CBA teammates headed to Lenoir CC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on May 31, 2018 5:51 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

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PIKEVILLE -- One loves to compete.

The other has unbridled confidence.

Luke Frederick and Blake Gipson gained those attributes as teammates at Charles B. Aycock.

They'll carry those traits with them next season -- to the same school, no less. The two versatile performers signed to play baseball at Lenoir Community College.

Each liked the relaxed atmosphere.

Each quickly bought into head coach CC Tilghman's philosophy -- play hard, listen to the coaches and do the work in the classroom.

"If you're the best fit for the position, then you'll play no matter if you're a freshman or sophomore," Gipson said. "I like that aspect of it. If I work hard, I can play. I love to compete...going to try to work my way on to the field no matter where it is."

Frederick feels the same.

The out-spoken senior developed his self belief through the tutelage of retired CBA coach Charles Davis and newly-minted coach Allen Thomas. Each played collegiate baseball and learned to maintain their ground.

A person gets one chance to make a good first impression.

"I hope to play outfield and show what I can do out there," Frederick said. "I just like running down balls and making good plays. When it comes to you and you make the plays, that shows how good you can be."

A right-hander, Frederick could see time on the bump.

However, Tilghman is projected to return 23 freshmen, including nine pitchers next season.

Gipson and Frederick helped guide CBA to 16 victories and to its 13th consecutive postseason appearance this spring. The duo earned all-conference recognition from their Eastern Carolina 3-A/4-A peers.

Frederick logged a 5-1 ledger on the mound. The right-hander posted a 2.01 earned run average (ERA) and struck out 28 opposing batters in 31 innings.

Meanwhile, Gipson hit .369 with 31 hits and 15 RBI.

Each understands the teamwork mentality is necessary to succeed at the next level.

Gipson looks to expand his knowledge of the game and continue to learn from his mistakes. Frederick wants to improve his plate approaches and find the groove that he enjoyed during his junior campaign.

They both plan to have fun.

"I like how the coaches were around there, chilled and laid back," Frederick said. "I know a lot of people who are going there and some who have already played there, so it was kind of nice to know that you can play with buddies that you played with or against."