Baseball
Honorable Mention
Treyton Goins – Carroll – SR – Goins put together a very good season bouncing around the infield, playing shortstop and 3rd base. He showed good range at both spots and showed a strong arm from the hole. He finished the year batting 307 with a home run and 20 RBI. He was 5th on the team in hitting and 6th in runs scored. Goins went 16 of 17 on stolen bases to rank 2nd on the team.
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Ethan Loew – Carroll – FR – Loew provided some depth as a freshman in the Tigers rotation. He was 3rd on the team in innings pitched and led the team in wins with 5. His 27 strikeouts was 3rd on the team. He allowed opponents to bat just 211 against him this season.
Max Irlmeier – Kuemper – SO – Irlmeier moved into the catcher role midway through the season and helped solidify the Knights defense. He worked well with his pitchers and helped the Knights have a team ERA of 3.42. Irlmeier added a strong bat to the lineup and his 352 average was 3rd on the team.
Luke Hicks – Kuemper – SR – Hicks bounced between 2nd and shortstop this season and helped the team on the hill when needed. His 940 fielding percentage was 2nd best on the team. Hicks pitched 19 ⅔ innings and his 2.85 ERA was 5th on the team. The senior had a good year at the plate batting 295 with 17 RBI. He scored 17 times and walked 20.
Hayden McLaughlin – IKM-Manning – SR – McLaughlin had a strong year at the plate, batting 368 which was 2nd on the team. McLaughlin tied for the team lead with 4 home runs and drove in a team high 18 RBI. His 14 runs scored was 6th on the team. His speed allowed him to steal 11 bases in 14 attempts.
Mark Lensch – Glidden Ralston – FR – The Freshman was the top hitter for the Wildcats leading the team with a 333 average and 11 hits. He was 2nd on the team in RBI. He was perfect in stolen base attempts. HIs 400 slugging percentage and 406 on base percentage were team highs.
Caden Smith – Glidden Ralston – JR – Smith came back from an injury last season and batted 271. He led the Wildcats in RBI and doubles and his on-base-percentage was tied for the team lead. He tied for 5th on the team in runs scored. Smith was 2nd on the team in on base percentage.
Ayden Toms – South Central Calhoun – SR – Toms put together an outstanding year at the plate hitting 415 to lead the Titans. His 7 doubles were a team high and he tied for the team lead with a triple. Toms also led the team with 15 runs scored. He was 10 of 11 on stolen base attempts and his 10 stolen bases was tied for the team lead.
Caleb Villhauer – East Sac – SR – His record didn’t indicate how effective he was on the mound with a team leading 3.95 ERA. Villhauer tied for the team lead with 44 strikeouts while only walking 18. Villhauer hit 274 which was 3rd among regulars on the team. He ranked 5th on the team in runs scored.
Dylan Meredith – East Sac – SR – Meredith teamed with Caleb Villhauer to give the Raiders a nice 1-2 punch on the hill. He won 3 of his 4 games on the mound and tied for the team lead with 44 strikeouts. His 45 ⅓ innings ranked 2nd on the team. Meredith led the team in runs scored.
Karter Ludwig – East Sac – FR – Ludwig had a 302 batting average as a freshman which was 2nd on the team. He tied for 2nd on the team in runs scored and was tied for 3rd in RBI. Ludwig was perfect in stolen bases and his 7 led the Raiders.
2nd Team
DH
Gavin Smith – Audubon – JR – The junior caught fire at the plate late in the season and ended up leading the team in hitting at 413. His 23 RBI were a team high as were the 25 runs he scored. Smith tied for the team lead in doubles with 6. Smith teamed with Joel Klocke to give the Wheelers two outstanding baserunners, stealing 23 of 23 bases to rank 2nd on the team. Smith was used in late game situations on the hill.
Outfield
Tory Feldman – Carroll – SR – Feldman gave the Tigers an outstanding outfielder that could patrol centerfield with great speed and a good glove. He was not only good in the field but he was very productive on the basepaths and the plate. He led the Tigers with 25 stolen bases which was 9 more than anyone else. Feldman hit 284 and scored 25 runs. His 33 hits were 2nd on the team.
