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An outstanding season for Southampton High School’s varsity baseball team came to a close May 26 in the Region 3A Tournament quarterfinals against visiting Tabb High School.

The No. 9-seeded Tigers, from the challenging Bay Rivers District, took an 8-0 lead, but the No. 1 Indians were able to get back into the game, scoring three runs in the fourth inning and one in the sixth to halve the lead, 8-4. 

Unfortunately, battle-tested Tabb was able to go on a run and pull away for a 15-4 victory.

The Indians distinguished themselves this season by going undefeated in the Tri-Rivers District, winning the district regular season and tournament championships for the second consecutive year. These victories helped secure them the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye in the Region 3A tourney.

Southampton finished the season with an overall record of 14-2, including a 14-0 mark in the district.

The team drew 12 all-district selections and four all-region honors, and outfielder Brady Flythe headlined the group of Southampton honorees by being named the district Player of the Year and making the all-region first team along with Jaiden Godette. Indians Head Coach Darnell “Bud” Lee was named district Coach of the Year.

“In my first year as the head coach of this program, it has been a very unforgettable year,” Lee said. “Our players have worked hard to continue the legacy that has been before us. We had some lows but a lot of highs to push through our season.”

Southampton players making the all-district first team included Flythe, as an outfielder; Godette, at shortstop; Landon Cushing, as an outfielder; Peyton Ricks, as a pitcher; and Christian Spivey, as a third baseman.

Indians named to the second team were Cushing, as a pitcher; Adin Brown, as a second baseman; Garrett Billups, as a designated hitter; and Juelz Cooper, as an outfielder.

Southampton players receiving all-district honorable mention included pitcher Whitman Clark, catcher Trevor Cumby and pitcher Matthew Jarrett.

In addition to Flythe and Godette being named to the All-Region 3A first team, Brown and Ricks received all-region honorable mention.

Lee was pleased to list all of these individual accolades — achievements that represented another highlight for the year.

He also expressed hopes that he and his coaching staff had taught the players things beyond the victories.

“From day one we stressed positive energy, accountability and leadership, to be able to help beyond the game of baseball,” he said.

He explained that the team has definitely left a mark on his coaching career with great memories.

“For the coaching staff, supportive families and the community, I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough for showing up and showing out for the players and team,” he said.