FREEDOM PATRIOTS IN COLLEGE

In spite of a lackluster program and poor NW4A record over the years 2004-2007, the Patriots have a number of players from that period continuing to play at The Next Level:

The following former Freedom players are listed on the 2008 rosters of their respective schools:

Alex Dergins: FHS 2004: Shut down closer for the Limestone last season and if heathly should have a strong senior season on the mounds for the Saints. After his stellar career at Freedom, Alex played two seasons for Blue Ridge CC before heading to Limestone. Was a member of the 2006 Morganton Aggies but saw no action due to an elbow injury.

http://athletics.limestone.edu/baseball/roster.htm

Alex Chapman: FHS 2005, After two season's with the UNCC 49's, Alex transfered to Wingate University. The Bulldogs are a perrenial SAC baseball power and Chapman is listed as a middle infielder. Alex will play this summer in a west coast wood bat league.

http://sports.wingate.edu/baseball/meet_the_bulldogs.asp

Wesley Williams: FHS 2002, Class of 2005, transfered to TC Roberson after his freshman season at Freedom and went on to a steller high school career. After signing with the Virginia Cavaliers, Williams transfered to Eckerd where he stars for the Tritons. Was also a standout last summer for the Champion Morganton Aggies of the SCBL.

http://www.eckerd.edu/tritons/baseball/roster.php

Tori Conley: FHS 2006, In his second season with the Community College, Conley was a standout centerfielder for the Cougars and is expected to improve apon a fine freshman season where he was a leader, bating .379 and 9 stolen bases.

*No School Baseball Website

Andrew Tallent-FHS2006, after missing his entire senior year with the Pats with Tommy John Surgery, Tallent saw limited action for Montreat College in his first year. His playing time was impacted by his rehab but did contibute innings in his freshman season for the Cavs. He also saw time as pitcher for the Morganton Aggies last summer and is scheduled to return to the Aggies in 2008.

http://ww2.montreat.edu/Default.asp...erid=321&playername=andrew tallent&parentid=0

Matt Turbeville: FHS 2006, Also at Montreat College, where he saw limited action after converting from infielder to outfielder for the Cavaliers.

http://ww2.montreat.edu/Default.asp...rid=320&playername=matt turbeville&parentid=0

Austin Attaway, FHS 2007, The 4-year starter, Co-Captain and 2 time All NW4A performer impressed the Mars Hill coaches with his play during the fall workouts.

http://sports.mhc.edu/baseball/roster.htm

Zach Daw, FHS 2007, 3-year starter and Co-Captain for Freedom, had a productive fall and should see action on the mound for the Quakers. Daw will play this summer for the Morganton Aggies of the SCBL.

http://www.guilford.edu/athletics/baseball/outlook.html

http://www.guilford.edu/athletics/baseball/roster.html

Nick Lackey, FHS 2005, After two standout seasons with Blue Ridge Community College, Nick enrolled at UNCC but transfered to Mars Hill College for the spring semester. Lackey, who has really stepped up his game since leaving Freedom, is a good college hitter and a can play multiple positions including pitcher. Played last summer with the Asheville Redbirds of the SCBL.

http://sports.mhc.edu/baseball/roster.htm

Best of luck to all these former Patriot players as the 2008 season approaches.

 

This is the one that really sticks out to me. This kid can do it all.

 

4-6-3 DP

Agreed.
Williams is a cut above on this list. Only palyed one season under Tommy Russ at Freedom before moving to TC Roberson. Certainly was a good move for him but I wonder how the fortunes of Freedom baseball may have turned had he stayed.
I was fortunate enough to get to watch him play regularly last summer and he is an absolute stud at the dish and a smooth, effortless outfielder. I'll be surprised if doesn't get drafted in the 08. I am looking forward to seeing him again in an Aggies uniform this summer.

Alex Chapman is another top tier player. Has a cannon for an arm, good wheels. Also saw him all last summer. Struggled somewhat at the plate but broke loose in the postseason. I hope Alex gets a fair shot at Wingate. He's a talented player and a fine young man.

Tori Conley matches these two in talent and is a 5-tool player plus the young man gives you all he's got, all the time. I've been around him since he was 10 years old and I've never seen him take a play off. I have seen him make countless unreal plays in the field and his bat continues to get better. I look for him to have a breakout year at Wilkes this season.

Lackey is intriguing. He is the classic "late bloomer". Was some what of a "wannabe" in high school but I watched this young man mature and work diligently on his game. The work paid off as he got better and better. He had two solid seasons at Blue Ridge and was a captain in his final year there. Was a late addition to the Asheville Redbirds last summer and displayed a clutch stick that was not present in his prep days. Just as importantly, his defense in the clutch improved dramatically. I really hope he gets a shot at Mars Hill. He has earned it.

 

I just got word that Torri Conley is not elligable this season because of grades

 

Hey Twin Killing

Why do you hate to see WW suited up for Aggies

 

Hit- an run

Really. That's heartbreaking. I hope it is not true.

 

I coach Davidson. He was a Copperhead-killer last summer. We couldn't keep that guy off base.

 

This is his mom.... Very heartbreaking, but true