Mortimer Jordan senior Walker McCleney has been named the 2016 Jefferson County Schools Baseball Coaches Association Player of the Year. 

Corner led all area schools, landing four players on the AHSAA Class 5A All-State baseball teams.

Left-hander Jackson Tavel headlines the group by winning his second 5A Pitcher of the Year award.

“What made it happen, to be honest, is a lot of work,” said Tavel. “My sophomore year wasn’t very good, but I played a lot of travel ball and put a lot of work in as a junior and just continued it through my senior year and things just kind of worked out.”

Tavel, a two-time first-team all-state pitcher, has signed with Ole Miss’ Class of 2016.

“I’ve done pretty well with the people I’ve faced in the state of Alabama. I would like to see how I can do against the best in the nation, because everyone knows the SEC is the best conference in the nation,” said Tavel, who takes pride in filling up the strike zone every time out.

He’s done a great job of that over the past two seasons, rolling up a 20-4 record with 259 strikeouts on his way to nabbing back-to-back 5A Pitcher of the Year awards.

Yellow Jackets’ senior Kevin Bryant worked his way on the 5A second team as a utility player. Both Chris Huff and Devne Daniel represent Corner as honorable mention players.

Mortimer Jordan senior Walker McCleney also came through with second-team 5A honors in addition to being named the 2016 Jefferson County Schools Baseball Coaches Association Player of the Year.

The outfielder finished with a .400 average at the dish in his final season with the Blue Devils. He scored 36 runs on as many hits, and went 25-for-25 on stolen bases. However, it was a monster performance in last summer’s North-South All-Star game in Montgomery that caught the attention of college programs.

“I went 7-for-8 with a couple of doubles and stole about nine bases. After that, I had about four or five coaches call me for visits. It was just weird how it all happened at once,” said McCleney, who has now signed with Alabama.

McCleney is no stranger to Tuscaloosa, as his older sister, Haylie, has cemented her name as one of the all-time greats in Alabama softball history. Haylie put an end to her lavish collegiate career earlier this month.

“I know my way around now since I’ve watched Haylie the last few years,” said McCleney. “It’s good to have someone help you around.”

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.

CLASS 7A

Player of the Year

Brock Anderson, Sparkman

Pitcher of the Year

Sonny Potter, Vestavia Hills

Hitter of the Year

Tyler Tolbert, Hewitt-Trussville

Coach of the Year

Jeff Mauldin, Hewitt-Trussville

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Carson Skipper, Hewitt-Trussville, So.

P: Brock Anderson, Sparkman, Sr.

P: Sonny Potter, Vestavia Hills, Sr.

P: Joseph Martsfield, Oak Mountain, Jr.

C: Slade Gorman, Central-Phenix City, So.

1B: Christian Long, Davidson, Sr.

2B: Tyler Tolbert, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

3B: Trammell Shepherd, Bob Jones, Sr.

SS: Justin Foscue, Grissom, Jr.

OF: Heath Haskins, Thompson, Sr.

OF: Colton Schultz, Huntsville, Sr.

OF: Bubba Thompson, McGill-Toolen, Jr.

DH: Jared Howell, Sparkman, Jr.

DH: Mason Lockhart, Fairhope, Jr.

UTL: Andrew Naismith, Auburn, Sr.

UTL: Max Newton, Smiths Station, Sr.

Second team

P: JC Parker, Thompson, So.

P: Caden Lemons, Vestavia Hills, Jr.

P: Ryan Watson, Auburn, Sr.

P: Noah Wilkes, Central-Phenix City, Sr.

C: Tommy Crider, James Clemens, So.

1B: Josh Sears, Grissom, Sr.

2B: Breonn Pooler, Sparkman, Sr.

3B: Josh Andrews, Davidson, Sr.

SS: Devin Brown, Smiths Station, Sr.

OF: Walker Thompson, Theodore, Sr.

OF: Jordan Anderson, James Clemens, So.

OF: Keegan Morrow, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

DH: Graham Ashcraft, Huntsville, Sr.

DH: Ethan Holsonbeck, Oak Mountain, Jr.

UTL: Josh Lewis, Theodore, Sr.

