By Kyle Roberts
Ruston High’s baseball squad had 12 players total make the all-District 2-5A team, with four first-teamers, six on the second team and three named honorable mention.
“The kids that made it were very deserving,” Ruston High interim baseball coach Chris Willis said. “All these kids played hard. The thing I’m most proud of is the way that the whole team played the game the right way, regardless of any adversity. They prepared and practiced hard; they were great teammates. None of them are big on individual awards, but they wanted to help the team achieve its goals.”
First team for Ruston were senior pitcher Henry James, junior third baseman Peyton Martin, junior outfielder Jake Simmons, and sophomore outfielder Jackson Lee.
Senior pitcher David Griep and junior pitcher Talan Billberry both were named second team along with senior first baseman Logan Foster, senior utility player Gabe Gaudet, senior outfielder Jacoryian Crowe and junior catcher Kolby Sonnier.
Honorable mention were sophomore infielder Kenden Freeman, junior pitcher Eli Crawford and sophomore designated hitter Lander Smith.
After the coaching change naming Willis interim head coach, the Bearcats would win six of their final 11 games of the season, including a 6-3 win over No. 1 West Monroe during district play in dramatic fashion, scoring six runs in the top of the seventh inning.
“Honestly, (their success) is all about them,” Willis said of the team’s record during his interim tenure. “They stuck together. A lot of what we talked about is culture — sticking together regardless of the adversity, because in life, when something bad happens, how do you respond? I’m really proud of the team.”
Ruston High’s head baseball coaching position is still open at this time.