Colby Christensen – Carroll – SR – Christensen put together a very good senior season finishing 4th on the team in RBI with 21 while batting 312, good for 4th on the team. He tied for 2nd on the team with 6 doubles and used that speed to steal 8 bases. Christensen was very good in the outfield, playing left field, he finished with 4 errors and over a 900 fielding percentage.
Infield
Jack Troutman – Carroll – SR – Troutman did everything for the Tigers and did it well. The senior played almost every infield position and finished with a 900 fielding percentage. He pitched in 8 games coming in late in the game and held opponents to a 159 batting average. Troutman did most of his damage on offense, batting 376, good for 2nd on the team. He added 22 RBI and 5 doubles for 4th best on the team. His 25 runs scored was tied with Tory Feldman for 4th on the team. Troutman was one of 7 Tigers in double digit steals with 12.
Logan Sibenaller – Kuemper – SO – The sophomore was outstanding this season in the leadoff spot. He tied for 2nd on the team with 2 triples, added 4 doubles and batted 333 which ranked 5th among the Knights regulars. Logan was a terror on the base paths stealing all 21 bases he attempted and led the Knights by 12 in that category. He was a plus defensively with a 952 fielding percentage and only had 6 errors on 124 chances. He added 2 wins on the hill in 4 starts and 7 appearances.
Josh Ramirez – Coon Rapids Bayard – SR – The senior did a little bit of everything on defense, playing 3rd and 1st base along with pitching. His 162 chances on defense ranked 2nd on the team. His 963 fielding percentage was 2nd on the team. Ramirez helped on the mound making 9 appearances with 6 of those in relief. Josh hit 385, 3rd best of Crusader regulars. His 32 RBI ranked 2nd on the team and his 3 home runs tied for the team lead. He scored 31 times to rank 3rd on the team.
Cooper Kock – Ar-We-Va – JR – Kock was a terror at the plate and gave the Rockets another solid starter on the hill to go with Will Ragaller and Conner Kirsch. Kock hit 418 to lead the team and his 11 RBI was 2nd on the team. Cooper had 6 doubles tying for 1st on the team and his 19 runs scored was 2nd. Defensively he was very good as well, finishing with a 944 fielding percentage. Kock threw more innings than any other pitcher on the team at 37 ⅔. He was 2nd in strikeouts with 55.
Will Ragaller – Ar-We-Va – JR – Ragaller batted 383 and got on base over 50% of the time with an on-base-percentage of 519. He was 3rd on the Rockets in RBI but led the team in runs scored with 19, which was 10 more than anyone on the team. Ragaller had a team high 22 bases and was perfect in stolen base attempts. He led the team by 16 stolen bases. Ragaller was good behind the plate and had a solid year at shortstop. His 59 strikeouts led the pitching staff and his 34 innings was 2nd most on the team.
Pitchers
Conner Kirsch – Ar-We-Va – JR – Kirsch was very effective on the hill. His ability to place his off-speed pitches while mixing in the fastball kept hitters off balance. Kirsch finished 4-0 with 4 starts and 10 appearances. His 3.43 ERA was the team’s best for anyone that pitched more than 10 innings. Kirsch led the Rockets with 13 RBI and tied for the team lead with 6 doubles. He was 3rd on the team in runs scored.
Preston McAlister – Coon Rapids Bayard – JR – The junior was one of the strongest arms for the Crusaders all season winning 6 games on the hill in 8 starts and 13 appearances. His 6 wins was 2nd most on the team and his 1.62 ERA was 2nd best for guys who pitched more than 10 innings. He threw 39 innings, 2nd on the team. McAlister was also a threat at the plate, batting 295 with 24 RBI, good for 5th on the team, and scored 18 runs. He had 5 doubles, 4th best on the team.
Kolby Culbertson – Coon Rapids Bayard – FR – The freshman gives Crusader fans something to be excited about for the future. He threw 25 ⅓ innings, the 3rd most on the team and his 3.59 ERA was solid along with his 36 strikeouts, which ranked 3rd on the team. He finished 2-1 in 4 starts.His 333 batting average, 17 RBI and 27 runs scored bode well for his future at the plate. He also led the team with 25 walks and was 2nd on the team with 21 stolen bases.
