Washington Sports Network Blog

The 2010 All-State teams were released yesterday for Baseball, Fastpitch, and Soccer.

Among the names on the top of those lists were Trek Stemp (’12) Kennewick and Garret Anderson (’11) Kamiakin.

Stemp, in just his Sophomore year, in continues to rack up awards as he was also one of 2 Sophomores named to the Washington State Baseball Coaches Association 4A Team. Stemp is undoubtedly one of the top prospects in his class and big things are expected of him in the years to come.

Anderson, who also excels on the hardwood, is a Left-Handed pitcher with plus stuff, and the mettle to go the distance. Heading into his senior year look for Anderson to add additional velocity and control in the off-season.

Click here to see the full list…

BASEBALL

Class 4A
Player of the year: Drew Vettleson, Central Kitsap
Coach of the year: Jon Aarstad, Kentwood
First team
Pitchers: Garrett Anderson, Kamiakin; Kevin Moriarty, Shorewood; Drew Vettleson, Central Kitsap.
Catcher: Jake Schrader, Mead
Infielders: Sal Arena, Puyallup; Trevor Metsui, Shorewood; Stetson Olson, Kentridge; Trek Stemp, Kennewick; Austin Voth, Kentwood
Outfielders: Calvin Campbell, Eastmont; Zach Corpuz, Kentwood; Spencer Manjarrez, Gig Harbor; Spencer Rogers, Issaquah.
Second team
Pitchers: Avery Kain, Kentwood; Tommy Thorpe, Evergreen (Vancouver)
Catchers: Ethan Yeo, Inglemoor
Infielders: Jared Casper, Tahoma; Corey Morris, Richland; Trace Tam Sing, Newport
Outfielders: Bennett Bontemps, Puyallup; Chris Guinn, Kamiak; Spencer O’Neil, Southridge
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Mike Dunford, Richland; Andrew Groves, Kamiak; Jacob Hoffman, Curtis.
Catcher: Seth Kline, Eisenhower.
Infielders: Alex Foulon, Heritage; Nick Tanielu, Federal Way.
Outfielders: Austin Denton, Marysville-Pilchuck; Sean Rehon, Puyallup.

Class 3A
Player of the year: Ryan Brett, Highline.
Coach of the year: Mike Doyle, O’Dea.
First team
Pitchers: Skye Adams, Columbia River; Kellen Camus, Capital; Taylor Williams, Camas.
Catcher: Ryan Wiggins, West Seattle.
Infielders: Ryan Brett, Highline; Michael Lucarelli, Enumclaw; Trevor Martin, West Seattle; Jason Monda, Capital; Willy Reel, Mercer Island.
Outfielders: Keenan Forch, O’Dea; Marcus Manderbach, Hanford; Josh Sale, Blanchet.
Second team
Pitchers: Leko Galusha, Union; Daniel Jewett, North Kitsap; Dan Scheibe, Hanford.
Catcher: Alex Sloan, Sumner.
Infielders: David Anderson, Columbia River; Taylor Brennan, Meadowdale; Logan Grindy, Camas; Riley Shintaffer, Hanford; Shane Smith, O’Dea.
Outfielders: Derek Atkinson, Camas; Alec Beal, Timberline.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Dan Barnet, Mount Vernon; Max Engelbrekt, Blanchet; Jeff Larabee, Mt. Rainier; Brandon Williams, Auburn Mountainview.
Catcher: Austin Barr, Camas.
Outfielders: Peyton Cawley-Lamb, White River; Gabe Lee, O’Dea; Des Santos, Mount Rainier.

Class 2A
Player of the year: Robert Pehl, Chehalis.
Coach of the year: Jason Castro, RA Long.
First team
Pitchers: Brandon Boyle, River Ridge; Tyler Kane, Archbishop Murphy; Robert Pehl, Chehalis.
Catcher: Matt Snider, Selah.
Infielders: Brady Arnone, Clarkston; Erik Forgione, Chehalis; Anthony Pitsch, Sehome; Casey Sawyer, Hockinson; Ethan Sterkel, Ellensburg.
Outfielders: Cam Booser, Fife; Ryan Littlefield, Mark Morris; Tyler McCarty, Chehalis; Andrew Pullin, Centralia.
Second team
Pitchers: Josh Johnson, RA Long; Bo Pearson, Steilacoom; Ryan Smith, Black Hills.
Catcher: Colton Schoelkopf, Chehalis.
Infielders: Chris Brunetti, Othello; Dominick Courcy, Centralia; Braiden Darling, Anacortes; David Erickson, Burlington-Edison; Austin Wegdahl, RA Long.
Outfielders: Kurt Lindemann, Selah; Boston Petersen, RA Long.
Honorable Mention
Pitchers: John Albert, Sehome; Jordan Cameron, East Valley-Yakima.
Catcher: Dylan Boe, Burlington-Edison.
Outfielders: Nick Rimmelspacher, Clarkston.

