Lake Oconee Academy is six games into its season and holds an impressive 5-1 overall record.
The Titans’ five victories have come against Putnam County, Oglethorpe County, Jasper County, Greene County, and the Academy of Classical Education (ACE). Their only loss on the season came against ACE in the second contest of a two-game series last week.
LOA coach Mark Miller isn’t surprised his team has gotten off to such a hot start. However, he said the loss to ACE was a big teaching moment because his guys knew they didn’t play their best.
“We’ve got to keep doing the little things right,” Miller explained. “That loss keeps us on our toes.”
Lake Oconee Academy defeated ACE 11-1 in its season opener last month. The Gryphons had beaten Miller’s squad eight times in a row before it won on Feb. 13.
“They’re a great program, so that win was another stepping stone for LOA,” Miller said, “It was a good moment for us. I feel pretty good about where we’re at right now. We’re playing some good ball.”
Miller acknowledged how his team is starting to get depth in its pitching rotation. With region play coming up this week against Aquinas, Miller said his team needs to figure out who it can rely on.
Miller preached how getting the top seed in the state tournament sets you up for success. He also said pitching is important, and that freshman Jon Funderburke is finding his way into the rotation.
“Jon has worked himself into a starting role by becoming one of our top three or four pitchers this year,” Miller added. “He’s excellent at the plate too, and is now batting in the top half of our lineup.”
LOA’s goal every year is to bring home the region championship, and it starts this Friday at home.
“There’s a lot of good teams in this region, but we feel like we have the team that can compete for it,” Miller said. “Washington-Wilkes, which won the region last year is going to be our biggest competition.”
Ty Hiter is another freshman who has been a surprise for this Titan team. In a recent game versus Greene County, he threw three scoreless innings and proved to be dominant on the mound.
“He’s probably going to be a middle reliever for us as a guy that just throws strikes,” Miller said.
Hiter also brings value as a defender. He’s used at second or third in a utility role when needed and plays well defensively. Ian Watson and Ike O’Neal were the other players that Miller gave praise to.
Watson is the shortstop and is playing sharp good defensively. The senior also currently has the team’s highest batting average. O’Neal transferred from Morgan County and is already making an impact in his first season.
“Ian (Watson) is very versatile for us at the plate, on the mound, and in the field for us,” Miller said. “Ike (O’Neal) has played well for us on the mound, first base, and hitting the baseball this year.”
The Titans return to the diamond on Friday for the region opener against Aquinas. It’s a double-header with game one scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and game two at 7 p.m.