ROCKINGHAM — The postseason accolades rolled in for the Richmond Raider baseball team this week following its most successful campaign over the last decade.
The Raiders headlined the 2026 All-Mid-South Conference team with six player selections, as well as one coach recognition.
Representing Richmond on the 22-player team were seniors Evan Hodges, Maddox Locklear, Caden Nolan and Jake Veach, along with junior Drew Gause and sophomore Devin Haynes.
Hodges led the way with his third career All-Conference selection, followed by Locklear and Nolan, both of whom earned his second career selection.
Veach, Gause and Haynes each made the All-Conference team for the first time in their respective careers.
Head coach Eric Brown kept his streak going as the conference’s Coach of the Year, which he was voted for the third consecutive year. He’s held the title each year since becoming Richmond’s head coach.
Pinecrest High School took both of the top player spots with Bohdi Robertson named Position Player of the Year and William Chopping named Pitcher of the Year.
Giving the two Patriots a run for their money, Hodges and Nolan were both in contention for those individual accolades.
Richmond went 19-7 this spring, its most wins in a single season since 2019. The Raiders claimed their first regular season conference title with a 13-2 record against MSC teams, which ended a 10-year drought.
Needing to win its final two conference games of the season against Pinecrest to take the top spot, Richmond erased a five-run deficit to earn a 6-5 win on the road and benefitted from a forfeit by the Patriots.
“I’m proud of our players and coaches for the season we had,” Brown reflected. “It ended a little earlier than we had hoped, but for this team to win 19 games, a conference championship and host two playoffs games is something to be very proud of.
“Our team goals every preseason revolve around putting ourselves in a good position to win a conference championship and hosting playoff games. In order for those things to happen we have to show up and play good baseball everyday, and our guys did that.
“This was a tough, selfless and resilient group. They accomplished things this year that haven’t been done in a long time at Richmond, something to be proud of and hang their hats on. When we talk about having program standards, 2026 exemplifies that.
“Having six All-Conference players is a big accomplishment for our program and those individual players,” Brown added. “I’m really happy for them all to earn this recognition.”
Evan Hodges, Senior Catcher/Pitcher
Three-Time All-Conference Selection
Photo contributed by RSHS Baseball.
A three-year varsity staple for the Raiders, Hodges wrapped up his playing career with some of his best numbers statistically. He also brought an intangible leadership presence to the Raiders, anchoring the defense as the team’s catcher, while also pitching and playing shortstop.
Batting in the No. 3 spot of the lineup, Hodges drove in 26 runs batted in to lead the entire conference. He ranked fifth in the MSC with a .981 fielding percentage and was tied for fifth with the most hits (26) in the conference. Connecting for seven doubles, and finishing with a .321 batting average, Hodges led the Raiders and was one of three MSC players tied for the second-most two-baggers.
In his 11 appearances on the mound, Hodges logged 36.1 innings and ranked fourth amongst conference pitchers with 58 strikeouts. His 2.89 earned run average was eighth in the MSC and his best strikeout performance in a single game was 13 Ks in a win over Hoke County.
Known as “Mr. Raider” by his coaches and teammates, Hodges proved clutch in the comeback win against Pinecrest in the final week of the regular season. He found the alley in left-center field for a two-RBI double that put the Raiders ahead for good and cemented the conference crown.
“It feels great and it’s definitely an honor to get all conference for three years in a row,” Hodges said. “That would have never happened if it wasn’t for my parents, coaches, and teammates who have pushed me along the way!
“What allowed me to be successful this season was to slow the game down in every aspect and control what I could control. Also a lot of it comes from the late nights no one sees or the work put in during the offseason.
“Raider baseball has changed my life in many perspectives,” he added. “Baseball has taught me you’re going to fail more than you will succeed, but always showing back up is even better. My coaches have taught me a lot more than just baseball – they’ve taught me the importance of life skills and how baseball can apply to your everyday life.
“They have better prepared me for college baseball with the work ethic I’ve learned, by putting me in leadership roles, and from the discipline I will continue to use in college.”
