Celebrating Standout Performances
The Gadsden Times recently unveiled its All‑Area baseball teams, spotlighting the athletes and mentors who have driven remarkable seasons for their schools. The announcement, published in partnership with the USA TODAY Network, underscores the growing talent pool in Alabama’s high school ranks.
Brodie Johnson of Westbrook Christian was crowned Player of the Year after posting a .471 batting average, driving in 41 runs and knocking out 40 RBIs while maintaining a 1.63 ERA with 66 strikeouts on the mound. His all‑around contributions helped the team secure a state title in his junior season.
Coach Ricky Ray Clayton earned Coach of the Year honors after guiding Westbrook Christian to a championship in his inaugural year as head coach. Under his leadership the squad combined disciplined hitting with a stingy pitching staff, finishing the season with a 9‑1 record and a collective ERA under 2.00.
Other standouts include Jeremiah Killen of Collinsville, who batted .447 with 46 RBIs and 20 doubles, and Brody Blevins, also from Westbrook Christian, who posted a .327 average and earned second‑team all‑state recognition. Jordan Lankford of Geraldine turned heads with a .600 average, 67 RBIs and 12 doubles, capturing ASWA 3A Hitter of the Year honors.
Levi Martin of Sardis posted a .547 average, 55 RBIs and nine home runs, earning ASWA 5A Hitter of the Year, while Gavin Lang of Collinsville combined a 105‑strikeout pitching performance with a .596 batting average and 61 RBIs, securing the 3A Player of the Year award.
Additional contributors such as Mason McAteer, Ethan Mendoza, Brady Carden, Dayton Porter, Aiden Johnson, Emmett Daniel and others rounded out a deep field of talent, each posting impressive statistics that reflected the competitive balance across the region.