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