(CAROLINA SPORTS LIVE) — UNC center fielder Kane Kepley was the second Rowan County native taken in the first day of the MLB Draft the last two years.

Kepley, a 2022 South Rowan High grad, was drafted in the second round, 56th overall Sunday night by the Chicago Cubs. He began his college career at Liberty, before transferring to the Tar Heels for his junior season. This spring, the UNC leadoff batter led the team in on-base percentage (.451), steals (45), and walks (71).

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His 45 stolen bases are tied for the third most in a single season in program and his .918 percentage is the second best all-time. 

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Last year, Salisbury High product and fellow Tar Heel Vance Honeycutt was drafted 22nd overall by the Orioles.

On Monday, two Charlotte-area platers were taken off the board. In the fifth round, A.L. Brown pitcher C.J. Gray was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels. The 6-foot-1 righty also was the quarterback for the Wonders, passing for 1,110 yards in 10 games and rushing for 279 more.

In the 11th round, Charlotte native Eli Jerzembeck was taken by the Cubs. The former Providence High star did not play the last two years due to injury, and entered the transfer portal after the Gamecocks’ season ended.

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As a freshman in 2023, Jerzembeck was an effective reliver in Columbia. He posted a 2.84 earned-run average in 16 appearances, striking out 236 and walking just six in 31.2 innings.

Another south Charlotte product was taken nine rounds later. Virginia Tech pitcher and Ardrey Kell High grad Andrew Sentlinger went in the 20th round to the White Sox.

The 6-2 lefty had a 5.49 ERA this spring for the Hokies with 24 strikeouts in 19 innings.

In the 19th round, Gaston Christian outfielder Meridian Leffew was drafted by the Tigers. He’s committed to play for UCF next year.

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