Pair Of T-Town Natives Make JUCO World Series All-Tournament Team

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Shelton State Buccaneers baseball team (40-17) saw its memorable 2021 run come to an end last weekend at the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, but still managed to see some brilliant performances from some key contributors.

After finishing 1-2 on JUCO baseball's biggest stage, former Hillcrest High Patriots Colby Smelley and Garrett McMillan were both named to the All-Tournament team.

Here's a breakdown of their performances at the tournament, along with some fast facts about the two Tuscaloosa natives.

Colby Smelley

Sophomore, catcher

NJCAA World Series Stat Line: In game one against Walters State, Smelley went 3-for-6 with a home run and 3 RBIs, before getting two hits in the 11-10 loss to San Jacinto and also going 2-for-5 in the elimination loss to Cowley College.

On The Season: A Louisiana-Lafayette signee, Smelley finished the 2021 campaign with 9 home runs and 48 RBIs. A central force in a powerful offensive lineup, he batted .436 on the year. The power-hitting catcher was a key contributor in big postseason moments, also winning MVP of the ACCC Tournament. During the state tournament, Smelley's stat sheet finished 16-for-30 over six games with a pair of home runs and 10 RBIs. Check out his full stats here.

Patch Commentary: Smelley is an all-around competitor and looks the part of a Division I catcher. Across offensive categories, he was a standout through the 2021 season, but what shouldn't be overlooked were his contributions during the postseason. He stayed consistent at the plate throughout the year and only got hotter after the close of the regular season, which no doubt has those at the next level excited.

Garrett McMillan

Freshman, pitcher/designated hitter

NJCAA World Series Stat Line: In his only mound appearance, the 6'5" right hander struck out 13 in a complete game win, despite giving up 7 earned runs and 11 hits in the Bucs 13-7 win over Walters State in the opening round of the tournament. In the same game, McMillan also went 2-for-5 at the plate. He would go on to fill in the DH role in the Bucs final game of the tournament, the former Hillcrest Patriot would go 3-for-4 with four RBIs in the loss to Cowley.

On The Season: McMillan's consistency throughout 2021 is readily available on the stat sheet, as the University of Alabama signee logged a 2.68 ERA over 74 innings, winning 12 of his 14 starts during the regular season and never dropping a loss. At the dish, McMillan also hit 3 homers and knocked in 19 RBIs over 55 plate appearances. Check out his full stats here.

Patch Commentary: The Crimson Tide is indeed getting a complete player in McMillan, who passes the eye test with his size, arm and abilities with the bat. He is sure to be an absolute talent at the next level and beyond, regardless of which position he sticks with, but with his imposing side and powerful fastball, he could easily fill out a SEC rotation.

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