McKenzie, Tenn.–With the emphasis on “We Are One” Coach Chris Wall recognized the McKenzie Rebels for their second year in a row run to the TSSAA State Tournament during Thursday nights baseball banquet at McKenzie High School.
Although the Rebels started off a little shaky with three wins and five losses, they bounced back to end the year 27-8. The season saw big wins over the 2A team Riverside High School and neighbor rival and at the time #1 in the state, Peabody High School . With the Rebels back on track they would win the district, region, and sectional tournament games to head to Murfreesboro.
Defeating the University School of Johnson City for the second year in a row in the first round but then falling to East Robertson and slipping into the losers bracket the squad led by 5 seniors defeated Bradford to face East Robertson with a win twice situation or go home. The Rebels won big over East Robertson in the first rematch but fell short in the second to end their season.
The Rebels were led by 5 seniors Braden Birmingham, Ty Anderson, Jackson Cassidy, Nolan Renfro and District MVP Hayden Hixson. Over their four years, Wall noted their record of 72-8-1 with one season cut short due to covid. All five were selected All-District with Hixson receiving MVP of the district.
Individual awards were presented to Tate Surber as pitcher of the year with 6 wins and 0 losses. Jake Cassidy Mr Hustle, Lane Anderson Most Improved, and Co-MVP’s were Jackson Cassidy and Ty Anderson.
Silver Sluggard Awards were presented to 7 players who hit above 300 for the year: 327 Lane Anderson, 346 Ty Anderson, 357 Jake Cassidy, 374 Tate Surber, 386 Braden Birmingham, 478 Hayden Hixson and 480 Jackson Cassidy.
Golden Glove Awards for Fielding Percentage went to Hayden Garrett 951, Hayden Hixson 972, Jackson Cassidy 989, Jake Cassidy 993, Nolan Renfro 994, and Braden Birmingham 1000. Special awards were also presented: P.L. Martin “Team First” went to Hayden Hixson, Ricky Chism Award “A Fearce Determination to Win” Braden Birmingham, Seth Foster Memorial Scholarship, Jackson Cassidy.
David Jackson, who broadcasts McKenzie Baseball and Softball on WHDM radio, was surprised with the presentation of the Ray Berryman Memorial Volunteer Award.