Of Hodges, Brown commented on the timeliness and clutchness of his bat, as well as Hodges embracing his role as the team’s catcher.
“Evan earning his third consecutive All-Conference honor says a lot about the type of player he is,” Brown noted. “As coaches, we called him “big game” Hodges, he is the ultimate competitor and proved that time and time again over the past three seasons.
“Catcher is the hardest position to play in baseball and he did it just as good, if not better than, any other catcher in the state. He was also really good on the mound and at shortstop. He led the team in doubles and RBI and any time we needed a good at bat or clutch hit, he delivered.”
Caden Nolan, Senior Pitcher/Shortstop
Two-Time All-Conference Selection
Photo contributed by RSHS Baseball.
Another three-year leader for the Raiders, Nolan accepted and dominated in his role as the team’s No. 1 pitcher this season. Wearing both hats successfully, Nolan also brought the boom with the bat and was amongst the best players in several offensive categories.
Recording six wins on the mound, which was second-most in the MSC, Nolan fired 111 strikeouts in 57.1 innings, 33 Ks more than second-place Robertson. That propelled Nolan to the top spot in 7A and made him the No. 2 strikeout leader in the entire state.
In 11 appearances, Nolan struck out double-digit batters eight times, including a career-high 15 Ks in a win over Hoke County. He threw a no-hitter against Pine Forest and was second in the MSC with a 0.98 ERA. He limited opposing batters to a .153 batting average.
Getting the job done in the cleanup spot, Nolan batted for a .417 batting average (fifth in the MSC) with five home runs (first in the MSC) and 30 total hits (third in MSC). His 22 RBI were fifth-most in the conference, and he was second in slugging percentage (.708) and third with 26 runs scored. Nolan recorded a two-homer game against Pine Forest.
“It feels good to end my career this way,” Nolan said. “The whole team worked hard and we had a great year. I’m thankful to have been selected. At the plate, the thing that made me the most successful was not chasing pitches out of the zone and being patient to hit my pitch. On the mound, I was focused on competing every pitch and filling up the strike zone. My team always had my back in the field.
“Coach Brown and this program have taught me discipline, accountability, leadership and how to handle adversity. Because of this program, I am prepared both on and off the field. I’ll always be thankful for the coaching I received, the memories I’ve made and the relationships I have with my coaches and this team.”
Brown pointed to Nolan’s effectiveness as the team’s top pitcher and his power at the plate as two of his biggest contributions to Richmond’s success.
“Caden was recognized for the second year in a row and deservedly so,” Brown said. “He set career highs in batting average, hits, home runs and RBI. On the mound he was lights out all year. His 6 wins, .98 ERA and 111 strikeouts were also career highs for him.
“He threw a no-hitter this year and had three starts with double-digit strikeouts and zero walks, with one of those starts being in the second round of the playoffs. We relied on him as our ace of the staff and he proved why he was our No. 1 each time. It was really impressive to watch him work this season, and we felt pretty good when 10 was on the mound or at the plate.”
Maddox Locklear, Senior Infielder/Pitcher
Two-Time All-Conference Selection
Joining the Raiders for his senior season, Locklear added offensive and defensive depth and was a high-energy player throughout the season. Locking down the hot corner, Locklear also pitched some innings and was effective near the top of the lineup.
Batting .369 this spring, Locklear was second on the Raiders and ranked seventh in the MSC. He was the conference’s leading run scorer with 30 runs scored and finished with 31 total hits (including five extra-base hits), the second-most hits in the conference and one off the lead.
Making six appearances, including a pair of starts, Locklear pitched 18.0 innings for Richmond. He struck out 11 batters, held opposing bats to a .229 average and recorded a .194 ERA, ranking him as the fifth-best pitcher in the conference.
“It feels great to end my career with a second All-Conference selection,” Locklear shared. “I’m thankful for my coaches, teammates and everyone who supported me along the way.
“My success this season came from staying consistent, working hard and having teammates and coaches who pushed me to improve every day.
