Even though the Todd County Central Rebels’ baseball season ended with a first-round loss to Franklin-Simpson in the 13th-District tournament, 2021’s 22-10 mark was one of the program’s best-ever, and the first time in a decade the Rebels reached double-digit victories.
Most of last year’s group returns to chase a first 4th-Region tournament appearance in 18 seasons, although the Rebels have a couple of spots to fill. Catcher Ethan Bicksler graduated after posting team-highs in runs (43) and hits (31), while hitting .348 with 19 RBI and 12 stolen bases. The loss of centerfielder Jameson Hunt also hurts after he stole 19 bases in 19 attempts and used his speed to cover lots of ground in the outfield.
Coach Greg Shelton has a strong pitching staff to lean on in his second season in charge in Elkton, led by three juniors that posted sub-2.00 ERAs last year. Jase Hampton was a team-best 6-1 with a 1.44 ERA and 38 strikeouts. Jacob Brandon was stellar on the mound as well, striking out a team-high 66 batters and issuing only 16 walks with a 1.67 ERA and a 6-3 record. Preston Rager chewed up 42.2 innings and posted 60 strikeouts and a 1.64 ERA.
Brandon did the job at the plate as well, pacing the team with a .390 average while driving in a team-high 31 runs. Rager was second on the squad with 38 runs scored while collecting 24 hits, 15 RBI, and drawing 27 walks. When not on the mound, Brandon plays 2nd while Rager mans the shortstop position.
Senior 3rd-baseman Tanner Farmer was second with a .365 average and 30 RBI and tied for the team lead with 31 hits. Hampton pitched in at the plate with a .294 average and played 1st base.
Junior Nate Reding moves from the outfield to catcher after hitting safely 21 times last season.
The Rebels open the season Tuesday with a visit from Allen County-Scottsville. The teams didn’t meet last season.
A 4th-Region All-A matchup with Metcalfe County is scheduled for March 23, and Todd Central begins district play when Russellville comes to Elkton on March 29.
The Rebels will spend spring break in Florida for the Fort Walton Beach Bash, playing Henry County, Owensboro, Campbellsville, and Union County.
As the regular season winds down, Todd Central will participate in the South Warren Lumberjack Classic on April 29-30.
