Taking 21 for the Team

Kale Kiser was not selected Most Valuable Player of the All-Collin County Baseball Team because he was hit by more than 20 pitches during the 2008 season -but it didn't hurt.

Kiser's more conventional offensive numbers were as eye-popping as the Plano West's state championship. The senior, who is headed to Nebraska to play Big 12 baseball, served as the catalyst in a Wolves lineup rich in talented hitters. The second baseman added 24 walks to those 21 HBPs on his way to a .571 on-base percentage (which he promptly boosted to almost .700 in the postseason) and hit for a team-high .432 average.

When Kiser got on base, he could usually depend on teammate - Co-Offensive Player of the Year Jason Coats to knock him in. Coats, who will play at TCU next season, hit .429, and provided a 1-2 power punch with West's Ryan Ford. Coats shared the honor with McKinney North slugger Nico Taylor who will play at The University of Arizona in 2009.

Celina catcher Troy McCartney and Allen shortstop Alex Yarbrough were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year.

McKinney's Zach Lee and Prestonwood Christian's Jordan Swagerty were voted Co-Pitchers of the Year after posting ERAs under 1.00.

Plano first baseman Reid Lyness was named Newcomer of the Year. Coach of the Year honors were shared by West's Kendall Clark and Frisco Wakeland's Paul Offil, who led the Wolverines to a district title and deep playoff run.


Most Valuable Player
Kale Kiser, Plano West

Co-Offensive Players of the Year
Jason Coats, Plano West
Nico Taylor, McKinney North

Co-Defensive Players of the Year
Troy McCartney, Celina
Alex Yarbrough, Allen

Co-Pitchers of the Year
Zach Lee, McKinney
Jordan Swagerty, Prestonwood Christian

Newcomer of the Year
Reid Lyness, Plano

Co-Coaches of the Year
Kendall Clark, Plano West
Paul Offil, Frisco Wakeland

First Team
Pitchers
Jordan Baker, Frisco Wakeland
Jake Feckley, Wylie
Ben Flora, Plano West
James Foster, Trinity Christian
Matt Lackie, McKinney North
Kindle Ladd, McKinney North
Bryant Rutledge, Frisco

Catchers
Tyler Bruce, Plano West
Trey Sorrells, McKinney North

Infielders
Tucker Alexander, Prosper
Ryan Ford, Plano West
Bryan Kinyard, McKinney Boyd
Matt Lipka, McKinney
Donald Plant, Plano West
Trey Sibley, Frisco
Wade Venett, Wylie

Outfielders
Parker Boleneus, McKinney Boyd
Carson Cooper, Lovejoy
Ryan Hughes, Plano West
Michael Liba, Frisco Centennial
Logan Reneau, Plano East

Designated Hitter
Matt Bass, Wylie
Jeffery Kahn, Plano West

Second Team
Pitchers
Jordan Badarack Frisco Centennial
David Burnside, McKinney Boyd
Trey Frazier, Prestonwood Christian
Drew Johnson, Plano West
Mason Leavitt, Legacy Christian
Jaymen Parten, Plano
Mark Roberson, Plano East

Catchers
Cody Brooks, Prestonwood Christian
Zach Kothera, Frisco Centennial
Nick Naudin, Princeton

Infielders
Landon Baker, Frisco Wakeland
James Leslie, Trinity Christian
Tanner Moore, McKinney
Danny Moreland, McKinney Boyd
Jerry Owen, Prestonwood Christian
Garrett Yates, McKinney North

Outfielders
Crosby Butler, Frisco Centennial
Colin Jones, Trinity Christian
Ryan Merritt, Celina
Huner Nix, Prosper
Ryan Stearns, Frisco Liberty