Georgians feel a little extra pep in their step this year as baseball season begins after an exciting World Series win for the Braves! While we all patiently await the beginning of the Braves season, let’s take some time to support our local high schools as they play the sport we all know and love.
Javores “Jay” Boyd // #5 Hiram High School
Jay is the son of Javores and Fallon Boyd. He actually has the special honor of being the only junior on the cover this year! Jay has been playing baseball for 12 years as a Shortstop and a Center Fielder. Aside from baseball, he also plays basketball for Hiram High School. His favorite moment of baseball thus far has been earning 1st Team All Region last season. Jay is almost excited to play with his teammates and become a better player alongside them as well as individually. After Jay graduates next year, he plans on continuing to play both basketball and baseball in college!
Justin Gorski // #12 Paulding Co High School
Justin Gorski, son of John and Jennifer Gorski, has been playing baseball for the last 11 years of his life. He plays 1st Base, 2nd Base, 3rd Base and Pitcher. Justin is looking forward to playing his last season and having fun while doing it. He hopes to make it to the playoffs his senior year! After Justin graduates, he plans to attend Kennesaw State University to study Mechanical Engineering. When asked what event has been the highlight of his baseball career, Justin loved getting to beat South Paulding on his last game of his junior season.
Tysen Benford // #25 North Paulding High School
Tysen Benford is a 1st Baseman, Pitcher and Outfielder for North Paulding High School. He is the son of Will and Nikki Benford. Tysen has been playing baseball for 14 years! When he isn’t playing baseball at North Paulding, Tysen is serving on the Audio & Visual Team at his church or playing travel ball for East Cobb Astros Navy. He is excited to see and aid in the growth of some of his younger teammates and make sure the North Paulding legacy continues his senior season. Tysen plans to play his final season of travel ball this summer and head to college in the fall, where he looks forward to dominating and enjoying the adventure. He then hopes to get drafted. Beating Walton in the Region Championship last season has been his favorite moment of baseball. “The moment when the final out was made and my team rushed the field was something I’ll never forget.”
Kaden Garner // #48 East Paulding High School
Kaden Garner is a 1st Baseman, 3rd Baseman, and Pitcher for East Paulding High School. He is the son of Eric and Alicia Garner. He has been perfecting his game for the past 14 years of his life. Aside from playing baseball for the Raiders, Kaden is also involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes at East. Making it into the Elite 8 last year with his teammates has been the highlight of his career! He cannot wait to finish out his last season with his brothers and graduate in May. After graduation, Kaden plans to go into the workforce.
Cole Brewer // #12 South Paulding High School
Cole Brewer, son of Eddy and Chanda Brewer, fell in love with baseball 15 years ago and never looked back. He even gave up basketball to focus on the game he loves. Cole plays pretty much every position there is, minus catcher. Cole is pretty excited for his senior season, especially since the Spartans have been playing well! His favorite moment of his baseball career was pitching a shutout against their biggest rivals his sophomore year – even as underdogs! Once Cole graduates, he plans to go to college and earn a degree in engineering.