The News Tribune is inviting readers to select the high school baseball Athlete of the Week for games played between May 18 and 23. The poll remains open until noon on Friday, giving the community a chance to recognize the players who have made the biggest impact on the diamond this spring.
Rising Stars Light Up the Diamond
Several pitchers have turned in dominant outings, including Quentin Bockhorn of Gig Harbor, who tossed six shutout innings in a 6‑0 victory over Liberty, and Tyler Buol of Decatur, who completed a 2‑1 win over Snohomish with a masterful full‑game effort. Both performances underscored the depth of talent across the state’s classifications.
Offensive fireworks have also defined the week, with Xander Cypher of Sumner delivering a 2‑for‑3 effort that included two doubles and three RBI in a 9‑2 triumph over Kennedy Catholic, while Landen Parker of Decatur capped a tight contest with a walk‑off single that secured a 2‑1 win over Snohomish in the Class 3A quarterfinals. Additional highlights featured Craig Sale of Curtis scoring three runs and delivering a clutch double, and Gabe Schrader of Orting delivering a complete game that powered his team to a 5‑1 victory.
The breadth of talent extends from the hard‑hitting bats of Connor Hardy, who smashed two doubles and drove in five runs for Olympia, to the clutch hitting of Jimmy Womach, whose RBI single helped Tumwater to a 7‑0 win over Port Angeles. With each game adding new storylines, the poll offers a snapshot of the dynamic competition that defines Washington high school baseball this season.