Senior Gabe Sabilona is proving to be the offensive spark for the South Sumter High School Raiders baseball team this season, leading the squad with 16 hits and 17 RBIs while sporting an impressive .471 batting average.

The senior catcher and third baseman has been a consistent force at the plate early in the 2026 campaign for the Raiders. His production has helped fuel South Sumter’s push in a competitive FHSAA Class 3A region that includes teams like Hernando, Nature Coast Tech and Crystal River. 

Gabe didn’t always see himself on the diamond. He started playing baseball at age 7 in second grade, a decade ago, but initially focused on football and basketball.

“My dad, Arcel Sabilona, and my grandma, Jackie Adams, convinced me to give it a try,” he says. “Once I did, I fell in love with the game ever since.”

That love has deepened over the years, shaped by key influences. Gabe points to Jesus Christ as his ultimate role model, “I’ve never found a more perfect one in my life; everybody else has flaws except for Him” 

But Gabe has even more motivation for playing hard. His first year in high school during his freshman year he was told something that would ignite a fire within him the rest of his high school career. 

“I had a freshman teacher tell me I wouldn’t get a college scholarship because of how I played that year,” Sabilona recalls. “It motivated me to prove them wrong.”

Gabe has not only proved them wrong but will be playing college baseball for Santa Fe College in 2027. 

But Gabe has also received much support during the course of his career. “I had a coach tell me during my younger years that I would go far if I kept working and focused on my craft. It’s still important to me today and it keeps me going despite trials in life.”

Last season’s district championship which South Sumter would win 5-4 against Nature Coast Tech stands as Gabe’s favorite baseball memory. That night Gabe had two hits and helped the Raiders to victory during an incredibly close contest. It was one of the most thrilling games in South Sumter baseball history. 

Gabe also cherishes a late-night bus ride home with his team after a win over rival Umatilla High. But this year, he’s eyeing bigger goals.

“Winning districts was great, but I want to make it to regionals and states this time,” he says. “I enjoy playing with this team because I see how determined they are to succeed in the playoffs.”

Gabe credits baseball for teaching him discipline and patience, while athletics overall has shown him that performance reflects hard work, mentally and physically.

“The biggest challenge I’ve overcome is overcomplicating everything in life,” he added. “Now I just control what I can.”

With Gabe in his final season at South Sumter, I asked him what his advice was for younger players. “Don’t follow the crowd. Many kids think they’ve already accomplished something, but don’t be content, keep moving. You’ll find greater satisfaction in the journey than the destination,” he says. 

When he is not playing baseball, Gabe maintains a 3.6 GPA and occasionally helps with girls weightlifting meets at South Sumter, where he also competes on the boys weightlifting team. He enjoys working out, fishing, playing basketball and swimming.

The Raiders’ culture draws him in. It’s a culture that only those who have truly experienced and lived it can understand fully. 

“At SSHS, it’s really good on the culture and community because we all have one mindset, we push each other to be better,” he says. 

Looking ahead, Gabe aims to play professionally but has a practical plan: two years of baseball at Santa Fe College before studying civil engineering. 

For now, though, Gabe’s focus is on driving in runs and helping South Sumter chase a back to back district championship as well as make a postseason run.