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Athlete of the Week: SEB's Wilkes K's Laney
Wilkes
MIKE ANTHONY
manthony@statesboroherald.com
Updated: Aug 25, 2011, 2:49 AM
Published: Aug 25, 2011, 2:50 AM

    As Taylor Wilkes entered her freshman year at Southeast Bulloch last season, she was thrown right into the fire.
    Wilkes earned the win in the season opener and quickly became the ace of the staff. Now in her sophomore season, she aims to keep improving and return the Lady Yellow Jackets to the top of Region 3-AA.
    “Everything seems a little easier this season,” said Wilkes. “I’ve worked hard at practice to improve my pitching, but the biggest thing is how well the team gets along with each other and how we’re all on the same page.”
    In SEB’s first region game against Laney Tuesday, Wilkes was in top form. The right-hander was overpowering, striking out nine batters and allowing just a pair of hits before the run rule brought the game to an end after just four innings.
    Another boost to Wilkes’ performance is the addition of freshman pitcher Sierra Peebles, who should help her form a great 1-2 punch for the next few years.
    “It’s great having another solid pitcher,” said Wilkes. “It keeps us both sharp and we both push each other to be better.”
Professional Eye Care of Statesboro presents Prep Sports Spotlight
Aubrey Smith – Senior, Shortstop, Statesboro
Aubrey Smith
Aubrey Smith
JOSH AUBREY/staff
jaubrey@statesboroherald.com
Published: Mar 9, 2025, 2:21 PM

The Statesboro Blue Devils are off to a 3-1 mark in region play as they try and make a run in a difficult baseball region.

One player first year head coach Zac Clark is looking to for leadership off the field, and play on the field is senior shortstop Aubrey Smith.

 “Aubrey made the transition this year from second base to shortstop,” Clark said. “He has worked really hard and bought into it. He has really taken command of the infield and I am super excited to have him over there.

“He is also our leadoff hitter and has one of the highest batting averages on the team. He is also someone we turn to for help us as a leader as well.”

“At first I thought moving over to short would be a huge change, but I feel like I have adapted,” Smith said. “It’s a little longer throw, but I feel like I can make it without a problem.

“We don’t have a lot of seniors this year so a lot of these guys look up to me and I am trying to be there for them when they need me.”