Lake Oconee Academy’s baseball team had a successful season and advanced deep in the state playoffs.
After the season concluded, the Titans had nine players selected for the All-Region team.
“I’m super proud of this team for continuing the standard of LOA baseball,” Lake Oconee Academy head coach Mark Miller said. “I’m especially proud of our seniors, who led so well to ensure back-to-back region titles.”
LOA’s Jon Funderburke highlighted the list, as he was named to the Region 8A-Division II Player of the Year. The sophomore was a threat on the mound and in the batter’s box. Funderburke batted .388 with 33 hits, 22 RBI, and 16 runs scored. As a right-handed pitcher, he had a 1.29 ERA with 51 strikeouts and only 20 walks.
LOA also had senior William King named the region’s Pitcher of the Year. The Emory University signee transferred to the school for his senior campaign, when he had a 2.35 ERA with 71 strikeouts and only 26 walks. King also only surrendered 27 hits, 28 runs, with 16 being earned, in 47.2 innings pitched as a Titan this year.
Miller was proud of Funderburke and King, who he said were both dominant, especially on the mound, this year.
“Pitching was and always will be an emphasis for us, and Jon Funderburke and William King were the two best pitchers in the entire region,” Miller said. “I’m so thankful for their efforts and the way they competed and earned not only Region Pitcher of the Year but Region Player of the Year as well.”
Senior Ike O’Neal (infielder), sophomore Griffin Stanford (outfielder), senior Cameron Kelley (utility/designated hitter), and sophomore Ty Hiter (pitcher) were named to the All-Region first team. Freshman Jake McDonald (infielder), sophomore Evan Burton (outfielder), and junior Dylan Hiter (pitcher) were named All-Region second-team selections.
Miller was also named the Region Coach of the Year. He said that he was pleased to have received the award, but couldn’t have won it without the support of his players and staff.
“This is the second year that I’ve been recognized as the Region Coach of the Year, but really, I’m just the guy that points us in the right direction,” Miller said. “Our assistant coaches and players are the ones who give the tremendous effort and should be recognized for all of their accomplishments.”
LOA finished with a 17-10 overall record in 2025 and were a perfect 9-0 in region play. The Titans secured their second consecutive region title and advanced to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. Unfortunately, they were defeated by Bowdon in the Elite Eight.