Konnor Griffin of
Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.) hit all of the key points necessary to be
considered for MaxPreps National Baseball Player of the Year honors.
He led his team to a
state championship and a No. 7 national ranking in the MaxPreps Top 25. The senior is the No. 2 player in the nation
by recruiting services and some mock drafts predict him to be the top prep player chosen in this
July's MLB Draft.
According to the MaxPreps leaderboards, Griffin also led the nation in runs scored (76) and stolen
bases (85). He excelled at the plate and on the mound, batting .559
with 13 doubles, 39 RBI and nine home runs while posting a 10-0 record
with 107 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA. Konnor Griffin is the clear choice as the 2024 MaxPreps National Player of the Year.
Griffin heads the MaxPreps All-America Baseball Team, which consists of 60 total players. The players are chosen based on their overall performance during the 2024 season. The success of their team along with their rating by recruiting services are also taken into consideration.
Brad Bass of
Catholic (Baton Rouge, La.) is the MaxPreps National Coach of the Year. The Bears finished 38-2 under Bass while capturing the Louisiana Select Division 1 state championship. Catholic finished No. 1 in the final MaxPreps Top 25, earning national championship honors.
Bass went over 400 career wins during the season and has a career mark of 404-150. His Bears had five wins over eventual state champions, including three against West Monroe and one each against Farragut (Tenn.) and Teurlings Catholic. His team also had wins over six teams ranked in the Top 10 in the nation at the time of their meeting. Bass had seven players earn all-state honors and 14 make the all-district team.
Past MaxPreps National Players of the Year2008 — Jake Odorizzi,
Highland (Ill.)2009
— Matt Hobgood,
Norco (Calif.)2010 — Stetson Allie,
St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio)2011 — Dylan Bundy,
Owasso (Okla.)2012 — Joey Gallo,
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)2013 — Jack Flaherty,
Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)2014 — Jack Flaherty, Harvard-Westlake
2015
— Joe DeMers,
College Park (Pleasant Hill, Calif.)2016 — Kyle Muller,
Dallas Jesuit (Dallas, Texas) 2017 — Jordan Adell,
Ballard (Louisville, Ky.)2018 — Nolan Gorman,
O'Connor (Phoenix, Ariz.)2019 — Bobby Witt Jr.,
Colleyville Heritage (Colleyville, Texas)2020 — No selection due to COVID
2021 — Jack Walker,
Barbe (Lake Charles, La.)2022 — Brock Porter,
St. Mary's Prep (Orchard Lake, Mich.)2023 — Christian Rodriguez,
Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.)Past MaxPreps National Coaches of the Year2008 — Kendall Clark,
Plano West (Plano, Texas)2009 — Larry Knight,
Sumrall (Miss.)2010 — Charlie Warner,
Pace (Fla.)2011 — Shannon Dobson,
Broken Arrow (Okla.)2012 — Johnny Goodrich,
Spruce Creek (Port Orange, Fla.)2013 — Richard LaBounty,
Pensacola Catholic (Pensacola, Fla.)2014 — Jamie Corr,
Lambert (Suwanee, Ga.)2015 — Chan Brown,
Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)2016 — Todd Fitz-Gerald, Stoneman Douglas
2017 — Todd Boyer,
Shawnee (Okla.)2018 — Ricky Griffin,
Argyle (Argyle, Texas)2019 — John Weber,
Cypress (Cypress, Calif.)2020 — No selection due to COVID
2021 — Glenn Cecchini, Barbe
2022
— Danny Hignight,
Providence (Charlotte, N.C.)2023
— Danny Wallace,
Flower Mound (Texas)
First Team P — Cam Caminiti, Saguaro (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
6-2 | 205 | Class of 2024
Reclassified to the Class of 2024, he led Saguaro to a Class 4A state championship and was the state's most dominant pitcher. He struck out 119 batters, second-best in the state, and went 9-0 with a 0.93 ERA in 52.2 innings. The MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year batted .493 with 33 runs scored, 28 RBI, four doubles, five triples and three home runs.
P — William Schmidt, Catholic (Baton Rouge, La.)
