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Jun. 21—WILLMAR — This year's West Central Tribune All-Area Baseball Team is filled to the brim with stardom.
And it is loaded with seniors.
Seniors make up 14 of the 18 spots on the All-Area Baseball Team.
They also account for nine of the 10 athletes who received All-State honors.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Our coverage zone has 10 athletes on All-State teams.
Ten area teams also had a .500 record or better.
These factors make for a tremendously deep pool.
Now, here is glimpse into who is on the All-Area Baseball Team.
There are three sets of All-State teammates on the All-Area First Team: Litchfield seniors Tripp McCann and Alex Medina, Willmar seniors Reese Christianson and Jordan Ellingson and Montevideo senior Brody Dack and junior Griffin Epema.
New London-Spicer senior Brayden Skindelien and Paynesville senior Esau Nelson are also All-State picks who are on the All-Area First Team.
Minnewaska's Connor Erickson, who had a spectacular senior year without garnering All-State honors, rounds out the All-Area First Team
Two more All-State members lead the way for the All-Area Second Team: Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior Aiden Mueller and Paynesville senior Reed Johnson.
They are joined by Benson senior Max Nygaard, Dawson-Boyd seniors Nathan Hansen and Kameron Sather, Lac qui Parle Valley senior Nolan Smith, Montevideo senior Ben Gunlogson, NLS sophomore Ethan Nelson and Yellow Medicine East sophomore Gunnar Fagen.
All-Area Baseball Team selections were made by the Tribune's sports staff based on recommendations from area coaches.
Here is the 2026 All-Area Baseball Team:
Senior, Third Baseman/Pitcher, Willmar
Reese Christianson was often called upon in big moments for Willmar. Yet, they were never too big for the senior right-hander.
Christianson had a 3-1 record with a 2.33 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. He also posted a .300 batting average on 24 hits with 17 RBIs, 14 runs, 10 walks and eight stolen bases.
He capped off his exceptional prep career as a Class AAA All-State, an All-Section 8AAA and a All-Central Lakes selection.
"Reese was our pitcher that got the ball in our big games this season," Cardinals head coach Tom DeBoer said. "His contributions on offense and at third base were big for our team as well this season. He had a great career."
Sr., P/Shortstop/3B, Montevideo
Brody Dack, although as versatile as they come, was one of the Thunder Hawks' top arms on the mound this spring.
Dack, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III Alexandria Technical and Community College, had a 6-2 record and one save with a 1.70 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 49-1/3 innings pitched. He hit for .391 on 27 hits (seven doubles, one triple, one home run) with 24 runs, 23 RBIs, 15 walks and 11 stolen bases.
Not only was he named an All-West Central pick and the conference's top pitcher, Dack wrapped up his prep career with Class AA All-State and All-Section 3AA honors.
"Brody is a very high IQ baseball player," Montevideo head coach Tim Epema said. "He has great instincts and can play anywhere."
Sr., SS/P, Willmar
One of the premier shortstops and pitchers in the state, Jordan Ellingson showed up in all facets for the Cardinals.
A commit to the NCCA Division II Northern State University, Ellingson had a 3-1 record and two saves with a 1.25 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 33-2/3 innings pitched. He tallied a .341 batting average on 28 hits (four doubles, three triples, two home runs) with 29 runs, 25 stolen bases, 19 walks and 11 RBIs.
His prep career ended with Class AAA All-State, All-Section 8AAA and All-Central Lakes honors.
"Jordan had an outstanding career and an amazing senior season," DeBoer said of the team's MVP. "He really stepped up his game in all phases and was a big reason why we won 19 games."
Jr., P/SS/First Baseman, Montevideo
Griffin Epema is the only non-senior to make the All-Area First Team, and quite frankly, it's well-deserved.
Already a commit to the NCAA Division I University of St. Thomas, Epema possessed a 6-2 record and two saves with a startling 1.09 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. He also batted an eye-popping .460 on 40 hits (nine doubles, five triples) with 31 runs, 24 RBIs, 23 stolen bases and 16 walks.
Epema, who was named the conference's MVP, earned Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-West Central honors.
"Griffin is a very high IQ baseball player who has a great determination to win," Tim Epema said.
