The latest edition of the regional baseball awards has crowned two remarkable athletes as co‑players of the year, highlighting a season that blended pitching dominance with batting brilliance.
A Season of Excellence
Cooper Ball, a junior from Horseheads, finished the 2026 campaign with a 9‑2 record on the mound and a .416 average at the plate, striking out 109 batters while maintaining a 0.89 ERA.
Ronin Ault, a senior from Waverly, went 9‑0 with a 0.96 ERA, tossed a 5‑hit shutout in a 2‑1 victory over Scotia‑Glenville, and compiled a .506 batting average that included 10 doubles, two triples, five homers and 37 RBIs.
Horseheads coach Andy Scott praised Ball as "the best all‑around player in Section 4," underscoring the impact both athletes have had on their squads.
The accolades follow championship runs: Horseheads captured the Southern Tier Athletic Conference West title and advanced to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class AA final four, while Waverly secured STAC Central and Section 4 Class A crowns.
Their performances have sparked excitement across the local baseball community, drawing attention to the growing talent pool in upstate New York and setting a high bar for future seasons.