UTL: Tanner Belcher, Central-Phenix City, Sr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Drew Jennings, Auburn, So.; Seth Gulley, Sparkman, Sr.

Catcher: Clay Stearns, Mountain Brook, So.; Reid Powers, Sparkman, Jr.

First base: Richard Constantine, Huntsville, Sr.; Parker Warren, Enterprise, Sr.

Second base: Chance Warren, Enterprise, So.; Christopher Vacarella, Hoover, Sr.

Third base: JJ McDonald, Oak Mountain, Jr.; Garrett Bryant, Hazel Green, Sr.

Shortstop: Ed Johnson, Hewitt-Trussville, So.; Evan Baber, Central-Phenix City, Jr.

Outfield: Peyton Galich, Fairhope, Sr.; Devonta Waller, Jeff Davis, Sr.

Designated hitter: Leo Gonzalez, Davidson, Sr.

Utility: Chris Gothard, Hazel Green, Sr.

CLASS 6A

Player of the Year

Owen Lovell, Cullman

Pitcher of the Year

Brax Garrett, Florence

Hitter of the Year

Tanner Burns, Decatur

Coach of the Year

Mark Garner, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Brax Garrett, Florence, Sr.

P: Carden Mellown, Hueytown, Sr.

P: Will Carnley, Robertsdale, Sr.

P: Brody Syer, Oxford, So.

C: Zeth Malcom, Hartselle, Sr.

1B: Hunter Bennett, Chilton Co., Sr.

2B: Charlie Crane, Decatur, Jr.

3B: Ryan Crockett, Wetumpka, Sr.

SS: Kolby Robinson, Cullman, Sr.

OF: Owen Lovell, Cullman, Jr.

OF: Desmond Williams, Muscle Shoals, Sr.

OF: Jake Presley, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr.

DH: Hunter Stokes, Spanish Fort, Sr.

DH: Isaac Alexander, Muscle Shoals, Jr.

UTL: Tanner Burns, Decatur, Jr.

UTL: Collin Taylor, Florence, Sr.

Second team

P: Dakota Bennett, Brewer, Jr.

P: Michael Garner, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr.

P: Cole Henry, Florence, So.

P: Will Morrison, Cullman, So.

C: Thomas Johns, Clay-Chalkville, Sr.

1B: Mitch Myers, Opelika, Jr.

2B: Sage Smelley, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr.

3B: Tyler Reeves, Robertsdale, Sr.

SS: Cole Frederick, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr.

OF: Bryant Atkins, Walker, Sr.

OF: Justin Dunnam, Saraland, Sr.

OF: Bubba Burrows, Valley, Jr.

DH: Matt Cerfolio, John Carroll, Sr.

DH: Austin Bolander, Oxford, Sr.

UTL: Baylon Fry, Southside-Gadsden, Sr.

UTL: John Marc Mullins, Homewood, Jr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Brendan Mayo, Baldwin Co., Sr.; Matthew Lowery, Northview, Sr.

Catcher: Brenton Sanders, Northridge, Sr.; Dustin Cleckler, Chilton Co., Sr.; Tanner Potterfield, Scottsboro, Jr.

First base: James Whitmire, Carroll-Ozark, Sr.

Second base: Tanner Anderson, Stanhope Elmore, Jr.; Tanner Snow, Southside-Gadsden, So.

Third base: Nate Lloyd, Oxford, Jr.; Noah Fondren, Cullman, Jr.

Shortstop: Geoffrey Grier, Northview, Sr.; Cade Hatch, Chilton Co., Sr.

Outfield: Evan London, Northridge, Sr.; Corbin Bice, Chilton Co., Sr.

Designated hitter: Brandon Broussard, Robertsdale, Sr.; Claude Newell, Shades Valley, Sr.

Utility: Bubba McDaniel, Dothan, Jr.; Cody Herring, Wetumpka, Sr.

CLASS 5A

Player of the Year

Judd Ward, Russellville

Hitter of the Year

Sam Praytor, Helena

Pitcher of the Year

Jackson Tavel, Corner

Coach of the Year

Matt Seymour, Faith-Mobile

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Jackson Tavel, Corner, Sr.

