It’s safe to say Cullman’s Will Morrison saved his best for last.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association couldn’t have agreed more.

Morrison picked up the Class 6A Pitcher of the Year prize when the ASWA

released its annual All-State Baseball Teams late Saturday night. The Auburn commit is now the second consecutive Bearcat to secure the classification’s top honor after former teammate Jacob Heatherly accomplished the feat last season.

Cullman’s Grayson Taylor (designated hitter) also gained first-team recognition, while teammate Cooper Beck (second base) wrapped up second-team accolades.

West Point’s Matthew McDonald (pitcher) grabbed second-team honors in Class 5A, and Fairview’s Lane Schnittker (outfielder) rounded out the local flavor with an honorable mention in the same classification.

Morrison’s performances on the mound were — to put it simply — masterful. The recent graduate racked up 101 strikeouts (sixth in Class 6A) and allowed only 40 hits in 77 innings of work. His 0.64 ERA and 0.61 WHIP were the best among all qualified 6A pitchers. In 13 games, he came away with an 8-3 record and one save.

The right-hander allowed seven earned runs and issued only seven walks — both the best among all qualified 6A pitchers who threw at least 50 innings.

For coach Brent Patterson, the opportunity to watch Morrison toe the slab was a blessing.

“We got spoiled, because you run him out there … and he’s really good and such a consistent pitcher,” he said. “For not being overpowering, he could overpower teams. He had so much movement and command of his pitches. At the high school level, it’s rare to see a guy with his level of movement. You see guys out there who throw extremely hard or have one extremely dominant pitch. But to see a guy with 12 different breaks, who can throw his changeup in any count and goes in and out with his fastball is really, really rare.”

Taylor, meanwhile, became a thunderous presence in the middle of the Black and Gold’s’ lineup.

The Belmont signee corralled a .364 batting average and .486 on-base percentage to go along with 10 home runs — second among all qualified 6A hitters — 43 hits, 42 RBIs, 35 runs, 19 walks, eight stolen bases, six doubles and three triples. 

He was also an incredible defensive shortstop.

His growth from a relatively unheralded junior to a top-of-the-line senior was quite rewarding for Patterson.

“Every year you have some guys who are a little bit of a role player,” he said. “But the dynamics of the team change, and those guys have to step up. Grayson did that more than we ever could have expected. He’s always been super as a defender, but he’d give us glimpses he could be a big-time offensive player as well. He worked on keeping his barrel in the zone longer, and he became a great run producer for our team this season. We lost so many constants a year ago, and Grayson stepped up. He really became a complete offensive player. It was fun to watch him grow and progress as he did.”

See below for capsules on the area’s other players spotlighted by the ASWA:

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% Name: Cooper Beck

% School: Cullman

% Year: Junior

% Class: 6A

% Position: Second Base

% All-State Status: Second Team

% Stats: Compiled a .380 batting average with 52 runs, 49 hits, 28 stolen bases, 24 walks, 23 RBIs, six doubles, two triples and two home runs.

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% Name: Matthew McDonald

% School: West Point

% Year: Senior

% Class: 5A

% Position: Pitcher

% All-State Status: Second Team

% Stats: Complied an 8-3 record with 80 strikeouts, a 2.17 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP in 74 innings.

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% Name: Lane Schnittker

% School: Fairview

% Year: Senior

% Class: 5A

% Position: Outfielder

% All-State Status: Honorable Mention

% Stats: Complied a .512 batting average with 41 hits, 28 runs, 24 walks, 21 RBIs, 14 doubles, 12 stolen bases, three triples and three home runs.

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See complete All-State Baseball Teams below:

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CLASS 7A

First Team

P — Christian MacLeod, Huntsville, Sr.

P — Chandler Best, McGill-Toolen, Jr.

P — Brooks Fuller, Auburn, Sr.

P — Carson Skipper, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.

C — LeShun Borden, Theodore, Sr.

