The Porter Ridge Pirates have made a change to their baseball program with the hiring of Cameron Mackenzie as head coach. Mackenzie replaces Tommy Small after three seasons at the helm of the Pirate baseball ship. Small leaves Porter Ridge with a 26-47 overall record and was 5-19-1 in 2026. Mackenzie joined the Porter Ridge baseball coaching staff in 2022 but left in 2024 to take over the JV program at Hough HS. The Pirates announced the change on their Instagram account @prhs_pirates. Mackenzie will be the 5th Pirate baseball HC over the past 11 seasons.

The Pirates graduated two seniors and will look to build around 6’8 rising junior pitcher Colton Johnson (1-4,43 Ks) a healthy Brendan Vandenbroek (0-4, 29 Ks) along with rising seniors Reese Montgomery (2nd Team UCHSBB/All-SCC) and Carter Cook (UCHSBB HM).

Former Cuthbertson Cavalier Preston Morrison, who went on to play and star at Texas Christian University was inducted into the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame this past Saturady prior to the TCU 35-24 win over SMU football game.

Morrison graduated from Cuthbertson in 2011 after being named All UCHSBaseball 1st team and All Rocky River as a senior. Morrison helped lead the Cavs to a 24-3 overall record while going 7-1 on the mound with 55 strikeouts and a 2.22 ERA. As a junior for Cuthbertson Morrison was named All-UCHSBaseball 2nd team after helping to lead the Cavs to a 23-4 overall record going 6-1 with 49 Ks and leading Union Co. with a .082 ERA.

Morrison would go on to TCU where he won a multitue of awards including being named 3rd Team All American, 3 time All-Big 12 and leading the Frogs to the College World Series as a senior. Preston leaves TCU with a 37-12 record and the all-time leader in games started (61) and innings pitched (471 1/3) while ranking second all-time in wins (37) and strikeouts (322).

Morrison was drafted in 2015 by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round and advanced to AAA with the Iowa Cubs before retiring from baseball and now works in finacnce in the Fort Worth area of Texas. Congrats Preston!

Forest Hills has made a change with the hiring of Matthew Anders as their new baseball head coach. The Spartans announced that Coach Anders has been named the new Sun Valley baseball head coach. via their twitter account, “Coach Anders spent last year here at Forest Hills as the assistant baseball coach. He is extremely excited to be taking the reins of the baseball program.”

Coach Anders replaces JP Ruth who resigned in May after one 9-10 season. Congrats Coach Anders and good luck!

Sun Valley has found their new baseball head coach. The Spartans announced that Anthony Dionisio has been named the new Sun Valley baseball head coach. The Spartans announced their move via their twitter account, “Anthony Dionisio has served as the Assistant Varsity Coach since 2018. Prior to becoming a Spartan, Anthony instructed at Tommy Hutton Baseball Academy, Becky Dent Baseball Academy, and IMG Academy. In addition, he played and coached baseball Lynn University where he the opportunity to be coach by former New York Yankee Jim Lyttle.”

Coach Dionisio replaces Jeff Stack who resigned in May. The Spartans will build around rising junior Cole Green (.304 avg, 7 HRs, 25 RBI) and rising seniors Nick Dionisio (.250 avg, 7 RBI) and Ian Hawk (4-1, 3.91 ERA, 29 K’s)

Forest Hills Athletics is excited to announce John (JP) Ruth Jr. as our head baseball coach. Coach Ruth served as assistant coach/head JV baseball coach this past season, winning the most games since 2012. Coach Ruth brings an energetic and hardworking personality to the program and a wealth of knowledge. He comes from a coaching and teaching family; he grew up playing for his father who is a longtime baseball coach with over 20 years experience. Coach Ruth grew up in Florida He moved to Columbus, NC where he set 11 school records at Polk County High School, was a 2 time all- conference team member. He played in 94 games and had 14 career postseason hits for the Wolverines. Coach Ruth attended Brevard College where he played football and graduated with a degree in Business and Organizations Leadership. While there he also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. Prior to coming to Forest Hills he worked in the medical field for over 7 years as an Operations Manager and was an assistant football coach at Central Cabarrus High. Congrats Coach and good luck!

Sun Valley will be looking for a new head baseball coach after HC Jeff Stack resigned after 4 seasons. Sun Valley announced the change via their twitter account, “We want to announce that Coach Jeff Stack has resigned as Head Baseball Coach and will be taking a job at Nation Ford HS. Thank you for your time at SVHS. We will start looking for a new Head Coach immediately. Coach Anthony Dionisio will assume the role of interim Head Coach.” The Spartans will build around rising junior Cole Green and rising seniors Nick Dionisio and Ian Hawk.

