Young Harris, Ga | As announced by Conference Carolinas yesterday (April 26), Young Harris Baseball is named Co-Champion of the conference with Francis Marion University. For seeding purposes, YH will be slotted at No. 2, due to the Patriots having the upper hand in head-to-head play this season. 
 
The Mountain Lions have had one impressive year, wrapping up the regular season with an astounding 37-13 overall record and 22-8 record in Conference Carolinas – the toughest conference for baseball across NCAA Division II.
 
This squad had several notable streaks and records. Out of the 11 three-game series played, Young Harris took 10…lost two of three to Francis Marion (March 1-2). Out of these 10 series wins, four were sweeps and included victories over formerly top-ranked North Greenville University and Mount Olive University. Both were played at Zell B. Miller Field and were quite electric. 
 
Not only did the Purple & White prove themselves in weekend play, but they also got the job done during the midweek. YH held an incredible 13-2 midweek record, falling to Mars Hill and Tusculum University by one and two runs, respectively.
 
Throughout the 50 regular season games played, the team's season-high number of runs scored in a game was 22 at King (April 5). While being extremely efficient at the plate, the Mountain Lions dominated on the mound as well in the 2025 campaign - the pitching staff fired six shut outs.
 
It's been the story of this team all year – they know how to get hot at the right time. Their longest win streak is seven, occurring over the recent duration of April 15 vs. UAH through April 26 vs. Emmanuel…while their longest losing streak was only three games, which took place in the home opening weekend in February.
 
Key Players:
 
Hitters:
 
The run-scoring has been attributed from all parts of the lineup this year – but there are a few sluggers worth pointing out. Firstly, senior first baseman Jeremy Begora has had himself a year, rivaling his Peach Belt Player of the Year season in 2023. He currently leads the conference in home runs (19) and in runs scored (66). With the ability to hit the long ball efficiently, he is slotted at No. 4 in Conference Carolinas with a .687 slugging percentage.  
 
An outfielder with similar slugging ability is newcomer Luke Hatcher. Hatcher joined the program and made a difference instantly, showcasing his ability to put the bat on the ball in any circumstance. He currently leads the conference in RBI (65), doubles (28), and slugging percentage (.713). Hatcher is one of three Mountain Lions to make an appearance in every game so far this season. 
 
While Begora and Hatcher pull the weight for the senior class, freshman Jonny Smith has made noise as a youngster. In his first season, Smith has been named Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Month and Mountain Lion of the Week after several noteworthy performances. The second baseman has been solid in the field and at the plate. This season Smith leads the team in batting average (among qualified players) and is currently ranked No. 12 in the conference at .358.
 
Pitchers:
 
The Young Harris pitching staff has held their ground all season, and its important to highlight some starters and one staple from the bullpen. Typical game-one starter Zach Hart has been quite a force, finishing the regular season 8-3 with a 3.94 ERA. He tossed two complete games during the 2025 bid.
 
Austin Ritchie, a strong LHP from Edinburg, VA, has been nothing but consistent. He wrapped up the regular season 9-2 with a 3.50 ERA and 44 strikeouts. The game-two starter fired three complete games and only allowed four home runs through 69.1 innings on the bump.
 
The senior game-three starter Graham Edwards has given batters trouble all year. After transferring in from Liberty University, Edwards has shown he has some great stuff and has proven it in the numbers. He has posted a season 3.06 ERA (No. 5 in CC) and held opposing batters to a .230 batting average (No. 5 in CC). Additionally, Edwards has punched out 78 (No. 3 in CC) in 64.2 innings pitched. While facing Chowan University, he recorded an incredible 16 strikeouts, a personal and team high. 
 
Lastly, Brady Caloway has been exceptional from the bullpen. After deciding to come back for his fifth year, he made it well worth it. Caloway has a .94 WHIP with a 2.65 ERA this season in 37.1 innings of relief…holding batters to a .215 batting average.
 
QUOTING HEAD COACH STEPHEN WAGGENER: 
"I am very proud of our program! Our guys have been resilient all year and have succeeded in completing a rigorous conference schedule – and were able to finish at the top of the conference standings. Conference Carolinas has had seven different teams ranked in the top 25 this season."
 
UP NEXT: The Mountain Lions await a postseason schedule from Conference Carolinas, to continue their remarkable 2025 season. 
 
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