“The Raider baseball program helped me grow as both a player and person,” he added. “I’ll always be thankful for the relationships and memories I made here.”
Only getting to coach Locklear for one season, Brown called it a success for both Locklear and the team.
“Maddox had a great year for us and I couldn’t be happier for him,” Brown commented. “He could have played any position on the field if we needed him to. He’s the true definition of a baseball player.
“He never took a play off and played with a high motor every inning of every game. He was tied for the team lead in hits and led the team with 30 runs scored. Maddox is an extremely hard worker, a great teammate and was a pleasure to coach.”
Jake Veach, Senior Center Fielder
First All-Conference Selection
Playing his second full season at the varsity level, Veach carried his defensive prowess over from the year before and had a breakout season at the plate. Developing into a reliable weapon in center field and at the top of the lineup, Veach put together the best season of his career.
Collecting an on-base percentage of .588, Veach led all batters in the MSC this season. As Richmond’s leadoff batter for a majority of the campaign, he collected 17 hits, drew 30 base on balls, was hit by a pitch three times and reached on an error once. All of his hits were singles except for three doubles, one triple and a home run (against Myers Park).
Finishing the season with a .333 batting average, Veach had the fourth highest on the team. He drove in eight RBI and scored 23 runs, putting him in a three-way tie for fourth most in the conference. In center, he recorded 40 putouts and had a .976 fielding percentage.
“It feels absolutely amazing to end my career with an All-Conference selection,” Veach commented. “Going into this year, I wanted to make a name for myself. When people heard my name, I wanted them to think he’s one of the best center fielders to come through Richmond.
“I just wanted it so much more this year. I gave the team everything I had to give us the best chances to do what we needed to do.
“My biggest lesson I’ve learned playing for the Raiders would be that in the hardest situations in life you keep your head up and keep going because you will come out on the other side. And that’s just what we accomplished this year.”
Applauding Veach’s efforts in the outfield, Brown said his work at the plate made Veach a vital contributor this season.
“Jake had a massive improvement from last season,” Brown said. “He’s always been a lockdown defender in center field, but this year he developed into a weapon offensively for us.
“Before the season started we set a goal for him to reach base two times a game. He drew a team-high 30 walks and had an on base percentage of .588. We moved him to the lead off spot halfway through the year and he became a spark plug for us. He excelled in his role and was a key piece for our team’s success.”
Drew Gause, Junior Second Baseman
First All-Conference Selection
Considered by Brown as one of the hardest working players on the team, Gause grew in his role as Richmond’s second baseman in his second varsity season. With a year of experience, Gause improved at the plate and became known as a contact hitter across the conference.
Third on the team with a .346 batting average, Gause knocked 27 total hits. That placed him with the seventh-most hits in the MSC and ninth overall in batting average. He connected for 26 singles and one double, while also driving in 15 RBI.
Reaching base with efficiency, Gause scored 20 runs this season (tied sixth in the MSC) and was able to swipe 11 stolen bases (tied fourth in the MSC). He had six multi-hit games and had a career-high four-hit performance against Jack Britt. In the field, Gause had 34 assists, 12 putouts and a .793 fielding percentage.
“It feels good to earn my first All-Conference selection,” Gause said. “I really worked hard this season to try and get All-Conference, as that was one of the personal goals I set for myself for the season.
“What allowed me to be successful was staying backside, think through the pitcher and don’t pull out. Also hustling out some ground balls on the infield led to some base hits.
“I hope to continue the success with the team by being a leader and showing the younger guys what to do by teaching them,” Gause closed. “We’ve got to come ready to work next year because we are losing a lot of guys who were in important roles. I need to step up, get on base, hustle and keep good body language.”
Citing one of the biggest improvements at the plate this season, Brown said Gause and his work ethic made him deserving of making All-Conference.
“If I had to pick one player who I’m the proudest of to make All-Conference, it would be Drew Gause,” Brown explained. “He batted .342 this season, improving his average by .125 points from last year.