Stack, who was named UCHSBaseball.com’s Coach of the Year in 2021, SCC Coach of the Year in ‘21 and ’22 ends his run with a 44-24 record overall and 30-17 SCC record including a SCC title (’22) and reached the Final-4 in the 2021 season. Congats Coach Stack and good luck!

The Warriors are pleased to announce Rick Hurni as the next varsity baseball coach of WHS! Hurni will replace Travis Poole, who retired after 16 years at Weddington at the end of the ’22 season. Poole finishes his career at Weddington with 463 wins and two 3A state titles (’12 & ‘13).

The Warriors will have a lot to build around in 2023 with rising senior IF Colton Penner, junior IF Luke Ries, and rising senior P Sean Katzbach and rising junior P Maverick Schrock.

Sun Valley senior pitcher Carson Sanner will continue his academic and baseball career at King University in Bristol Tennessee. Sanner made the announcement via his twitter account, “I am blessed to announce my commitment to further my athletic and academic careers at King University! I am beyond grateful for my family, friends, and coaches that have helped me through it all!” Sanner pitched 17 innings with a 2.47 ERA, struck out 15 and had 2 saves for the Spartans who were 14-4 and advanced to the Final-4 before falling to Cox Mill in 2021.

Porter Ridge junior AJ Camp announced that he will continue his education and baseball career at Wake Forest University. Camp announced his decision via his twitter account, “I am excited and blessed to announce that I will be continuing my academic and baseball career at Wake Forest University! Thank you to my family, coaches, teammates, the Dirtbags organization, and my friends who have supported me along the way. LET’S GO DEACS!” As a sophomore Camp pitched 9.2 innings with 10 K’s and was 1-2 with a save for the Pirates. The Pirates were 13-3 and 11-1 in the SW4A and advanced to the 2nd round of the playoffs in 2021. The Pirates will be in the SCC this spring. Congrats AJ!

Marivn Ridge's outstanding junior Kyle Dobos has already committed to UNC-Wilminton. Dobos announced his commitment via twitter, "I am extremely excited to announce that I have committed to the University of North Carolina Wilmington to continue my academic and athletic career. I want to thank all my coaches, friends, and family." As a sophomore Dobos was named UCHSBaseball Honorable Mention after putting up a .345 avg with 11 Hits, 13 Runs,10 RBI, 5 2B's and 1 HR. Congrats Kyle!

Porter Ridge placed three players on the All-SW4A team for the 2019 season. Senior Nick Wernli, junior Conner Smith and sophomore Blake Efird were given the honor. Wenili, who is headed to Carson-Newman was 2-2 on the season wth a 1.75 ERA and 42 KS for the Pirates. Conner Smith his .369 with 24 hits, 1 HR, 8 doubles, drove in 15 RBI and scored 11 runs. Efird was the work horse for the Pirates pitching staff. Efird was 3-5 with a 1.69 ERA and fanned 47 batters. Porter Ridge's Daniel Cook was named SW4A Coach of the Year. Cook led the Pirates to a 14-11 record in his 1st year but is leaving the Pirates to take over the Charlotte Latin baseball program. Congrats Pirates!!

Weddington's Cooper McKeehan has changed his mind and now he will continue his education and baseball career at the BYU. McKeehan announced the change via his twitter account, “Proud to say I have committed to further my academic and baseball career at BYU! Thank you to all my family, friends and coaches who have pushed me along the way!” McKeehan, a senior is hitting .370 avg, 30 Hits, 15 Runs, 2 HR's, 10 RBI, 5 2B's, 11 SB's as the Warriors are headed to the state 3A playoffs. On the mound Cooper is 6-1 with 90 K's and a 1.38 ERA for the Warriors. The Warriors won the SCC and SCC Tournament title. Cooper was named 1st team All-UCHSBaseball.com and 1st team All-SCC as a junior. CONGRATS COOPER!

Central Academy placed two Cougars on the All-Rocky River team for the 2019 season. Seniors Blake Little and Dalton Bain were named to the all-confernece team. Little was named Rocky River Player of the Year after going 4-3 with a 1.08 ERA and strking out 89 batters in 51.2 innings. At the plate Little hit .458 with 27 hits and drove in 19 RBI. Bain hit .400 with 22 hits and scored 13 runs for the Cougars. Baid was 4-1 on the mound & a 3.43 ERA along with 48 K's for the 11-10 Cougars. Congrats boys!

