Lakelands First Pitch to Open 2026 High School Baseball
Season at Dolny Stadium
GREENWOOD, S.C. — The Lakelands First Pitch will officially open the 2026 high school
baseball season on Monday, February 16 and Tuesday, February 17 at Stephen B. Dolny
Stadium on the campus of Lander University in Greenwood, South Carolina. Hosted by Emerald
High School, this two-day preseason showcase brings together eight competitive programs from
across the region for seven-inning varsity scrimmages in a collegiate setting. Originally
scheduled for February 15–16, the event was adjusted due to weather conditions.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Monday, February 16:
5pm: Saluda vs Clinton
7pm: Strom Thurmond vs Abbeville
Tuesday, February 17:
5pm: Ninety Six vs Dixie
7pm: Greenwood vs Emerald
TICKET INFORMATION &POLICY
All tickets must be purchased online in advance. No tickets will be sold at the gate. Spectators
are strongly encouraged to secure tickets prior to arrival.
Day One Tickets (Monday):
Day Two Tickets (Tuesday):
BROADCAST INFORMATION
The Lakelands Sports Network will provide live streaming coverage of the Tuesday, February
17 matchups on its official YouTube channel. Coverage will include Ninety Six vs. Dixie at 5:00
PM and Greenwood vs. Emerald at 7:00 PM.
2026 TEAM PREVIEWS
Emerald Vikings
Emerald enters the 2026 season looking to build on a 10–16 finish and a Class AAAA playoff
appearance in 2025. Competing in a demanding Region I AAAA schedule, the Vikings return a
young but experienced core that gained valuable postseason innings last spring.
Key Returners
Finn Howard (Jr., P/INF) – Team’s top returning arm; versatile two-way contributor
Coleson Marino (So., P/OF) – Athletic presence with upside on the mound
Beau Hite (So., SS/P) – Competitive infielder with pitching depth
Eli Swancey (P/3B/C) – Leader behind the plate and key bullpen arm
What to Watch
A deep but youthful pitching staff
Offensive production returning from top four hitters
Development of emerging talent including Holden Styron
Greenwood Eagles
Greenwood enters the 2026 season following a second-round SCHSL playoff appearance in
2025. With veteran pitching returning and a balanced lineup, the Eagles expect to remain
competitive in region play.
Key Returners
Elliott Lantz (P) – 2025 All-Region selection; staff anchor
Rhett Brown (Sr., C) – Team home run leader last season
Jameson Pate (Jr.) – Experienced varsity contributor
Ben Bundrick (Jr.) – Reliable offensive presence
William Baker (Jr.) – Defensive consistency and depth
What to Watch
Quality innings from experienced upperclassmen
Impact from strong sophomore class
Early-season momentum from tournament play
Ninety Six Wildcats
Ninety Six enters the 2026 season with high expectations after returning nearly 90 percent of its
offensive and pitching production from a strong 2025 campaign. Competing in one of the most
competitive regions in the state, the Wildcats are positioned as a legitimate contender behind a
veteran core.
Key Returners
Parker Sutley (Jr., P/C) – Region Player of the Year; All-State selection
Austin Wertz (Sr., 1B/P) – All-Region power presence and steady arm
Carver Davis (Sr., OF) – Offensive catalyst and defensive leader
Carter Patterson (Sr., Utility) – Versatile defender capable of playing all nine positions
Eli Schoolfield (Jr., P/OF) – Two-way contributor with upside
What to Watch
Experienced lineup with postseason experience
Strong top-of-the-rotation pitching
Dixie Hornets
Dixie enters the 2026 season with senior leadership at the forefront and a group of new varsity
contributors stepping into expanded roles. The Hornets will look to establish consistency early
as they develop throughout the season.
Key Returners
Staylon Johnson (Sr., P) – Staff ace and on-field leader
Keegan Snipes (Sr.) – Veteran contributor expected to play a key role
What to Watch
Development of six new varsity additions
Pitching depth behind Johnson
Steady growth against competitive early opponents
Strom Thurmond Rebels
Strom Thurmond begins the 2026 season aiming to extend its run of back-to-back Upper State
Championship appearances. After graduating 12 seniors, the Rebels will rely on experienced
returners to guide a talented but youthful roster.
Key Returners
Bryson Swearingen (So., P) – Team leader in wins and innings pitched last season
Grady Stone (Sr.) – Veteran leadership presence
Lucas Quiles (Sr.) – Experienced contributor
Knox Rauton (Sr.) – Senior leader expected to anchor lineup
What to Watch
Reloading after significant graduation losses
Young contributors stepping into major roles
Continued postseason expectations
Abbeville Panthers
Abbeville enters 2026 following a 24–9 season that included Region and District
Championships. After graduating nine seniors, the Panthers return a motivated and developing
roster eager to sustain last year’s success.
Key Returners
Trey Deason (Jr.) – Emerging leader for the Panthers
Easton Townsend (Sr.) – Veteran presence and stability
Logan Overholt (So.) – Promising contributor
Bradean Randall (So.) – Expected to make immediate impact
What to Watch
Balancing youth with championship expectations
Strong early tests in tournament play
Navigating a competitive Region 1-A schedule
Saluda Tigers
Saluda enters the 2026 season after finishing third in Region 2-2A and advancing to the SCHSL
playoffs. Returning nearly its entire roster, the Tigers bring experience and depth into a
challenging region slate.
Key Returners
Sid Shaw (Sr., C) – All-State and All-Region catcher
Cayden Rogers (Fr., P) – Key returning arm with high expectations
Westan Rowe (Fr., P) – Emerging left-handed rotation piece
Brayden Williams (Sr., CF) – Senior outfield leader
What to Watch
Experienced outfield led by four seniors
Deep pitching rotation with meaningful varsity innings
Strong region competition including Batesburg-Leesville and Strom Thurmond
Clinton Red Devils
Clinton enters the 2026 season following a 21–8 campaign that included a District
Championship and a berth in the SCHSL AA Upper State bracket. Under Head Coach Peyton
Spangler, the Red Devils return six of seven All-Region selections and a veteran pitching
rotation.
Key Returners
Camden Finley – All-Region contributor on both sides of the ball
Luke Young – Top returning hitter
Tanner Finley – Experienced rotation arm
Jaydon Glenn – Key mound presence
Talen Campbell – Offensive leader
What to Watch
Veteran pitching staff returning from 2025
Experienced lineup with balance and power
Challenging tournament schedule including Emerald City Classic and Hanahan Invitational
PARKING INFORMATION
Designated parking areas are available in lots surrounding Dolny Stadium. The primary gate
entrance will be clearly marked. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early and follow event
personnel directions.