1B — Sonny DiChiara, Hoover, Sr.

2B — Tyler Mauldin, Hewitt-Trussville, So.

3B — Trevor Andrews, Theodore, Sr.

SS — Chance Warren, Enterprise, Sr.

OF — Trevor Wells, Fairhope, Sr.

OF — Dylan Ray, Bob Jones, So.

OF — Garrett Morris, Auburn, Sr.

UTL — Caden Rose, Bob Jones, So.

UTL — Colton Lewis, Vestavia Hills, Jr.

DH — Cam Hill, Bob Jones, So.

DH — Colin Brown, James Clemens, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Brooks Fuller, Auburn

Hitter of the Year: Sonny DiChiara, Hoover

Player of the Year: Brooks Fuller, Auburn

Coach of the Year: Matt Cimo, Auburn

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Second Team

P — Drew Jennings, Auburn, Sr.

P — Jerry Dale Bowman, Smiths Station, Sr.

P — Gene Hurst, Oak Mountain, Sr.

P — Aaron Shiflet, Mountain Brook, Sr.

C — Dalton Gunter, Smiths Station, Sr.

1B — Eric Toth, McGill-Toolen, Sr.

2B — Peyton Wilson, Hoover, Jr.

3B — Landon Cato, Oak Mountain, Jr.

SS — Javier Vaz, Huntsville, Sr.

OF — Hunter Tillman, Theodore, Jr.

OF — Jacob Bailey, Baker, Jr.

OF — Slade Gorman, Central-Phenix City, Sr.

UTL — Nathan LaRue, McGill-Toolen, Jr.

UTL — Matt Dailey, Huntsville, Jr.

DH — Colton Yeager, Mountain Brook, Jr.

DH — Caeleb Williams, Alma Bryant, Sr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Spencer Hadley, McGill-Toolen, Jr.; Scott Elgin, Hoover, Sr.

Catcher: John-Michael Riley, Bob Jones, Jr.

First Base: Kendall Cribb, Theodore, So.

Second Base: Myles Brown, Thompson, Sr.; Mitchell Daly, Bob Jones, So.

Shortstop: Hunter Bettner, Fairhope, Jr.; Mason Davis, Central-Phenix City, Jr.

Third Base: Preston Moore, Hoover, Sr.; Will Smith, Prattville, So.

Outfield: Justin Owens, Smiths Station, Sr.

Designated Hitter: Tyler Davis, Grissom, Sr.

Utility: Garrett Ewing, Alma Bryant, Jr.

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CLASS 6A

First Team

P — Tyler Duskin, Hazel Green, Sr.

P — Will Morrison, Cullman, Sr.

P — Garrett Wade, Hartselle, Sr.

P — Landon Green, Helena, Sr.

C — Zane Faulk, Russell County, So.

1B — Rett Files, Gulf Shores, Sr.

2B — Jacob McNairy, Athens, Sr.

3B — Ben Teel, Homewood, Sr.

SS — Tyler Miller, Spanish Fort, Sr.

OF — Josh Hall, Homewood, Sr.

OF — Isaiah Magwood, Hazel Green, Sr.

OF — T.J. Reeves, Hueytown, Sr.

UTL — Von Seibert, Spanish Fort, Jr.

UTL — Jalen Gaston, Carver-Montgomery, Sr.

DH — Grayson Taylor, Cullman, Sr.

DH — Brody Syer, Oxford, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Will Morrison, Cullman

Hitter of the Year: Tyler Miller, Spanish Fort

Player of the Year: Josh Hall, Homewood

Coach of the Year: Frankie Perez, Hazel Green

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Second Team

P — T.J. Kervin, Saraland, Jr.

P — Jackson Reynolds, Opelika, Sr.

P — Jarin Turner, Oxford, Jr.

P — Hunter Milam, Russell County, Sr.

C — Michael Milner, Saraland, Jr.

