Leaving a Legacy: All Five Cottondale Seniors Taking Their Game to College

By: Shelia Mader

Cottondale High School baseball made history this season in more ways than one. The Hornets advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time in school history, and now every senior on the roster will continue both their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level next year. According to available records, this marks the first time in Jackson County history that every senior on a team in a given sport has advanced to compete at the next level.

Jaydon Gray and Lane Johnson will continue their careers at Chipola College, Jaedon Kay will attend Baptist University of Florida, Alex Bellamy is headed to Stillman College, and Conner Barton will play at Andrew College.

Coach Skylar Davis said the group set a standard through hard work, leadership and dedication that helped push the Hornets to one of the best seasons in program history.

Alex Bellamy

Alex Bellamy, the son of Alex Bellamy and Kalonya Brown, has played baseball his entire life and also competed in basketball and football before choosing baseball as his primary sport.

“Baseball taught me patience, discipline, and how to stay focused even when things don’t go my way,” Bellamy said. “I love the grind, the competition, and the feeling of stepping on the field knowing every play matters.”

Bellamy said his drive comes from wanting to become the best version of himself every time he takes the field. One of his favorite memories was helping lead Cottondale to a Final Four appearance.

He credits God, his parents, Coach Davis and the other coaches who helped shape him along the way for helping him reach this point. Bellamy plans to major in mechanical engineering at Stillman College.

Conner Barton

Conner Barton, the son of David and Lisa Barton, has played baseball since he was four years old. He also played soccer and football before ultimately focusing on baseball.

Barton said his love for the sport and desire to make his family proud motivated him throughout his career. His favorite memory came when he threw a complete game against Port St. Joe to clinch the program’s Final Four appearance.

He credits God, his family and all of his coaches for helping him get where he is today. Barton is a member of SGA and Beta Club and is considering majoring in kinesiology at Andrew College.

Jaydon Gray

Jaydon Gray has played baseball since he was three years old and also spent time playing football and basketball before deciding baseball was the sport he loved most.

“My drive is knowing I’m good enough to play college and higher, I just need to work,” Gray said.

Among his favorite memories were victories over Pensacola Catholic and Chipley during senior night. Gray credits his brother, father and Coach Davis for pushing him to become a better player and person.

Gray is the son of Rhondan and Kristine Gray, and he has an older brother Cameron who also played baseball at Chipola.

Gray will continue his academic and athletic career at Chipola College.

Jaedon Kay

Jaedon Kay, the son of Stephanie Kay and Zannie Williams, has played baseball for 15 years and also played football during his athletic career.

Kay said baseball became his choice because he loves to compete. His favorite memory came recording the final out that sent the Hornets to Fort Myers.

He credits his mother for helping him reach this opportunity. Kay is involved in Beta Club, FBLA and SGA at Cottondale High School. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing and hopes to become a travel nurse while continuing his baseball career at Baptist University of Florida.

Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson will continue his academic and athletic career at Chipola College after helping lead Cottondale through a historic season.

Johnson’s journey this season was nothing short of remarkable.

“Nothing short of a Cinderella story making it the whole season playing positions, hitting and pitching with a completely ruptured ACL,” David Johnson said of his son’s season. “He totaled out two knee braces sliding into bases. Just nuts. Only through lots of prayer and I give God all the glory for it. Only possible through Him.”

Despite the injury, Johnson continued contributing in multiple roles throughout the season and helped lead the Hornets to the deepest playoff run in school history.

Johnson said his favorite game was hitting a double against Pensacola Catholic to break open the game. His motivation comes his love for the game and hating to lose motivates him to play.

He credits his parents, David Johnson and Kristi Johnson, and coaches Skylar Davis and Sterling Pell for all the time and effort they have put into me for where I am today. He is am ember of Beta at CHS and says his future after baseball is not yet decided.