Class 1A
Player of the year: Landon Cray, Chimacum.
Coach of the year: Jeff Carlson, Cashmere.
First team
Pitchers: Landon Cray, Chimacum; Luke Dilly, Cashmere; Arturo Reyes, Warden.
Catcher: Sean McVicker, Kalama.
Infielders: Jalan Dickerson, Rochester; Brenden Herzer, Lakeside; Neal Schuck, Burbank; JR Weigel, Naches Valley.
Outfielders: Chris Bishop, Rochester; Dustin Hamilton, Castle Rock; Devin  Manix, Chimacum.
Second team
Pitchers: Eli Driessen, Brewster; Kyle Shepard, Onalaska; Ian Smith, Coupeville; Nick Tarver, Cashmere.
Catcher: Aaron Cochran, Goldendale-Klickitat.
Infielders: Ben Circeo, Cedar Park Christian; Peter Martin, Toledo; Dalton Ritchey, Onalaska; Zack Slesk, Meridian.
Outfielders: Dylan Deckert, Rochester; Dillon Dukek, Chimacum; Cody Nutt, Onalaska; Jordan Zepernick, Cascade Christian.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Nick LaRoy, Kalama.
Catcher: Austin McConnel, Chimacum.
Infielders: Cody Johns, Naches Valley; Spencer Lee, Cashmere.
Outfielders: Trevor Fields, Goldendale-Klickitat; Chris Logan, Montesano.

Class 2B
Player of the year: Fred Lisko, Seattle Lutheran.
Coach of the year: Steve Meehan, Seattle Lutheran
First team
Pitchers: Mike Hellem, Napavine; Conner Mullan, Seattle Lutheran; Spencer Slyfield, Kittitas.
Catcher: Matt Wujek, DeSales.
Infielders: Rob Groeschell, Northwest Christian (Lacey); Fred Lisko, Seattle Lutheran; Kyle McKnight, LaConner; Pat Richard, DeSales.
Outfielders: Tanner Gay, Colfax; Tommy Gregg, DeSales; Joe Johnson, Colfax; Jackson Webb, Asotin.
Second team
Pitchers: Alec Boyle, La Salle; Brandon Hoadley, Colfax; Victor Mata, DeSales.
Catcher: Trevor Alexander, Napavine.
Infielders: Kyler Howell, Concrete; Gerhard Muelheims, St. George’s; JJ Robinson, Colfax; Riley Spooner, Asotin.
Outfielders: Matt Small, Asotin.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Evan Clements, Seattle Lutheran; Nick Mailhot, Northwest Christian (Lacey).
Catcher: Bobby Hogle, Seattle Lutheran; Kellen Morgan, Colfax.
Infielders: Tyler Clark, Concrete; Alex Ulmer, Liberty Bell.

Class 1B
Player of the year: Josiah Rhodes, Lake Quinault
Coach of the year: Stuart Gloyn, Almia/Coulee-Hartline
First team
Pitchers: Cameron Daniels, Lake Quinault; Tuff Goble, Touchet; Will Hoppes, Tri-Cities Prep.
Catcher: Marshall Byerley, Touchet.
Infielders: Chad Carlquist, Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Chase Castona, Tri-Cities Prep; Andrew Tietjen, Colton.
Outfielders: Chase Druffel, Colton; Cameron Pumphrey, Lake Quinault; Josiah Rhodes, Lake Quinault.
Second team
Pitchers: Travis Camp, Wilbur-Creston; Kody Dillon, Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Tanner Somday, Curlew.
Catcher: Reid Ashley, Almira/Coulee-Hartline.
Infielders: Taylor Allen, Lake Quinault; David Nichols, Wilbur-Creston; Matt Owings, Northport; Dylan Tipps, Almira/Coulee-Hartline.
Outfielders: Deoin Hoskins, Lummi; Logan Jannot, Wilbur-Creston; Troy Redmann, Tri-Cities Prep.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Mason Van Lith, St. John-Endicott.
Catcher: Jeremy Laws, Mount Rainier Lutheran.
Infielders: Bricyn Abdul, Colton; Ben Harrison, St. John-Endicott; Jacob Hodnefield, Touchet; Tytan Jameson, Lummi; Gustavo Rodriguez, Touchet.