Sr., Utility/P, Minnewaska
A do-it-all superstar, Connor Erickson's bat was up there as one of the most lethal.
Erickson, committed to the NCAA Division III Concordia College-Moorhead, had a .478 batting average and a 1.450 on-base-plus-slugging percentage on 37 hits (16 doubles, five home runs) with a jaw-dropping 42 RBIs and 33 runs.
An All-Section 3AA and All-West Central pick, Erickson played all nine positions, which included a .957 fielding percentage and a 4-2 record on the mound.
"Connor exemplifies every quality in a young man that everyone dreams of coaching," Lakers head coach Joe Alexander said. "On the field, he is one of the best players to play Minnewaska baseball with stats great enough to make it the second best season in school history. Off the field, Connor is a tremendous young man who is very active in his church and all of his communities. ... His presence in our dugout will definitely be missed and almost impossible to replace."
Sr., Catcher, Litchfield
Litchfeld could always lean on Tripp McCann to provide them firepower.
McCann, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III St. Cloud Technical and Community College, hit for .423 on 33 hits (five home runs, five doubles, one triple) with 28 RBIs, 26 runs, 18 walks and 18 stolen bases.
He ends his prep career as a Class AA All-State, All-Section 5AA and All-Wright County selection.
"Tripp had a phenomenal year hitting, finishing top five in four single-season categories and top 10 in several others," Dragons head coach Jeff Wollin said. "His positive, unselfish, team-first attitude was always present and was a big reason for any success our team had this spring."
Sr., OF, Litchfield
One of the speediest contact hitters out there, Alex Medina had an exceptional spring.
Medina batted .404 on 36 hits (10 doubles, a school-record five triples, two home runs) with 33 runs, 19 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
A commit to the NCAA Division III Concordia College-Moorhead for football and possibly baseball, he wraps up his prep career as a Class AA All-State, All-Section 5AA and All-Wright County pick.
"Alex had an incredible senior season — both offensively, finishing top five in four single-season categories, and defensively, running down almost everything that didn't leave the ballpark — while leading his team to a 18-8 record," Wollin said. "But, what he does off the field, as a student, classmate and role model is equally impressive. His leadership is evident in both his actions and words, as he makes our teams and our school a better place for everyone."
Sr., P/1B, Paynesville
More often than not Esau Nelson gave other teams fits.
The senior right-hander had a 6-2 record with a 1.81 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 46-2/3 innings pitched. He also drove in 25 runs and scored 16 times on 29 hits.
Nelson, who is committed to the NCAA Division II Southwest Minnesota State University, earned Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-West Central honors.
"Esau was a dominant pitcher and one of the best I have ever coached," Paynesville head coach Brad Skoglund said. "He loves the game."
Sr., SS/P, NLS
Brayden Skindelien ended his prep career in stellar fashion.
Skindelien, who will play at the NCAA Division II Minnesota State University-Mankato, had a 5-0 record and two saves with a superb 1.175 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 47-2/3 innings pitched. He also hit for .403 and swiped a school-record 26 bases.
He collected Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-Wright County honors.
"Brayden is the best baseball player that I have gotten the opportunity to coach," Wildcats head coach Eric Terres said. "His on base skills, defensive ability, speed and arm on the mound give him all the tools you want in a high school baseball player and that will serve him well at the next level. He exemplifies what you want in a leader, both on and off the field, and led us to a place we have not been to in a while."
So., P/Infield, YME
Gunnar Fagen continued to build off of his strong freshman season.
Fagen had a 4-2 record with a 2.72 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. He also batted .409 on 27 hits (nine doubles, one triple, one home run) with 28 RBIs.
He was an All-Section 3AA and All-Camden selection.
"Gunnar is a great kid who works hard, is a great teammate and is very coachable," YME head coach Nick Richter said. "He is always tying to get better and did a lot of great things for us."
Sr., 2B/P, Montevideo
As electric of a lead-off hitter as anyone in the state, the Thunder Hawks could always rely on Ben Gunlogson for a spark.
Gunlogson batted .402 on 35 hits with 29 runs, 14 RBIs, 13 walks and 10 stolen bases. His three home runs this season are tied for the most in school history. He was also a reliable arm when called upon.