Forest Hills' freshmane Tripp Arant was the lone Yellwo Jacket named to the All-Rocky River team for the 2019 season. Arant led Forest Hills with a .351 average with 20 hits and drove in 11 RBI for the 2-21 Yellow Jackets. Arant was 1-6 on the mound with a 5.81 ERA and recorded 23 K's. Congrats Tripp!

Marvin Ridge's senior Jake Machado has picked Belmont Abbey to continue his education and baseball career. Machado announced his commitment via twitter, "Really excited to announce I will be furthering my academics and baseball career at Belmont Abbey College! #RaiseTheRed." Machado, a senior catcher for the Mavericks started 27 games in 2018 while hitting .188 with 12 hits and drove in 12 RBI. Congrats Jake!

Cuthbertson's Gordon Soffel will continue his education and baseball career at Erskine College. Soffel announced his commitment via twitter, "Thankful for my coaches and for everyone who has helped and supported me. Blessed with an incredible opportunity. Committed to Erskine College!!! #FleetMafia @FleetBaseball." Soffel, a senior right handed pitcher threw 15 innings for Cuthbertson while going 1-2 with 16 K's along with a 2.80 ERA and leading Union Co. in saves with four in 2018. Soffel is expected to anchor the Cavaliers rotation for 1st year coach Mike Matkovich in 2019. Congrats Gordon!

Parkwood's Owen Harley will continue his education and baseball career close to home by committing to Wingate University. Harley announced his ccommitment via his twitter account, "Very excited and blessed to announce my commitment to Wingate University to further my academic and baseball career. I personally would like to thank God, On Deck, my parents, all my coaches and everyone who has helped me along the way. #onedog!" Harley, a senior infielder/pitcher was named 2nd Team All-USHSBaseball after posting .226 avg with 19 hits, scored 13 runs,drove in six RBI while smacking two doubles in 2018. Harley started 10 games on the mound and finished 3-4 for Coach Richar with a 2.48 ERA while striking out 35 batters. Harley was 4-3 with a 2.24 ERA and fanned 39 hitters as a sophomore while being name Honorable Mention All-UCHSBaseball. Congrats Owen!

Central Academy's Joel Simpson will continue his education and baseball career at Montreat College. Simpson announced his commitment via his twitter account, "I am blessed and excited to announce my commitment to play baseball at Montreat College in NC. Thank you to Coach Beck and his staff, plus all of the coaches along the way who pushed to be a better player. I am happy to continue my baseball career in catching as a Cavalier!" Simpson, a senior catcher was named honorable mention All-USHSBaseball after posting .279 avg with 19 hits and scoring 16 runs while smacking two triples and three doubles in 2018. Simpson was named All-Rocky River as a junior and will anchor the CATA's team in 2019. Congrats Joel!

Union Acadmey's Rush Preston will continue his education and baseball career at Covenant College. Rush announced his commetment via his instagrahm account, "I am extremely blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and baseball career at Covenant College. Thank you God for providing this incredible opportunity for my family and I. Without him, none of this would be possible. I am beyond thankful for everyone who has helped me along the way, including my awesome coaches and teammates. I am extremely thankful for my incredible family for always being so supportive and willing to go the extra mile fro me. Thank you everyone and go Scots!!!" Rush, a senior has been on varsity since his freshman year. As a junior Preston was named All-PAC-7 in 2018. Preston hit .275 for the Cardinals with 14 hits, 11 RBI and 15 runs. On the hill Preston was 1-2 with 4.15 ERA while strikign out 28 batters. As a sophomroe Preston was named 2nd team All-UCHSBaseball while going 6-2 with a 4.47 ERA while stricking out 27 hitters as a sophomore. Preston was the winning pitcher in Union Academy’s first ever State Playoff win in 2017. Rush is expected to anchor the Cardinals team as a senior. Congrats Rush!

Cuthbertson's Dawson Connell is headed to Mars Hill to continue his education and baseball career in 2020. Connell announced his intentions via his twitter account, "Extremely excited to announce my commitment to play baseball at Mars Hill University! Thank you to everyone who has helped me along this journey, wouldn’t be here without y’all pushing me to get better everyday!." Connell, a 6'2 first baseman hit .185 but drove in 12 RBI on 15 hits and scored 6 doubles with 7 runs scored. Connellr is expected to be a key to the 2019 Cavaliers. Congrats Dawson!

