Sikeston's Trey Smith selected to play in MHSBCA all-star game

When senior Trey Smith began preparing for his final high school baseball season, one thing he didn't have to worry about was where he'll spend next fall.

The Sikeston outfielder already signed with Rend Lake College in December, so the weight of impressing college coaches in each at-bat was lifted leaving Smith to just focus on hitting.

And hit he did.

Smith enjoyed a bump in nearly every statistical category from a year before which helped the Sikeston baseball team break it's district title drought and give him an opportunity rarely seen for most high school seniors.

Smith was selected to take part in the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association East-West Senior All-Star Game at US Baseball Stadium in Ozark, Mo., on Saturday as part of the MHSBCA Senior All-Star Series. Smith is among just 36 players, split into two teams, that were picked in Class 4.

"It really means a lot," Smith said. "It's a big honor and I'm really excited about it."

Smith led the Bulldogs with a .433 batting average, led the team in home runs (5) and tied for the team lead in RBIs (22) along with Bryce Bays and Wyatt Pratt. He also had an OPS of 1.372.

It was a big boost from last year's numbers when Smith hit .355, had 14 RBI and saw his OBP raise from .510 his junior year to .581.

"I was more relaxed at the plate," Smith said. "I had already signed with Rend Lake and that pressure of finding a college was lifted. I went into the season telling myself to just hunt the fastball. Mostly, it paid off in the end and we had a good season."

Sikeston's lead-off hitter reached base safely in each of Sikeston's 22 games this year. He also ended his senior season with an 11-game hitting streak, including the walk-off winner against Notre Dame in the Class 4, District 1 championship game to lift Sikeston to an 8-7 win in 10 innings for their first district title in 10 years.

"He had a great season for us and is a real leader," Sikeston coach Brett Kolons said. "He's very deserving of this honor."

Sikeston finished the year 15-7 and one win shy of reaching the Class 4 state semifinals.

"This season meant a lot to me, especially being my senior year and winning districts," Smith said. "I really enjoyed playing with those guys. I've played with pretty much all of the seniors since I was six years old. The young guys were fun too."

Smith will be on Team Red (East) during the Senior All-Star Game made up of players from Owensville, Cuba, MICDS, Salem, Union, Sullivan, Lutheran St. Charles and Lutheran South, who defeated Sikeston during their Class 4 quarterfinal May 25.

"The closest thing I can relate this to would be the district game," Smith said about taking part in the all-star game. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Though Smith improved his personal numbers and is being recognized as one of the best the state has to offer, he realized it wouldn't have been possible without the help of others. He mentioned his coaches, former Sikeston baseball star Blake DeWitt and his teammates for pushing him to become the player he is today.

"It's been a great high school career," Smith said.

Also competing in the Senior All-Star Series is South Pemiscot duo Riley Cain and Logan Damesworth. Both will be on Team Red (East) during the Class 1 & 2 game.

Cain was the Bootheel Conference Player of the Year after hitting .548 with 18 RBI, 32 runs and five home runs for the Bulldogs. He was also 5-1 as a pitcher with a 1.92 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 40 innings.

Damesworth, who has signed with Mineral Area College, was 5-3 as a pitcher with a 1.79 ERA, 73 strikeouts and 17 walks in 62.1 innings. He also hit .287 with 13 RBI.

The Class 1 & 2 game is scheduled for 10 a.m., while the Class 4 game is scheduled for 4 p.m.