Rebels Claim Title with Big Win Over Tigers

By Brad Sam, brad@mckenziebanner.com • May 7, 2025 • Updated July 12, 2026

From the May 13, 2025 e-Edition

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McEWEN (May 5) — The McKenzie High School Rebels claimed the District 12A Baseball championship Monday with a 12-2 win over the Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central Tigers.

Both teams advance to the Region 6A Baseball Tournament.

Following the game, the All-District and All-Tournament teams were recognized.

The All-District team included Rebels Tate Surber (MVP), Cole Brown, Xander Johnsey, Fletcher Holt and Craegen Travis and Tigers Tanner Walters and Braden Maness.

The All-Tournament team included Rebels Craegen Travis (MVP), Fletcher Holt, Cole Brown and Tate Surber and Tigers Braxton Howard, Connor Kothe and Drake Hollingsworth.

McKenzie struck first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first and added another in the second before opening up a big lead with six in the third. Central got on the board with two runs in the top of the fourth, but the Rebels answered with a run in the fifth and two in the sixth to end the game.

Rebel Craegen Travis was 1-for-2 with a home run, three RBIs and a run scored. Tate Surber went 3-for-4 with two doubles, an RBI and two runs scored. Cooper Davidson was 2-for-2 with a double, a walk and two RBIs. Xander Johnsey went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and three stolen bases. KD Cunningham was 1-for-2 with a double, two walks, an RBI and a run scored. Cole Brown batted 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI. Fletcher Holt was 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Ace Brown went 1-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Lelan Gordon was 1-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base. Avery Brown had two runs scored and three stolen bases as a courtesy runner.

Tiger Brody Huff was 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Drake Hollingsworth and Connor Kothe were each 1-for-3. Braden Maness went 0-for-0 with three walks. Braxton Howard was 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.

Tate Surber got the start for McKenzie, allowing two earned runs on two hits while striking out 12 and walking three in four innings. Cooper Davidson pitched the final two frames, allowing no runs on two hits and a walk.

Gage Weatherly started on the mound for Central, allowing nine runs (seven earned) on nine hits while striking out three and walking one in three innings. Connor Kothe threw the final two frames, allowing three earned runs on four hits while striking out one and walking three.