Diamond Cougars Look Ahead
Piedmont Academy’s baseball team has been close in the past few years to claiming more championship hardware.
Coach Casey Moody said he believes 2025 could very well be the season the Diamond Cougars take the final steps.
“We have definite potential,” Moody said. “We are returning 11 players from the last two Final Four teams. We are ready to take the next step.”
The team began winter workouts last September with weight training and conditioning. In October, preseason work continues with four players per one coach.
“I am proud of where we are right now,” Moody said.
Piedmont traveled to Ola High School for a scrimmage last week. Moody’s Cougars faced off against his father’s team.
In the end, Piedmont fell 3-2 on a walk-off single in the seventh inning.
“It was a good learning experience,” Moody said. “We learned a lot about our pitching staff. Defensively, we are pretty goo d as well. I have an older group this year that has been with me for three years. All in all, it was a good day.”
Key returning players for the Diamond Cougars include:
•Senior catcher Chase Taylor
•Junior center fielder Jack Adams
•Junior right fielder Zach Simmons,
•Senior shortstop Brayden Ross
•Senior left fielder Ethan Barman
•Senior second baseman Alex Statham
•Senior first baseman Jayden Lintner
•Junior first baseman Jamus Wingate
•Junior second baseman Tyler Griswell
On the pitcher’s mound, Ross and Wingate will be two of the team’s top arms along with newcomer Nick Gervasiom a junior.
Simmons will also see time on the mound along with transfer Noah Doolittle, a junior.
“We will be in a tough region,” Moody said. “The Macon schools are really good. Tattnall, First Presbyterian, Stratford, John Milledge and Mount de Sales will be tests. We are going to have to play every game well and focus every pitch. It definitely will be a challenge for us.”
The season opener is set for Friday at home against Central Fellowship at 4 p.m. The team will then play on the road against Central Georgia Arts on Feb. 25 at 4 p.m.
Assisting Moody with the program are Liam Thurston, Keenan Wise and Stacey Edge.