Weddington's outstanding junior left handed pitcher & outfielder Dustin Mercer is headed to Virginia Tech. Mercer announced it via his twitter account, "I am honored to announce my commitment to continue my academic and baseball career at Virgina Tech University! Big thanks to my coaches, teammates, and family for making this opportunity possible. #HOKIES ". Mercer was named 2nd-Team All-UCHSBaseball as a sophomore after going 3-1 with 20 K's and a 1.11 ERA for Coach Travis Poole. At the plate Mercer hit .278 while leading the Warriors with 25 hits with 18 runs scored. Dustin added 7 RBI and 4 doubles with 7 stolen bases. Mercer is expted to anchor the Warriors pitching staff in 2019. Congrats Dustin!

Marvin Ridge's Henry Jackson is headed to Carson-newman to continue his education and baseball career. Jackson announced it via his twitter account, "Excited to announce my commitment to Carson-Newman University to play baseball and further my education. #talonsUP". As a junior outfielder for Marvin Ridge Jackson was named 2nd team All-UCHSBaseball.com after hitting.333 with 27 hits, 3 doubles and drove in 9 RBI while scoring 22 runs for Coach Mennitt. Jackson was named 1st team All-SCC and is expected to be a key to the sucess of Mavericks in 2019. CONGRATS Henry!

Weddington's senior outfielder Greyson Barger announced that he will continue his education and baseball career at Erskin College. Barger announced it via his twitter account, "Blessed to announce my commitment to continue my academic and baseball career at Erskine College. I can’t thank everyone enough who has helped me through this process. Can’t wait to see what the future and God has in store for me!!! #Fleetmafia #Fleetfamily". As a junior Barger hit .263 with 15 hits, 2 doubles and drove in 4 RBI while scoring 8 runs for Coach Poole and the Weddington Warriors. Barger credits his early morning conditioning and weight training to his improvment through out the 2018 season and is expected to be a key to the sucess of Warriors in 2019.. CONGRATS GREYSON!

Marvin Ridge senior pitcher Drew Cognac will stay close to home at Belmont-Abbey to continue his education and baseball career in 2020. Cognac announced it via his twitter account, "Excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at Belmont Abbey College. #RaiseTheRed". As a junior Cognac pitched in just nine games for the Mavs and was 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA and fanned 7 hitters in just 10.33 innings. Cognac is exptedted to be an anchor for the Mavs pitching staff in 2019. CONGRATS DREW!

The Cuthbertson Cavlaiers have announced Mike Matkovich as the new baseball headcoach. The Cavlaies announce via press release, "Cuthbertson High School is excited to announce the addition of Mike Matkovich as the head varsity baseball coach. Coach Matkovich comes to Cuthbertson by way of Nations Ford High School where he compiled 54 wins in 3 seasons at the helm of the varsity program. He has a history of developing players (12 All-region, 3 All State, & 1 Region player of the year), a tremendous energy and enthusiasm for his players, and for the game. We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Matkovich to the Cavalier family." Matkovich replaces Hank Harris who went 37-20 in his two years at the helm leading the Cavs to the state quarter finals in 2017. CONGRATS COACH & GOOD LUCK!

Cuthbertson’s Cade Kuehler is set to continue his education and baseball career at Campbell University. Kuehler announced via his twitter account, “Blessed to say I am going to continue my academic and athletic career at Campbell university! Thank you to everyone who helped me to this point ” Kuehler, a rising junior who plays infield and pitches was 1-1 on the season with 10 strike-outs., 1 save and a 0.00 ERA while appearing in 5 games for the Cavaliers. At the plate Kuehler played in 27 games and hit .154 with 12 hits, 7 RBI and scored 13 runs. Kuehler will be a corner stone for the 2019 Cuthbertson baseball team. GOOD LUCK CADE!!

Porter Ridge’s Nick Wernli will continue his education and baseball career at Carson-Newman University. Wernli announced via his twitter account, “Excited to announce my commitment to Carson-Newman University! Thankful for everyone who helped me throughout the process. #talonsUP”. Wernli, a junior was honorable mention All-UCHSBaseball and All-SW4A after going 2-4 with 33 strike-outs and posting a 2.25 ERA for the Pirates. Congrats Nick!

Marvin Ridge's Matt Duggan will continue his education and baseball career at Gardner-Webb. Duggan announced his intentions via his twitter account, "Extremely blessed and excited to announce that I have committed to play baseball and further my education at Gardner-Webb University! #GoDawgs #TheWebb". Duggan was named 1st team All-UCHSBaseball as a junior after hitting .304 with 21 Hits, scored 21 Runs, knocked in 19 RBI and was named All-SCC. Good Luck Matt!!!

