. High motor and is the definite spark plug for his team. Also an upper 80’s arm on the bump. I would like to see him pitch! Teddy Garner-2025, JL Mann HS, RHP, University of South Carolina Commitment: A lot to like about Garner. Fastball peaked at 88 MPH today and he showed a sharp breaker with downward action. He will be counted on moving forward for the Patriots. Brayden Studebaker-2026, Lexington HS, P, Uncommitted: This young pup was a relative unknown a week ago, but has suddenly become a viable option for the Wildcats who need another arm to win a state championship. He may very well turn out to be the guy they need. Low-¾ slot and threw three pitches for strikes in a very tough spot. Fastball peaked at 84 MPH and sat 79-81. His best pitch is a changeup that is plus and has a chance to be plus plus in time. He works quick and exudes confidence well beyond his years!
