The Pennsylvania State Baseball Coaches Association has released its all‑state teams for the 2026 season, and seven athletes from the Beaver Valley area have earned spots on the honored lists. Selections from Hopewell, Ellwood City, Riverside and Blackhawk reflect a season of remarkable performance across multiple programs.
Pitching Prowess
Kingston Krotec of Hopewell led the rotation with a microscopic 0.79 earned‑run average and fanned 58 batters, while Matt Santillo of Riverside logged 81 ⅓ innings, posted a 0.78 ERA and struck out 99 opponents. Aaron Lake from Ellwood City added a 0.98 ERA and was a key piece of a team that captured the WPIAL championship.
Offensive Production
Charlie Smetana of Hopewell batted .382 and drove in 19 runs, earning a second‑team nod, while Jordan Keller of Ellwood City posted a .500 average with 27 hits and 19 RBIs. Carter Davis of Blackhawk contributed 24 hits and 17 RBIs, helping his squad to a strong campaign. Ben McDonald of Hopewell added six home runs and 10 RBIs to his stat line.
Season Highlights
The standout performances not only secured individual accolades but also propelled their teams to notable achievements, including a WPIAL title for Ellwood City and competitive outings from Riverside and Blackhawk. Coaches and teammates alike praised the athletes for their dedication, and the recognition serves as a testament to the depth of talent emerging from the Beaver Valley region.