FASTPITCH

Class 4A
Player of the year: Hope Klicker, Walla Walla
Coach of the year: Mike McMahon, Kelso
First team
Pitchers: Jenna DeRosier, Kelso; Dani Jackman, Jackson; Hope Klicker, Walla Walla.
Catcher: Katie Engelbrecht, Woodinville; Vicki Reardon, Walla Walla.
Infielders: Allyx Copeland, Southridge; Alexis Huss, Heritage; Hannah Klyohara, Jefferson; Paige Martin, Mountain View.
Outfielders: Sara Anderson, Woodinville; Sydney Cjeka, Richland; Erin Crowley, Kentlake; Kealy McMullen, Lake Washington.
Second team
Pitchers: Maria Gau, Woodinville; Brittany Jeans, Stanwood; Kelsey Robinson, Puyallup; Britney Sorenson, Heritage.
Catcher: Sam Bingham, Stanwood.
Infielders: Devynne Nelons, Stadium; Jenn Rambo, Gonzaga Prep; Tailor Snow, Kelso.
Outfielders: Andrea Hamada, Walla Walla; Makenzie Martin, Kelso.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Caitlin Klepper, Southridge; Karina Paavola, Kelso; Bobbi Jo Schappveld, Rogers; Kelli Seguro, Kentridge.
Catcher: Katie Lowery, Southridge.
Infielders: Kylie McChesney, Puyallup; Lindsey Robison, Jackson; Bailey Walthers, Richland; Kaylee Winston, Pasco.
Outfielders: Sacha Clow, Marysville-Pilchuck; Kylie Gaspar, Mountain View.

Class 3A
Player of the year: Bailey Brewer, Sedro-Woolley
Coach of the year: Laura Schmidt, Sedro-Woolley
First team
Pitchers: Haylee Baker, Bainbridge; Bailey Brewer, Sedro Woolley; Mariah Dawson, Union.
Catcher: Alexis Cline, Union.
Infielders: Cheyenne Best, Sedro-Woolley; Ashley Davis, Kennedy; Emily Shepard, West Valley-Yakima; Hailey Willman, Bainbridge.
Outfielders: Maddie Lynch-Crumrine, Sedro-Woolley; Grace Middlestadt, Prairie; Taylor Watkins, Bonney Lake.
Second team
Pitchers: Kelli Crawford, Franklin Pierce; Molly Rubidoux, West Valley-Yakima; Taryn Smith, Timberline; Kylie Sparks, Juanita.
Catcher: Julissa Perales, Capital.
Infielders: Brielle Buhner, Mount Si; Kadi Henderson, Union; Riley Hughes, Holy Names.
Outfielders: Chelsea Creech, Prairie; Clara Dunn, Bainbridge; Lexy Faist, Juanita; Miranda Granger, Glacier Peak; Nicole Schultz, West Valley-Yakima.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Jessi Duncan, Prairie.
Catcher: Anna Hudson, Everett.
Infielders: Erin Carson, Camas; Alicia Fine, Mount Vernon; Kristin Herren, Auburn Mountainview.

Class 2A
Player of the year: Emily Holt, Woodland
Coach of the year: Damon Yeo, Woodland
First team
Pitchers: Jessica Harris, Ellensburg; Alison Holst, Colville; Emily Holt, Woodland.
Catcher: Maria Roney, Anacortes.
Infielders: Marki Creger-Zier, Steilacoom; Sarah Hensley, Granite Falls; Meaghan House, Mark Morris; Lauren Liseth, Centralia.
Outfielders: Tara Bellusci, Anacortes; Jenny Milton, Centralia; Kylee Mollotte, Othello; Erin Torgerson, Colville.
Second team
Pitchers: Emily Anderson, North Mason; Lindsey Dawson, Burlington-Edison; Chelsea Felton, Tumwater.
Catcher: Katie Blomgren, Tumwater.
Infielders: Madison Bundy, Anacortes; Jordan Cummings, Hoquiam; Kenzie Koch, Prosser; Caitlin Linehan, Chehalis; Sadie Petersen, RA Long.
Outfielders: Tia Bradley, WF West; Amanda Deck, Tumwater; Abbey Marshall, North Thurston.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Alyssa Arndt, Granite Falls; Haley Graham, Chehalis.
Catcher: Katie Guettinger, Pullman.
Infielders: Dani Braun, Chehalis; Holly Thierolf, East Valley-Yakima; Tasji Urhausen, Colville.

