1A, 2A All-State teams released

~Oran places three on first team

COLUMBIA -- The Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association released the All-State Baseball Team for Class 1A and 2A today.

Oran was very well represented in 1A with three players on the first team -- pitcher Trey Graviett, catcher Nathan Seyer and utility man Tyler Cookson.

This year the trio led the Eagles to a 20-5 record, placing third in the state. All three are juniors.

"They are all very deserving," said Oran head coach Mitch Wood. "I think the kids were a little disappointed that we didn't win the state championship, but we were happy to make the Final Four."

Seyer had a stellar year as Oran's catcher, batting .513 with 41 hits, four doubles, two triples, five home runs and 30 RBIs. He also led the team with 41 runs and 17 stolen bases.

Behind the plate, he threw out 17-of-27 runners on attempted steals.

"He's the best catcher in the area," said Wood. "He did a good job behind the plate this year and definitely hit the ball well. When you put up those kind of numbers, you deserve to get recognized."

Graviett was Oran's top pitcher with a record of 7-4 and a 1.79 ERA. He struck out 88 batters in 63 innings, and was productive at the plate as well. He carried an average of .414 with six doubles, six home runs and 31 RBIs. He also stole 11 bases and scored 33 runs.

"We expected a little more out of him pitching, but his hitting came around for us at the end of the year," said Wood. "He won a lot of big ballgames for us."

Cookson played first base for Oran this year. He batted .417 with 11 doubles, one homer, 27 RBIs and scored 33 runs.

"He hit the ball well and played real well for us defensively," said Wood. "When it comes clutch time, he was probably the player I would rather have up there than anybody."

Around the area, Ellington catcher Levi Cowin also made the 1A first team. Cowin averaged .522 with six home runs and 17 RBIs. As a pitcher, he went 4-1 with a 1.86 ERA. Ellington lost to Advance in the 1A sectionals.

Winona catcher Cody Nicholson and utility man Jarod Kelly are both second team all-state. Nicholson batted .650 with eight home runs for Winona's 17-1 squad. Kelly batted .580 with eight homers and was MVP of the Black River Conference.

Winona lost to Ellington in the district championship.

In Class 2A, Notre Dame infielder Timmy Wencewicz is first team all-state. The senior first baseman batted .448 with seven home runs and 23 RBIs. Notre Dame took third in 2A this year with a 19-6 record.

Teammate Shane Kistner was placed on the second team. The senior second baseman averaged .477 with three home runs and 22 RBIs.

Clearwater catcher Tyler Henson and Woodland pitcher Kyle Long are also second team all-state. Henson batted .571 with 38 RBIs.

Long went 4-1 as Woodland's ace with a 1.15 ERA. Long was one of the area's top pitchers, recording three games with 15 or more strikeouts. In a 3-2 loss to Chaffee, he recorded 16 strikeouts.

The Class 3A and 4A teams will be released on Thursday.