All-State Honors Celebrate Local Talent
Edwardsville and Father McGivney high schools each contributed two athletes to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State teams, a testament to the depth of talent in the region.
For Edwardsville, senior right-hander Hunter Baugh and veteran pitcher Tony Eberlin earned Class 4A selections, while Father McGivney’s junior Omar Avalos and senior Isaac Wendler were recognized in Class 2A.
Baugh capped a standout season with a .429 batting average, adding two home runs and 30 runs batted in, while also pacing the Tigers with 35 runs scored and 40 hits. On the mound he went 3-1 with a 2.71 ERA over 20.2 innings, underscoring his two-way impact.
Eberlin, whose career closed at 9-0 with a 1.72 ERA and a team-best 62 strikeouts in 61 innings, leaves a record of consistency and poise that helped the Tigers secure a dominant campaign.
Avalos batted .505 as a junior, driving in 35 runs and stealing a team-high 35 bases, while Wendler finished his high school career as the Griffins’ all-time leader with 17 home runs and 165 hits, having hit .444 and launched eight homers with 48 RBI.
Records That Echo Beyond the Diamond
The achievements of Baugh, Eberlin, Avalos and Wendler reflect more than individual stats; they signal a culture of excellence that ripples through the local baseball community, inspiring younger players and drawing attention to the schools’ programs.
Both schools celebrated the honorees with ceremonies that highlighted the students’ dedication, academic balance and community service, reinforcing the broader mission of high school athletics.
The Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association, in partnership with institutions such as Lindenwood University and the University of Illinois Springfield, continues to spotlight these talents as they prepare for the next level of competition.