Gavin Batta – South Central Calhoun – FR – Batta gave the Titans hope every time he stepped on the hill. He finished 0-6, but his 3.68 was the lowest by over 3 runs a game for Titans pitchers that threw more than 10 innings. He struck out a team high 31 in 38 innings.
1st Team
DH
Ty Nissen – Carroll – SR – The senior helped provide tremendous leadership though he was limited to the DH role due to an injury. He finished with a 312 batting average, tying for 3rd on the team, while leading the team with 40 runs scored which was 9 more than anyone else. His 15 walks were 5th on the team and his 17 RBI ranked 6th on the team. Nissen was outstanding on the base paths stealing 13 of 15 bases. Nissen set a record for most games played by a Tiger, according to current records.
Outfield
Ethan Klocke – Audubon – SR– Klocke did everything on offense and defense for the Wheelers and did it well. He patrolled centerfield as well as anyone in the area and finished with just 1 error on 80 chances. His defense wasn’t the only thing he excelled at. Klocke stole 17 of 19 bases to rank 3rd on the team. His 286 batting average was 2nd best on the team and his 22 RBI also ranked 2nd. Ethan scored 15 runs to rank 5th for the Wheelers.
Easton Hays – Coon Rapids Bayard – JR – Hays was a big part of the Crusaders success in 2021. He contributed in every aspect of the game. He batted 395 which was 2nd on the team among regulars. He drove in 21 runs, doubled 6 times and tied for the team lead with 4 triples. His 40 runs scored tied for the team lead. Hays led the team by 11 in stolen bases with 32 steals in 32 attempts. His fielding percentage was 951 and he went 2-0 on the hill with a 2.84 ERA.
Gabe Obert – Coon Rapids Bayard – JR – Obert had a stretch mid to late season where he was as hot as any hitter this season. He finished with a 383 average, 2nd on the team. His 36 RBI led the team and he tied the team high with 3 home runs. Obert added 4 doubles and 29 runs scored which was 4th on the team. Obert was tough on opposing catchers as well stealing 19 of 19 bases.
Infield
Lance Clayburg – Coon Rapids Bayard – SO – What a year the sophomore put together at the plate. He was one of the most consistent hitters in the area this season. He finished with a team leading 424 batting average and a team high 40 runs scored. Clayburg drove in 27 runs, 4th on the team, adding 2 home runs and tied for the team lead with 3 triples. Lance was a perfect 16 for 16 stealing bases. He helped on the hill as well making 10 appearances with 8 in relief finishing 3-2 with a 1.79 ERA.
Aaron McAlister – Coon Rapids Bayard – SR – McAlister wrapped up an outstanding career with a terrific season. He finished with a 337 batting average, 6th on the team. He drove in 29 runs, good for 3rd on the team, scored 28 runs, 5th best on the team, and walked 22 times, 2nd on the team. McAlister is very good at 1st base and behind the plate. He stole 8 bases. He pitched just 1 inning this season but struck out 3 of the 4 batters he faced.
Ryan Johnston – Carroll – SR – Johnston is one of the premier 1st baseman in the area. He makes it look easy digging low throws or has the ability to go get high throws. He had a 970 fielding percentage this season. Johnston isn’t just a defensive player for Carrol though. He batted 289 with 22 RBI which tied for 2nd on the team. His 6 doubles tied for 2nd on the team and 26 runs scored was 3rd. He walked 20 times, 2nd most on the team. Johnston is a heady base runner, stealing 13 of 15 bases.
Blake Pottebaum – Kuemper – Sr – Blake Pottebaum was one of the finalists for the Player of the Year after the senior had a tremendous season while battling arm issues. Pottebaum led the team with a 432 batting average, 36 runs scored and 8 doubles. His 20 RBI were good for 3rd best on the Knights. Pottebaum stole all 9 bases that he attempted. He played shortstop when not on the hill and had great range, oftentimes getting ground balls in the hole that most shortstops don’t. Pottebaum was a force on the hill with a 2.53 ERA and was used mostly in late game situations. He struck out 26 batters in 27 ⅔ innings.
