Second baseman Jeril Dawson
Photo by Dennis Carter
Grayson plays both Brookwood and Parkview, last year's Class 5A finalists, during the regular season. Parkview is the defending state champion and figures to have enough returning talent to make another run at a state title. Brookwood is also a perennial powerhouse and it knocked off Grayson in the state semifinals last year. Grayson will play both teams twice.
Local outlook: One of the most anticipated matchups of the season pits Grayson against local rival Loganville in a battle of two potential state champions. Grayson is a favorite in 5A while Loganville is the defending 4A state champ. The game will also pit the top two draft prospects in Grayson's Austin Meadows and Loganville's Clint Frazier.
Overall outlook: Grayson has the nation's top draft prospect in Meadows, but he is not the only standout on the squad. The Rams return eight starters, many of whom have played varsity baseball for at least three seasons. The Georgia 5A playoffs are treacherous with many teams capable of vying for the title. The best-out-of-three format also favors teams with deep pitching staffs. Grayson has that potential this year.
Coach quote: "Up and down our lineup we have players who are dynamic on the basepaths and defensively because of their speed and explosiveness. We have quality pitching depth which allows us to match up well and make changes as needed without much drop-off with regard to velocity."
- Jed Hixson
