Strikeout king Avery Kilcrease commits to Albany State

SYLVESTER — Few baseball players in Georgia enjoyed a season quite like Avery Kilcrease.

The Worth County graduate led the state in strikeouts, ranked among the nation’s leaders on the mound, blasted 10 home runs from the leadoff spot and helped guide the Rams to the first Final Four appearance in school history.

Now, he’ll take those talents to Albany State University after committing to continue his baseball career with the Golden Rams.

Kilcrease chose Albany State over numerous other collegiate opportunities, giving Golden Rams coach Scot Hemmings one of the most accomplished players in Southwest Georgia.

“Albany State is getting a good one and he will make the Golden Rams better,” Worth County coach Will Smith said. “Avery is ready now and can make a difference right away. I think he chose Albany State because he will have the ability to pitch and also play other positions or be the designated hitter.”

Kilcrease was the driving force behind one of the best seasons in Worth County baseball history.

The Rams finished 28-10, captured a region championship, and advanced to the Class A Division I Final Four for the first time. Throughout the season, Kilcrease delivered both at the plate and on the mound.

As a pitcher, he compiled an 11-3 record with a sparkling 1.09 ERA and 153 strikeouts. His strikeout total led the state of Georgia and ranked seventh nationally.

When he wasn’t overpowering hitters from the mound, Kilcrease was punishing opposing pitchers.

Batting in the leadoff spot, he hit .437 with 10 home runs, nine doubles and 34 RBIs. His rare combination of power and production made him one of the state’s most dangerous two-way players.

Smith believes that versatility is one of the reasons Kilcrease will thrive at the next level.

While many college recruits are limited to one role, Kilcrease has shown the ability to impact games in multiple ways. Whether on the mound, in the field or at the plate, he consistently found ways to help the Rams win.

Those contributions helped Worth County put together a season that will be remembered for years in Sylvester. The Rams reached heights never before achieved by the program, and Kilcrease was at the center of nearly every major accomplishment.

Now, the next chapter begins just a short drive down the road in Albany.

Avery is the son of Brent Kilcrease and Allison Kilcrease.