Pitchers
Cal Wanninger – Kuemper – JR – Wanninger was a finalist for Player of the Year honors and had a great season on the hill. His 7 wins were a team high and his 1.22 ERA ranked 2nd on the team for players who pitched more than 10 innings. Wanniger made 6 starts and appeared in 8 games on the mound. He struck out a team high 38 batters in 34 ⅓ innings which was 2nd best on the team. Wanninger batted 345, ranking 4th on the team. Wanniger led the team with 26 RBI.
Austin Tigges – Kuemper – SR – Austin Tigges closed out a very good Kuemper career with an outstanding all-around season. Tigges finished the year 4-1 on the hill in 40 innings which led the team. He got stronger as the season went on and joined Wanninger and Pottebaum to give Kuemper three number 1 quality starters. When not on the mound, Tigges provided the Knights a tough 1st baseman. Tigges finished the season batting 361, 2nd on the team. He added 23 RBI, 2nd best on the team, and had a team high 5 triples and was 2nd in doubles with 5. He scored 23 runs, ranking 3rd on the team.
Conner Richards – IKM-Manning – SR – Richards’ record doesn’t indicate how good he was on the mound. If you traveled to Tri Center for the District matchup you saw how strong he was against the best teams on the Wolves schedule. He finished 2-2 but his ERA was 2.01, best on the team. He threw 31 ⅓ Innings – ranking 2nd on the team, and struck out 47 batters – also 2nd best on the Wolves. Conner was solid wherever he played on defense and had an outstanding year at the plate batting 347. He scored 19 times, ranking 2nd on the team. Richards tied Amos Rasmussen for the team lead with 19 stolen bases.
Max Nielsen – IKM-Manning – JR – Nielsen was very good again excelling on the mound and at the plate. Nielsen had the best ERA on the team at 1.89 and led the team with 40 ⅔ innings pitched. His 58 strikeouts were also a team high. He only walked 8 batters. Max led the team in batting as well with a 458 average and was 2nd on the team with 17 RBI. He tied Hayden McLaughlin with 4 home runs, leading the team. His 16 runs scored tied for 3rd best on the team. He also had a team high 19 walks.
Quentin Culbertson – Coon Rapids Bayard – SR – Culbertson is the ace of a tremendous staff for Coon Rapids Bayard. He led the team with 7 wins and finished 7-3. His ERA was terrific at 2.18 and was 2nd best on the team. Culbertson had a team high 76 strikeouts and only walked 15 batters in 64 ⅓ innings, a team high. Culbertson drove in 21 runs, 7th best on the team and walked 15 times, 4th on the team.
Player of the Year- 1st Team Infield
Slade Sibenaller – Carroll – SR – Sibenaller was outstanding for 5 years and saved his best season for last. The senior hit 447, a team high. He also led the team with 36 RBI, 8 doubles, 5 home runs, and tied for the lead in triples with 2. That homerun number should have been higher but he lost a home run to a cancelled game and had one counted as a ground rule double. Slade ranked 2nd on the Tigers with 31 runs scored. He stole 10 bases in 14 tries. Sibenaller is very athletic at shortstop and moved to 2nd base at times this season and played that very well. His 39 ⅓ innings pitched ranked 2nd on the team and his 3 wins were also 2nd on the team. Sibenaller had a team high 44 strikeouts. Slade had been used as a closer early in his career. This season all his appearances came as a starter.
Coach of the Year
Randy Snyder – Kuemper – Snyder is one of the most consistent and best coaches. His Kuemper teams are always a tough out and rarely beat themselves, especially late in the season. They are fundamentally solid every season and always get better as the season goes on. He does a great job of developing pitchers. Kuemper had an outstanding season finishing with 21 wins overall and taking 2nd place in the Hawkeye 10. The Knights spent part of the season ranked number 1 in the power rankings in class 2A. Snyder picked up win #300 this season and had his 9th season with 20 or more wins in 14 years as a head coach.