Class 1A
Player of the year: Regan Smith, Castle Rock.
Coach of the year: Jim Van Fleet, Castle Rock.
First team
Pitchers: Hailey Bator, Cle Elum; Hailey Givens, Onalaska; Regan Smith, Castle Rock.
Catcher: Brittany Hope, Toledo; Samantha Moore, Castle Rock.
Infielders: Sarah Barnes, Onalaska; Kate Hawk, Connell; Kayleigh Klingberg,Castle Rock; Kassi Meier, Cle Elum; Tara Peters, Chimacum.
Outfielders: Taviah Jenkins, Castle Rock; Ashley Moore, Castle Rock; Chelsea Rinard, Kalama.
Second team
Pitchers: Devyn Baker, Montesano; Brittany Nelson, Chimacum.
Catcher: Jessica Shagool, Kalama.
Infielders: Michaela Ecklund, Montesano; Kendra Farnsworth, Cascade; Iris Rodriguez, Warden; Dani Wall, Tenino.
Outfielders: Samantha Benner, Chimacum; Lyndsey Fox, Chelan; Amie Working, Onalaska.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Taylor Gilbert, Cascade; Haley Hess, River View; Kiley Monson, LaCenter; Randi Wright, Warden.
Catcher: Regan Givens, Onalaska; Kodi Jones, Cle Elum.
Infielders: Kayla Bjorge, Connell; Clairissa DeLaVergne, Cascade; CeCe Dietz, Chimacum.
Outfielders: Lacey Carter, Chimacum; Brianna Votaw, Toledo.

Class 2B
Player of the year: Jessica Sandrini, Adna
Coach of the year: John Woods, Pe Ell
First team
Pitchers: Angelina Phelps, Pe Ell; Jessika-Jo Sandrini, Adna; Amanda Woods, Pe Ell.
Catcher: Lindsay Anderson, Orcas Island.
Infielders: Taylor Hoke, Adna; Angelina Phelps, Pe Ell; Jordan Sandrini, Adna; Amanda Woods, Pe Ell.
Outfielders: Rodina Jones, Mossyrock; Allison O’Toole, Orcas Island; Jordan Zurfluh, Adna.
Second team
Pitchers: Dallas Maupin, Kittitas; Samie Miller, La Conner.
Catcher: Sareena Calahan, Kittitas.
Infielders: Sarah Crunican, Seattle Lutheran; Hayley Kindell, Adna; Jordan Nelson, Mossyrock; Lanie Padbury, Orcas Island.
Outfielders: Alysha Brantley, Davenport; Janelle Hartford, DeSales; Amanda Warnick, DeSales.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Kenzie Graber, Davenport; Ashlyn Lyons, DeSales; Alexa Peters, Napavine.
Catcher: Mylisah Choate, Davenport; Haley Goad, Springdale.
Infielders: Anna Foy, Seattle Lutheran; Shelby Rainbold, Springdale; Kayvonne Vaver, Kittitas; Lexie Zander, DeSales.
Outfielders: Chantel Dixon, Springdale; Rachel Gasseling, La Salle.

Class 1B
Player of the year: Kelsey Moser, Colton
Coach of the year: Brad Nelson, Colton
First team
Pitchers: Sarah Gloyn, Almira/Coulee-Hartline; Kelsey Moser, Colton; Carly Sansom, Lake Quinault.
Catcher: Mollie Kramer, Colton.
Infielders: Nicole Brown, Touchet; Meghan Cantrel, Touchet; Julie Long, Sunnyside Christian; Mikayla Nygreen, Colton.
Outfielders: Megan Grassi, Colton; Analisa Van Oostrum, Sunnyside Christian; Zoe Weaver, Touchet.
Second team
Pitchers: Makayla Morrow, Sunnyside Christian; Katie Richardson, Pateros.
Catcher: Tillie Grover-McCrory, Taholah.
Infielders: Krista Colvin, Hunters; Carolyn Free, Thorp; Chancy Gill, Pateros; Shireen Kalama, Lake Quinault.
Outfielders: Tierra Kessler, Touchet.
Honorable mention
Pitchers: Jessie Hill, Hunters; Kelsey Hutchinson, Thorp.
Catcher: Makinzie Adamson, Cusick.

BOYS SOCCER

Class 4A
Player of the year: Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way
Coach of the year: John Baretta, Stadium
First team
Forwards: Brady Ballew, Marysville-Pilchuck 11; Dylan Gaydosh, Stadium; Kelyn Rowe, Federal Way; Andrew Weishaar, Puyallup.
Midfielders: Nick Hamer, Mead; Troy Peterson, Beamer; Josh Smith, Decatur; Junpei Tsuji, Issaquah.
Defenders: Lucas Cash, Pasco; John Gleason, Lake Stevens; Taylor Jackson, Auburn; Bailey Martin, Stadium; Kevin Wien, Auburn Riverside.
Keeper: Emmanuel Martinez, Pasco.
Second team
Forwards: Vasily Bogdanoff, Lake Stevens; Jamael Cox, Stadium; Alex Cutter, Ferris; Septi Danciu, Evergreen.
Midfielders: Nick Bylin, Lake Stevens; Quin Grisham, Issaquah; Chase Hanson, Jefferson; Martin Ramirez, Pasco.
Defenders: Adolfo Mora, Davis; David Surdyk, Woodinville.
Keeper: Andrew Glaeser, Walla Walla; Kyle Miller, Heritage.
Honorable mention
Forwards: Renato Bandeira, Eastlake; Richard Renteria, Pasco.
Defenders: Andrew Cunningham, Stadium; Dustin Hill, Stadium; Chris Perkins, Garfield; Reid Shaw, Garfield.
Keeper: Ian Clark, Stadium; Korey Durkee, Gig Harbor.

