BASEBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area Team

Brock Netter, Editor

Three regional champions, nine district champions and a number of school history books being rewritten made this past baseball season well worth covering.

But those were just the highlights. To really understand how special the season was, you’d have to look back on every career-defining moment, every big-moment pitch, and every at-bat that ended with jubilation.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled spring, take a look at our All-Area Team, which consists of 45 area players who were at their best throughout the spring season.

Kage Alexander | Sophomore | Catcher | Waverly

Consistency and productivity … two things you can always count on when Alexander takes the field. Leading the Tigers to 12 wins this season, the sophomore hit .403 with a pair of home runs, six triples, eight doubles, 26 RBIs and 32 runs scored. He was named first-team all-district and second-team All-Ohio.

Luke Applegate | Senior | Infielder | Manchester

A four-year staple of the Greyhounds’ lineup, Applegate has routinely showcased himself to be a leader in the dugout. A wizard in the infield, and productive at the dish, he finished the season batting .433 with a home run, 12 doubles, 12 RBIs and 29 runs. He was named the co-SHAC Player of the Year and first-team all-district. 

Hunter Barnard | Senior | Shortstop | South Webster

Barnard’s excellence in his four years at South Webster will have him in the Jeeps’ Hall of Fame. Might as well go ahead and make it official. His final act on the diamond saw him finish with a .396 batting average alongside six doubles, 16 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and 33 runs scored, which led the Jeeps to their first-ever regional title while he earned first-team All-Ohio status. 

Nolan Barnett | Senior | Pitcher | Valley

Every great team has a pitcher that is virtually untouchable. Barnett was that guy, and much more, for the Indians. He went 9-2 on the hill with a 2.12 ERA, striking out 80 batters, and hit .424 with two bombs, five doubles, 31 runs scored and 35 RBIs to help his own cause. Those numbers led the Indians back to the Final 4 and himself to the SOC III Player of the Year nod with first-team all-district and All-Ohio honors.

Kelton Bennington | Senior | Shortstop | Logan Elm

Bennington is a smooth operator in the field and at the dish. Just purely a gamer. As a key cog for the district-champion Braves, the senior finished the season with a .409 batting average alongside two home runs, two triples, seven doubles, 19 runs scored and 20 RBIs. He was named first-team MSL and first-team all-district.

Glavine Bigam | Junior | Second Base | Circleville

Inside a very tough-to-play-in, and highly competitive, Mid-State League, Bigam was one of the toughest players, and toughest outs, in the league. Pacing the Tigers to 14 wins, the junior slugger finished the season hitting .554 with a home run, nine doubles, 10 RBIs, 22 stolen bases and 33 runs scored. He was named first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio.

Gabe Blevins | Junior | Infielder | Green

Blevins really got his chance to break out this spring and he made the most out of the opportunity. On the mound, he was 5-1 with a 1.36 ERA in 51 1/3 innings of work, striking out 56 batters. At the dish, he hit .506 with nine doubles, 25 RBIs and 28 runs scored, helping Green win 22 games to earn first-team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio honors.

Mason Bradley | Senior | Infielder | Minford

Anytime Bradley took the mound, it was game over. But truthfully, it’s a tough debate whether he was more dangerous with his arm or bat. He was 7-2 on the hill with a 1.39 ERA in 55 innings, striking out 69 batters. At the dish, he hit .450 with three triples, five doubles, 30 RBIs and 30 runs scored. He was named first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio.

Gage Bowers | Sophomore | Infielder | Miami Trace

Bowers was a wizard with his glove, but even more dangerous with the bat in his hands. The sophomore was the engine behind the Panthers’ 18 wins as he carved out a second-team All-Ohio spot, batting .488 with three triples, 11 doubles, 17 stolen bases, 28 runs scored and 31 RBI. He was also all-FAC and a first-team all-district selection.

Trevin Brooks | Senior | Catcher | Portsmouth

There’s really not much Brooks can’t do … no matter the sport, either. A tough out and with power for days, he was the driving force behind the Trojans winning 20 games this season. He hit .436 with a home run, six doubles, 22 runs scored and 26 RBIs. He was a first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio selection.

Beckett Camden | Senior | Shortstop | Gallia Academy

When Camden is on the base paths, you’re in trouble because of the havoc he can create. He can flat-out fly. He scored 39 times and stole 20 bases this season, hitting .542 with five doubles and 13 RBIs. Those numbers lifted the Blue Devils to 21 wins and a district final appearance. He was named first-team OVC and first-team all-district.