Softball
Honorable Mention
Vanessa Koehler – Glidden Ralston – SO – The sophomore had a solid year at the plate batting 327 which led the team. She also led the team in doubles, triples (tied) and home runs with 2. Koehler had a team high 11 runs scored. Vanessa uses her track speed on the base paths and stole 15 bases in 15 attempts.
Alaya Betts – Coon Rapids Bayard – SR – Betts wrapped up an impressive athletic career at Coon Rapids Bayard with another good season batting 290 which was 3rd on the team. Her 12 RBI were 2nd on the team and her two doubles tied for 2nd on the team as well. Betts moved behind the plate and had a solid year working with young pitchers. Her leadership helped Emma Hart continue to grow in the circle.
Hannah Kraus – Ar-We-Va – SR – The Rocket senior had her best season of her career working well with fellow senior Jadeyn Smith to provide the Rockets a tough combination between the circle and behind home plate. Kraus finished 5th on the team in batting but led the team in triples and doubles with 3 each. Her 17 runs scored were also a team high. Her 974 fielding percentage was tops on the team for anyone with more than 25 chances.
Camryn Paup – Greene County – JR – Paup put together another good year for the Rams. She batted 290, 5th on the team and was 2nd on the team with 15 RBI. Paup was 3rd on the team in runs scored with 10. She helped provide leadership as one of two juniors with only one senior on the team.
Emma Stream – Greene County – SO – The sophomore was very good behind the plate working with a young pitching staff. Offensively she was one of the top players for the Rams, batting 356 to lead the team. Her 11 RBI were 3rd on the team and her 6 doubles were a team high.
Averi Burke – Carroll – FR – Burke helped to solidify the Tigers DP spot and got better at the plate the more at bats she received. She finished with a pair of triples and scored 15 runs. She was also one of their top base runners finishing with 17 stolen bases. She pitched in 1 game, going 1 inning, earning a save.
Zoey Melton – IKM-Manning – SR – Melton finished a solid career at IKM-Manning by moving from behind the plate to shortstop to help solidify the Wolves infield defense. Her bat was her biggest weapon and she finished with a team high 351 batting average, was 2nd on the team with 7 RBI and led the team with 7 doubles.
Jordan Porsch – Audubon – FR – The freshman put together a nice season and was very consistent at the plate. She finished with a 328 batting average, one home run, and 11 RBI. Porsch scored 14 times, ranked 6th on the team.
Sydney Beymer – Audubon – SR – Beymer wrapped up a good career in Audubon with a 309 batting average this season. She scored 21 times, 3rd on the team, and drove in 13 runs, 7th on the team. She played a solid shortstop and has a strong arm.
Mattie Nielsen – Audubon – FR – Nielsen helped contribute to the Wheelers having their best season in more than 10 years as the freshman batted over 300, scored 18 times, and drove in 15 runs. Nielsen showed power with 3 home runs which tied for the team lead. Her 13 walks tied for the team lead.
Laryn Sharp – East Sac – SR – Sharp helped the Raiders have an outstanding season even though they didn’t have a full team until midway through June. The senior hit 297, scored 14 times, good for 6th on the team, and drove in 13 RBI, tied for 5th. She ranked 2nd on the team in walks.
Kortney Riley – South Central Calhoun – SR – Riley got better every year in her career and saved her best season for last. She played catcher and centerfield and was very good defensively at both spots. She was one of the top baserunners with 13 stolen bases in 13 attempts, tied for 3rd most on the team. Riley hit 316, scored 21 runs, ranking 2nd on the team, and drove in 13 runs.
Kylee Schleisman – South Central Calhoun – SO – Schleisman continues to grow as a softball player and put together a very good season. She has become a solid outfielder in left field. Her bat is also becoming a strength with a 284 average. She scored 15 runs, ranked 5th on the team. Schleisman is very good on the bases, stealing 16 bases on 16 tries to rank 2nd on the team.