1B — Sam Watkins, Austin, Sr.

2B — Cooper Beck, Cullman, Jr.

3B — Ty Bunch, Saraland, Sr.

SS — William Hamiter, Northridge, Jr.

OF — Zac Durham, Jasper, Jr.

OF — Jackson Huguley, Russell County, So.

OF — Will Collins, Hueytown, Sr.

UTL — Hunter McGriff, Hazel Green, Jr.

UTL — Cleophes Miles, Park Crossing, Sr.

DH — Jackson Sweatt, Pell City, Fr.

DH — Jordan Beck, Hazel Green, Jr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Payton Godfrey, Gardendale, Sr.; Cole Henry, Florence, Sr.; Jackson Rogers, Spanish Fort, Sr.

Catcher: Nick Ragsdale, Helena, Sr.; Slade Harbin, Jasper, Jr.

First Base: Connor Miles, Clay-Chalkville, Sr.; Walt Bailey, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Jr.

Second Base: Slade Tucker, Hueytown, Sr.; Jalen Ford, Parker, Sr.

Shortstop: Bradley Hulin, Hazel Green, Jr.

Third Base: Joshua Mahand, Shades Valley, Jr.; Trentin Dupper, Decatur, Jr.

Outfield: Mac Boutwell, Saraland, Jr.; Michael Kilgore, Clay-Chalkville, Sr.

Designated Hitter: David Harris, Gardendale, So.

Utility: Jared Bartlett, Opelika, Sr.; A.J. Pierce, Northview, Sr.

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CLASS 5A

First Team

P — Jacob Smith, Calera, Sr.

P — Herndon Akridge, St. Paul’s, Sr.

P — Chase Wilkerson, Headland, Sr.

P — Landon Ezzell, Russellville, Sr.

C — Jake Killingsworth, Headland, So.

1B — Jake Holifield, St. Paul’s, Jr.

2B — Jarrett Eaton, St. Paul’s, Sr.

3B — Neal Gresco, Carroll, Jr.

SS — Zach Dew, Sylacauga, Jr.

OF — Reece Ewing, Faith Academy, Sr.

OF — Brandon Daniels, Springville, Jr.

OF — Nehemiah Pritchett, Jackson, Jr.

UTL — Brayden Baggett, Marbury, Sr.

UTL — Tyler O’Clair, Calera, Sr.

DH — Michael Gilliland, Boaz, Sr.

DH — Chris Sargent, Faith Academy, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Jacob Smith, Calera

Hitter of the Year: Jake Holifield, St. Paul’s

Player of the Year: Chase Wilkerson, Headland

Coach of the Year: Matt Seymore, Faith Academy

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Second Team

P — Gabe Shepard, Faith Academy, Sr.

P — Hayes Atkins, Demopolis, Fr.

P — Matthew McDonald, West Point, Sr.

P — Michael Hiers, Briarwood, Sr.

C — Nick Purvis, Hayden, So.

1B — David Rutledge, Etowah, Sr.

2B — Carson Eddy, Briarwood Christian, Sr.

3B — Nick Embrey, Ardmore, Sr.

SS — Rudy Fernandez, Russellville, Sr.

OF — Jarren Wright, Etowah, Jr.

OF — Kevin Dowdell, Calera, Sr.

OF — Bailey Ward, Sylacauga, Sr.

UTL — Noah Watkins, Lee-Huntsville, So.

UTL — DJ Powell, Jackson, Jr.

DH — Coby McDonald, Valley, Sr.

DH — Garek Hall, Mortimer Jordan, Jr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Will Hotalen, Etowah, Jr.; Carson Villalta, Brooks, So.

Catcher: Caleb Dunagan, Curry, Sr.

First Base: Octavious Palmer, Dallas County, So.;

Jason Hogan, Ardmore, Sr.

Second Base: Jordan Ridgeway, Sylacauga, So.; Jayden Sloan, Brewbaker Tech, Jr.

