Johnston, SC – Nate Horton is excited to see the Class AA state baseball playoffs roll around again and for good reason. He has a talented, hard-working team ranked fourth in the state that is chomping at the bit to compete for a state title.

That competition gets underway today (5/2) when the Region 3-AA champion Rebels play host to the Columbia High Capitals at The Rebel Zone beginning at 6:00 p.m.

“These guys just play so hard,” stated Horton. “I’ve had teams with talent before that didn't play together, didn't play hard, and didn't do things the right way, and those teams weren’t as successful. This team is different. We have guys who can really play, and they are extreme competitors on top of that.”  

“They want to win every time they get in between the white lines and they are fun to coach,” added Norton.

Horton and his coaches were not certain who would fill the team’s need as a number two starting pitcher, or who would step in at the shortstop position following the graduation of standout Chandler Mims. Cody Davenport has emerged as the answer on the mound with strong outings and a 5-2 mark on the mound, while Drew Johnson has stepped in as the team’s shortstop when he’s not the team’s starting pitcher (5-0). 

“Cody has done a really good job of stepping into that role and he pitched well through the region,” commented Horton. “We played with (shortstop) early in the year and we still platoon it with Brayden (McAllister), but Drew does a good job of making the routine plays when he’s not pitching.” 

On offense, Justus Hammett has hammered the ball to the tune of a .400 batting average with nine doubles. 

“The question wasn’t whether Justus was going to hit, but how well he was going to hit,” stated Horton.

Meanwhile, Johnson is batting .373 with seven triples and 20 RBI), while Ethan Bates has a .367 batting average with eight doubles and also 20 RBI). McAllister is batting.306 with a team-high 12 walks drawn and Davenport has also contributed at the plate with a .375 batting average.    

Horton also pointed to the growth and maturity of Bates into a team leader as another bright spot for the Rebels.  

“I’ve been really proud of the way he has stepped into a leadership role this season,” commented Horton.

The team has a strong senior class of players who contribute in different ways that are all important. This year’s Rebel baseball seniors include Ethan Bates, James Creasy, Dallas Hitt, Drew Johnson, Blaine Johnson, Ben Jolly, Will Logue, Colton Mayson, and Seth Wates.

“All nine of them are special guys,” stated Horton. “Not all of them play consistently, but those who don’t have accepted their role on the team and they’re good teammates, and when their number is called they go out there and take advantage of their opportunities. It’s just a special group of guys. They are fun to be around.”

All of the necessary elements appear to be in place for the Rebels to post another deep run in the Class AA state playoffs.

“We’re going to have to play good baseball,” stated Horton. “It’s playoff baseball and everybody is there for a reason.”

(Sportswriter Kyle Dawson of The Aiken Standard contributed to this release).