2nd Team
DP
Maci Gustavson – East Sac – SO – Gustavson missed the early part of the season due to an injury. When she returned to action she quickly helped the Raiders get on a roll. She moved into the DP role and played 1st base as well. Gustavson finished 2nd on the Raiders in batting with a 457 in 15 games. The sophomore teamed up with Kami Ross to give the Raiders two young up and coming players at 1st base.
Outfield
Jamie Hausman – Ar-We-Va – SO – The sophomore came on strong as the season went on and finished with a team high 304 batting average along with leading the team with 14 RBI and tying for the lead with 3 doubles. She was tied for 3rd in runs scored with 14. As good as she became on offense she was better defensively. Hausman patrols the outfield with good speed and range and didn’t make an error all season. Along with Sophomores Kora Obrecht and Timberlen Koch the Rockets look set for a couple more years.
Katelyn Nielsen – Audubon – SR – The senior plays the game with an aggressive style and never quits hustling. She patrols centerfield and has the speed to make plays all over the outfield. Nielsen only made a couple errors and finished with a 944 fielding percentage. Her bat has always been a strength and was again, finishing with a 357 batting average to lead the Wheelers. She led the team as well with 24 RBI, and tied for the team lead with 23 runs scored. Nielsen had a team high 5 triples, tied for the lead with 3 home runs, and 6 doubles.
Ava Gross- Carroll – SO – She moved from the infield last year to the outfield this season and made the transition look pretty easy. Very athletic kid, showing great range and finished with a 951 fielding percentage. Gross was also very good with the bat and hit 333, 4th best on the team. Her 23 runs scored ranked 2nd on the team and she added 15 runs scored tied for the team lead with 20 stolen bases.
Kyndal Hilgenberg – Kuemper – SR – The senior had another terrific year at the plate and provided a leadership role that helped keep her teammates loose and having fun as the Knights finished with 23 wins. Kyndal hit 319, drove in 23 runs (5th on the team) and scored 25 times (3rd on the team). Her 16 walks ranked 2nd for the Knights.
Brianna Lux – Kuemper – SR – She works as hard as any player at her trade and had another outstanding year making diving catches in right field as well as hitting the ball very well. Lux finished with a 331 batting average which was 5th on the team, had 25 RBI to rank 3rd on the team, and scored 24 times, 4th best on the team. Lux hit her first career home run this season and finished with 3.
Infield
Kenadee Loew – Kuemper – JR – What a great season for the junior as she took her game to another level. She pounded the ball all season long and had a team high 16 doubles. Her 353 batting average was 4th on the team. She hit her first career home run. Loew had 24 RBI that ranked 4th on the team and scored 23 times, tied for 5th on the team. Loew battled hard at the hot corner and showed great growth on defense.
Camryn Schable- Carroll- So- The sophomore split her time between 1st base and the pitching circle. She was strong in both places finishing with a 937 fielding percentage along with leading the team with 7 wins in the circle, going 7-8 on the season. Schable led the team with 105 innings pitched and 67 strikeouts in a league that sent 5 teams to the State Tournament. Offensively, Schable finished with a 278 batting average, and 20 RBI which was 3rd best on the Tigers.
Hannah Thygesen – Audubon – JR – The junior took another step forward behind the plate and helped the Wheelers have their best record in over a decade. She worked very well with both of her pitchers in Kali Irlmeier and Alexis Obermeier, giving them confidence that they could have success in the circle. Thygesen was also a spark at the plate and the basepaths. She tied for the team lead with 23 runs scored and drove in 21 runs, good for 2nd best on the team.
Brielle Korleski – South Central Calhoun – SR – Korleski is one of the hardest working athletes in the area and played the entire season with an injury. She still hit 278, doing her most damage with runners on base, leading the team with 24 RBI. Korleski scored 18 times as well which was 4th on the team. She tied for 3rd on the team with 13 stolen bases in 13 attempts. Korleski covers a lot of ground at shortstop and had a good year defensively.
Emma Geno – South Central Calhoun – SR – She turned into a very good 3rd baseman as the season went on, making several great plays in a late season win over East Sac. The senior also had her best season at the plate, batting 329, 5th best on the team. She added 15 RBI and scored 19 times, ranking 3rd on the team.
