Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Tennessee HS Team Preview: Knoxville West Rebels

January 31, 2025
Prep Baseball Tennessee Staff

The 2025 Tennessee high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Tennessee.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Murfreesboro at the state tournament championships – but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Tennessee. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Power 25 rankings.

Our 2025 preseason coverage continues today.

High School: Knoxville West High School
Head Coach: Rob Stacy
TSSAA Classification: AAAA
District & Region: District 4 + Region 2
2024 Record (Playoff Finish): 9-26 (District Tourney)

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

+ No. Returning Positional Starters: 4
+ No. Returning Pitchers: 6
+ Key Returners:

2025 OUTLOOK

+ As the 2025 baseball season kicks off for Knoxville West, the Rebels look to build on their strong core of returning players and an exciting mix of young talent. With several key players poised to make an impact both offensively and defensively, Knoxville West is primed for success. Let's take a closer look at the players to watch this season. 

Junior Mason returns for another season as one of the team's most consistent performers. After hitting over .300 last year, the All-District returner has established himself as a force at the plate. With the potential to play at the next level, his leadership in the infield and ability to get on base will be crucial for the Rebels' success this season. Senior Fletcher Mays will be a defensive standout anchoring the infield as the starting shortstop. His defensive ability is unmatched, and his versatility on the mound gives the team options for pitching depth. Expect him to be a key figure in both the field and at the plate as Knoxville West looks to make noise in a competitive district. Senior IsaacHunter is an exceptional athlete with the potential to play at the collegiate level. As the center fielder, his speed and range in the outfield will make him a key defensive asset, while his left-handed pitching adds another dimension to the Rebels’ staff. Expect big things from Hunter as he continues to develop his game. Senior Xan Sheidecker brings a powerful bat to the middle of the order. As a potential college player, his ability to drive in runs and handle third base or first base defensively will be essential to the team's success. Senior James Killeffer is a raw talent on the mound, capable of hitting 85 mph with his fastball. While still developing as a pitcher, his athleticism in the outfield and the potential of his arm give him a chance to be a key contributor for the Rebels. Look for him to surprise many this season with his growth on the mound. Sophomore Jack Moffett earned a starting role as a freshman, while impressing with his maturity and performance. With a solid foundation and his father’s ties to the University of Tennessee, Moffett has a bright future ahead. He’ll be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to grow and contribute to the team. Brady Hopkins is another returning sophomore that earned playing time as a freshman last season and like Moffett, Hopkins is another promising talent with a baseball pedigree (his father played at Tennessee). A skilled infielder and pitcher, Hopkins will bring versatility to the team, and his development could be a game-changer for the Rebels as the season progresses. Sophomore James Huffman is one of the most raw but promising arms on the team. After impressing as a freshman, he has the potential to be the surprise player of the year. His performance against Catholic last season shows that he’s capable of stepping up in big moments. Expect him to grow into a major force on the mound this season. Sophomore catcher Morgan Ferrell, a multi-sport athlete, has already shown strong promise at the plate, especially during the fall season. His experience with Diamond Academy in the summer and fall ball will pay off as he takes on the role of starting catcher. Expect Ferrell to hit in the middle of the order and provide steady leadership behind the plate. 

The Rebels will rely on their strong defensive core, with players like Mays and Dugan leading the way in the infield, while Hunter and Killeffer bring athleticism and depth in the outfield. Offensively, the team will look to Sheidecker and Ferrell to drive in runs and anchor the lineup. The development of the younger players, including Moffett, Hopkins, Huffman, and Ferrell, will be key to the team’s success. With the right mix of experience and youthful energy, Knoxville West has the potential to make a deep run this season and beyond.

Find more information on Knoxville West’s 2025 season below:

+ Find more 2025 team previews on our TSSAA Season Preview page

FOLLOW US THROUGHOUT THE SPRING

+ Prep Baseball Tennessee on X
+ Prep Baseball Tennessee on Instagram
+ Prep Baseball Tennessee on Facebook

Related Content