Chattanooga Christian baseball standout and University of Kentucky commit John Rhodes poses for a portrait at the Chattanooga Christian School baseball field on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Chattanooga, Tenn. THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
› John Rhodes (CCS): The versatile junior is bound for Kentucky.› Andre Tarver (Ringgold): The junior outfielder, who’s also a football star, has committed to Mississippi State’s baseball program.› Cole Wilcox (Heritage): The senior pitcher is one of the highest-rated prospects the area has had in recent years. He’s committed to Georgia.
THREE TEAMS TO WATCH
› Baylor: The Red Raiders return three key starters from last season — 1B Teddy Lepcio (.313 average, 28 RBIs), RF Stan King (.313 average, 17 RBIs) and sophomore 3B Gehrig Ebel (.318 average).› Signal Mountain: The Eagles must replace eight players from last year’s Spring Fling squad that won 29 games, but having SS/P Drew Lowry and OF/P Collin Farr back will help.› Lookout Valley: The Yellow Jackets return eight starters, including their entire infield, and have four seniors with plenty of experience.
John Rhodes always has understood the importance of first impressions.
As a 4-year-old, despite the bat standing nearly as tall as he was, he connected on his first swing of tee-ball practice and sent the ball soaring over the fence for a home run. He was immediately moved up to play in the league for 5-year-olds.
With just one season’s experience as a starter on Chattanooga Christian School’s basketball team, he was named the district player of the year, and after one year of varsity baseball he was recruited by Georgia, Mississippi State, Tennessee and Vanderbilt among others before opting to commit to Kentucky.