A commit to the NCAA Division III University of Chiacgo for wrestling, Gunlogson was an All-Section 3AA and All-West Central selection.
"Ben is a very high IQ baseball player who refuses to give anything less than 100%," Tim Epema said. "He was our table setter at the top of the lineup."
Sr., SS/P, Dawson-Boyd
It was another fine season for Nathan Hansen.
Hansen hit for .444 on 32 hits (five doubles, one triple) with 22 RBIs, 19 runs and 16 stolen bases. He had a 1-2 record with a 4.20 ERA in 35 innings pitched.
An All-Section 3A and All-Camden pick, Hansen will play at the NCAA Division III Bethel University for football.
Sr, SS/P, Paynesville
Paynesville could always count on Reed Johnson.
Johnson, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III Alexandria Technical and Community College, batted .349 on 30 hits with 35 runs, 14 RBIs, 14 walks and 14 stolen bases. He also had a 5-1 record with a 3.23 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched.
The right-hander earned Class AA All-State and All-Central Minnesota Conference First Team honors.
"Reed is an outstanding all-around player with a great hand and an accurate throwing arm," Skoglund said. "He is one of the best shortstops to have ever played at Paynesville."
Jr., P/SS, BBE
Aiden Mueller was a strikeout machine this spring.
Mueller racked up 92 strikeouts and walked nine batters across 52-2/3 innings where he had a 0.797 ERA and held opponents to a .176 batting average. He also batted .317 on 26 hits (nine doubles, one triple) with 22 runs, 17 walks, 15 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
The right-hander was a Class A All-State, All-Section 6A and All-Central Minnesota First Team selection.
"Aiden is one of those special talents that does not come around often," BBE head coach Ben Klaphake said. "He is one of, if not, the best pitcher in central Minnesota. ... He was also a monster piece of our offense, batting second and routinely getting on base for the middle of our lineup."
So., 3B, NLS
Ethan Nelson lashed the ball nightly throughout his sophomore season.
He hit for .429 on a school-record 36 hits (eight doubles, two home runs) with 30 RBIs.
Nelson earned All-Section 3AA and All-Wright County honors.
"Ethan has so much ability in all facets of the game," Terres said. "Only being a sophomore, it is a little scary to think he will only get better from here. Ethan is a great athlete with a high ceiling."
Sr., P/SS/C, Benson
Max Nygaard played a monumental role in helping Benson secure its third winning season in the last 25 years and its first postseason victory since 2014.
He had a 5-3 record and one save with 51 strikeouts and 12 walks. His batting average was .476 on 30 hits with 32 stolen bases and 16 RBIs.
Nygaard was an All-Section 6A and an All-Prairie selection.
"Max has made an impact wherever he has been needed — on the mound, behind the plate, at shortstop and in the batter's box," Benson head coach Brennan Kent said. "As our lead-off hitter, he set the tone with his work ethic, quiet leadership and desire to improve. Max's versatility, baseball IQ and team-first mindset made him one of the most valuable players in our program. His consistency and willingness to do whatever the team needed played a major part to our success."
Sr., 3B/P/CF, Dawson-Boyd
Kameron Sather elevated his play in a big way to cap off his prep career.
Sather, who was the Camden's MVP and an All-Camden selection, posted a 7-1 record with a 2.05 ERA in 27-1/3 innings.
Also an All-Section 3A pick, Sather batted .379 on 25 hits with 30 runs, 24 stolen bases and 16 RBIs.
Sr., P/1B/3B, LQPV
Nolan Smith's impact was felt all-around by Darby Bjorgan's team.
Smith, an All-Section 3A and All-Camden selection, did it all.
The right-hander had a 6-1 record with a 2.63 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched. He also batted .378 on 28 hits (seven doubles) with 21 runs and 16 RBIs.
"Nolan was our senior ace who consistently gave our team a chance to win," Bjorgan said. "He was equally outstanding at third base and delivered at the plate in big moments throughout the season. His commitment to improving every aspect of his game led to a remarkable jump in his performance from his junior to senior season."