6-4 | 190 | Class of 2024
The most valuable player of the Non-Select Division 1 state tournament, Schmidt went 9-0 on the season with a 0.44 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 63.2 innings. A possible first-round selection later this month in the MLB Draft, Schmidt was the MaxPreps Louisiana Player of the Year.
P — Ethan Schiefelbein, Corona (Calif.)
6-1 | 175 | Class of 2024
A member of the Los Angeles Times All-Area Team and the CIF Southern Section All-Division 1 team, Schiefelbein gave up two earned runs en route to leading Corona to a section championship. He posted an 8-0 record with a 0.27 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 52 innings.
P — Kash Mayfield, Elk City (Okla.)
6-4 | 200 | Class of 2024
He was about as automatic as it gets. The MaxPreps Oklahoma Player of the Year had 115 strikeouts in 44 innings with four base hits allowed, one earned run and eight walks. He struck the only three batters he faced in an inning 24 times and had hitless inning streaks of 16 and 21.1 innings. The Oklahoma State pledge went the first 42.2 innings of the season without allowing an earned run and was one strike away from finishing with a 0.00 ERA (finished with a 0.16 ERA). At the plate, Mayfield batted .476 with 38 runs, 31 RBI, 12 doubles, 11 triples and two home runs.
P — Dasan Hill, Grapevine (Texas)
6-4 | 170 | Class of 2024
Named the Dallas Morning News Player of the Year and a member of the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Class 6A all-state team, Hill led the Mustangs to the Class 5A state championship. He finished with a 10-0 record, 155 strikeouts and a 0.99 ERA in 77.2 innings.
P — Kruz Schoolcraft, Sunset (Portland, Ore.)
6-8 | 215 | Class of 2025
Ranked No. 1 in the state for the Class of 2025, he led the Apollos to the Class 6A state finals. He went 10-1 on the mound with a 0.39 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 71.2 innings. He allowed 19 walks and gave up four earned runs.
P — Mateo Gray, North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, Fla.)
6-3 | 205 | Class of 2024
The right-handed hurler led the Eagles to their third state title in four seasons by winning three playoff games and finishing with an 11-0 record. The MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year had a 0.83 ERA and struck out 87. He batted .354 with 24 runs, 21 RBI, nine doubles and two home runs.
P — Ryan Sloan, York (Elmhurst, Ill.)
6-4 | 225 | Class of 2024
The top draft prospect in the state, he pitched fewer innings this year in order to prepare for the Major League Baseball Draft in July. The MaxPreps Illinois Player of the Year still threw 46 innings and struck out 90 to go with a 0.30 ERA. He gave up two earned runs and walked only five batters on the season while leading the Dukes to the Division 1 state tournament.
P — Parker Warner, Granada (Livermore, Calif.)
6-1 | 185 | Class of 2024
The East Bay Times Player of the Year, he led the Matadors to a Northern California Division 1 championship by posting a 13-0 record with a 0.93 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 75 innings.
P — Seth Hernandez, Corona
6-4 | 195 | Class of 2025
He ranks No. 1 in his class in the state of California by Perfect Game and led the Panthers to a Southern Section Division 1 championship. He led the team in home runs (8) and RBI (34) while batting .352. The MaxPreps California Player of the Year led the Corona pitching staff with a 9-0 record while posting a 0.62 ERA and 73 strikeouts.
C — Cade Arrambide, Tomball (Texas)
6-3 | 210 | Class of 2024
The top-ranked backstop in the nation by Perfect Game, he led the Cougars to their first Class 6A state championship and the school's first baseball title since winning the Class 4A crown in 2013. The MaxPreps Texas Player of the Year batted .412 with 35 RBI, 14 doubles, five triples and 12 home runs. He's expected to be among the top high school players chosen in the Major League Baseball draft in July.
C — Drew Rogers, Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)
6-0 | 215 | Class of 2024
The MaxPreps Minnesota Player of the Year as a junior, Rogers transferred to Hamilton for his senior season and earned All-State honors by the Arizona Republic. He batted .458 with 23 runs, 42 RBI, 14 doubles and 11 home runs.
C — Hogan Denny, Mooresville (Ind.)
