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The Eastern Christian Homeschool Trailblazers finished a 13-3 season recently, a major step forward after only playing one game last spring because of COVID-19.

The Trailblazers, part of the TEACH homeschool program, practiced and played their home games at the Chocowinity Recreation Center, but traveled all over Eastern North Carolina and Virginia to find opponents.

“It’s tough sometimes to find public or private schools who will play us,” second-year coach Phil Ange said. “We’re happy with a 16 game season, especially after COVID, but are always looking to add opponents.”

The Trailblazers played Columbia HS four times, USA Homeschool of Smithfield, VA three times, Terra Ceia and Bethel Assembly twice along with single games against John Paull II, Greenville, New Bern, and Ahoskie Christian and Lawrence Academy.

“We have a good group and are pleased with the way our season went,” Ange said. “All three of our losses (twice to USA Homeschool and Lawrence) were by one run and could have gone either way. The doubleheader split in Virginia was probably the highlight. They were our strongest competition and both games were well-played.”

Junior David Valerioti led the Trailblazers with a .538 average and drove in 15 runs. He was 5-0 with a 1.75 ERA on the mound.

Sophomore Ryan Ange hit .479 and led the team with 23 hits, 16 RBI, 32 runs scored and 17 stolen bases. He also struck out 58 batters in 24.2 innings pitched.

Freshman Avery Martin hit .429 with 31 runs scored, 17 stolen bases and 15 walks

Junior Jacob Whitesell was 4-1 with a 1.48 ERA.