Power 25 HS Preview: #22 Cherokee Bluff Bears
January 21, 2023
We will begin to preview our Power 25 rankings each day until the season begins. Each week we will be releasing our players of the week, updating the Top 10 in each GHSA classification as well as a Power 25. Be sure to follow PBR Georgia on twitter for live action each week, as our staff travels throughout the state to cover baseball in the great state of Georgia.
High School Name: Cherokee Bluff
Coach’s Name: Jeremy Kemp
Classification: GHSA Class 4A
2022 Record: 25-10
Region: 8-4A
No. of Returning Starters: 9
Team Strengths: Returning Bats
Top Returning Players:
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OF Bryce England (Georgia Southern, 2023)
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OF Brett House (Mississippi State, 2023)
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RHP Braxton Beal (Georgia Southern, 2023)
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SS Jacob Vokal (Davidson, 2024)
Top 2024 Prospects:
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UTL Ty Corbin
Top 2025 & 2026 Prospects:
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SS Landon Kemp (2025)
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OF/1B Kaden Thompson (2025)
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RHP Tucker Holton (2025)
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MIF Ethan England (2026)
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MIF Erik Grunduski (2026)
Team Outlook
The Bears are eager to get back to work after falling to Pierce County in the second round of the state playoffs. They have the team to make a deep run in the 2023 season, with one of the most talented group of seniors in the state. Georgia Southern commit Bryce England and Mississippi State commit Brett House will power the Bears line up. Recently committing to Davidson, Jacob Vokal will provide the speed on the bases, and the consistency at the plate. Vokal was a standout at LakePoint this summer, and posted some of the best numbers at the Underclass Games in June. Georgia Southern commit, Braxton Beal will be the ace on the mound. Recently up to 92, the power arm continues to add strength and velo throughout the off season. The young talent looks promising for the Bears, ad their success will be a big factor in the outcome of their season. We recently saw Landon Kemp at the campus tour. The left-handed hitting shortstop was one of the top performers at the event. The velo is still to come on the mound, but all metrics per Trackman showed a promising future. Tucker Holton is another sophomore to keep eyes on. Recently up to 87 on the mound, Holton will be a key piece behind Beal. The Bears will open up their season against some tough non-region opponents, West Forsyth, Denmark, Grayson and North Atlanta. These games will get them prepared for their new region foe, North Oconee. If they can be consistent on the mound they have the line up for a really strong ‘23 season.
‘23 OF Brett House (@TEAMELITENATION) has a physical build at 6-3, 195, will develop plenty of strength. Quick, fluid swing. Turns on one and sends it into LF for a 1B. @PBRGeorgia @ShooterHunt #UnderclassWS pic.twitter.com/FH0d7ZjAuS
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerber) October 12, 2020
‘23 RHP Braxton Beal (@TEAMELITENATION; @CBBearBaseball) came out popping the glove this morning. Long arm, gets good tilt when out front on time. Threw 1 breaking ball in 3.1 no hit innings, 7 K, 2 BB.
— Phil Kerber (@PhilKerber) June 12, 2021
FB: 86-87 in 1st, 83-86
CB: 72@ShooterHunt @PBRGeorgia #PBRnpi pic.twitter.com/FCJ32DMKnf
‘24 SS Jacob Vokal (@USElitebase;@CBBearBaseball) sends one to the LF corner for a double. Dips back knee on a low pitch and lets his strong hands work thru the zone, displaying some solid bat to ball skills and feel for the barrel. 6.80 runner in the sixty.#PBR16uNat pic.twitter.com/TQRWANWJsQ
— PBR Georgia (@PBRGeorgia) June 27, 2022‘25 SS Landon Kemp (@CBBearBaseball)
— Justin Goetz (@JGoetzPBR) January 17, 2023
Has shown a versatile skill set not only at #PAS23 but UGA Campus Tour.
Fluidity in hands w/ very repeatable launch position. Good hip pace, controls body well. Consistent barrels. Nice footwork, exchange, arm at SS (85 mph).@PBRGeorgia pic.twitter.com/4E2L3E9pD2