THOMASVILLE – Two Thomas County Central baseball players have been named preseason all-state for Class 6-A by the Georgia Dugout Club.

Senior pitcher Eli Taylor and junior shortstop Brayden Payne earned the recognition, less than a month away from hitting the field for the start of preseason practice.

“It’s a huge accomplishment, especially in 6-A baseball. To receive that honor in that classification, especially when you go through that list, who’s on it and how many of them are Division I players and potential draft picks, for those two kids to be mentioned with those type of players, it is a huge accomplishment,” Central coach Ryan Strickland said.

Payne and Taylor were first-team all-region selections last year in Region 1, while Payne was also named the defensive player of the year. The two are key members of a squad that finished 20-16 last season and advanced to the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs.

“Eli has been a three-year starter for us ever since he was a freshman. He’s done well, and it’s the same way with Brayden Payne. He’s been a starter since his freshman year and has done well,” Strickland said. “They’re going to be expected to be leaders on our team, as well as bunch of other ones out there with them, too. We’ve got five other seniors that are expected to do the same thing along with them. Without those teammates, their stats and the things that they’re able to do on the mound and at the plate wouldn’t happen without those other guys around.”

Preseason practices will start Monday, Jan. 15.