6-0 | 190 | Class of 2024
"The greatest player to ever put on a Mooresville uniform," according to coach Eric McGaha. Denny led the state in home runs with 10 while batting .467 with 40 RBI, 13 doubles and 42 runs. He threw 127 pitches and struck out 12 in a 2-1 12-inning loss to Lake Central in the Class 4A state final. Regularly a catcher, Denny pitched 57 innings during the season and struck out 97 batters while earning MaxPreps Indiana Player of the Year honors.
1B — Ryan Costello, Ranney (Tinton Falls, N.J.)
6-3 | 190 | Class of 2024
One of the top power hitters in the nation, he earned All-State honors by NJ.com and blasted 14 home runs among his 27 base hits. He batted .562 with 24 runs, 34 RBI and three doubles.
1B — Myles Bailey, Lincoln (Tallahassee, Fla.)
6-4 | 235 | Class of 2024
The Big Bend Player of the Year by the Tallahassee Democrat, Bailey led the Trojans to the Class 5A semifinals while batting .325 with 33 runs, 22 RBI, six doubles, one triple and seven home runs.
IF — Bryce Rainer, Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)
6-3 | 195 | Class of 2024
The Los Angeles Daily News All-Area Player of the Year, he led the Wolverines to the Southern Section Division 1 finals while batting .511 with 36 runs and 17 stolen bases. He also earned Mission League Player of the Year honors and is expected to be a first-round pick in the MLB Draft.
IF — Caleb Bonemer, Okemos (Mich.)
6-1 | 195 | Class of 2024
Bonemer is one of the nation's top-ranked shortstops by Perfect Game. He batted .425 with 42 runs, 18 RBI, 10 doubles and seven home runs.
IF — Theo Gillen, Westlake (Austin, Texas)
6-3 | 198 | Class of 2024
Ranked as a potential first-round draft pick at shortstop later this month, Gillen earned All-State elite honors by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association. He batted .416 with 38 runs, 30 RBI, four doubles, six triples and seven home runs.
IF — Luke Dickerson, Morris Knolls (Rockaway, N.J.)
6-0 | 190 | Class of 2024
Pput his name in the record book alongside New Jersey legend Mike Trout as he belted a state record and national-best 18 home runs on the season. The MaxPreps New Jersey Player of the Year led the Golden Eagles to a 28-5 record and the Group 3 state championship while batting .467 with 64 runs, 46 RBI, 11 doubles and 27 stolen bases.
IF — Ethan Holliday, Stillwater (Okla.)
6-4 | 210 | Class of 2025
Ranked as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2025 by Perfect Game, Holiday earned state Player of the Year honors from the Oklahoman. The son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holiday, Ethan batted .409 with 40 RBI and 12 home runs.
IF — Cade Brown, Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.)
6-2 | 190 | Class of 2024
Led the state with 14 home runs and finished his career with 30. He scored 50 runs and had 50 RBI to go along with 12 doubles and two triples. The MaxPreps Georgia Player of the Year batted .472 with 53 runs scored and earned All-State honors by the Georgia Dugout Club.
OF — P.J. Morlando, Summerville (S.C.)
6-3 | 200 | Class of 2024
The top prospect in the country for the Class of 2024 by Perfect Game, he was the Class 5A Player of the Year by the state coaches association and MaxPreps South Carolina Player of the Year. He batted .404 and was walked 39 times. He also had seven doubles, two home runs and 27 runs scored.
MAXPREPS NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
OF — Konnor Griffin, Jackson Prep (Jackson, Miss.)
6-4 | 210 | Class of 2024
Few players have ever compiled the numbers Griffin had in 2024. In addition to leading the nation in stolen bases with 85 and runs scored with 76, Griffin also knocked in 39 runs and had 13 doubles, four triples and nine home runs. On the mound, Griffin was 10-0 with 107 strikeouts and a 0.72 ERA in 67.2 innings. He led Jackson Prep to a MSAIS Class 6A championship.
OF — Dante Nori, Northville (Mich.)
5-11 | 188 | Class of 2024
Led the Mustangs to their first state championship in the school's 115-year history. He batted .477 with 14 doubles, seven triples and two home runs. The MaxPreps Michigan Player of the Year also scored 52 runs with 21 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He rates as one of the top outfielders in the nation by Perfect Game.
