Rebels Claim Title in Slugfest Over Wayne County

By Brad Sam, brad@mckenziebanner.com • May 12, 2026 • Updated July 12, 2026

From the May 12, 2026 e-Edition

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McKENZIE (May 9) — The McKenzie High School Rebels are the Region 6A Baseball champions after a 15-9 win over the Wayne County Wildcats Saturday afternoon, also earning hosting rights to the Sectional round.

The Rebels host Eagleville Wednesday for a best-of-three Sectional series with a spot in the state tournament on the line.

Wayne County struck first with four runs in the top of the first, then added another in the top of the second. McKenzie tied it with five in the home half, then took the lead with two in the third and pulled away with six in the fourth. The Wildcats scored a pair in the fifth and added another in the top of the sixth. The Rebels added a pair in the home half. Wayne County plated one in the seventh.

Rebel Xander Johnsey was 4-for-5 with a home run, three doubles, five RBIs and three runs scored. Fletcher Holt was 2-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, an RBI and a run scored. Ace Brown was 2-for-3 with a walk, two RBIs, three runs scored and a stolen base. Hudson Garrett was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Cole Brown was 2-for-5 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. Cooper Davidson was 1-for-3 with a double, a walk and two runs scored. Parker Ross was 0-for-2 with a walk, an RBI and three runs scored.

Wildcat Nate Bevis was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and two runs scored. Graeme Polk and Brady Stooksberry were both 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, two runs scored and a stolen base. Jacan Floyd was 1-for-5 with a double, two runs scored and a stolen base. Weston Todd was 1-for-4 with two RBIs and a stolen base. Kace Bryant was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Logan Davis was 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored. Warren Camfield was 0-for-4 with three RBIs.

Xander Johnsey earned the win for McKenzie, allowing eight runs (four earned) on seven hits while walking one and striking out four in five and two-thirds innings. Maddox Shiell pitched the final inning and a third, allowing one earned run on two hits with no walks and one strikeout.

Brady Stooksberry took the loss for Wayne County, allowing 11 earned runs on seven hits while walking five and striking out two in three and a third innings. Kyler Self pitched the final two and two-thirds innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts.