County athletes earn 11 All-State spots
By Bart Moss for the FCT
Franklin County landed eleven baseball and softball players on the Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State teams. Of those, nine are underclassmen who will be returning to school next year.
After an impressive, undefeated run through the playoffs and a 5A state championship, the Russellville Golden Tigers landed five players on the 5A All-State team. Four are of those selections will be returning next year.
Senior Jacob Green, sophomore Judd Ward and junior Reed Smith all earned first team honors: Green as a pitcher (12-0; 1.35 ERA, 105 strikeouts), Ward in the outfield (batting average .504), and Smith as a designated hitter (batting average .490).
Junior Landon Oliver earned second team honors as the Golden Tigers third baseman.
Sophomore Cody Greenhill earned an honorable mention slot as a pitcher.
“It was a very special year for us,” said Russellville coach Chris Heaps. “These guys making All-State is icing on the cake for the success that we were able to have this year. We have the belief that the MVP of the team is the team. These young men and their teammates played unselfishly as a team and did what it took each day to excel.
“We are very blessed to have four of the five coming back next year. Hopefully, we can stay healthy and have another great run next year.”
Red Bay had two players make the 2A team. Junior Troy Borden earned second team honors in class 2A as the Tigers third baseman and the Tigers catcher, senior Jade Pound, earned honorable mention honors.
“Troy is a great, all-around player,” said Red Bay coach Richard Maggerise. “This second year in a row to make all-state. Jade is the hardest worker I’ve seen since I’ve been coaching. He was one of only two seniors we had on our team this year. I’m very proud of their accomplishments.”
The youngest player from Franklin County to land on the All-State team was Phil Campbell second baseman, freshman Peyton Thomas, who earned 2A honorable mention honors.
“Peyton is a very hard worker,” said Phil Campbell coach Jonathan Raper. “He works everyday to get better. He is very coachable. He had a great season as a pitcher and hitting.”
Three Franklin County softball players earned second team All-State honors.
Russellville’s freshman Sydney Burcham was a second team 5A selection as a utility player.
“Sydney has a great work ethic, speed, quickness, and a great arm,” said Russellville coach John Smith. “She was born to play fast-pitch softball.”
Tharptown landed two players on the second team 2A All-State team: junior Kaitlyn Vandiver as a first baseman and sophomore Kaylee Bain as an outfielder.
“Both girls are extremely hard workers and very deserving of the honor,” said Tharptown coach Tanna Benford. “I am very excited to have them back next year.”