Class 3A
Player of the year: Nick Palodichuk, Camas
Coach of the year: Shannon Murray, Glacier Peak
First team
Forwards: Miguel Gonzalez, Yelm; Darwin Jones, Mount Rainier; Jackson Miller, Glacier Peak; Nick Palodichuk, Camas.
Midfielders: Rene Caro, Mount Vernon; Michael Harris, Shorecrest; Stuart Jergensen, Camas; Josh Phillips, Capital.
Defenders: Kevin Bodie, Mount Rainier; Rylan Kautz, Glacier Peak; Sean Melby, Camas; Jack Ryan, O’Dea.
Keeper: Ryan Herman, Mount Si.
Second team
Forwards: Derek Johnson, Franklin Pierce; Glenn Paden, Shorecrest; Connor Valenter, Camas; Drew White, Camas.
Midfielders: Nate Boatright, Capital; Christopher Chu, Mount Rainier; Brian Holguin, Glacier Peak; Devin Hughes, Nathan Hale; Steven Hughes, Columbia River.
Defenders: Spenser Beck, Columbia River; Forrest Chapin, West Valley-Yakima; Joe Schober, Shorecrest.
Keeper: Keean Joling, Capital.
Honorable mention
Forwards: Daniel Gonzalez, Yelm.
Midfielders: Christian Gonzalez, West Valley-Yakima; Hiel Rose, Shorecrest; Gabi Zaccagnini, Capital.
Defenders: Carlos Badillo, Mount Vernon; Matt Johnson, Mercer Island; Ivan Ocampo, Mount Vernon; Jordan Steranka, Glacier Peak.
Keeper: Andrew Weakly, Glacier Peak.

Class 2A
Player of the year: Luis Alcala, Toppenish and Matt Sanchez, Bellingham.
Coach of the year: Jared Fields, Bellingham.
First team
Forwards: BG Guzman, Othello; Matt Sanchez, Bellingham; Victor Tardelli, Deer Park; Josh Wright, Tumwater.
Midfielders: Luis Alcala, Toppenish; Drew Grannemann, Hoquiam; Travis Heim, Ridgefield; Dan Igbinoba, Cheney; Andy Mihovilovich, Sehome.
Defenders: Zach Billman, Steilacoom; Matt Leen, Archbishop Murphy; Jack Morgan, Bellingham; Austin Radebaugh, Selah; Dimitriy Topov, Cheney.
Keeper: Doug Ehlebracht, Archbishop Murphy.
Second team
Forwards: Andy Fordyce, Interlake; Eric Schmidt, Archbishop Murphy; Kevin Spangenberg, Pullman; Luis Sorto, Quincy.
Midfielders: Omar Gomez, RA Long; Arie Vanderstaay, Bellingham.
Defenders: Chad Linafelter, Medical Lake; Geordie Marriner, Sehome; Abraham Martinez, Toppenish.
Keeper: Max Torres, Steilacoom.
Honorable mention
Forwards: Clarence Gunderson, Centralia.
Midfielders: Efrain Alvarado, Quincy; Sean Ryan, Archbishop Murphy.
Defenders: Manuel Hernandez, Quincy; Adam Verrell, Pullman.
Keeper: Alex Quintana, Interlake; Hunter Torset, Burlington-Edison.

Class 1A
Player of the year: Salvador Jimenez, Wahluke
Coach of the year: Arthur deVictoria, Wahluke
First team
Forwards: Trevor Bartels, King’s; Salvador Jimenez, Wahluke; Joshua Peters, Tacoma Baptist; Dillon Truscott, Charles Wright.
Midfielders: Pedro Acevedo, Wahluke; Mark Lovrin, White Salmon; Johnathon Rodriguez, Connell; Luis Silva, Highland.
Defenders: Cory Barrett, Charles Wright; Brian Garcia, Connell; Sam Hauck, King’s; Luis Rivera, Wahluke.
Keeper: Hernan Hernandez, Cashmere.
Second team
Forwards: Aaron Cabrera, White Salmon; Pedro Farias, Cashmere; Jason Franks, Montesano; Heriberto Mendoza, Connell.
Midfielders: Miguel Lopez, Manson; Matt Stefanko, Cascade; Sky Tweedie-Yates, LaConner.
Defenders: Finn Anderson, White Salmon; Jesus Ceja, Royal.
Keeper: Dakota Huntley, Meridian.
Honorable mention
Forwards: Jesse Klug, Overlake.
Keeper: Gonzalo Gaona, Montesano.

