SPRINGFIELD, Ga. – A recent baseball practice at Effingham County wrapped up at 8 p.m. Cleanup was done. The temperature was dropping.

Nearby in the batting cage, seniors Kaleb Pendley, Karson Thompson and Nick King were taking extra swings.

“I think I said to them, ‘Hey, guys, just go home. We’ll be here tomorrow,’ ” said Rebels coach Eric McCombie, recalling the moment.

“Maybe the success we had last year helped, but doing more than what’s expected is the part of our program that has really taken a step forward. It’s good for the younger guys to see that because they’ll fall into those routines too. Then you start building something.”

Building on past success

Stacking good days leads to stacking good seasons. ECHS, 30-7 a year ago, won the subregion, the region tournament and advanced to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.

A talented senior class graduated, but a winning attitude didn’t walk out of the clubhouse.

“I think people are going to underestimate us. The guys are motivated,” McCombie said. “They want to prove we’re also pretty good.”

Momentum for the 2025 team started with an 18-run first inning in the opening game against Islands. The Rebels kick off 2026 against Camden County on Feb. 9.

Pitching depth a key factor

McCombie said pitching will be key. ECHS loses subregion Pitcher of the Year Luke Edwards, but righthander Kyle Thomas, who is committed to Central Alabama, is back after earning first-team honors in his first full year pitching.

Thomas (8-0, 73 strikeouts, 63 innings, 2.33 ERA) teamed with Edwards as the Rebels’ one-two punch to begin subregion series, region tournaments and state playoff series.

Closer Ayden “AR” Roeser (1.45 ERA, five saves, committed to South Georgia) takes over as the club’s No. 2 starting pitcher.

McCombie will choose between Pendley, Travis LaFontaine (3-0, 0.98 ERA in 12 games out of the bullpen), Sean Etzle, Ayden Smith, Lance Graham (committed to Brewton Parker), Landon Carter (who played on the defensive line in football) and Hunter Tuten for No. 3 starter innings.

“We have a lot of options. We’re deep on the mound,” McCombie said.

Offensive leaders return

Offensively, Pendley, an all-state performer who hit a team-leading .410 last season with 12 doubles, three triples, a homer and 29 RBIs, will bat in the middle of the lineup and play left field if he isn’t pitching. Pendley is committed to South Georgia.

Speedy junior Kris Swinney, a prototypical leadoff hitter, will be in center. Swinney hit .533 (8 for 15) in limited at-bats and tied for the team lead in stolen bases with 11 while being used as a pinch runner.

Thompson, a senior catcher, quickly became a leader last season. He caught every inning except one and batted .260 while anchoring the No. 9 spot in the lineup.

“Karson’s quiet, well-spoken and he does a solid job handling the pitchers. He’s as steady as it comes,” McCombie said.

ECHS will be replacing all four starters in the infield, but McCombie has confidence in third baseman King, shortstop Tuten and second baseman Brody Mallard, who transferred back from Savannah Christian last year. Utility infielder Nolan Bacon provides options.

Etzle, Roeser, Thomas, Landon Spence, Tucker Wingate and Parker Nelson all could see time at first base. Junior Jamie Pittman is a leading candidate for right field.

The Rebels have potential, McCombie says. It’s a new season. Can they win 30 games and make another run in the state playoffs in 2026?

It’s not a goal plastered on the bulletin board.

“We don’t talk about [a 30-win season], just like we didn’t talk about the 10-win season the year before,” McCombie said. “We keep the message the same. We go about our business in the weight room and doing our reps. It’s a mature approach and the guys have all bought into it. Who cares about last year right now?”

Team Snapshot

Head Coach: Eric McCombie (40-27, third season)

2025 Record: 30-7 (11-1 Region 1-5A North)

Key Returnees: OF Kaleb Pendley, P Kyle Thomas, C Karson Thompson

Key Losses: P Luke Edwards, OF Q King

Five Can’t Miss Games: Feb. 18 vs. Statesboro (annual Simmons Cup), Feb. 23 vs. Calvary Day (29-7, GHSA Private School state champions), March 3 vs. South Effingham (cross-county rival), March 26 vs. Evans (return of former SEHS coach Todd Eubanks), April 7 vs. Harlem (33-3, Class 3A state quarterfinalist).