COUGARS ANNOUNCE ADDITIONS TO 2014-15 SIGNING CLASS
The Cleveland State baseball team added nine more signees for the upcoming 2014-2015 year. Versatility and depth were key among the new members of next year's squad. It brings the total number to eleven counting the already announced singings of Cleveland High's Jake Wyrick and Maryville High's Drew Curtis.
Andrew Buckhault of Eastside High School in Covington (GA) was a pitcher, catcher, and outfielder for the Eagles. As a pitcher, he had 5-4 record with a 1.44 ERA. He had 61 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched with only 20 walks. As a position player, he had a .481 batting average with 33 RBIs, 12 doubles, 3 triples, and three home runs.
Austin Phillips of Irwin County High School in Ocilla (GA) was a third baseman and catcher for the Indians. His coach was former Cougar outfielder Brad Weir. As a senior, he had a .436 batting average with 46 RBIs, 11 doubles, and seven home runs. He was Offensive Player of the Year for GHSAA Region 2A as well as the Irwin County MVP and Top Offensive Player.
Soddy-Daisy High School in Hamilton County provided three of this year's signees. Ryan Mahaffey was a left handed pitcher for the Trojans. As a senior, he had a 3-3 record with a 3.08 ERA. He had 56 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings pitched.
Christian Amos was a right handed pitcher and shortstop for Soddy-Daisy. As a pitcher, he had an 8-0 record with a 0.65 ERA. He had 56 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched with only 10 walks. As a hitter, he had a .324 batting average with 18 RBIs and 3 doubles. He was a Times Free Press Best of Preps selection as a first team pitcher.
Caden Ricketts was a first baseman and utility player this past season. He had a .229 batting average with 17 RBIs, 3 doubles, and two home runs with a .329 on base percentage.
Zachary Fugate is a outfielder and left handed pitcher from Ooltewah High School in Hamilton County. As a pitcher, he had a 6-2 record with a 1.02 ERA. He had 56 stikeouts in 48 innings pitched with 16 walks. He also threw eight complete games for the Owls this past season. As a hitter, he had a .404 batting average with 18 RBIs, 10 doubles, one triple, two home runs, and 14 stolen bases. He was a Best of Preps selection, All District, and was elected to play in the TN/GA All Star Game.
Drew Korzybski is a right handed pitcher from Karns High School in Knoxville. He had a 3-6 record with a 0.99 ERA. He had 60 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings pitched with only seven walks. He had three complete games, one shutout, and two saves this past season for the Beavers.
Smyrna High School in Middle Tennessee provided the last two signees. Jeremy Noe was a catcher for the Bulldogs. He had a .257 batting average with 7 RBIs, three doubles, and 16 stolen bases. He was an honorable mention for the All-District 7AAA team this past season after being a first team selection his junior year.
Rounding out the signees is Beau Brewer. He was an outfielder for Smyrna and was a first team selection the District 7AAA team.
