Warriors look to contend in region, state

Clint Thompson - TTE
THOMASVILLE – One of the most experienced teams in Brookwood baseball’s recent history provides Warriors faithful optimism heading into this season.

“It’s definitely one of the most experienced teams for sure in terms of seniors, the number of them and the fact that they’ll all contribute at some point,” Brookwood coach Daniel Funt said. “This team, I think if we play to our potential and get better as we go, I think we can make a deep run in the postseason, no doubt.”

Brookwood returns seven seniors and two juniors following last year’s run to the quarterfinal round of the GIAA Class 3-A playoffs.

The Warriors senior class includes catcher Zach Counts, pitcher/center fielder Will Elkins, pitcher/utility Parker Lee, outfielder Cam Harbin, outfielder Jackson Vaughn, shortstop Chris May and infielder Isaac Richardson.

Junior Rodge Waldrop also returns as the team’s No. 1 pitcher and first baseman.

Brookwood will also depend on some of its youth to provide much needed depth. Sophomores Owen Bodell and Jacob Dunlop will see ample playing time in the infield and on the mound. They will be key to the team’s deep pitching staff, especially early in the season with May and Waldrop still on the basketball team.

“Early on until we get Chris back and Rodge back, Owen and Jacob, they’re going to get some playing time. I expect them to step up,” Funt said. “As of right now, they’re definitely our fourth and fifth pitchers. They’re going to be really important to give us quality innings, and hopefully to give us depth. They got a few innings here and there last year, but they’re going to get a significant more amount of playing time.”

Richardson had offseason shoulder surgery, and his availability is unknown. The two sophomores will be counted on heavily to contribute at the plate and on the mound.

“With Isaac being hurt, he’s a little uncertain. You don’t know if you can put him on the right side of the infield. You don’t know if you might have to DH him. Those two guys, they need to step up, there’s no doubt; give us depth and be able to make routine plays on defense, give us quality atbats and give us quality innings on the mound,” Funt added.

Brookwood also has junior transfer Aidan Hunt. He will play junior varsity but could see varsity action as well.

Brookwood’s first varsity game is slated for Feb. 21 at home against Georgia Christian.
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Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.