OF — Slade Caldwell, Valley View (Jonesboro, Ark.)
5-9 | 182 | Class of 2024
The speedy outfielder led the Blazers to a Class 5A state championship while batting .450 on the year. The MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year is expected to be one of the top high school outfielders chosen in the upcoming MLB Draft.
OF — Ty Head, Windermere (Fla.)
6-3 | 190 | Class of 2024
The Orlando Sentinel All-Area Player of the Year led the Wolverines to the Class 7A championship game. He batted .408 with 44 runs scored, 19 RBI, five doubles, two triples and two home runs.
OF — Michael Mullanix, North Cobb Christian (Kennesaw, Ga.)
6-0 | 190 | Class of 2024
One of the top prep outfielders in the nation has been targeted as an early-round draft pick in next week's draft. He led the Eagles to a Class 2A state championship and was named to the All-State team by the Georgia Dugout Club. He batted .400 with 34 runs, 32 RBI, five doubles, two triples and seven home runs.
UT — Jake Hanley, Mason (Ohio)
6-6 | 225 | Class of 2024
Led the Comets to their first state crown, batting .384 with 33 runs, 32 RBI, seven doubles, four triples and five home runs. He also excelled on the mound with a 9-1 record that included a one-hit, 11-strikeout shutout over Perrysburg in the semifinals. The MaxPreps Ohio Player of the Year finished with a 1.79 ERA, 87 strikeouts, and four shutouts in 58.2 innings.
UT — Johnny King, Naples (Fla.)
6-4 | 210 | Class of 2024
The Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year batted .500 with 25 runs, 23 RBI, 12 doubles, four triples and two home runs. On the mound, King went 8-1 with a 0.73 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 47.2 innings.
UT — Braden Booth, Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
6-2 | 190 | Class of 2024
In leading the Patriots to the Class 7A state championship, Booth excelled at the plate and on the mound. The MaxPreps Alabama Player of the Year was among the state leaders in both home runs and pitching wins. He was second in the state, based on the MaxPreps leaderboards, with 10 home runs and his 13 wins (13-1) ranked first. He batted .429 with 57 runs scored, 49 RBI and 17 doubles. He had a 1.51 ERA with three shutouts, two no-hitters and 127 strikeouts in 83.1 innings pitched.
Second Team
P — Zion Theophilus, Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio)
6-2 | 196 | Class of 2025
Earned All-State honors by the state coaches association while posting a 9-0 record with a 0.47 ERA in 45 innings. He gave up three earned runs and nine walks while striking out 72 batters.
P — Mason Russell, Casteel (Queen Creek, Ariz.)
6-1 | 185 | Class of 2024
The Colts won the Class 6A state championship behind the play of Russell, who posted a 7-0 record with a 2.02 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 59 innings. He also earned All-State honors by the Arizona Republic.
P — Colton Gibler, Blue Springs (Mo.)
6-0 | 175 | Class of 2024
The MaxPreps Missouri Player of the Year was instrumental in lifting the Wildcats to a Class 6 state championship. The lefty is ranked No. 2 in the state by Perfect Game and is slated to play at Arkansas next year. He had a 6-1 record with a 1.09 ERA and 106 strikeouts in 57.2 innings. He also batted .361 with 23 RBI.
P — Duncan Marsten, Harvard-Westlake
6-4 | 215 | Class of 2024
A member of the All-Southern Section Division 1 team and the Pitcher of the Year by the Los Angeles Daily News, Marsten led the Wolverine staff with an 11-1 record and a 1.63 ERA and 66 strikeouts.
P — Conrad Cason, Greater Atlanta Christian (Norcross, Ga.)
6-2 | 190 | Class of 2024
Named to the All-State team by the Georgia Dugout Club and the Pitcher of the Year on the All-Gwinnett County team, he went 7-1 with 99 strikeouts and a 0.48 ERA in 43.2 innings. He also batted .364 with 28 RBI, 32 runs and three home runs.
P — Mason Brassfield, Bakersfield Christian (Bakersfield, Calif.)
