In a season with seemingly impossible expectations, the Dubs have managed to bring excitement and energy back to North Atlanta’s baseball program. A major factor in the team’s success has, without a doubt, been the long ball. Led by future Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Isaiah Drake and Antonio Anderson and North Atlanta’s newest star, Ira Jefferies, the Warriors have powered their way to the top of the region standings and onto the radar of baseball fans around the state.

Drake has been on fire all year long. The talented and speedy outfielder has four “dingers,” but there is even more than meets the eye. Drake is currently batting just shy of the .400 mark at .397 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of around .530, both well above the national average. “The guy can flat-out rake,” said teammate Sims DeLong. “He has been a total difference-maker this year.”

Like Drake, Anderson is a nightmare for pitchers every time he gets in the box. The switch-hitting shortstop has been red hot lately, sending six balls over the fence and racking up more than 40 RBIs in the process. Offensively, he is hitting an impressive .456 with an OPS of over 1.361, while also patrolling the middle infield on the defensive side. What we see from Anderson is just the beginning, as he is ready for a deep playoff run while simultaneously preparing for the MLB Draft in July. “It doesn’t take an MLB scout to tell you that ‘Tone’ processes what it takes to play pro ball,” said student manager Garrison Lippert. “He should be near the top of everyone’s list.”

While the seniors tend to steal the show, Jefferies has been everything the Dubs expected and more. The corner infielder is hitting .345 with a 1.115 OPS while leading the team with eight home runs. The new addition certainly made a name for himself and solidified his spot as a leader for the team next season. “He brings energy and passion every time he steps on the field,” said senior Mason Ramos. “There’s a reason he’s as highly recruited as he is.”

The three stars are all finalists for Atlanta Public School Player of the Year alongside two-way player Kanious Davis out of Maynard Jackson High School. While these guys bring the pressure at the top of the lineup, there has been no shortage of production from the other guys on the field. Junior Sam Neal dominated on both sides of the ball, hitting .353 with a sub-one ERA on the bump.

With just a few more games on the year, the Warriors are looking to end the regular season with a bang. The region champs have been dominant since their rocky start, and are looking to add some state-wide hardware to the North Atlanta trophy case.