Add theses players to my standout list:

Nate Eppich (Connell)

P-Robby Sanders (Kalama)

And my All-Name player of the year:  Columbia River’s Jon Yearout (pronouced your’e out)

We ventured up to Yakima on Saturday to take in the All-State Baseball games.

The All-State game is actually a series of 4 games played over two days.  This year the teams were split into 4 groups; Rainier, Adams, St. Helens, and Baker.  The teams are pretty well split geographically to avoid east vs. west rivalry, and the talent mix seemed to be well proportioned as well.

Setting:  The games are played at Yakima Valley Community College.  Not a bad setup, with more than enough seating, a concession stand with a variety of good eats, and plenty of parking.  The staff was very friendly and the whole aura of the game was that of a friendly neighborhood match.  I could not help but imagine this game at a nicer field though.  I don’t want to knock YVCC, and maybe I’m a little jaded since the last venue we were at was Safeco Field…

Teams:  We watched both games today and saw a boatload of talent.  Unfortunately, we can’t make it to the 2 Sunday games, and will miss a few players that could not make it to today.  The teams played well and did a good job of encouraging one another along.  I did not see any prima-donnas, everyone seemed to show respect to each other.  For a lot of them this is the first time they have seen the faces to go with the names they hear so much about during their High School careers.

Players:  Here are the names of the players that stood out to us today.  We were filming video today and it is not easy to film and truly “take in” a baseball game, or any sport for that matter, but here goes…

Adam Cimber, P, Puyallup:  We like this guy a lot.  He was on our all-tournament team for state.  He’s tall, has a wicked side-arm delivery and can put some pep on the ball.  Watching him in the bullpen warming up I’d hate to be a right-handed batter.  He’s headed to UW next year and it will be fun to watch his career blossom.  He was not  un-hittable today, but again, we like this kid!

Jeff Melby, SS, Bellevue: Had one of the harder hit balls of the day until James Robbins of Shorecrest went yard.  Played with grit, and came the closest to having ‘swagger’ out there today. College: Undecided.

Drew Abelman, OF, Cheney: Another well seasoned ball player.  Seemed very much in control at the plate, he only swung at balls that HE wanted to, and when he did, he did not try to do too much with ‘em.  Did not seem at all intimidated. Headed to Gonzaga.

Jordan Osborn, Util, Eastmont: You could tell the kids that had scholie’s to UW or WSU, they were just built bigger.  Osborn (headed to UW) was one of them.  Another official “ballplaya”.

Brett Jacobs, SS, Richland: What can you say about Brett that has not been said already?  WSU will be getting a SOLID all-around player in MR. Jacobs.  Disciplined at the plate, poised, very steady with the glove.  Faster than you would think, too.

Josh Rapacz, C, Richland:  Dare I say that this kid probably PERFORMED the best out of any Richland player that I saw in the playoffs, and day 1 of all-state I’d have to say.  George Fox U got a steal in this kid.  Seems to play best when the stakes are high…

Cory Urquhart, SS, West Valley (Yakima): Hometown boy done good.  This is another kid that carries himself with confidence on the field.  And peforms to back it up. Headed to Bellevue CC.

Kyle Phillips, OF, Curtis:  Don’t sleep on the SPSL, or Curtis for that matter with its long history of ballplayers.  Phillips is no different, and plays with a chip on his shoulder.  Despite his small stature Phillips can play big-ball. Headed to Edmonds CC.

James Robbins, P, 1B, Shorecrest: I almost forgot.  Mr Robbins was a standout for a number of reasons, he was the only player to hit a HR, and the only player drafted in the MLB draft (30th round Detroit Tigers) to play in the All-State game.  He lived up to that billing and showed and proved.  The smart money has him  heading to WSU, to honor his commitment in the Fall.

I’m sure I did not catch everything, I’ll watch the footage and get back to you, but for now that’s what I got.  Till next time…

Players selected so far in the 2009 MLB Draft:

