The class of 2024 was our first Metro Xplosion team; which began play in the fall of 2020. Connor Breyer was the head coach for the team’s first two seasons until he graduated with a MBA degree from McKendree University and entered the real world. Brian Gibson “Gibby” was the assistant coach and main trainer. The team won their first tournament that fall, up in Jacksonville, Illinois. Connor & Gibby did a great job with this group and the results showed in their 16U campaign.

During the summer of 2022, the team went 25-11-3. They won the Play9 Elite Series in June with Trey Gillepsie and Jake Stedman sharing co-tournament MVP’s. The following weekend, they won the Up&Coming All Scout Invitational; capping of two tournament titles and 10 straight wins for the team.

Offensive Leaders:

• Jake Stedman: 48 hits, 48 runs, .400/.463/1.104
• Trey Gillepsie: 30 rbi’s, 7 triples, .374/.474/1.111
• Ian Maxedon: .500 OBP. 400/.500/.913
• Brendan Lugge: .305/.429/.860
• Mason Cornell: .304/.471/.927

Pitching Leaders:

• Jack Velino:        2 IP, 44 K’s, 1.73 ERA
• Noah Emge: 38 IP, 40 K’s, 6-0 record
• Brody O’Donnell: 1 IP,  27K’s

The team’s 17U season also had some really good individual performances:

Offensive leaders:

• Jake Stedman: .384/.484/1.087
• Brendan Lugge: .270/.374/.684
• Jonathan Jenkins: .260/.364/.665
• Oliver Kartje: .297/.416/.727

Pitching Leaders:

• Jack Velino:             2 IP, 41 K’s, 2.82 ERA
• Brody O’Donnell: 2 IP, 36 K’s, 3.25 ERA
• Noah Emge:         32 IP, 38 K’s.