Pitchers
Sally Musselman – South Central Calhoun – SR – She helped the program continue to take steps forward and finished with 10 wins in the circle while pitching every inning for the Titans. Her biggest contribution to the team might be her leadership. If it wasn’t that it might have been her bat. She finished with a 388 batting average which would lead most teams but was 2nd to Emma Anderson. She drove in 20 runs, 3rd best on the team, and scored 12 times, while most pitchers get courtesy runners. Her 4 doubles were 3rd best for the Titans.
Chloe Venteicher – Kuemper – JR – Venticher led the Knights with 12 wins and went 12-11 on the season, helping the Knights to a 23 win season. The junior is terrific at staying calm in the circle and battling through tough situations. She struck out 70 batters while walking only 38. She gives the Knights a great one-two punch with Kamryn Venner, which gives the Knights a lot to look forward to next season.
Jadeyn Smith – Ar-We-Va – SR – She saved her best softball season for last and it was outstanding. Smith helped the Rockets compete well against everyone, finishing the year with a 1.95 ERA and striking out 87 batters while pitching every inning. She held batters under a 200 batting average against her. Smith had a good year at the plate, tying for 5th in RBI on the team and tying for 3rd in runs scored. Her 13 walks were also 2nd on the team.
1st Team
DP
Meredith Brown – East Sac – JR – The junior is quickly becoming one of the top athletes in the area and solidified herself as a top softball player this season. She was outstanding at the plate and was very good in the field. Brown batted 441, 3rd on the team. She led the team with 20 RBI and was 2nd in runs scored with 22. Her 10 doubles were a team high. The Raiders have become one of the better defensive teams in the area and Brown was a big part of that finishing with a 964 fielding percentage with 110 chances. She was also 3rd on the team in stolen bases.
Outfield
Mary Bontrager – East Sac – SO – One of the most consistent hitters in the area. She also grew into one of the best defensive center fielders. Bontrager batted 461 and didn’t have an off week. Her average led the team, she had a team high 23 runs scored and was 3rd on the team with 15 RBI. She stole all 12 bases she attempted, ranking 2nd on the team. Bontrager helped an inexperienced outfield have a good season.
Hailey Ostrander – Kuemper – JR – Ostrander has really come on offensively and defensively. She hit 356 this season, 3rd on the team, added 22 RBI, good for 6th on the team, and scored a team high 40 times. She wreaked havoc on the base paths and led the Knights with 17 stolen bases which was 7 more than anyone else on the team. Defensively she is a strength in left field and has a strong and accurate arm.
Emma Anderson – South Central Calhoun – JR – How do you best describe a player that plays hurt and still excels at the highest level. Warrior is a word that comes to mind, another is competitive, and driven is a third. Anderson hit over 500 this season with a knee that needs surgery. She had 12 doubles – a team high, 2 home runs – a team high, and 23 RBI – which was 2nd on the team. Her 36 runs scored was 15 more than the nearest teammate. Somehow she stole 29 of 30 bases and put pressure on the defense in so many ways. Anderson was outstanding in the outfield and could make an easy transition to behind the plate. She was a contender for the Player of the Year award.
Infield
Bree Boeckman – East Sac – SR – Boeckman has been an elite player for East Sac for 5 years on the softball field. She is very good behind the plate, works well with her pitchers, and has a rocket for an arm if someone is trying to steal, throwing out 4 of the 6 runners that attempted to run against her. Boeckman also has a very good bat. She hit 355 – 5th on the team, and drove in 18 runs – 2nd on the team. Her 5 doubles were 2nd most on the team and her 16 runs scored were 4th best.
Maty Quirk – East Sac – SR – Competitive, fearless, talented are all words that describe the Raiders 3rd baseman. She plays the hot corner like few others have. She charges bunts as well as anyone, she stands right in the way of line drives, covers ground in the hole and has a strong arm to throw out runners. Quirk isn’t just a defensive stalwart. She hits the ball very well. Her 357 average was 4th on the team, her 23 runs scored was 3rd on the team and her 12 RBI ranked 6th. She led the Raiders going 18 of 18 in stolen bases.
