The latest edition of High School On SI’s North Carolina Baseball honors has named Gunnar Alm and Jared Hagwood as the state’s Co‑Players of the Year, a distinction that reflects the admiration of fans and coaches alike.
Alm, a senior from the Wolverines, guided his squad to a 17‑10 finish and secured the Western Highlands Conference title. His .451 batting average, 32 hits, 31 RBIs, 11 home runs, 50 runs scored and 41 stolen bases painted a picture of dominance that earned him the All‑Western North Carolina Baseball Player of the Year award from the Citizen‑Times.
Beyond the plate, Alm’s selection to the MaxPreps 2026 Small Town All‑America First Team underscored his national reputation, though he elected to forgo the 2026 MLB Draft in favor of a collegiate career at NC State.
Hagwood, meanwhile, anchored the Wildcats’ 26‑3 campaign that culminated in the NCHSAA Class 4A state championship. The right‑hander posted a 10‑2 record with a 0.76 ERA and 118 strikeouts over 73.2 innings, surpassing the 300‑career strikeout milestone.
His offensive contributions of 22 RBIs and two home runs complemented a defensive presence that earned him Quad County Player of the Year honors and a spot on Prep Baseball North Carolina’s Second Team All‑State.
In 2025, Hagwood added another accolade as the Big East Conference Pitcher of the Year, posting a 1.20 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 58.1 innings while driving in 20 runs and hitting three homers.
Both athletes have drawn attention not only for their on‑field achievements but also for the way they have elevated their programs, setting a benchmark for future generations.
A Dual Legacy
The twin recognitions illustrate how pitching excellence and offensive firepower can coexist at the high school level, creating storylines that resonate beyond the diamond.
As they prepare to step onto college fields, Alm’s commitment to NC State and Hagwood’s upcoming season at Wake Technical Community College promise to add new chapters to their already impressive résumés.