Gideon Boerema — Sr., P/1B, Litchfield
All-Wright County; .358 on 29 hits with 30 RBIs and 13 runs; 6-4 record with a 3.00 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 53-2/3 innings pitched
College: University of Northwestern-St. Paul
Hunter Engelke — Sr., P/C/SS/OF, KMS
All-Section 6A, All-Camden; 29 runs on .442; 3-4 record with a 3.23 ERA
Gavin Evenson — Sr., OF, Willmar
All-Section 8AAA, All-Central Lakes; 17 RBIs and 14 runs on .377
Logan Fagerlie — Jr., Utility/P, Willmar
All-Section 8AAA, All-Central Lakes; 5-0 record with a 1.718 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 36-2/3 innings pitched; 18 runs and 14 RBIs on .338
Marc Gruber — Sr., SS/P, Minnewaska
All-Section 3AA, All-West Central; 3.60 ERA in 23 innings pitched; .338 on 23 hits with 28 runs and 16 RBIs
College: St. John's University
Cole Laughlin — Sr., P/3B/1B, NLS
All-Section 3AA, All-Wright County; 6-3 record with a 3.00 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched; .350 on 26 hits
Cameron Loe — Sr., C/P, BBE
All-Section 6A, All-Central Minnesota First Team; 1.85 ERA in 22-2/3 innings pitched; .315 on 23 hits
College: Ridgewater
Griffen Noble — Sr., P/OF, MACCRAY
All-Camden; .449 with 19 stolen bases; 1-3 record with a 2.85 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched
Holland Schacherer — Sr., OF/P, Dawson-Boyd
All-Section 3A, All-Camden; .378 on 28 hits with 26 RBIs and 17 runs; 1-0 record with a 1.750 ERA in eight innings
Brody Straumann — Jr., C, ACGC
All-Central Minnesota Honorable Mention; slashed .407/.562/.610
Brayden VanderBeek — Sr., C, Paynesville
All-Central Minnesota First Team; .383 with 18 RBIs
Adrian Young — So., C/SS/P, Benson
All-Prairie; .475 on 28 hits with 16 RBIs; 4-2 record with 14 strikeouts
Continue reading...
And it is loaded with seniors.
Seniors make up 14 of the 18 spots on the All-Area Baseball Team.
They also account for nine of the 10 athletes who received All-State honors.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Our coverage zone has 10 athletes on All-State teams.
Ten area teams also had a .500 record or better.
These factors make for a tremendously deep pool.
Now, here is glimpse into who is on the All-Area Baseball Team.
There are three sets of All-State teammates on the All-Area First Team: Litchfield seniors Tripp McCann and Alex Medina, Willmar seniors Reese Christianson and Jordan Ellingson and Montevideo senior Brody Dack and junior Griffin Epema.
New London-Spicer senior Brayden Skindelien and Paynesville senior Esau Nelson are also All-State picks who are on the All-Area First Team.
Minnewaska's Connor Erickson, who had a spectacular senior year without garnering All-State honors, rounds out the All-Area First Team
Two more All-State members lead the way for the All-Area Second Team: Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa junior Aiden Mueller and Paynesville senior Reed Johnson.
They are joined by Benson senior Max Nygaard, Dawson-Boyd seniors Nathan Hansen and Kameron Sather, Lac qui Parle Valley senior Nolan Smith, Montevideo senior Ben Gunlogson, NLS sophomore Ethan Nelson and Yellow Medicine East sophomore Gunnar Fagen.
All-Area Baseball Team selections were made by the Tribune's sports staff based on recommendations from area coaches.
Here is the 2026 All-Area Baseball Team:
Senior, Third Baseman/Pitcher, Willmar
Reese Christianson was often called upon in big moments for Willmar. Yet, they were never too big for the senior right-hander.
Christianson had a 3-1 record with a 2.33 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. He also posted a .300 batting average on 24 hits with 17 RBIs, 14 runs, 10 walks and eight stolen bases.
He capped off his exceptional prep career as a Class AAA All-State, an All-Section 8AAA and a All-Central Lakes selection.
"Reese was our pitcher that got the ball in our big games this season," Cardinals head coach Tom DeBoer said. "His contributions on offense and at third base were big for our team as well this season. He had a great career."