Jordan Schwabe – Kuemper – JR – Jordan took her game to another level this summer. She worked really hard on her fundamentals behind the plate and finished the season with no passed balls against Earlham. Schwabe was also tough on base runners who got off the bag too far. She threw behind runners from her catcher’s stance and oftentimes picked them off. Schwabe became one of the best hitters, batting 361, 2nd on the team, drove in a team high 31 runs, was 2nd with 4 home runs, and 4th with 10 RBI. Though she typically was run for as a catcher, she still scored 19 times. She was a candidate for the Player of the Year.
Kenzie Schon – Kuemper – JR – She started the season slow on offense and closed the season as one of the elite hitters in school history. Schon broke the single season home run record and career home run record (with the circle at current distance). She finished with 7 home runs and a team high 36 RBI. Her 9 doubles , ranked 5th on the team and her 28 runs scored were good for 2nd on the team. Schon is very good on the base paths and is a good defensive 1st baseman. Schon was another candidate for the Player of the Year.
Josie Ayala – Carroll – JR – Ayala continues to be one of the elite players in the area and was one of the players up for Player of the Year. She can play 3rd base or shortstop extremely well. She finished the season with a 920 fielding percentage and had 150 chances which led the team. Ayala batted 372, 2nd on the team, and had 22 RBI – also 2nd on the team. Her 26 runs scored and 10 doubles were team highs. She was 2nd in triples and tied for the lead in home runs. Ayala tied Ava Gross for the team lead in stolen bases with 20.
Pitchers
Kamryn Venner – Kuemper – JR – Venner split her time between shortstop and the pitching circle. She finished the year 11-3 in the circle with 17 of her performances in relief. Her 3.46 ERA led the team as did her 118 strikeouts. Kamryn hit 272 and was coming on strong late in the season. She finished the season with 21 RBI, added 19 runs scored and had 11 doubles, 3rd on the team. Kamryn was one of the top base runners for Kuemper stealing 8 of 9 bases, 3rd on the team.
Shelby Geery – East Sac – SR – Geery had a special senior season after taking over in the circle early in the season. She finished with a 14-7 record, helping the Raiders put together a strong stretch late in the season. The Raiders were one of the top local teams and Geery was part of the reason why. She threw strikes and allowed her defense to do their jobs behind her. She walked just 25 batters in 135 innings pitched while allowing just 47 earned runs for a 2.44 ERA.
Kali Irlmeier – Audubon – SO – Irlmeier took her game to another level this season helping the Wheelers to their best record in over a decade. She finished 12-5 and threw 87 ⅔ innings, allowing just 37 earned runs, a team low. Her ERA was 2.95, which was helped out by her 75 strikeouts. Irlmeier made 17 starts in 24 appearances and teamed up well with Alexis Obermeier to provide the Wheelers a nice one-two punch.
Player of the Year- 1st Team Infield
Chloe Gallegos – Carroll – SR – What a career for Chloe Gallegos. She will go down as one of the best players in recent Carroll Tiger history, as her name will be all over the record books. She has started since 8th grade behind the plate and became a great leader, having to this season as the only senior on the team. Gallegos has always been great with the bat and hit over 500 in the toughest conference in the state. She added a team high 36 RBI, a pair of home runs, tied for 2nd with 3 triples and had a team high 15 walks as some teams decided not to pitch to her. Gallegos threw out 13 of the 20 runners looking to run against the Tigers this season and was outstanding at working with her two pitchers who were seeing extensive action in the circle at the varsity level for the first time in their careers.
Coach of the Year
Erin Bohlmann – Kuemper – Bohlmann helped lead the Knights to a 4th place finish in the Hawkeye 10, and 23 wins, most of any of the area teams, and the only team to win more than 15 games. They pushed Earlham who advanced to the state tournament and advanced to the championship game and finished in 2nd place. The Knights never lost more than two games in a row this season and had 6- and 4- game streaks along the way. They lose two great seniors but have a ton of talent returning and have the potential to be very successful in the future.