“As the kids would say, Drew is a dog. He is tough as nails, always has the dirtiest uniform and is willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He put in a lot of work in the offseason in the weight room, in the cages and on the field, and I’m happy for him that it paid off. We look for him to come back next year even better and being a leader for us.”
Devin Haynes, Sophomore Infielder/Pitcher
First All-Conference Selection
Touted as a talented infielder and pitcher, Haynes showcased his skills in his second full season on varsity. In addition to proving his ability to shut down opposing batters as a middle reliever and closer, Haynes was clutch in the batter’s box this season for the Raiders.
Finishing with a .236 batting average, Haynes played mostly shortstop, some outfield, and also pitched. He had 17 total hits and was third on the team with 20 RBI, including an important two-run single late in Richmond’s playoff win over Butler. He was tied for sixth in the MSC in RBI.
Called upon by Brown to take over games in the final few frames, Haynes was dialed in during his 13 appearances. He threw 40.0 innings, started four games and earned three wins, second most on the team. While only striking out 18 batters, Haynes relied on the defense to make outs and recorded a 2.27 ERA (second only to Nolan), which was also sixth in the MSC.
Helping clinch the team’s conference title, Haynes pitched 3.2 innings of relief at Pinecrest and allowed no runs on three hits. He struck out six batters in that outing and stranded eight runners on base to preserve the one-run win.
“It feels great to earn my first All-Conference selection and I’m also very proud of my teammates who made it and those who didn’t make it,” Haynes said. “Every single player on the team put 100% effort in everything they did when they got on the field
“The only reason I was successful is because all my teammates and coaches pushed me to be great. I came into the season with a terrible mindset, but Coach Brown said he believes that I can do it and I showed him that I’m the right guy for these nail-biting moments late in games.
“Sometimes I came through and finished and sometimes I didn't, that's just how the game goes. Hitting the ball is one of the toughest things to do in the sport and all the work I put in, all the time I spent in the cage, came to me at the right times this season.
“Next season I have to be a leader and make sure everyone is giving 100% everyday of practice and during games. And if we do that, we should have a great season.”
When things got tight in games, Brown said Haynes was the go-to guy for the Raiders this season.
“Devin had a breakout year this season and put the conference on notice that he is going to be a problem for the next two years,” Brown commented. “We used him primarily as a ‘stopper’ and closer this year. We as coaches knew that if we had a lead late in the game and gave the ball to Dev, it was over.
“His relief outing at Pinecrest to secure the conference championship was one of the most impressive and guttiest performances I’ve ever seen. We needed him to keep them off the board for four innings and he did just that. I’m really proud of Dev and can’t wait to see what he does over the next two years, and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Eric Brown, Head Coach
Three-Time Coach of the Year Selection
Coaching his alma mater in his third season in kelly green and gold, Brown started what famed Hollywood skipper Lou Brown would call a “streak” with his third straight recognition as Coach of the Year.
Leading the Raiders with a blue collar attitude and the slogan “For the County” this year, Brown continued his mission to restore the energy, excitement and winning tradition of Raider baseball.
Most notably in 2026, Brown and the Raiders ended two 10-year droughts – winning the MSC championship and returning to the third round of the state playoffs. Richmond also hosted its first playoff game in four years and Brown surpassed 100 career wins thanks to the team’s most wins in a single season since 2019.
Quick to give credit where credit is due, Brown said his recognition was a complete team effort.
“I’m blessed and honored to win Coach of the Year,” Brown said. “This is 100% a team award. Without really good players and really good assistant coaches, we wouldn’t get this recognition. To me, winning this award means that our team had a really good season, our guys played good baseball and our coaching staff coached their butts off.
“I’ve got two of the very best coaches beside me everyday in Coach (Kevin) Wallace and Coach (Ryan) Mercer. They are studs and I couldn’t do anything without them. I just want our guys to play hard, play the game the right way, have fun and win a few games along the way. I think we accomplished that as a whole this year. I’m really proud to be a Raider!”
All six Raiders are playing summer ball for the Hamlet American Legion baseball program, which will be coached by Brown in his first season with Post 49. The season starts June 3.