Luke Cassidy | Senior | Infielder | Notre Dame

Power, power and more power. When Cassidy sees a pitch he likes, and gets ahold of it, he’s giving it the ride of a lifetime. Leading his Titans to 13 wins, the senior slugger batted .530 on the season, hitting three home runs with three triples, 12 doubles, 28 RBIs and 32 runs scored. He was named first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio.

Gage Cheadle | Senior | Shortstop | Southeastern

Cheadle had the ability to hit the ball into any gap on the field and steal any base he chose … that’s what he brought to Southeastern’s lineup. He finished the season with a .493 batting average along with two home runs, six doubles, 20 RBIs and 35 runs scored. He was the driving force behind 15 wins and a district final appearance, earning second-team All-Ohio honors. 

Izayah Clift | Junior | Pitcher | Whiteoak

Whitoak might have faced a small bump in the road this season, but Clift’s play continued to shine every game. Although the Wildcats weren’t as successful as in years past, the junior still gave it everything he had, finishing with 5-4 record, hoisting a 1.39 ERA in 65 innings, and striking out 93 batters. He earned himself second-team All-Ohio honors. 

Tanner Corn | Senior | Infielder | Symmes Valley

The numbers Corn put up this season were absolutely ridiculous. On the mound, he went 6-4 with a 0.97 ERA and struck out 104 batters in 57 1/3 innings. At the dish, he hit .547 with a home run, 15 doubles, 21 runs scored and 30 RBIs. Once again, simply ridiculous. He was named first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio.

Braun Doak | Senior | Infielder | Waterford

Five-tool player. There’s absolutely nothing that Doak can’t do on the diamond. Just look at his numbers — a .478 batting average, two home runs, 11 doubles, 25 stolen bases, 36 runs and 51 RBIs. On the mound, he went 6-1 in 49 innings with a 2.14 ERA and struck out 45 batters. Unreal. He helped lead the Wildcats to 20 wins and a district championship. He was a first-team all-district and a first-team All-Ohio selection.

Brady Doss | Senior | Catcher | Wheelersburg

There’s never a shortage of outstanding players to don the Wheelersburg black and orange, and Doss was right at the top of the list this spring. A staple in the lineup, he ended his last season with a .488 batting average to go alongside four home runs, nine doubles, 23 RBIs and 24 runs scored, leading his team to a district final appearance as he was named first-team All-Ohio. 

Camden Ebert | Senior | Catcher | Logan Elm

It’s safe to call Ebert one of best catchers in Southern Ohio. He’s lethal with a bat in his hands and acts as a wall behind the dish. Leading the Braves to their first district championship since 2010, the backstop finished the season hitting .429 with three triples, nine doubles, 19 RBIs and 22 runs scored, earning honorable mention All-Ohio status.  

Frankie Hirsch | Junior | Shortstop | Huntington

Hirsch has gotten better every year and he took another step this season. He finished the year hitting .388 alongside four doubles, 22 RBIs and 24 runs scored — guiding the Huntsmen to their second district championship in school history. He was named second-team all-SVC — ridiculously so — and first-team all-district.

Nick Holland | Junior | Infielder | Amanda-Clearcreek

At one point in the season, the Aces were 3-9. Then they became the most dangerous team in Ohio with Holland leading the charge. He finished the season with a .448 average alongside a home run, five triples, 13 doubles, 18 RBIs and 35 runs scored, propelling his team to a district championship and earning a second-team All-Ohio nod. 

Jacob Hughes | Sophomore | Pitcher | Ironton

When Hughes is truly on, there’s only a handful of pitchers who can match him, and a select few hitters who can touch him, in the area. He was the catalyst for a squad that won 17 games and made the district final. He went 4-1 on the hill with a 1.20 ERA alongside 60 strikeouts in 38 innings of work. Oh, and he also batted .397 with two home runs, 20 runs scored and 24 RBIs, earning first-team all-district honors. 

Hayden Jones | Senior | Catcher | Waterford

It was tough to think that Jones could get better, considering how good he already was as a junior. Yet, that’s exactly what happened. He hit .514 with three home runs, four triples, 11 doubles, 24 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and an impressive 51 runs scored, playing a huge part on the Wildcats’ district title team. He earned first-team All-Ohio honors.

Jon Knapp | Senior | Pitcher | Green

Opponents knew they were in for a long day at the office whenever Knapp stepped on the bump. In over 65 innings of work, he went 10-2, carried a slim 1.60 ERA and struck out 117 batters, helping his Bobcats win a second consecutive district championship for the first time in 40 years. He was the SOC I Pitcher of the Year and a first-team All-Ohio honoree.