Sr., P/Shortstop/3B, Montevideo
Brody Dack, although as versatile as they come, was one of the Thunder Hawks' top arms on the mound this spring.
Dack, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III Alexandria Technical and Community College, had a 6-2 record and one save with a 1.70 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 49-1/3 innings pitched. He hit for .391 on 27 hits (seven doubles, one triple, one home run) with 24 runs, 23 RBIs, 15 walks and 11 stolen bases.
Not only was he named an All-West Central pick and the conference's top pitcher, Dack wrapped up his prep career with Class AA All-State and All-Section 3AA honors.
"Brody is a very high IQ baseball player," Montevideo head coach Tim Epema said. "He has great instincts and can play anywhere."
Sr., SS/P, Willmar
One of the premier shortstops and pitchers in the state, Jordan Ellingson showed up in all facets for the Cardinals.
A commit to the NCCA Division II Northern State University, Ellingson had a 3-1 record and two saves with a 1.25 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 33-2/3 innings pitched. He tallied a .341 batting average on 28 hits (four doubles, three triples, two home runs) with 29 runs, 25 stolen bases, 19 walks and 11 RBIs.
His prep career ended with Class AAA All-State, All-Section 8AAA and All-Central Lakes honors.
"Jordan had an outstanding career and an amazing senior season," DeBoer said of the team's MVP. "He really stepped up his game in all phases and was a big reason why we won 19 games."
Jr., P/SS/First Baseman, Montevideo
Griffin Epema is the only non-senior to make the All-Area First Team, and quite frankly, it's well-deserved.
Already a commit to the NCAA Division I University of St. Thomas, Epema possessed a 6-2 record and two saves with a startling 1.09 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 58 innings pitched. He also batted an eye-popping .460 on 40 hits (nine doubles, five triples) with 31 runs, 24 RBIs, 23 stolen bases and 16 walks.
Epema, who was named the conference's MVP, earned Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-West Central honors.
"Griffin is a very high IQ baseball player who has a great determination to win," Tim Epema said.
Sr., Utility/P, Minnewaska
A do-it-all superstar, Connor Erickson's bat was up there as one of the most lethal.
Erickson, committed to the NCAA Division III Concordia College-Moorhead, had a .478 batting average and a 1.450 on-base-plus-slugging percentage on 37 hits (16 doubles, five home runs) with a jaw-dropping 42 RBIs and 33 runs.
An All-Section 3AA and All-West Central pick, Erickson played all nine positions, which included a .957 fielding percentage and a 4-2 record on the mound.
"Connor exemplifies every quality in a young man that everyone dreams of coaching," Lakers head coach Joe Alexander said. "On the field, he is one of the best players to play Minnewaska baseball with stats great enough to make it the second best season in school history. Off the field, Connor is a tremendous young man who is very active in his church and all of his communities. ... His presence in our dugout will definitely be missed and almost impossible to replace."
Sr., Catcher, Litchfield
Litchfeld could always lean on Tripp McCann to provide them firepower.
McCann, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III St. Cloud Technical and Community College, hit for .423 on 33 hits (five home runs, five doubles, one triple) with 28 RBIs, 26 runs, 18 walks and 18 stolen bases.
He ends his prep career as a Class AA All-State, All-Section 5AA and All-Wright County selection.
"Tripp had a phenomenal year hitting, finishing top five in four single-season categories and top 10 in several others," Dragons head coach Jeff Wollin said. "His positive, unselfish, team-first attitude was always present and was a big reason for any success our team had this spring."
Sr., OF, Litchfield
One of the speediest contact hitters out there, Alex Medina had an exceptional spring.
Medina batted .404 on 36 hits (10 doubles, a school-record five triples, two home runs) with 33 runs, 19 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
A commit to the NCAA Division III Concordia College-Moorhead for football and possibly baseball, he wraps up his prep career as a Class AA All-State, All-Section 5AA and All-Wright County pick.
"Alex had an incredible senior season — both offensively, finishing top five in four single-season categories, and defensively, running down almost everything that didn't leave the ballpark — while leading his team to a 18-8 record," Wollin said. "But, what he does off the field, as a student, classmate and role model is equally impressive. His leadership is evident in both his actions and words, as he makes our teams and our school a better place for everyone."
