Award Recognizes Outstanding Performances
The New York State Sports Writers Association unveiled its 2026 all‑state baseball team, selecting 27 athletes from Section 4 and naming seven to the first team. The honor reflects a blend of pitching dominance, batting excellence and clutch performances across multiple classifications.
Aedan Palmer of Elmira highlighted the group with a 6‑2 record on the mound and a 1.50 ERA, helping his squad reclaim the Class AAA Section 4 crown. His contributions underscored the depth of talent that the association sought to celebrate.
Nolan Stark from Oneonta earned a repeat first‑team nod in Class B, guiding his team to a third straight Section 4 title and a Southern Tier Athletic Conference tournament championship. His consistent impact at the plate and on the mound kept the squad competitive throughout the season.
Dasch Benson of Lansing combined a .540 batting average with clutch hitting, capturing Interscholastic Athletic Conference South Large School Division Most Valuable Player honors in Class B. His offensive production added a pivotal dimension to his team's success.
Willoughby Puryear representing Trumansburg posted a .529 average while also delivering a 4‑1 pitching record and a 1.100 slugging percentage in Class C, illustrating a rare two‑way skill set that caught the selectors' attention.
Xander Johnson of Unatego/Franklin turned in a 9‑0 record with a 1.21 ERA and tossed two no‑hitters, cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers in Class C and a cornerstone of his team's unbeaten run.
Class D standouts Tim Green and David Cammer also secured first‑team spots, while Horseheads' Cooper Ball earned a third‑team selection after the program advanced to the state semifinals following its 2025 championship.
The final list was curated by John Moriello, who oversaw the editing process after gathering nominations from sports writers and coaches across the region, ensuring that the team reflected both statistical excellence and overall impact on the field.