6-4 | 190 | Class of 2024
L:ed the Eagles to a Central Section championship and a spot in a Southern California regional championship game with his performance on the mound. He went 11-2 with four shutouts and a no-hitter. He had a 0.66 ERA and struck out 156 batters in 74.1 innings.
P — Jake Wise, Benedictine (Richmond, Va.)
6-0 | 190 Class of 2025
Went 10-0 with a 0.828 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 67.2 innings pitched for the VISAA Division 1 state champions. Wise earned MaxPreps Virginia Player of the Year honors and was the Richmond All-Metro Player of the Year. He is 19-1 with 130 Ks and a 1.064 ERA in two seasons as a varsity starter.
P — Boston Bateman, Camarillo (Calif.)
6-8 | 240 | Class of 2024
The Southern Section Division IV Player of the Year also made the Los Angeles Times All-Area team for the section champions. He batted .341 with 26 RBI, nine doubles and seven home runs. He was even better on the mound, going 11-1 with a 0.54 ERA and 130 strikeouts in 64.1 innings.
P — Tague Davis, Malvern Prep (Malvern, Pa.)
6-3 | 215 | Class of 2024
The son of former San Diego Padres No. 2 overall draft pick Ben Davis, Tague excelled on the mound and at the plate for the Inter-AC champions. The MaxPreps Pennsylvania Player of the Year batted .347 with 37 RBI, 20 runs, seven doubles, one triple and six home runs. He went 7-1 on the mound with 62 strikeouts and a 1.40 ERA in 50 innings.
P — Cade Townsend, Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)
6-2 | 180 | Class of 204
The Orange County Register's Pitcher of the Year also earned All-Southern Section Division 1 honors. He posted a 6-0 record with 96 strikeouts and a 1.56 ERA in 63 innings.
C — Burke Mabeus, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)
6-4 | 210 | Class of 2024
The Class 5A Player of the Year in Nevada batted .320 on the season with 14 runs, 21 RBI, five doubles, two triples and three home runs.
C — Levi Clark, Walton (Marietta, Ga.)
6-2 | 195 | Class of 2024
Named to the Class 7A All-State team by the Georgia Dugout Club, Clark batted .437 on the year with 24 runs, 30 RBI, eight doubles, two triples and nine home runs.
C — Zack Johnson, Bob Jones
6-1 | 195 | Class of 2025
Among the national leaders in RBI with 65, Johnson earned Class 7A Hitter of the Year honors by the Alabama Sports Writers Association after batting .384 with 11 doubles, three triples and five home runs.
1B — Oscar Salazar, Rouse (Leander, Texas)
6-2 | 205 | Class of 2024
The Austin American-Statesman Player of the Year batted .404 with 50 RBI for a team that reached the Class 5A state tournament. He also went 11-1 on the mound with 106 strikeouts and a 1.19 ERA in 76.1 innings.
1B — Jackson Kircher, Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock, Ark.)
6-4 | 225 | Class of 2024
Named to the All-Arkansas Preps All-State team, Kircher led the state with 14 home runs while batting .495. He also posted a 7-0 pitching record with a 0.50 ERA and 90 strikeouts in 55.1 innings.
IF — Braiden Reynolds, La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.)
6-2 | 190 | Class of 2025
The two-way player finished the season as the national leader in RBI with 69, which also set a new state record. The MaxPreps New Mexico Player of the Year batted .551 (54 for 98) with 28 runs scored, 17 doubles, two triples and nine home runs. On the mound, Reynolds went 10-1 with a 61 strikeouts in 61 innings.
IF — Owen Paino, Ketcham (Wappingers Falls, N.Y.)
6-3 | 205 | Class of 2024
The No. 20 prospect in the nation by Perfect Game was the Section 1 Player of the Year and led the Indians to the Class AAA state final. The MaxPreps New York Player of the Year batted .532 on the season with five home runs, 29 RBI and 40 runs scored.
IF — Eli Evans, Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.)
6-0 | 194 | Class of 2024
In leading the Admirals to a Class 4A state championship, Evans was an offensive juggernaut. He batted .484 with 60 hits and a state-best 67 RBI. He added 49 runs, 16 doubles and 13 home runs. The MaxPreps Tennessee Player of the Year also drew 42 walks and had a .602 on-base percentage and an OPS of 1.546.
