The 2026 Canton Repository All‑Stark County High School Baseball honors spotlight two exceptional figures from the region: North Canton Hoover senior Jack Andes is named Stark County Player of the Year, while Lake Center Christian mentor Shane Byler earns Coach of the Year honors. Andes, a Bowling Green recruit, helped his team capture the Federal League championship and advance to the state semifinals, showcasing versatility as a center fielder, leadoff hitter and closer. Byler guided Lake Center Christian to its first ever state title, cementing his legacy after four years that produced 101 wins, four district crowns, two regional championships and the historic state victory.
Player of the Year: Jack Andes
Andes batted .383 with four home runs, 20 RBIs and 32 runs scored, while posting a 1.24 ERA and striking out 46 batters in 34 innings on the mound. He also stole 44 bases without a single error, and his football prowess added 21 touchdowns and 1,593 yards of offense, drawing attention from multiple collegiate programs.
Coach of the Year: Shane Byler
Byler’s four‑year tenure at Lake Center Christian culminated in a perfect blend of discipline and development, delivering a program that had never before reached the pinnacle of Ohio baseball. Under his guidance the team posted 101 victories, captured four district titles, added two regional championships and ultimately secured the school’s inaugural state championship, a milestone that now ranks as the tenth statewide crown in Stark County baseball history.
All‑County First Team Spotlight
The first team features standout performers such as Anderson Alacchi, Nathan Bryant and Grant Coblentz, and also includes Mason Ashby, Bo Davis, Evan Fuller, Luke Heckert, Kenyon Oakes, Ethan O'Byrne, Mike Ritterbeck, Caleb Shelly, Luke Spittler, Tommy Strain, Landon Thiel and Brock Woods. Each of these athletes contributed key statistics that helped shape the county’s competitive landscape, from dominant pitching outings to clutch hitting performances.
Additional talent was recognized on the second team and through honorable mentions, highlighting standout players from schools across Stark County including Fairless, Minerva, Marlington, Louisville, Massillon, Perry, Sandy Valley, Tuslaw, East Canton, GlenOak, Central Catholic and Northwest. Their contributions, though not always reflected in the headline stats, were vital to their respective squads’ successes throughout a demanding season.