The Putnam County baseball team wrapped up its first season with new head coach Stephen Phillips in April.
The War Eagles went 11-20 overall in Phillips’ first year, but made a trip to the state playoffs, where they lost to rival Washington County in the first round. After the season, six of their players earned All-Region honors.
Phillips was proud of all his players who earned All-Region recognition.
“This group of guys was a big part of our steps forward,” Phillips told The Eatonton Messenger. “It will be hard to replace Tanner [Lukens], but the rest will be back next year and will be crucial in us continuing to grow.”
Junior third baseman Jackson Dodd and junior outfielder Ethan Whatley were named to the All-Region first team.
Dodd was productive at the plate, batting a team-high .455 with six doubles and 22 RBI with only one strikeout.
Whatley was also dangerous in the batter’s box, hitting .435 with four triples and a team-high four home runs. Whatley was successful on the basepath in stealing bases and as a relief pitcher for the team as well.
Phillips noted that both Dodd and Whatley were deserving of their postseason awards.
“Jackson [Dodd] is one of the hardest-working players, both on and off the field,” Putnam County baseball’s first-year head coach said. “And Ethan [Whatley] has also just scratched the surface of his potential.”
Junior shortstop Gates Lanzarone, junior utility player Wyatt Sims, junior outfielder Branan Griffin, and senior catcher Tanner Lukens were named to the All-Region second team.
Phillips described Lanzarone as the “heart of the defense,” while he said Sims was one of the team’s most versatile players. Both players, like their teammates, played pivotal roles in helping Putnam win close games.
“Gates [Lanzarone] was our shortstop and heart of the defense. He was an all-around good player,” Phillips said. “Wyatt [Sims] was a workhorse; he played every position but two on the field.”
Phillips also praised Griffin and Lukens.
“Branan [Griffin] was a solid outfielder. He is just a hard-nosed kid that plays his heart out,” he said. “Tanner [Lukens] was our catcher and the most solid bat in our lineup. He would do anything to help our team win.”
Lukens and Jamarion Robertson were Putnam County’s only seniors, so the team returns a strong core next season. Phillips expects Dodd, Whatley, Lanzarone, Sims, and Griffin, among others, to lead the way in 2026.
Phillips said after the season that the program’s future is bright.
“As for the junior class that’s coming back, I just really love these guys,” Phillips said. “I love their willingness to accept me and their drive to get better. I think if we can continue with that attitude into the offseason, plus some of the younger kids that are coming up from the middle school, I think Putnam baseball will be in really good shape next year.”