Porter Ridge baseball program has named Daniel Cooke as their new varsity head coach. Porter Ridge made the announcement via their twitter account, "PRHS names new head baseball coach-Daniel Cooke. Coach Cooke comes 2 PR fr Ind.HS in Charlotte where he was 86-70 in six seasons. He led his teams to two Southwestern 4A Conf championships, 2 conf tour titles & advanced 2 the state playoffs 4 times. Go Pirates!" Cooke replaced Trey Staviski as head coach. Staviski was 99-95 in eight seasons at Porter Ridge. The Pirates missed theplayoffs in 2018 after going 11-11 and 6-8 in the SW4A conference. The Pirates made a run in 2011 advancing to the 4th round of the state playoffs. Good Luck Coach!!

Parkwoods MJ Lucas will continue his education and baseball career at UNC-Asheville. Lucas announced his intentions via his twitter account, "I am excited to announce that I will be continuing my baseball and academic career at UNC Asheville. I want to thank my parents, coaches, the coaching staff at UNCA for letting me continue my dream." Lucas as named All-UCHSBaseball as a junior after hitting .324 with 22 hits, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. MJ was named 1st team All-UCHSBaseball as a sophomore and was UCHSBaseball.com's New Comer of the Year in 2017 afer posting a .295 average with 18 hits and driving in 22 runs. Lucas was named to the All-Rocky River and All-SCC conference teams as a sophomore and junior respectively. Good Luck MJ!!!

Marvin Ridge's Justin Luna will be playing college baseball at Guilford Tech. Luna announced his intentions via his twitter account, "Excited to announce my commitment to Guilford Tech to continue my academic and athletic career. Thanks to everyone who has helped in this journey". Luna, played outfield in 24 games but only had 26 at-bats for Marvin Ridge hitting .231 on the season, scored 18 runs and led Union Co. with 25 stolenbases.Luna will join Sun Valley's Caleb Bruce and Landon Dennis at Guilford Tech. Well done sir and good guck Justin!!

Marvin Ridge has marked longtime assistant Trey Puttman as the man to replace former head coach Mark Mennitt. Mennitt announced he would retire from his position after 11 years in May. Putman has been the Mavericks pitching coach for the past 11 seasons and has helped build the Marvin Ridge program from the ground up. The Mavericks have won an average of 21.1 games per year since their first season in 2008, claiming 11 straight Southern Carolina Conference titles and back-to-back state championships (2015-16) along the way. Puttman will have rising seniors Matt Duggan and Andrew Kerry (1st team All-UCHSBaseball.com) along with Tyler Hall, Steven Gonzalez and Henry Jackson (2nd team All-UCHSBaseball.com) to help continue the Maverick success. Good Luck Coach!!!

Sun Valley’s Caleb Bruce and Landon Dennis will continue their education and baseball career at Guilford Tech. Sun Valley Baseball’s twitter account announced Bruce’s intentions, “Congrats to 2018 OF'er @_calebruce_ on your commitment to @GTechBaseball1 Long time coming my man! Got a feeling more Spartans behind you...”. Bruce was named 1st team All-UCHSBaseball.com as a senior and junior. Bruce hit .417 average with 35 hits and 12 RBI and was named All-SCC as a senior and sophomore. Sun Valley's Baseball's twitter announced Dennis' intentions, "Congrats to Landon Dennis 2018 RHP on his Commitment to @GTechBaseball1! Big night for the Spartan Fam." Dennis finished his senior year 2-1 on the mound with a 2.41 ERA and 36 K’s for Coach Barwick and the Spartans. As a junior Dennis was 1-4 with a 5.48 ERA and 13 K’s. Good Luck boys!

The Union Academy Cardinals had 4 on the All-PAC7 Team following the 2018 season. The Cardinals placed junior Pitcher/CF Rush Preston (1-2, 4.15 ERA, 28 K's/.275 avg, 14 hots, 15 runs, 11 RBI), Senior Catcher Zach Dudas (.245 avg, 10 RBI, 4 2B's), Sophmore 3B/P Drew Noblet (.373 avg, 22 hits, 15 runs) and Sophmore SS Jayden Sylvestre (.260 avg, 13 hits, 16 runs) The Cardinals finished the 2018 season 8-11 over all and were 8-4 in the PAC-7. Congrats boys!

Porter Ridge placed four on the All-SW4A team for the 2018 season. Brennan Malone was named SW4A Pitcher of the Year after posting a 3-4 record with 1.36 ERA and 76 strikeouts. Seniors Chris Gill, Price Hargett and Junior Nick Wernli were named as well. Gill led Union Co. in hitting with a .492 average along with 20 RBI and 11 doubles. Hargett was 3-3 with a 0.72 ERA and 32 K's while hitting .354 with 23 hits and drove in 18 RBI. Wernlie was 2-4 with a 2.25 ERA and 33 K's. Congrats boys!