Max Lauder | Senior | Shortstop | Minford

Speed kills, and Lauder had plenty to spare — and then some. Leading the Falcons to 24 wins and a district championship, he finished the year batting .443 with three doubles, 11 stolen bases, 19 RBIs and 39 runs to earn himself a spot on the first-team SOC III and second-team All-Ohio lists.

Sam Lotz | Senior | Shortstop | Washington

When people talk about hitting the cover off the ball, they’re referencing how Lotz attacks the baseball. The senior helped the Blue Lions win 11 contests, hitting .446 alongside two home runs, four doubles, four triples, 17 RBIs and 24 runs scored. He was a first-team FAC and an all-district selection.

Jacob McGraw | Senior | Outfielder | South Webster

McGraw is light on his feet defensively and simply makes plays, similar to his knack for providing fireworks at the dish. As a key part of one of the most decorated classes to come through South Webster, he ended the season batting .310 with a home run, five doubles, five triples, 24 RBIs and 31 runs scored to earn a first-team All-Ohio nod.

Gunnar McCullough | Senior | Infielder | Zane Trace

McCullough was the engine that made the Pioneers go. He was a nightmare for opposing teams on the mound, and at the dish, batting .429 alongside three triples, seven doubles, 16 stolen bases, 27 RBIs and 29 runs scored, while going 8-4 on the hill with 91 strikeouts and a 2.05 ERA in 65 innings. He was the SVC Player of the Year and a second-team All-Ohioan.

Brycin McClinitic | Senior | Infielder | South Webster

South Webster has been lucky enough to have plenty of elite talent over the past few years, and McClinitic is certainly towards the top of that list. He finished the season batting .330 with eight doubles, 22 RBIs and 29 runs scored, helping the Jeeps to their first-ever Final 4 and earning himself honorable mention All-Ohio status. 

Troy McDonald | Sophomore | Outfielder | Huntington

The present and future at Huntington is very bright, and McDonald is a huge reason why. Showcasing he’s a force to be reckoned with, he finished the year batting .500 with four triples, six doubles, 19 RBIs and 33 runs scored, leading the Huntsmen to their second district title in seven years. He was named first-team all district and second-team All-Ohio.

Carson McWhorter | Senior | Pitcher | Southeastern

The Panthers came into the season with a lot of promise, especially in their pitching rotation, one led by McWhorter. The senior led his team to 15 wins and a district final appearance with his performance on the mound, going 8-4 with a 1.91 ERA in 69 1/3 innings while striking out 88 hitters. He was a first-team all-district and second-team All-Ohio honoree.

Clayton Moore | Senior | Outfielder | Eastern Meigs

Whatever you need Moore to do on the field, he’s going to get the job done with relative ease. Whether it’s on the mound, in the field, or at the dish, he is a threat to make any play when he’s called upon. He finished the year with a .415 batting average alongside three doubles, 11 RBIs and 17 runs scored, helping his Eagles to a district final appearance as he earned honorable mention All-Ohio honors.

Gabe McNeil | Senior | Third Base | Valley 

There’s nothing flashy about McNeil’s game. He’s just pure production in the highest form. Leading the Indians to a sixth straight district title, he finished with a .373 batting average alongside two triples, eight doubles, 22 RBIs and 35 runs. He was named second-team SOC III and second-team all-district.

Carson Powell | Senior | First Base | Valley

Powell was Valley’s ace until an injury derailed his senior season on the mound. But it didn’t take away his bat and he still did nightly damage. He finished the year hitting .392 with a home run, six doubles, 28 RBIs and 35 runs scored. That helped the Indians win their second regional title in six years as he collected first-team all-district honors.

Jacob Roth | Senior | Shortstop | Portsmouth

When it was time for the rubber to meet the road, Roth was the Trojans’ go-to guy. Whether he came up with a clutch hit or made a big play in the field, he was going to make something happen. He finished the season hitting .537 with a home run, five doubles, eight triples, 19 RBIs, 28 stolen bases and 43 runs scored. He was a first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio selection.

David Sharp | Senior | Catcher | Athens

Sharp was Athens’ dugout leader and helped the Bulldogs win 17 games and a TVC championship before they made a district final appearance. He finished the season hitting over .300 while knocking in over 20 runs whie crossing the plate 20-plus times. That was enough to earn himself TVC Player of the Year, first-team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio honors.

Ryan Seimetz | Senior | Shortstop | Jackson

Seimetz has been a four-year staple at Jackson, manning his shortstop position and changing the culture of the program since he walked onto the diamond. He helped the Ironmen piece together another 20-win season by batting .524 with three home runs, 10 doubles, 19 stolen bases, 24 RBIs and 31 runs scored. He was the FAC Player of the Year and a second-team All-Ohioan. 

