Usually, freshmen are just some players that are waiting for their chance to shine in a year or two, or possibly serving as a capable backup.
    At Southeast Bulloch, it’s one of the youngest Lady Yellow Jackets that is keying their postseason run.
    Last weekend, Sierra Peebles notched wins in back-to-back complete game efforts as SEB swept Dodge County to advance to the Region 3-AA championship series. In the games, Peebles struck out 19 batters as the Jackets took out the defending region champs.
    Even though Peebles will continue to be put on the spot as long as the Jackets’ run continues, she is confident that she’ll have the poise to make it through any challenge she faces.
    “I don’t think I’ll be too worried,” said Peebles. “In travel ball, I pitched in nationals. I know about playing under pressure, so I’m sure that I’ll be fine.”
    Wednesday, Peebles notched another 12 strikeouts in the region championship and held Bleckley County scoreless in 12 of 14 total innings, but late rallies clinched a pair of wins for the Lady Royals.
    Still, Peebles and the Jackets are confident heading into the state playoffs.
    “We’re glad to be playing at home,” said Peebles. “We get great support and we know how good we can be. We just have to go prove it.”