Shortstop: Davis Petrey, Demopolis, Jr.; Drew Hudson, Arab, Sr.

Third Base: Tri Overby, Beauregard, Sr.; Houston Kitterman, Russellville, Sr.

Outfield: Lane Schnittker, Fairview, Sr.

Designated Hitter: Chase Isbell, Springville, Jr.

Utility: Lake Spurgeon, Brooks, Jr.; Chris Thornton, Eufaula, Jr.

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CLASS 4A

First Team

P — Brody Moore, Oneonta, Sr.

P — Jacob Cravey, Andalusia, So.

P — Dylan Teague, Hokes Bluff, Jr.

P — Tyler Robertson, St. James, Sr.

C — Hogan Nichols, Andalusia, Jr.

1B — Jaylen Childs, Saks, Jr.

2B — Brantley Riley, Dale County, Sr.

3B — Tucker Rhodes, Wilson, Sr.

SS — Daniel Mitchell, Rogers, Sr.

OF — Sam Kimel, Randolph, Sr.

OF — Richard Brinson, UMS-Wright, So.

OF — Ethan Wilson, Andalusia, Sr.

UTL — Jy Lockridge, Cherokee County, Sr.

UTL — Colton Clark, Jacksonville, Sr.

DH — Jackson Devaney, Oneonta, Sr.

DH — Jake Spivey, White Plains, Jr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Brody Moore, Oneonta

Hitter of the Year: Ethan Wilson, Andalusia

Player of the Year: Ethan Wilson, Andalusia

Coach of the Year: Tyler Dent, Andalusia

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Second Team

P — Connor Moye, W.S. Neal, Sr.

P — Ethan Johnson, Cherokee County, Jr.

P — Andrew Norred, White Plains, Sr.

P — Blake Bennett, Haleyville, Jr.

C — Houston Edwards, Hokes Bluff, Jr.

1B — Logan Gaskin, Sardis, Sr.

2B — Skipper Snypes, UMS-Wright, Jr.

3B — Zach Roberts, Leeds, Sr.

SS — Braylon Myers, Oak Grove, Fr.

OF — Jacobey Hawthorne, W.S. Neal, Sr.

OF — Jake Ross, Sardis, Sr.

OF — Braxton Dopson, White Plains, Sr.

UTL — Trace Bright, Trinity, Jr.

UTL — Andrew Cronan, White Plains, Sr.

DH — Cade Stelly, Dale County, Sr.

DH — Hunter Revel, W.S. Neal, Sr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Chase Driver, Holtville, Sr.

Catcher: Sam Harris, Hamilton, Jr.

First Base: Trey Dollar, Madison Academy, Jr.; Drew Beddingfield, West Limestone, Sr.

Second Base: Brayden Buckner, Deshler, Fr.; Jackson Gantt, Tallassee, Jr.

Shortstop: Grayson Evans, Alabama Christian, Sr.; Avery Moates, Wilson, Sr.

Third Base: John Rice, UMS-Wright, So.; Casey Baynes, Tallassee, Sr.

Outfield: Shaw Woodson, St. James, Sr.; Hunter Rhodes, Wilson, Sr.

Designated Hitter: Corrigan Thibodeaux, Thomasville, Jr.

Utility: Camden Lovrich, Trinity, Jr.

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CLASS 3A

First Team

P — Jeffrey Griffin, Mobile Christian, Sr.

P — Parker Garner, Lauderdale County, Sr.

P — Trent McGregor, West Morgan, Sr.

P — Tyler Bell, Prattville Christian, Sr.

C — Ethan Hearn, Mobile Christian, Jr.

1B — Drew Williamson, T.R. Miller, Sr.

2B — Grayson Stewart, Providence Christian, So.

3B — Zack Allen, Plainview, Sr.

SS — Trent Avery, Mobile Christian, Sr.

OF — Hunter Dixon, Cottage Hill, Jr.

OF — Carson Crowe, American Christian, Sr.

OF — Collin Herring, Gordo, Sr.

UTL — Tyler Cruze, Lexington, Jr.

UTL — Lawson Pratt, American Christian, So.

DH — Carter Ledkins, Excel, So.

DH — Taylor Morrow, Piedmont, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Bell, Prattville Christian

Hitter of the Year: Drew Williamson, T.R. Miller

Player of the Year: Ethan Hearn, Mobile Christian

Coach of the Year: Corey Looney, Lauderdale County

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Second Team

P — CJ Hall, Oakman, Sr.

P — Logan Pruitt, Piedmont, Jr.

P — Kade Snell, Wicksburg, So.

P — Logan Ross, Opp, Jr.

C — Slade Brown, Lauderdale County, So.

1B — Jared Faulk, Wicksburg, Sr.

2B — Sam Ladner, Mobile Christian, Sr.

3B — Tanner Jackson, Houston Academy, Sr.

SS — Ethan Baker, Opp, Sr.

OF — Jon Lewis, Providence Christian, Sr.

OF — Jon Avery, Oakman, Sr.

OF — Blade Wisdom, Lauderdale County, So.

UTL — Brantley Nelson, Slocomb, Sr.

UTL — Davis Vails, Gordo, Sr.

DH — Jason Konsler, T.R. Miller, Sr.

DH — Skyler Hutto, West Morgan, 8th

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Tyler Hoffman, Mobile Christian, Sr.

Catcher: Connor Coiro, Prattville Christian, Sr.; Kody Richburg, Opp, Sr.

First Base: Coleman Wright, Providence Christian, Jr.

Second Base: Brodie Byrd, Excel, Fr.; Preston Cox, Prattville Christian, Jr.

Shortstop: Chandler Passons, Bayside Academy, Sr.; Brown Simmons, Montgomery Academy, Sr.

Third Base: JonDawson Tittle, Oakman, Jr.

Outfield: Dylan Hogan, Wicksburg, Jr.; Lane Worley, Opp, Sr.

Designated Hitter: Ridge Wood, Gordo, Sr.

Utility: Malik Inabinette, Montevallo, So.

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CLASS 2A

First Team

P — Dylan Register, G.W. Long, Sr.

P — Daniel Waddill, Leroy, Sr.

P — Samuel Dutton, Westbrook Christian, Fr.

P — Dillan Baldwin, J.U. Blacksher, Sr.

C — Robbie Albright, Vincent, Jr.

1B — Jackson Miller, Luverne, So.

2B — Greyson Robinson, Westbrook Christian, Jr.

3B — Peyton Thomas, Phil Campbell, Sr.

SS — Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke’s, Sr.

OF — Trevor Gentry, Section, Sr.

OF — Brant Rowell, Fyffe, Sr.

OF — Christian Collier, G.W. Long, Jr.

UTL — Cooper Dean, J.U. Blacksher, Sr.

UTL — Dylan Davis, Section, Sr.

DH — John Karr, Leroy, Sr.

DH — Ryan Tomlin, Ariton, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Dylan Register, G.W. Long

Hitter of the Year: Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke’s

Player of the Year: Jeremiah Jackson, St. Luke’s

Coach of the Year: Drew Miller, G.W. Long

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Second Team

P — Brady Garcia, St. Luke’s, Fr.

P — Seth Benefield, Fyffe, Sr.

P — Ben McCardle, Cottonwood, Sr.

P — Colt Smith, Mars Hill, Jr.

C — Slade Simmons, G.W. Long, Jr.

1B — Devan Tinsley, West End, Sr.

2B — Cade Parrish, Mars Hill, Sr.

3B — Matt Snell, G.W. Long, Jr.

SS — Ethan Moore, Winston County, Jr.

OF — Matt Hood, West End, Sr.

