North Cobb Christian School won the GHSA AA State Championship in 2023, and the 2024 season is quickly approaching. The Eagles have started practice and are ready to defend their title this year.

Photos were taken at their practice on Friday, January 26th, 2024 by Tyler Russ.

The Eagles begin each practice with a prayer led by one of the seniors. Today, they were led by pitcher Tobias Rupp.

This state championship banner was recently hung. Head Coach Jimmy Keane reminds his players to use it as motivation, as he thinks it would look even more impressive next to a 2024 banner.

Head Coach Jimmy Keane (right) explains to his assistant Ryan Moore (left) a drill he wants the players to work on during the first practice period. The two played together at North Cobb Christian in 2006, and are both members of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Former catcher Mills Morris helps set up a drill for the other catchers. The senior is currently rehabbing from an arm injury and can only hit, as his arm has not healed enough to throw. He hopes to return to fielding during the season, even if he has to move to first base.

Assistant coach Edgar Mercado (far right) instructs his infielders on turning a double play. The team’s shortstop and second baseman from last season both graduated, making this one of the most critical positions in need of development for the Eagles coaching staff.

Bryce Lawrence (right), a former player who graduated from the school in 2019 is the newest addition to the coaching staff. He works mostly with third basemen, the position he spent the most time at in his playing days.

Senior Jackson Uggla participating in the final drill of the day, a baserunning drill where head coach Jimmy Keane would attempt to pick off his players at second base. Uggla has moved to the vacant shortstop position this year and will be key to the Eagles’ success. The son of former Atlanta Brave Dan Uggla spent most of his time batting 4th last season, but he will likely move up in the batting order this year.