Sr., P/1B, Paynesville
More often than not Esau Nelson gave other teams fits.
The senior right-hander had a 6-2 record with a 1.81 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 46-2/3 innings pitched. He also drove in 25 runs and scored 16 times on 29 hits.
Nelson, who is committed to the NCAA Division II Southwest Minnesota State University, earned Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-West Central honors.
"Esau was a dominant pitcher and one of the best I have ever coached," Paynesville head coach Brad Skoglund said. "He loves the game."
Sr., SS/P, NLS
Brayden Skindelien ended his prep career in stellar fashion.
Skindelien, who will play at the NCAA Division II Minnesota State University-Mankato, had a 5-0 record and two saves with a superb 1.175 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 47-2/3 innings pitched. He also hit for .403 and swiped a school-record 26 bases.
He collected Class AA All-State, All-Section 3AA and All-Wright County honors.
"Brayden is the best baseball player that I have gotten the opportunity to coach," Wildcats head coach Eric Terres said. "His on base skills, defensive ability, speed and arm on the mound give him all the tools you want in a high school baseball player and that will serve him well at the next level. He exemplifies what you want in a leader, both on and off the field, and led us to a place we have not been to in a while."
So., P/Infield, YME
Gunnar Fagen continued to build off of his strong freshman season.
Fagen had a 4-2 record with a 2.72 ERA and 52 strikeouts in 36 innings pitched. He also batted .409 on 27 hits (nine doubles, one triple, one home run) with 28 RBIs.
He was an All-Section 3AA and All-Camden selection.
"Gunnar is a great kid who works hard, is a great teammate and is very coachable," YME head coach Nick Richter said. "He is always tying to get better and did a lot of great things for us."
Sr., 2B/P, Montevideo
As electric of a lead-off hitter as anyone in the state, the Thunder Hawks could always rely on Ben Gunlogson for a spark.
Gunlogson batted .402 on 35 hits with 29 runs, 14 RBIs, 13 walks and 10 stolen bases. His three home runs this season are tied for the most in school history. He was also a reliable arm when called upon.
A commit to the NCAA Division III University of Chiacgo for wrestling, Gunlogson was an All-Section 3AA and All-West Central selection.
"Ben is a very high IQ baseball player who refuses to give anything less than 100%," Tim Epema said. "He was our table setter at the top of the lineup."
Sr., SS/P, Dawson-Boyd
It was another fine season for Nathan Hansen.
Hansen hit for .444 on 32 hits (five doubles, one triple) with 22 RBIs, 19 runs and 16 stolen bases. He had a 1-2 record with a 4.20 ERA in 35 innings pitched.
An All-Section 3A and All-Camden pick, Hansen will play at the NCAA Division III Bethel University for football.
Sr, SS/P, Paynesville
Paynesville could always count on Reed Johnson.
Johnson, who is committed to the NJCAA Division III Alexandria Technical and Community College, batted .349 on 30 hits with 35 runs, 14 RBIs, 14 walks and 14 stolen bases. He also had a 5-1 record with a 3.23 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 41 innings pitched.
The right-hander earned Class AA All-State and All-Central Minnesota Conference First Team honors.
"Reed is an outstanding all-around player with a great hand and an accurate throwing arm," Skoglund said. "He is one of the best shortstops to have ever played at Paynesville."
Jr., P/SS, BBE
Aiden Mueller was a strikeout machine this spring.
Mueller racked up 92 strikeouts and walked nine batters across 52-2/3 innings where he had a 0.797 ERA and held opponents to a .176 batting average. He also batted .317 on 26 hits (nine doubles, one triple) with 22 runs, 17 walks, 15 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
The right-hander was a Class A All-State, All-Section 6A and All-Central Minnesota First Team selection.
"Aiden is one of those special talents that does not come around often," BBE head coach Ben Klaphake said. "He is one of, if not, the best pitcher in central Minnesota. ... He was also a monster piece of our offense, batting second and routinely getting on base for the middle of our lineup."
So., 3B, NLS
Ethan Nelson lashed the ball nightly throughout his sophomore season.
He hit for .429 on a school-record 36 hits (eight doubles, two home runs) with 30 RBIs.