P: Cody Greenhill, Russellville, Jr.

P: Will Freeman, Faith-Mobile, Sr.

P: Wallace Henry, Marbury, Sr.

C: Sam Praytor, Helena, Jr.

1B: Logan Ray, Jemison, Sr.

2B: Ryen Harbin, Madison Co., Sr.

3B: Landon Oliver, Russellville, Sr.

SS: Reed Smith, Russellville, Sr.

OF: John Miller, Rehobeth, Sr.

OF: Judd Ward, Russellville, Jr.

OF: Josh Hall, Randolph, So.

DH: Brooks Carlson, Faith-Mobile, Jr.

DH: Will Kimel, Randolph, So.

UTL: Austin Kitterman, Russellville, Sr.

UTL: Jack Knight, Rehobeth, Jr.

Second team

P: Jacob Smith, Calera, So.

P: Austin Bohannon, Russellville, Sr.

P: Carson Hall, Randolph, Jr.

P: Riley Davis, Helena, Jr.

C: Jacob Bisharat, Pleasant Grove, Jr.

1B: John Martin, Moody, Sr.

2B: Will Turner, Ardmore, Sr.

3B: Luke Yelverton, Demopolis, Sr.

SS: Justin Carlin, East Limestone, Jr.

OF: Walker McCleney, Mortimer Jordan, Sr.

OF: Gage Herring, Rehobeth, Jr.

OF: Dylan Hathcock, Tallassee, Sr.

DH: Grayson Blackwell, Alabama Chr., Sr.

DH: Bryson Gandy, Charles Henderson, Jr.

UTL: Kevin Bryant, Corner, Sr.

UTL: Tyler Occair, Calera, So.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Cody Dodd, Alexandria, Sr.; Banks Woodley, Jemison, Sr.

Catcher: Kaylib Hanson, Boaz, Sr.; Ben Vowell, Moody, Jr.

First base: Caleb Fisk, East Limestone, Sr.

Second base: Riley Shaw, Alexandria, Sr.; Leland Shaw, Ramsay, Sr.

Third base: Chris Huff, Corner, Sr.

Shortstop: Will Lenoir, Jemison, Sr.; Devne Daniel, Corner, Jr.

Outfield: Riley Campbell, Moody, Sr.; Anthony Reeb, Madison Co., Sr.

Designated hitter: Treviz Brown, Ramsay, Sr.

Utility: Reece Ewing, Faith-Mobile, So.

CLASS 4A

Player of the Year

Tanner Allen, UMS-Wright

Hitter of the Year

Cal Jones, Dadeville

Pitcher of the Year

Davis Daniel, St. James

Coach of the Year

Nick Richardson, Bibb Co.

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Davis Daniel, St. James, Sr.

P: Conner Jednat, UMS-Wright, Jr.

P: Bradley Brown, Holtville, Sr.

P: Justin Thomas, Sipsey Valley, Sr.

C: M.J. Melendez, St. James, Jr.

1B: Sam Plash, UMS-Wright, Jr.

2B: Ian McCoy, Westminster-Huntsville, Sr.

3B: Grant Barber, UMS-Wright, Sr.

SS: Ko Powell, Oneonta, Sr.

OF: Cal Jones, Dadeville, Sr.

OF: JD White, Deshler, Jr.

OF: Chauncey Callier, UMS-Wright, Sr.

DH: Robert Adams, Trinity, Sr.

DH: Hunter Roberts, Holtville, Jr.

UTL: Tanner Allen, UMS-Wright, Jr.

UTL: Jonathan Coleman, Brooks, Jr.

Second team

P: Chase Beggs, Hokes Bluff, Sr.

P: Chad Bryant, Thomasville, Jr.

P: Dylan Barbee, North Jackson, Jr.

P: Mason Hollander, Deshler, Sr.

C: Colin Brewer, Cherokee Co., Jr.

1B: Josh Wilson, Elmore Co., Sr.

2B: Karter Smith, Cordova, Sr.

3B: Austin Willbanks, Hokes Bluff, Sr.

SS: Hunter Caffee, Bibb Co., Sr.