IF — Brodie Johnston, Boyd-Buchanan (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
6-2 | 200 | Class of 2024
Among the national leaders in runs scored with 64 after batting .523 with 58 base hits for the Buccaneers. He also had 46 RBI, 18 doubles, three triples and eight home runs.
IF — Tyson Lewis, Millard West (Omaha, Neb.)
6-2 | 195 | Class of 2024
One year after earning state player of the year honors as a junior, Lewis had an even better year as a senior. The MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year boosted his batting average to .496 with 53 runs scored, 41 RBI, 14 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs. He led the Wildcats to a 33-5 record and the Class A state championship.
IF — Devin Fitz-Gerald, Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.)
5-10 | 175 | Class of 2024
The Eagles won a state championship every year during Fitz-Gerald's four seasons. He earned All-Area honors by the Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald and he was the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 7A Player of the Year. He batted .407 with 34 runs, 26 RBI, 10 doubles and five home runs.
OF — Sawyer Black, Wesleyan Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.)
6-1 | 185 | Class of 2024
Named to the NCISAA All-State team, Black had a huge year for the Trojans. He batted .453 with 46 runs, 40 RBI, eight doubles, three triples and nine home runs.
OF — A.J. Evasco, Lincoln East (Lincoln, Neb.)
6-6 | 225 | Class of 2024
In leading the Spartans to the Class A championship game, Evasco earned All-State honors by the Lincoln State Journal and the Omaha Herald. He batted .480 with 45 runs, 54 RBI with 14 doubles, two triples and eight home runs.
OF — Tate Sirmans, Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.)
6-2 | 180 | Class of 2024
As the leadoff hitter for the Vikings, Sirmans was the catalyst for the back-to-back AAAAAAA championships. He earned All-State honors by the Georgia Dugout Club and batted .352 with 47 runs, 40 RBI, 11 doubles, three triples and seven home runs.
OF — John Pearson, West Monroe (La.)
6-0 | 205 | Class of 2024
A MaxPreps All-American for the second straight year, he led the Rebels to a Non-Select Division 1 championship. He had six home runs on the season, including one in the championship game against Barbe. He batted .378 with 28 runs, 45 RBI, 10 doubles and two triples while earning All-State honors by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
OF — Trevor Goldenetz, Huntington Beach (Calif.)
6-0 | 180 | Class of 2025
Named to the Southern Section All-Division 1 team and the Orange County Register's All-County team, he led the Oilers with a .394 batting average with a team-high 37hits and 27 runs scored. He also had 11 RBI, 10 doubles and one triple.
OF — Derek Curiel, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
6-2 | 175 | Class of 2024
Considered one of the top prospects in the Class of 2024 throughout his high school career, Curiel led the Lancers in several offensive categories, including runs scored (27), hits (33), and doubles (10). He also batted .314 with 21 RBI. He's also considered on of the top defensive center field prospects in the upcoming MLB Draft. He earned All-County honors by the Orange County Register and he made the All-Southern Section Division 1 team.
UT — Chase VanAmeyde, Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)
6-5 | 195 | Class of 2024
In leading the Warriors to the Division 1 championship game and 43 wins, Van Ameyde finished with a state-best 67 RBI to go with 48 runs, 17 doubles, two triples and 10 home runs while batting .398. He also pitched and had 35 strikeouts in 19.2 innings.
UT — Dax Whitney, Blackfoot (Idaho)
6-5 | 195 | Class of 2024
The 6-foot-5 right-hander led the state with 130 strikeouts while posting a 10-0 record. He also walked just 11 batters in 52.2 innings with 0.27 ERA. The MaxPreps Idaho Player of the Year batted .483 with 35 runs, 43 RBI, 11 doubles and four home runs.
UT — Eli Lovich, Blue Valley West (Stilwell, Kan.)
6-4 | 175 | Class of 2024
Led the Jaguars to the Class 6A state finals, batting .414 with four home runs, 29 RBI, 36 runs and 14 stolen bases. The MaxPreps Kansas Player of the Year also had a 3-2 pitching record with a 1.22 ERA and 35 strikeouts.