VALDOSTA— As the 2025 baseball season approaches, Lowndes High School and Valdosta High School are hard at work preparing their teams for another exciting season on the diamond. 

With fresh faces, returning veterans, and high expectations, both programs are focused on building team chemistry and setting their sights on lofty goals.

Lowndes High School Vikings

After back-to-back state championships, Lowndes head coach Ryan Page and his squad have one clear objective: securing a three-peat. 

“The ultimate goal is to win the three-peat,” Page said. “That is why we are out here, and that is what our expectations and standards we have set at the high school are for.”

The Vikings enter the season with several key players returning to anchor the team. One such player is senior Coleman Lewis, who is set to be a major contributor to the team’s success this season, though opposing teams may try to play around him. 

Juniors Cason Fletcher and Matthew Kerrigan, both instrumental in last year’s championship run, are back to bolster the team and provide experience. However, with six players who have never seen a varsity inning on the team, Coach Page emphasized the importance of evaluation and preparation to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the team’s competitive edge.

“The priority right now is trying to find the right pieces to the puzzle,” Page explained. “We still got some pretty good pieces. We just have to find out which ones to plug in.”

As always, the Vikings are focusing on the fundamentals that have brought them success in recent years: pitching and defense. 

“At the end of the day, you need guys on the bump that go up there and fill up the strike zone,” Page said. “Pitching and defense win championships, so that’s going to be two of the biggest things we are doing.”

The Vikings’ first game of the season, on February 14, will be against the Etowah High School Eagles, who are coming to Lowndes High School from Woodstock, Georgia. Coach Page has suggested that the Eagles are one of the toughest teams in the country. Last season, they won the 6A GHSA Championship with an overall record of 34-5. 

Valdosta High School Wildcats

On the other side of town, the Valdosta Wildcats are gearing up with a younger squad this year, but head coach Bart Shuman is optimistic about his team’s potential. 

“We are a close-knit group,” Shuman said. “They are very excited about playing, I can tell you that.”

With a roster featuring a mix of experienced seniors and talented juniors, the Wildcats are blending leadership with new talent. Senior Turner Samples, described by Shuman as a great leader and an All-Region player, will be a key figure this season. Fellow senior Noah Roberts, who joined the team last year, will be heavily relied upon to anchor the outfield. 

Meanwhile, juniors Braeden Lampkin and Stephen Little are players Coach Shuman expects to make a big impact. Shuman acknowledged that team evaluation is an ongoing process, particularly as the season begins. 

“Evaluation will definitely pick up, and yes, some kids are making some moves to get in that line-up,” he said.

Although the Wildcats are in a rebuilding phase after graduating several key seniors, the team’s camaraderie and work ethic are already setting the tone for a competitive season. 

Valdosta’s regional schedule promises to test the team early, but with their indoor facility and dedicated preparation, Shuman is confident the Wildcats will rise to the challenge.

The Wildcats will travel to Baxley, Georgia, on February 6th for their first game of the season against Appling County’s Pirates.