OF: Dawson Harvey, Oneonta, Sr.

OF: Jake Killingsworth, Headland, 8th

OF: Tucker Brown, Wilson, So.

DH: Jackson Devaney, Oneonta, So.

DH: Landon Nance, Sipsey Valley, Jr.

UTL: Brady Greene, St. James, Jr.

UTL: Jesse Joyce, Thomasville, Sr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Brody Moore, Oneonta, So.; Chase Wilkerson, Headland, So.

Catcher: Caleb Dunagan, Curry, So.; Hunter Hill, Deshler, Jr.

First base: None.

Second base: Nic Council, Thomasville, Sr.; Colin Edwards, Cherokee Co., Jr.

Third base: Will Evans, Haleyville, Jr.; Zach Woodard, Thomasville, Jr.

Shortstop: Brett Barbee, North Jackson, Sr.; Jaren Lockridge, Cherokee Co., Jr.

Outfield: Tucker Wilsdorf, Brooks, Sr.; Kyle Lester, Handley, Jr.

Designated hitter: Jordan Nelson, Elkmont, Sr.; Zach Presnall, Satsuma, Sr.

Utility: None.

CLASS 3A

Player of the Year

Deacon Medders, American Chr.

Hitter of the Year

John Trousdale, Lauderdale Co.

Pitcher of the Year

Deacon Medders, American Chr.

Coach of the Year

Scott Hunter, Colbert Heights

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Deacon Medders, American Chr., Sr.

P: Jake Christa, Madison Aca., Jr.

P: JoJo Booker, T.R. Miller, Jr.

P: Tyler Self, Westbrook Chr., Jr.

C: Hunter Brittain, T.R. Miller, Jr.

1B: Troy Bearden, Westbrook Chr., So.

2B: Thomas Langdon, Gordo, Jr.

3B: Cody Littlejohn, Madison Aca., Sr.

SS: John Trousdale, Lauderdale Co., Sr.

OF: Caleb Piper, Geneva, Sr.

OF: Jordan King, Slocomb, Sr.

OF: Lecil Brothers, Susan Moore, Sr.

DH: Zach Gipson, Colbert Heights, Sr.

DH: Jordan Hunt, Winfield, Sr.

UTL: Koy Chapman, Gordo, Jr.

UTL: Austin Chastang, Bayside Aca., Sr.

Second team

P: Andy Smothers, Pisgah, Jr.

P: Sam King, Madison Aca., Jr.

P: Dakota McCreless, Colbert Heights, Jr.

P: Jack Benard, Bayside Aca., Sr.

C: Easton Kirk, Piedmont, Jr.

1B: Will Hales, Slocomb, Jr.

2B: Will Acuff, Madison Aca., Sr.

3B: Brennan Aycock, Geneva, Jr.

SS: Isaac Weissend, Hanceville, Sr.

OF: Caleb Squires, American Chr., Sr.

OF: Barton Lester, Montgomery Aca., Sr.

OF: Tripp Floyd, T.R. Miller, Sr.

DH: Tyler Eldridge, Slocomb, Jr.

DH: Collin Herring, Gordo, So.

UTL: Garret Kennedy, Westbrook Chr., So.

UTL: Dylan Murphy, Madison Aca., Jr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Britt Sparks, American Chr., Jr.; Will Harrison, Winfield, Sr.

Catcher: Dillon Paseur, New Hope, Sr.; Brady Milligan, American Chr., Sr.

First base: Jaylon Jenkins, Ohatchee, Jr.; Jason Clark, Lamar Co., Sr.

Second base: Ryne Hicks, New Hope, Sr.; Ben Bolton, Cottage Hill, Sr.

Third base: Brayden Hall, Oakman, Jr.; William Fleming, Bayside Aca., Sr.

Shortstop: Bayley Blanchard, Piedmont, Sr.

Outfield: Grant Atkins, American Chr., Sr.; Logan Bradford, Winfield, Sr.

Designated hitter: None.

Utility: None.

CLASS 2A

Player of the Year

Hunter Avery, Mobile Chr.

