Rebels Claim Title, Tigers are Runner-Up

By Brad Sam, brad@mckenziebanner.com • May 6, 2026 • Updated July 12, 2026

From the May 12, 2026 e-Edition

BRUCETON (May 4) — The District 12A Baseball Tournament, hosted by Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central High School, concluded Monday with the McKenzie Rebels emerging as champions after an 11-2 win over the host Tigers.

Both teams advance to the region tournament.

Following the title game, the all-district team was announced: McKenzie's Fletcher Holt, Cooper Davidson, Cole Brown and MVP Xander Johnsey; Central's Braxton Howard, Drake Hollingsworth, Tanner Walters and Pitcher of the Year Gage Weatherly; Clarksburg's Trae Cobb and Greysen Jones; McEwen's Kainan Gill and Ben McPherson; and Houston County's Ryder Forrester and Samuel Ferrell.

McKenzie's Chris Wall was named Coach of the Year.

The Rebels struck first in the title game, scoring three runs in the bottom of the third. The Tigers plated a run in the top of the fourth, but McKenzie answered with five in the home half. Central scored another run in the sixth, and the Rebels responded with three.

Rebel Xander Johnsey was 3-for-5 with a home run, one RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base. Parker Ross was 2-for-2 with two walks, two RBIs, a run scored and two stolen bases. Fletcher Holt was 2-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored. Avery Brown was 1-for-2 with two walks, a run scored and a stolen base. Cole Brown was 1-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, a run scored and two stolen bases. Lelan Gordon was 1-for-3 with a walk, an RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases. Hudson Garrett was 1-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs. Aiden Legens was 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Ace Brown was 0-for-3 with a run scored.

Tiger Braxton Howard was 2-for-3 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Tanner Walters and Dalton Howard were both 1-for-3. Parker Finley was 0-for-1 with a run scored.

Xander Johnsey earned the complete-game win for McKenzie, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits while walking none and striking out nine.

Junah Smith took the loss for Central, allowing three earned runs on five hits while walking three in three innings. Braxton Howard threw two innings of relief, allowing six runs (five earned) on three hits and seven walks with one strikeout. Drake Hollingsworth pitched the final frame, allowing two earned runs on four hits with no walks.