106		Hudson, Kyrell	Evergreen HS (WA)	CF	R/R	6’01″		1990-12-06	HS	Video
134		Ceciliani, Darrell	Columbia Basin CC	CF	L/L	6’01″	185	1990-06-22	J1	Video
167		Way, Matthew	Washington St U	LHP	L/L	6’02″	200	1987-01-25	SR	Video
219		Conley, Kyle	U Washington	RF	R/R	6’04″	215	1987-05-07	SR	Video
244		Tullis, Braden	Skagit Valley Col	RHP	R/R	6’02″	200	1990-01-23	J1
269		Pearl, Brian	U Washington	RHP	L/R	6’01″	190	1988-05-17	JR	Video
306		Van Winkle, Tyson	Gonzaga U	C	R/R	6’00″	195	1988-02-02	SR
321		Locker, Jacob	U Washington	CF	R/R	6’03″	225	1988-06-15	JR
335		Wetmore, Kirk	Bellevue CC	LHP	L/L	6’02″	205	1989-03-17	J2	Video
395		Johnson, Jeremy	Washington St U	RHP	R/R	5’11″	185	1987-01-07	SR
454		Campbell, Keith	Everett CC	RHP	L/R	6’02″	190	1987-10-12	J2	Video
504		Reyes, Jorge	Oregon St U	RHP	S/R	6’03″	195	1987-12-07	JR	Video
517		Ames, Stephen	Gonzaga U	RHP	R/R	6’01″	205	1988-03-15	JR
559		Partridge, Jacob	John R Rogers HS (WA)	LHP	L/L	6’03″	200	1990-12-21	HS	Video
670		Fields, Matt	Gonzaga U	RHP	R/R	6’03″	190	1986-07-10	5S
715		Erickson, Jason	U Washington	RHP	R/R	6’01″	195	1987-02-03	SR	Video
717		Burg, Alexander	Washington St U	C	R/R	6’00″	190	1987-08-09	SR	Video
762		Bryant, Anthony	Kennewick HS (WA)	RHP	R/R	6’07″	210	1991-04-18	HS
769		Wiegand, Ryan	Gonzaga U	1B	L/R	6’04″	255	1986-12-30	SR
818		Simon, Nathan	Pepperdine U	2B	L/R	6’01″	180	1986-11-19	SR
820		Justice, Brian	St Marys Col	RHP	R/R	6’02″	190	1985-10-20	5S
842		Peterson, Eric	Liberty HS (WA)	1B	L/R	6’03″	195	1991-10-08	HS
900		Robbins, James	Shorecrest HS (WA)	1B	L/L	6’00″	225	1990-09-26	HS

June 9-11 are the days of this year’s MLB Draft.  Though not as exciting as the NFL & NBA drafts, it is none the less an exciting and important day for hundreds of prospect around the country and world.

Don’t forget that 5 teams passed on Derek Jeter in the 1992 draft.

It normally takes years for a player drafted to reach the bigs (if ever).  In the history of the draft (draft started in ’65) only 20 players went straight to the Major Leagues and skipped the minors all together.  20 in 43 years!  That means 1 every 2 years, if you are lucky!  The last player to do it was Xavier Nady in 2000.  Only 4 players have gone straight from High School to the bigs, the most notable perhaps is David Clyde.   The most successful to make the leap would have to be Dave Winfield, and our own John Olerud.

Northwest products  on the draft radar this year include several college players, and a dozen or so preps.  We’ll keep our eyes on a few prospects with local connections.  Kennewick’s Tony Bryant, Selah’s Luke Forgey, and CBC’s Darrell Ceciliani.