Hitter of the Year

Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke’s

Pitcher of the Year

Noah McDaniel, New Brockton

Coach of the Year

Talley Haines, Mobile Chr.

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Leighton Lary, St. Luke’s, Sr.

P: Hunter Avery, Mobile Chr., Sr.

P: Noah McDaniel, New Brockton, Jr.

P: Grant Shepherd, Sumiton Chr., So.

C: Eric Henderson, Randolph Co., Sr.

1B: Parker Griffin, Providence Chr., Jr.

2B: Peyton Thomas, Phil Campbell, So.

3B: Ethan Jones, Fyffe, Sr.

SS: Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke’s, So.

OF: Grant Akridge, Elba, Jr.

OF: Luke Jones, Mobile Chr., So.

OF: Seth Benefield, Fyffe, So.

DH: Colby White, Sulligent, Sr.

DH: Tanner Jackson, Houston Aca., So.

UTL: Tyler Rice, Cold Springs, Sr.

UTL: J.R. Roundtree, Randolph Co., Sr.

Second team

P: Danny Simpson, Randolph Co., Sr.

P: Tristan Harvin, Houston Aca., Jr.

P: Chase Butts, Leroy, Jr.

P: Peyton Wesson, Fayetteville, Fr.

C: Brady Johnson, Houston Aca., Sr.

1B: Marquese Davison, Luverne, Jr.

2B: Mackenzie Hicks, G.W. Long, Jr.

3B: Troy Borden, Red Bay, Sr.

SS: Jeffrey Omohundro, Houston Aca., Sr.

OF: Christian Benefield, Randolph Co., Sr.

OF: Dustin Simmons, Hatton, Sr.

OF: Jace Daniel, St. Luke’s, Sr.

DH: Dylan Register, G.W. Long, So.

DH: Grayson Williams, Mobile Chr., Jr.

UTL: Cole Brightwell, Highland Home, Sr.

UTL: Sam Contorno, Holy Spirit, Fr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Clark Logan, Elba, Sr.; Landon Wilks, Goshen, Jr.

Catcher: Collin Huntley, Mars Hill Bible, Fr.; John Karr, Leroy, So.

First base: None.

Second base: Paul Williamson, St. Luke’s, Sr.; Will Baker, Houston Aca., Jr.

Third base: Dylan Davis, Section, So.; Case Granger, Cottonwood, Sr.

Shortstop: Hunter Grant, West End-Walnut Grove, Sr.

Outfield: Denzel Woodard, Leroy, Jr.; Zan Jones, Holy Spirit, Sr.

Designated hitter: Ty Bolt, Section, Jr.; Sam Abernathy, Mars Hill Bible, Jr.

Utility: Alexander Allen, Gaston, Jr.; Jonah Smith, Sweet Water, So.

CLASS 1A

Player of the Year

Sage Baggett, J.U. Blacksher

Hitter of the Year

Jacob Free, Brantley

Pitcher of the Year

Grayson Whitfield, Decatur Heritage

Coach of the Year

Justin Mixon, J.U. Blacksher

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Grayson Wakefield, Decatur Heritage, Jr.

P: Alex Smith, Maplesville, Jr.

P: Sage Baggett, J.U. Blacksher, Sr.

P: Noah Barnett, Hackleburg, Jr.

C: Devan Wallace, Maplesville, Sr.

1B: Greyson Layton, Brantley, Fr.

2B: Charlie Scruggs, J.U. Blacksher, Jr.

3B: Parker Sparkman, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

SS: Eli Barnett, Hackleburg, Sr.

OF: Walt Bowling, Berry, Jr.

OF: Tanner Bozeman, Shoals Chr., Sr.

OF: R.J. Farrell, Athens Bible, Fr.

DH: Andrew Redditt, J.U. Blacksher, Jr.

DH: Jacob Free, Brantley, Jr.

UTL: Carson Lindsey, South Lamar, Sr.

UTL: Nathan Renfroe, Brantley, So.

Second team

P: Dalton Williams, South Lamar, Jr.

P: Kenneth Adams, Athens Bible, So.

P: Andrew Brackeen, Athens Bible, Sr.

P: Justin Lane, Meek, Sr.