OF — Chase Pugh, Leroy, So.

OF — Landon Moore, Mars Hill, Sr.

UTL — Solomon Foster, Leroy, So.

UTL — Chandler Moon, Sheffield, Jr.

DH — Kolby Bragwell, Red Bay, Jr.

DH — Collin Huntley, Mars Hill, Jr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Tucker Patterson, Thorsby, So.

Catcher: Tanner Jones, Thorsby, Fr.

First Base: Ethan Carrouth, Sulligent, Jr.; Braedon Brown, Hatton, Jr.

Second Base: McGwire Stanley, Goshen, So.; Alex Fowler, Falkville, Sr.

Shortstop: Garret Kennedy, Westbrook Christian, Sr.

Third Base: Cullen Stafford, Westbrook Christian, Sr.; Dalton Bunce, Goshen, Sr.

Outfield: Chase Townson, Ider, Sr.; Sam Ragan, Mars Hill, Jr.

Designated Hitter: Jackson Nichols, Falkville, Sr.

Utility: Landon Mura, J.U. Blacksher, Jr.

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CLASS 1A

First Team

P — Jonah Smith, Sweet Water, Sr.

P — Kenneth Adams, Athens Bible, Sr.

P — Christin Brown, Maplesville, Jr.

P — Noah Barnett, Hackleburg, Sr.

C — Cade Abernathy, Athens Bible, Jr.

1B — Brynn McGuire, Hackleburg, Sr.

2B — Sam Contorno, Holy Spirit, Jr.

3B — Austin Slayton, Spring Garden, Sr.

SS — Jeff Hunter, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

OF — Garett Norton, Millry, Sr.

OF — Riley Austin, Spring Garden, Sr.

OF — Brent Schoener, Maplesville, Sr.

UTL — Trace Lentz, Decatur Heritage, Sr.

UTL — Payton Stagner, Fruitdale, Sr.

DH — Braden Pyron, Marion County, Jr.

DH — Jackson Justus, Coosa Christian, Sr.

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Pitcher of the Year: Jonah Smith, Sweet Water

Hitter of the Year: Brent Schoener, Maplesville

Player of the Year: Jonah Smith, Sweet Water

Coach of the Year: Barrett Ragsdale, Spring Garden

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Second Team

P — Joe Hicks, Sumiton Christian, Jr.

P — Aaron Driggers, Kinston, Sr.

P — Aaron Mordecai, South Lamar, Sr.

P — Parker Odom, Brantley, Jr.

C — Stone Fincher, Hackleburg, Jr.

1B — Ross Johnson, Cedar Bluff, Jr.

2B — Austin Finch, Spring Garden, Sr.

3B — Ethan Teague, Cedar Bluff, Jr.

SS — Colby Slayton, Spring Garden, So.

OF — Trent Sams, Sweet Water, Sr.

OF — Greyson Layton, Brantley, Jr.

OF — Evan Crowe, Hackleburg, Sr.

UTL — Sasha Smith, Sweet Water, So.

UTL — Braydon Butts, South Lamar, Sr.

DH — J.T. Waddell, Shoals Christian, Sr.

DH — Jeremy Boler, Holy Spirit, Jr.

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Honorable Mention

Pitcher: Noah Phillips, Highland Home, Jr.

Catcher: Devin Bentheimer, Gaylesville, Sr.; Connor Fordham, Wadley, Sr.

First Base: John Thomas Etheridge, Sweet Water, So.

Second Base: Jake Kilcrease, Brantley, Jr.

Shortstop: Hall Billings, Donoho, Jr.; Jack Dowdle, South Lamar, Jr.

Third Base: Jarrett McLain, Sumiton Christian, Jr.

Outfield: Daniel Phillips, Highland Home, Jr.

Designated Hitter: Bryce Palmer, Waterloo, Jr.

Utility: Lane Lawson, Covenant Christian, Jr.