Coastal Pines Technical College

By Kevin Price

Luke Edwards has put together a strong season on the pitching mound for Effingham. 

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-hander had a perfect 6-0 won-loss record coming into this week, including a recent victory over Statesboro when he threw a no-hitter as the Rebels knocked off the rival Blue Devils in a non-region matchup between the Southeast Georgia programs. 

For his outstanding season and especially his performance in the last month, Edwards has been selected by 912 Sports for the Coastal Pines Technical College Boys Student-Athlete of the Month award. 

“Luke has been the best pitcher in the region and one of the most dominant pitchers in the state this season,” said Effingham coach Eric McCombie. 

In the last month, Edwards was 4-0 with an 0.27 ERA in 33 2/3 innings pitched. He gave up only one earned run and eight hits while recording the four victories. Edwards also struck out 61 batters in the four games. 

For the season, he led Class AAAAA in strikeouts with 80 coming into this week. 

Also for the season, he had a 0.33 ERA in 44 2/3 innings. He had given up only two earned runs all season. 

“He has pitched in every big game for us,” McCombie said. “He is a leader and great student, too.”

Edwards is set to pitch in college at Valdosta State after closing out his career with the Rebels this spring. 

Effingham (24-5 overall) knocked off Brunswick Wednesday by a 13-8 score in the Region 1-AAAAA semifinals in Springfield. The Rebels will now host Greenbrier on Thursday in the region championship game that also will decide the top seed from the region for the Class AAAAA state tournament which begins next week. 

The Rebels swept a region series against the Wolfpack in early March, winning two of the three games by one run.  Edwards is the scheduled to start on the mound for the Rebels in the region final. 

Coastal Pines Technical College

Boys Student-Athlete of Month

December - Jackson Hunter, Glynn Academy, cross country

January - MJ Quarterman, McIntosh Co. Academy, basketball

February - Clayton Hicks, Brunswick High, wrestling  

March - Bradley Patterson, Camden Co., wrestling 

April - Luke Edwards, Effingham, baseball 

       By Kevin Price

Ellie Luppino has been a standout for the Glynn Academy girls tennis team this season. 

One of the top players in Southeast Georgia, the Glynn senior has posted a 17-3 record while playing No. 1 singles this year for the Lady Terrors.

 “Her losses were to players rated inside the top 25 in the state,” said GA head coach Marcus Long.

With an outstanding campaign to date, Luppino has been chosen by 912 Sports for the Coastal Pines Technical College Girls Student-Athlete of the Month award.

The team captain for the Lady Terrors, Luppino has already been selected to the Region 1-AAAAA first-team a third straight season. 

She will soon take the court with the Lady Terrors in the Class AAAAA state tournament. 

Luppino has signed a letter of intent with Converse University in Spartenburg, S.C., where she will continue her career after high school. 

“She defines the word ‘leader’ every day, whether in practice or match play,” Long said. “She’s also been a volunteer coach for our middle-school tennis program and has been instrumental in helping us grow our tennis program during the last four years. 

“She has been an incredible blessing to the Glynn Academy tennis program and an absolute joy to coach.” 

Coastal Pines Technical College 

Girls Student-Athletes of the Month

December - Jada Evans, Ware County, cheer

January - Breanna Higgins, Camden County, wrestling

February - Parris Parham, Bradwell Inst., basketball

March - Charlacia Jones, Ware County, basketball

April - Ellie Luppino, Glynn Academy, tennis