C: Daniel Cundiff, Athens Bible, So.

1B: Cole Pierce, Athens Bible, Sr.

2B: Adrian Person, Brantley, So.

3B: Skyler McFall, Waterloo, Sr.

SS: Trevor Wallace, Maplesville, Sr.

OF: Jeff Hunter, Decatur Heritage, So.

OF: Evan Thomas, Athens Bible, Sr.

OF: Tommy Spivey, Brantley, Jr.

DH: Josh Decker, Cedar Bluff, Jr.

DH: Trace Lentz, Decatur Heritage, So.

UTL: Jacob Price, Meek, Sr.

UTL: Wyatt Farrior, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Christian Brown, Victory Chr., Sr.

Catcher: Ross Johnson, Cedar Bluff, Fr.

First base: None.

Second base: None.

Third base: Brent Schoener, Maplesville, So.

Shortstop: Austin Stordahl, Gaylesville, Jr.

Outfield: Mack Wise, Brantley, So.

Designated hitter: Troy Locke, Berry, Sr.

Utility: Payton Stagner, Fruitdale, So.

AISA

Player of the Year

Griffin Fenn, Abbeville Chr.

Pitcher of the Year

Carson Hicks, Glenwood

Hitter of the Year

Griffin Fenn, Abbeville Chr.

Coach of the Year

John David Phillips, Jackson Aca.

ALL-STATE

First team

P: Carson Hicks, Glenwood, Sr.

P: Trace Holder, Monroe Aca., Jr.

P: Michael Taylor, Edgewood, Sr.

P: Noah Mills, Autauga Aca., Sr.

C: Tyler Cadenhead, Glenwood, Sr.

1B: Justin Baugh, Clarke Prep, Sr.

2B: Robert Tutt, Marengo Aca., Jr.

3B: Seth Meadows, Macon-East, Jr.

SS: Blaine Smith, Bessemer Aca., Jr.

OF: Kros Payne, Abbeville Chr., Sr.

OF: Jackson Tate, Edgewood, Jr.

OF: Ty Hall, Autauga Aca., Sr.

DH: Hunter Lunsford, Northside Methodist, Sr.

DH: Chapman Dean, Macon-East, Sr.

UTL: Griffin Fenn, Abbeville Chr., Sr.

UTL: Hayden Huckabee, Marengo Aca., Sr.

Second team

P: Luke Lankford, Jackson Aca., Jr.

P: David Dunn, Marengo Aca., Jr.

P: Daniel Holley, Glenwood, Jr.

P: Mason Hand, Northside Methodist, Jr.

C: David Hussey, Lowndes Aca., Sr.

1B: Kyler Weeks, Crenshaw Chr., Jr.

2B: Cody Cain, Abbeville Chr., Sr.

3B: Grey Tucker, Clarke Prep, Sr.

SS: Reid Potthoff, Lakeside, Jr.

OF: Mason Friday, Autauga Aca., Sr.

OF: Khalid Young, Edgewood, So.

OF: Taylor Roberts, Jackson Aca., Sr.

DH: Kyle Campbell, Springwood, So.

DH: Josh Brown, Glenwood, Jr.

UTL: Noah Eller, Edgewood, Sr.

UTL: Noah West, Springwood, Jr.

Honorable mention

Pitcher: Sydney Sumrall, Bessemer Aca., Sr.; Matthew Hicks, Clarke Prep, Sr.

Catcher: Collin Holliway, Crenshaw Chr., Sr.; Lane Powell, Monroe Aca., Jr.

First base: Matt Williams, Northside Methodist, Sr.

Second base: Chase Dennis, Glenwood, Jr.; Austin Thrasher, Northside Methodist, So.

Third base: John David Willis, Abbeville Chr., Jr.; Jackson Allgood, Lee-Scott, Sr.

Shortstop: Tre Turner, Autauga Aca., Sr.

Outfield: Christian Smith, Edgewood, Sr.; Dave Loftin, Abbeville Chr., So.

Designated hitter: None.

Utility: H.T. Fountain, Escambia Aca., Sr.; Keagan Guthrie, Jackson Aca., Jr.