SHELBYVILLE — The 2025 season marked a return to form for the Collins baseball program, as the Titans powered their way back to the 8th Region Tournament for the first time since 2021, finishing with a 20-14 record and second-place finish in the 30th District.

Led by a massive 13-player senior class, head coach Mike Hammond’s squad delivered one of the most balanced and selfless seasons in program history.

“You never know how a group that size is going to go,” Hammond said. “But this one was unique. You probably couldn’t tell who the everyday starters were and who barely played. They all checked their egos at the door and bought in.”

That unity showed on the field, especially late in the season. After starting 1-3 in district play, Collins rallied to win its final four district games, including back-to-back wins over Shelby County and a thrilling road victory over Woodford County to lock up the No. 2 seed.

“That Woodford win was huge,” Hammond said. “We hadn’t beaten them since 2022, and to do it in their place with a senior making a huge relay throw to the plate—it was emotional. That moment captured everything this group stood for.”

Senior Brady Morris led the Titans on the mound and at the plate. The ace right-hander threw 58.1 innings with a 1.68 ERA and seven wins, while also batting .295 with 27 runs scored and 31 RBIs. Senior Nolan Faulkner paced the offense with a .351 average, four home runs and 31 RBIs. Alston Whitworth added a .342 average and team-high 32 runs.

The Titans swept the district semifinals against Woodford, then fell to Spencer County in a dramatic nine-inning district championship. Still, their performance secured a regional berth—something Hammond said meant more than words could fully capture.

“Early in our program’s history we made it often, maybe took it for granted,” Hammond said. “But since 2020, with Woodford in our district, it’s been a gauntlet. Getting back meant everything. It’s where we belong.”

In the region opener, the Titans fell to Simon Kenton, 5-1, despite a strong effort on the mound from junior Preston Miller, who also impressed in the district finals. Miller, Carter Poole, and Lucas Cox—all juniors—are expected to anchor the 2026 roster.

“Any time you return your catcher, shortstop and center fielder, you feel good,” Hammond said. “Cox made the Junior East-West All-Star Game. Poole played as well as anyone down the stretch. Trey Floden and Max Wise are also back. We’ve got arms, we’ve got pieces. Now it’s about who fills those open spots.”

As emotional as the final game was, Hammond said his postgame message to the seniors focused not on the outcome—but on what they had accomplished together.

“I didn’t have anything scripted,” he said. “But I told each one what I saw them overcome. They brought our program back to where it’s supposed to be, and they did it by putting the team first.”

Stat Leaders – 2025 Collins Titans Baseball

Top 5 Hitters (min. 80 at-bats):

Nolan Faulkner (Sr.) – .351 AVG, 33 H, 31 RBI, 4 HR, 23 R

Alston Whitworth (Sr.) – .342 AVG, 39 H, 21 RBI, 11 2B, 32 R

Brady Morris (Sr.) – .295 AVG, 31 H, 27 RBI, 3 HR, 29 R

James Sloan (Sr.) – .295 AVG, 26 H, 22 RBI, 12 2B, 26 R

Lukas Cox (Jr.) – .286 AVG, 24 H, 23 RBI, 9 BB, 24 R

Top 5 Pitchers (min. 30 innings pitched):

Brady Morris (Sr.) – 58.1 IP, 7-1, 1.68 ERA, 36 K, 14 BB

Preston Miller (Jr.) – 36.0 IP, 5-1, 2.53 ERA, 34 K, 17 BB

Carter Poole (Jr.) – 26.2 IP, 4-2, 1.84 ERA, 19 K, 27 BB

Jacob Stover (Sr.) – 36.1 IP, 3-3, 4.38 ERA, 42 K, 25 BB

Brady Gaither (Jr.) – 30.2 IP, 3-2, 3.55 ERA, 27 K, 19 BB