Here is the full in-state list according to MLB.com:
Ames, Jeffrey Skyview HS (WA) RHP R/R 6’04″ 210 1991-01-31 HS
Ames, Stephen Gonzaga U RHP R/R 6’01″ 205 1988-03-15 JR
Arnold, Chadwick Washington St U RHP R/R 6’04″ 195 1987-09-07 JR
Benson, David Everett CC RHP R/R 6’03″ 175 1988-10-05 J2
Birdwell, Peter Whitworth Col RHP R/R 6’02″ 235 1987-02-03 SR
Boyd, Matthew Eastside Catholic HS (WA) LHP L/L 6’04″ 225 1991-02-02 HS
Bryant, Tony Kennewick HS (WA) RHP R/R 6’07″ 210 1991-04-18 HS
Burg, Alexander Washington St U C R/R 6’00″ 190 1987-08-09 SR
Campbell, Keith Everett CC RHP L/R 6’02″ 190 1987-10-12 J2
Ceciliani, Darrell Columbia Basin CC RF L/L 6’01″ 185 1990-06-22 J1
Champlin, Kramer Western Nevada CC RHP R/R 6’06″ 180 1991-03-08 J1
Conley, Kyle U Washington RF R/R 6’04″ 215 1987-05-07 SR
Dupart, Curtis Lewis-Clark St Col RHP R/R 6’03″ 200 1987-09-04 JR
Englund, Michael Eastside Catholic HS (WA) SS R/R 6’00″ 215 1990-12-01 HS
Erickson, Jason U Washington RHP R/R 6’01″ 195 1987-02-03 SR
Fassold, Cody Lower Columbia Col RHP R/R 6’03″ 240 1988-10-02 J2
Forgey, Lucas Selah HS (WA) RHP R/R 5’10″ 180 1990-10-11 HS
Foster, Stephen Lewis-Clark St Col LHP L/L 6’00″ 170 1987-03-04 JR
Hagen, Stephen Eastern Oklahoma St JC 3B R/R 6’02″ 225 1988-10-26 J2
Hart, Jett U Oregon RF R/R 6’00″ 185 1988-07-13 JR
Harvey, Seth Washington St U RHP L/R 6’02″ 205 1988-01-20 JR
Hudson, Kyrell Evergreen HS (WA) CF R/R 6’01″ 185 1990-12-06 HS
Johnson, Jeremy Washington St U RHP R/R 5’11″ 185 1987-01-07 SR
Kutz, Joshua John F Kennedy HS (WA) C R/R 6’01″ 200 1991-02-18 HS
Lamb, Jacob Bishop Blanchet HS (WA) SS L/R 6’03″ 195 1990-10-09 HS
Leake, Michael Arizona St U RHP R/R 6’00″ 180 1987-11-12 JR
Locker, Jacob U Washington CF R/R 6’03″ 225 1988-06-15 JR
McNaughton, Sean Brigham Young U LF R/R 5’09″ 190 1986-03-02 JR
Merry, Jorden U Washington RHP R/R 6’01″ 190 1987-06-30 SR
Monagle, Collin South Kitsap HS (WA) RHP R/R 6’04″ 235 1990-09-27 HS
Nobles, Cameron U Washington RHP R/R 6’01″ 185 1988-09-26 JR
Ochoa, Richard Friday Harbor HS (WA) LHP L/L 6’04″ 255 1990-09-06 HS
Partridge, Jacob John R Rogers HS (WA) LHP L/L 6’03″ 200 1990-12-21 HS
Pearl, Brian U Washington RHP L/R 6’01″ 190 1988-05-17 JR
Peavey, Gregory Oregon St U RHP R/R 6’01″ 185 1988-07-11 SO
Reyes, Jorge Oregon St U RHP S/R 6’03″ 195 1987-12-07 JR
Robbins, James Shorecrest HS (WA) LHP L/L 6’00″ 225 1990-09-26 HS
Rodland, Kevin U Nevada Reno SS R/R 6’00″ 185 1987-09-13 JR
Shadle, Jake Green River CC RHP R/R 6’03″ 180 1990-04-25 J1
Steiger, Brady South Kitsap HS (WA) 3B L/R 6’01″ 195 1990-12-28 HS
Tullis, Braden Skagit Valley Col RHP R/R 6’02″ 200 1990-01-23 J1
Van Skike, Jason Treasure Valley CC RHP R/R 6’04″ 195 1989-04-10 J2
Van Winkle, Tyson Gonzaga U C R/R 6’00″ 195 1988-02-02 SR
Way, Matthew Washington St U LHP L/L 6’02″ 200 1987-01-25 SR
Wetmore, Kirk Bellevue CC LHP L/L 6’02″ 205 1989-03-17 J2
Woods, Ryan Lewis-Clark St Col RHP R/R 5’11″ 195 1986-02-16 5S

We had a great time covering the 3A & 4A tournament last weekend in Safeco Field.  Here are some of the highlights:

Standout Players:

O’dea Sophomore Keenan Forch looked like he had played in Safeco before.  He hit the longest ball I saw in the tourney, a 400-ft warning track shot to center field.

Richland’s Brett Jacobs, a senior headed to WSU, was stellar in the field and got some of the hard to come by hits.

Puyallup Catcher Robbie Ingram (also a Sophomore), hit the weekends only HR, and was stellar behind the plate.  Word has it he was also playing on a twisted ankle from stepping on a bag getting off the bus.  Hate to see this kid at 100%.

Puyallup’s Adam Cimber. Pitched a gem of a game against vaunted Tahoma, effectively keeping their bats silent.

Coaches:

You can’t help but like both ODea’s Mike Doyle Jr. and Richland’s Ben Jacobs.  Humble, passionate, and great leaders.

Jacobs recounted a story about being ready to retire until his 6th grade son Brett Jacobs asked “you’re not gonna stick around and coach me?”  Good thing he did.  Coach Jacobs would go on to win 3 titles, and Brett would tie Richland’s All-Time HR record with 24.

Catch:

The best 2 catches I saw was a diving grab by Tahoma’s  CF Justin Cloud, and a crashing into the wall catch by Richland’s Chris Cecil.

Kennan Forch Sports a Mohawk

Hairdo’s:

The weekend hairstyle seemed to be the Mohawk and trendy “Faux-hawk”, with many players sporting a freshly cropped cut.  Tahoma Catcher Cory Ferguson had a unique dye-job.

The Richland Bombers bucked the trend by coming in looking just like regular guys, no special haircuts needed, the Bomber’s seemed to use their “been there before” approach as a kind of motivation…