GUYTON, Ga. — South Effingham’s promising baseball season a year ago took a midseason turn after an unexpected loss, and the Mustangs missed state tournament play (not counting the abbreviated 2020 COVID season) for the first time since 2012.
It was a wake-up call, says SEHS coach Jesse Osborne.
“This program has been successful for so long that sometimes for parents, coaches and players, you need a reminder: you have to work for it every year,” Osborne said.
High expectations
High expectations grew even higher despite a rebuilding year when the Mustangs shot out to a 6-2 start, including a 2-1 series win against perennial power and eventual subregion top seed Glynn Academy.
But a slip against Statesboro in Game 3, after two run-rule wins against the Blue Devils, pushed South behind Glynn and Brunswick in the subregion standings.
The Mustangs had to travel to red-hot Greenbrier for a first-round region tournament series. It didn’t go well.
South finished the season 15-10, 8-4 in Class 5A Region 1 South subregion play. Finishing the season on April 8 was almost unheard of for the Mustangs.
South now has a clean slate, and last year’s young group is a year older — maybe a year hungrier.
“We have a lot of returning players, so I don’t think they’ll be shocked by the spotlight on them,” said Osborne, a former SEHS pitcher who played collegiately at Armstrong Atlantic. He begins his fourth year as the Mustangs’ leader.
Pitching staff a key strength
Experienced starting pitching should be the team’s strength this spring. Senior right-hander Lance Cantaline, a first-team all-subregion performer, returns after compiling an 8-2 record with 71 strikeouts and a 1.64 earned-run average in 51 innings.
“Lance is one of our hardest workers. Every time he steps on the mound, everyone in the park knows we have a chance that night,” Osborne said.
Nico Ellwood and Bryce Hodges are back in No. 2 and No. 3 roles. Ellwood is a finesse pitcher; Hodges a fastball-slider guy. Carter Futch pitched out of the bullpen last year.
The staff took a blow early in the preseason when hard-throwing sophomore James Brooks suffered a tear in his UCL. Osborne said Brooks will be out for the season.
Offense anchored by Barkley
South’s offense will be led by senior catcher J.T. Barkley, the subregion’s Offensive Player of the Year last season after hitting .414 overall (.500 in subregion play) with seven doubles and 22 RBIs.
Cantaline, an outfielder when he’s not on the mound, will hit in the middle of the lineup. He hit .328 with six doubles, three triples, one homer and 15 RBIs.
Around the horn, Barkley, Ellwood and sophomore Cade Womack will see action at first base. Trevor Seguin and Porter Shiell are competing for time at second. Seguin, who suffered a wrist injury last season, will also see time at catcher to give Barkley occasional rest.
At shortstop, Evan Hollis takes over for all-subregion first-teamer Dalton Redmond, who signed to play at East Georgia State College. Futch or William Collier are among the leading candidates to play third base.
Cantaline, Jacob Duncan and Hodges return to form an experienced outfield. Osborne said pitcher Liam Coburn and third baseman Cole McMurray — both freshman standouts as quarterback and linebacker on the football team — are newcomers to watch.
Mission remains the same
What does South need to do to have a successful season and return to the state playoffs? The 2026 season swings into action Monday at Screven County.
“The mission never changes, the work never stops,” Osborne said. “The boys understand they have to work to get back to where they want to be.”
Team Snapshot
Head Coach: Jesse Osborne (52-36, fourth season).
2025 Record: 15-10 (8-4 third in Region 1-5A South subregion).
Key Returnees: P Lance Cantaline, C J.T. Barkley, P Nico Ellwood.
Key Losses: SS Dalton Redmond, 1B Collin Harvey.
Five Can’t Miss Games: Feb. 13 vs. Ware Co. (25-7, Class 4A Sweet Sixteen in 2025), Feb. 14 vs. Carrollton (23-12, Class 6A Sweet Sixteen), Feb. 14 vs. Troup Co. (32-9, Class 3A state champion), Feb. 18 vs. Vidalia (22-16, Class A Division I Final Four), March 6 vs. Effingham Co. (cross-county rival, Class 5A quarterfinalist).
