Rebels Top Camden, Claim Conference Title

McKENZIE (April 24) — The McKenzie Middle School Rebels claimed the Tri-County Conference baseball championship Friday with an 8-1 win in five innings over the Camden Junior High Lions.

The Rebels' title run began with a walk-off win over Huntingdon Wednesday and continued with a dominant win Thursday, also 8-1 over Camden.

Following the championship game, plaques were presented to the champion and runner-up, and the All-Conference team was announced. Based on the regular season, honorees included Camden's Ryder Johnson, Max Petreman, Gavin Medlin, Weston Palmer and Jack Matlock; McKenzie's Leighem Broyles, Seth Stafford, Jake Ghyers and Dierks Ghyers; and Huntingdon's Cohen Gray, Bryce Maddox and Max Kelley.

Huntingdon Head Coach Cody Ezell was named Coach of the Year.

In Friday's title game, McKenzie struck first with three runs in the bottom of the second. Camden's lone run came in the top of the third, but the Rebels pulled away with four in the home half and added one in the fourth.

Rebel Seth Stafford was 1-for-2 with a walk, three RBIs and a run scored. Rex Thompson was 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Jake Ghyers was 1-for-2 with a walk. Dierks Ghyers was 0-for-0 with two walks, an RBI and a run scored. Kenden Coleman was 0-for-0 with three walks and two runs scored. Jackson Barden was 0-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored. Leighem Broyles was 0-for-3 with two RBIs.

Lion Jack Matlock was 2-for-2 with a walk. Weston Palmer was 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Colton B. was 2-for-2. Max Petreman was 1-for-2 with a walk. Gavin Medlin was 0-for-3 with an RBI.

Kenden Coleman earned the complete-game win for McKenzie, allowing one earned run on six hits while walking four and striking out one.

Weston Palmer took the loss for Camden, facing two batters for two walks. Jack Matlock threw two and a third innings of relief, allowing five runs (four earned) on one hit while walking four and striking out three. Colton B. pitched two-thirds of an inning, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while walking one and striking out one. Max Petreman threw the final frame, allowing one unearned run on no hits with two walks and a strikeout.