Nelson earned All-Section 3AA and All-Wright County honors.
"Ethan has so much ability in all facets of the game," Terres said. "Only being a sophomore, it is a little scary to think he will only get better from here. Ethan is a great athlete with a high ceiling."
Sr., P/SS/C, Benson
Max Nygaard played a monumental role in helping Benson secure its third winning season in the last 25 years and its first postseason victory since 2014.
He had a 5-3 record and one save with 51 strikeouts and 12 walks. His batting average was .476 on 30 hits with 32 stolen bases and 16 RBIs.
Nygaard was an All-Section 6A and an All-Prairie selection.
"Max has made an impact wherever he has been needed — on the mound, behind the plate, at shortstop and in the batter's box," Benson head coach Brennan Kent said. "As our lead-off hitter, he set the tone with his work ethic, quiet leadership and desire to improve. Max's versatility, baseball IQ and team-first mindset made him one of the most valuable players in our program. His consistency and willingness to do whatever the team needed played a major part to our success."
Sr., 3B/P/CF, Dawson-Boyd
Kameron Sather elevated his play in a big way to cap off his prep career.
Sather, who was the Camden's MVP and an All-Camden selection, posted a 7-1 record with a 2.05 ERA in 27-1/3 innings.
Also an All-Section 3A pick, Sather batted .379 on 25 hits with 30 runs, 24 stolen bases and 16 RBIs.
Sr., P/1B/3B, LQPV
Nolan Smith's impact was felt all-around by Darby Bjorgan's team.
Smith, an All-Section 3A and All-Camden selection, did it all.
The right-hander had a 6-1 record with a 2.63 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched. He also batted .378 on 28 hits (seven doubles) with 21 runs and 16 RBIs.
"Nolan was our senior ace who consistently gave our team a chance to win," Bjorgan said. "He was equally outstanding at third base and delivered at the plate in big moments throughout the season. His commitment to improving every aspect of his game led to a remarkable jump in his performance from his junior to senior season."
Gideon Boerema — Sr., P/1B, Litchfield
All-Wright County; .358 on 29 hits with 30 RBIs and 13 runs; 6-4 record with a 3.00 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 53-2/3 innings pitched
College: University of Northwestern-St. Paul
Hunter Engelke — Sr., P/C/SS/OF, KMS
All-Section 6A, All-Camden; 29 runs on .442; 3-4 record with a 3.23 ERA
Gavin Evenson — Sr., OF, Willmar
All-Section 8AAA, All-Central Lakes; 17 RBIs and 14 runs on .377
Logan Fagerlie — Jr., Utility/P, Willmar
All-Section 8AAA, All-Central Lakes; 5-0 record with a 1.718 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 36-2/3 innings pitched; 18 runs and 14 RBIs on .338
Marc Gruber — Sr., SS/P, Minnewaska
All-Section 3AA, All-West Central; 3.60 ERA in 23 innings pitched; .338 on 23 hits with 28 runs and 16 RBIs
College: St. John's University
Cole Laughlin — Sr., P/3B/1B, NLS
All-Section 3AA, All-Wright County; 6-3 record with a 3.00 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched; .350 on 26 hits
Cameron Loe — Sr., C/P, BBE
All-Section 6A, All-Central Minnesota First Team; 1.85 ERA in 22-2/3 innings pitched; .315 on 23 hits
College: Ridgewater
Griffen Noble — Sr., P/OF, MACCRAY
All-Camden; .449 with 19 stolen bases; 1-3 record with a 2.85 ERA and 38 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched
Holland Schacherer — Sr., OF/P, Dawson-Boyd
All-Section 3A, All-Camden; .378 on 28 hits with 26 RBIs and 17 runs; 1-0 record with a 1.750 ERA in eight innings
Brody Straumann — Jr., C, ACGC
All-Central Minnesota Honorable Mention; slashed .407/.562/.610
Brayden VanderBeek — Sr., C, Paynesville
All-Central Minnesota First Team; .383 with 18 RBIs
Adrian Young — So., C/SS/P, Benson
All-Prairie; .475 on 28 hits with 16 RBIs; 4-2 record with 14 strikeouts
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