Bethel Christian's Brayden Cash Signs With Lenoir Community College

KINSTON — Brayden Cash’s path to college baseball began much earlier than most.

Cash joined Bethel Christian Academy’s varsity program as a seventh grader, an opportunity available to younger athletes at the private-school level. Six seasons, 101 games and one state championship later, the senior has signed to continue his career at Lenoir Community College.

“I am really excited,” Cash said. “I have worked really hard and put in a lot of hours. I have sacrificed a lot and had a lot of hard days, but I’m here now.”

Cash finished his varsity career with a .365 batting average, 93 hits, 102 runs, 76 RBIs, 22 doubles and 68 stolen bases. As a pitcher, he compiled a 10-6 record with a 2.33 ERA and 120 strikeouts across 93⅓ innings.

His best offensive season came during Bethel Christian’s 2024-25 state championship campaign. Cash batted .561 with 23 hits, 32 runs, 20 RBIs, four doubles, one triple and two home runs. He also stole 16 bases and recorded a .739 on-base percentage.

Cash earned All-State recognition and played an important role in bringing a state championship to Bethel Christian.

“He has been a part of the 2025 state championship team and has earned All-State honors as well,” Bethel Christian athletic director Ashley Stroud said. “Brayden, we are proud of you.”

He followed his championship season by batting .463 as a senior with 25 hits, 28 runs, 15 RBIs, nine doubles and a career-high 21 stolen bases. On the mound, he registered a 2.17 ERA and struck out 45 batters over 38⅔ innings.

Bethel Christian baseball coach Kenny Sutton said Cash’s development illustrates what consistent effort can produce.

“I am very proud of Brayden,” Sutton said. “It shows what hard work can do. He has talent, but hard work is the difference-maker. I’m very proud of him.”

Cash credited his faith and the people around him for helping him reach the college level.

“I just want to thank God for giving me the ability to do this, and thank my parents and friends for supporting me through all of it,” Cash said.

His signing also closes a memorable chapter at Bethel Christian, where Cash grew from one of the program’s youngest varsity players into a state champion and college signee.

“I loved it here,” Cash said. “I made a lot of close friends, guys I will be close with for years to come. Coach Kenny has been great and has taught me a lot. It has been a great journey, and I’m glad I came here.”

Cash understands that signing represents the beginning of his next challenge rather than the completion of his development.

“I think I still have some work to do, but I’m getting closer and closer every day,” he said.

When asked what type of player Lenoir Community College is getting, Cash’s answer reflected the quality his coaches believe helped separate him throughout his six varsity seasons.

“A hard worker,” Cash said. “I’m determined, I have drive, and I’m going to give it my all.”