The recent all-state baseball selections have put a spotlight on the exceptional talent emerging from central Missouri’s high school programs.
DeMint and McCarty Lead the Charge
Drew DeMint, a senior outfielder from Centralia High School, earned a first‑team nod after setting multiple school records, most notably the all‑time hits record, while Chance McCarty was recognized as an honorable‑mention infielder after leading the team in hits and runs.
Centralia’s achievement extends beyond the two standouts; six players from the school were named to the all‑state list, and several of them established new school benchmarks across categories such as catches, pitching wins and batting averages.
Other Notable Honorees
Cooper Gehring was selected as a first‑team catcher and set a single‑season hits record, while Grant Kendrick earned second‑team pitcher honors with a new win total for the season. Oliver Bohlmeyer, also a second‑team outfielder, broke the single‑season runs record, and Chase Kempker, a second‑team designated hitter/utility player, posted a record‑low ERA.
Cole Higginson received honorable‑mention outfielder status after establishing a new home‑run record, and Anthony Ford, another honorable‑mention designated hitter/utility player, set career marks for RBIs, walks, doubles and plate appearances.
North Callaway’s Rising Star
Coltyn O’Neal from North Callaway was named a Class 3 second‑team infielder and set a school record for stolen bases, having led his team with a .435 batting average, 37 hits, 35 runs and a 1.121 OPS.