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GHSA Playoffs: Grayson Advances Past Camden County

April 30, 2021
Phil Kerber
Georgia Scouting Director

Grayson, GA - PBR Georgia’s 7A No. 1 Grayson Rams played host to the Camden County Wildcats in the first round of the GHSA Playoffs. Game one was a tightly contested, back and forth affair that would see the Rams edge out the Wildcats 6-5. Then in game two, The Rams used a six shutout innings by RHP Rayne Fry (Grayson, 2024) to take the series, 7-0.

Game One

OF Jamie Felix (Camden County, 2022) got the Wildcat offense started in the first inning. Felix elevated and drove a pitch deep into left center that would have left the park had the wind not been blowing in. Instead, the ball hit off the top of the wall and bounced back in, good for a double. Felix would come around to score on a line drive single by 1B Luke Barlow (Camden County; East Georgia State).


The response from Grayson was immediate. Leadoff hitter OF Justin Bogard (Grayson; Lipscomb) led off with a single and then promptly stole second. With one out, C Henry Hunter (Grayson; Samford) went with an outside pitch and drove it into the gap for an RBI double. The Rams were not done either. DH Anthony Polanco (Grayson, 2021) hammered a ball to the fence, scoring Hunter, but he was thrown at third going for the extra base.

The Rams held the 2-1 lead into the third inning when it was Barlow once again who came up with a line drive single up the middle, knocking in his second run of the game. Grayson responded with a run of their own. SS De’yon Cannon (Grayson; East Tennessee State) was able to bring Bogard around to score on a groundout, following his triple.

Grayson added to their 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Back-to-back singles by Polanco and OF Blane Holliday (Grayson, 2021) to leadoff the inning had Camden County feeling the pressure. 2B Jimmy Lipsey (Grayson, 2021) was able to load the bases up on a bunt and late throw to third for the force out. Polanco would score on a passed ball and Holliday on a groundout, extending the lead to 5-2.

This time, it was Camden County’s turn to respond. Two walks and another single Barlow had the Wildcats threatening with bases loaded, one out. Rising to the occasion in his first postseason game was freshman C Ethan Finch (Camden County, 2024). Finch turned on a pitch and sent the ball rocketing into the outfield, over the head of the left fielder. The bases would clear with Finch standing on second base and the game tied at 5-5.
The momentum appeared to be on the Wildcat’s side. A quick double play in the bottom of the fifth, and they were on their way to heading back into the dugout for the top of the sixth. However, 3B Grady Bryant (Grayson, 2021) had other plans as he roped a double into left field. Polanco followed by putting a ball into play on the left-side that resulted in a throwing error and men on second and third with two out. The deciding play of the game came the next at-bat. Holliday chopped a ball towards the third baseman and Bryant broke for home. The third baseman opted to stay back on the ball, allowing for Holliday to reach safely and Polanco to score.

The Rams would hold onto the lead and take game one 6-5.

Game Two

The story of game two was the performance of freshman RHP Rayne Fry (Grayson, 2024). The Rams handed the ball to the youngster for his first postseason start and he shined. Fry competed in the zone and challenged hitters consistently. His fastball topped out at 82 and he was able to consistently drop in a 12/6 breaking ball for strikes. The right-hander was able to give the Rams six shutout innings, scattering two hits, walking one and striking out nine. Grayson would take the game comfortably, 7-0.
Round two of the GHSA 7A State Playoffs will see Grayson either travel to Campbell or host North Cobb.

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