Cameron Silcott | Junior | Pitcher | Fairfield Union

As the other part of the Falcons’ 1-2 punch, Silcott was just as dynamic every time he took the bump. He ended the season with a 7-2 record in 66 2/3 innings, sporting a 1.80 ERA and striking out 64 batters. Those numbers significantly aided FU’s run to the Final 4. He was a first-team MSL and second-team All-Ohio selection. 

Breece Stone | Junior | Catcher | Amanda-Clearcreek

Part of having a team that catches lightning in a bottle is being able to play rock-solid defense. Stone was the leader of that unit. Helping guide the Aces to a regional final appearance, the junior backstop batted .348 with 10 doubles and 31 RBIs. He was named all-MSL, all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio.

Ashton Waldrop | Senior | Shortstop | Fairfield Union

Waldrop entered Fairfield Union’s program as a standout freshman and now leaves as one of the top players in program history. He batted .442 this past spring with 46 base hits, four doubles, 13 RBIs and 30 runs scored, helping the Falcons make it all the way to the Final 4. He was the MSL Player of the Year and an honorable mention All-Ohioan.

Bennie Warren | Senior | Infielder | Trimble

When Warren is on, just call it a night because you’re not touching him. He went 8-1 on the mound this year with a 1.13 ERA while striking out 56 batters. But he was just as good offensively with a .474 average that included a pair of home runs, six doubles, 22 runs and 25 RBIs. He was named first-team all-district and first-team All-Ohio.

Quin Wells | Sophomore | Infielder | Lynchburg-Clay

Wells has been a winner since he stepped on the diamond, and nothing changed this season. With a fierce right arm, he went 8-0 with a 0.43 ERA and struck out 63 batters. At the dish, he hit .542 with a home run, four triples, seven doubles, 32 RBIs, 35 stolen bases and 41 runs scored. He was named the co-SHAC Player of the Year, first-team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio.

Eli Wolfe | Senior | Pitcher | Fairfield Union

Fairfield Union possessed one of the best 1-2 punches on the mound, and the results were the proof in the pudding. Wolfe finished the season with a 7-1 record, sporting a 1.22 ERA and striking out 39 batters in 46 innings of work, allowing just eight earned runs for the regional-champion Falcons. He was named first-team MSL and first-team all-district. 

Bodhi Wolford | Senior | First Base | Jackson

If ducks are on the pond, Wolford is the guy you want coming to the dish. He’ll get the job done. Helping lead Jackson to another 20-win season, he finished the year batting .389, ripping five home runs, seven doubles, scoring 19 times and driving in 41 runs. He ended the year with all-FAC and first-team all-district honors.

Noah Woods | Freshman | Catcher | Clay

Clay will be a program to watch over the next two to three seasons, and Woods is a part of the reason why. Filled to the brim with talent, Woods is the only freshman to grace this list. It’s understandable why after he hit .428 with a home run, three doubles, four triples, 27 RBIs and 44 runs scored, leading the Panthers to a district final appearance and earning honorable mention All-Ohio status. 

Jaxon Zickafoose | Senior | Shortstop | Unioto

Zickafoose was the heartbeat of the Shermans’ dugout, providing leadership and an emotional spark whenever his teammates needed that extra jolt. He hit .301 with 11 doubles, 14 RBIs, 19 stolen bases and 28 runs scored. Those numbers earned him first-team SVC and first-team all-district honors. 

Honorable Mention Selections 

Cooper Enochs, Miami Trace; Austin Brown, Miami Trace; Bryson Heath, Washington; Easton Ary, McClain; Logen Drummond, Gallia Academy; Ethan Sutton, Ironton; Braylon Spriggs, Waverly; Xander Toler, Waverly; Cameron Conn, Wheelersburg; Nick Queen, Valley; Brady Neff, Logan Elm; Brady Andrews, Fairfield Union; Garrett Dilcher, Fairfield Union; Andrew Miller, Amanda-Clearcreek; Ty Borland, Minford; Thad Lansing, Valley; Benaiah Andrews, South Webster; Easton Large, South Webster; Sawyer Rutman, Notre Dame; Aidden Armbritser, Northwest; Levi Shepherd, Northwest; Andy Strow, Symmes Valley; Braxton Ingalls, Wellston; Wyatt Channell, Vinton County; Caleb Abner, Eastern Meigs; Isaiah Arocho, Athens; Blake Sanders, Unioto; Pierce Manson, Zane Trace; Andrew Oyer, Huntington; Preston Fauber, Paint Valley; Cash Conrad, Westfall; Thomas Barnhart, West Union; Bo Johnson, Peebles; Elam Foust, Lynchburg-Clay; Kristian Beachy, Lynchburg-Clay

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