The Georgia Dugout Club has announced its 2023 all-state baseball teams, and 12 players from the Savannah area have been honored. Savannah Christian led the way with five players chosen for the Class AAA all-state team.
The five Raider players were senior catcher Josh Gates, junior infielder Jayden White, senior outfielder Ely Brown, and senior designated hitter Daegan Strickland named to the Class 3A first team. Junior pitcher Blaine Burnsed was a second-team selection.
"These guys came to work every day at practice and I didn't have to push them, and they were leaders on our squad. It showed throughout the games the entire season," said SCPS head baseball coach Matt Oglesby. "They deserve to be all-state because of their work ethic. The seniors have carried the culture here at SCPS and it will carry on and the coaches throughtout the state notice that. It is great to be recognized for that."
Two other players earned first-team honors, Islands High School junior pitcher Johnny Calloway and junior Benedictine infielder Parker McCoy.
Islands High School head coach Brandon Collins said, "Johnny had a heck of a year for us and deserved his 1st All-State recognition. He pitched in and won some big games for us throughout the year. He has opened up some eyes in the state and will be regarded as one of the best left handed pitcher in the state next year."
Regarding Benedictine's Parker McCoy's selection, new Cadet head coach Jason Pascual said, "It's a tremendous accomplishment for Parker to be named 1st Team All State for the GADC. He has been an integral part of the program for the past few years, and he works so hard at their craft. It is awesome to see his performances be rewarded by the GADC."
Other players from the Savannah area chosen to the all-state teams include:
- Class 7A second team: Blayne Newman, Sr., designated hitter, Richmond Hill
- Class 6A second team: Aaron Benton, Sr., catcher, South Effingham
- Class 4A first team: Johnny Calloway, Jr., pitcher, Islands
- Class 4A first team: Parker MCoy, Jr., infielder, Benedictine
- Class 4A second team: Landon Ludwig, So., pitcher, Benedictine
- Class 3A first team: Josh Gates, Sr., Savannah Christian
- Class 3A first team: Jayden White, Jr., Savannah Christian
- Class 3A first team: Ely Brown, Sr., outfield, Savannah Christian
- Class 3A first team: Daegan Strickland, Sr., designated hitter, Savannah Christian
- Class 3A second team: Blaine Burnsed, Jr., pitcher, Savannah Christian
- Class 1A honorable mention: Konner Leggett, Sr., Bryan County
- Class 1A honorable mention: Tanner Ennis, Jr., Bryan County
These players were all standouts for their respective teams during the 2023 season. They helped their teams to victories and earned recognition for their performances.
A committee selects the Georgia Dugout Club all-state teams. The teams are a way to recognize the state's top high school baseball players from the 2023 season.
The Georgia Dugout Club is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops high school baseball in Georgia. The club was founded in 1999 by high school baseball coaches and administrators.
PHOTO CREDIT: School social media pages
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