LEWISTOWN - The Tri-Valley League all-star team has been released, and although East Juniata and Greenwood had up and down seasons, they still had some hardware handed out to a few players.
The Tigers finished fifth in the league with an 4-8 record in the TVL (9-10 overall), but they had three players make the all-star team.
First up is infielder Tyler Inch. Tiger coach Tim Brubaker had nothing but good things to say about Inch's season.
"Inch played second base for us but he also moved around with some guys pitching and others playing out of position. He was another leader for us," Brubaker said. "You couldn't ask for a better man to be around and he definitely will be missed. Offensively his specialty was working the pitcher and getting walks. He is going to Eastern College and we wish him the best."
Kyle Pannebaker was among the leaders in the TVL in nearly every offensive category. In TVL play, Pannebaker batted .459 with 15 RBI and 14 runs scored. He also led the TVL with six doubles. Brubaker wasn't surprised with Pannebaker's offensive accomplishments.
"Pannebaker has been with us for four years and he anchored our third base for that time. He was a really good leader," Brubaker said. "He grew each and every year and this year he pretty much established himself as the main force in our lineup.
"He led our team in RBI and doubles and tied for the team lead in home runs and even led the team in walks. Pitchers were very cautious to him over the season and he's a very fine young man."
Jesse Watts is last for the Tigers, but definitely not the least as he had a strong season as well. Watts was a catcher and a DH during the season.
"Jesse will be a senior this year and he did most of our catching for us with Ryan Stuck being injured," Brubaker said. "Later in the season he played DH just so we could give him a rest and he grew as a hitter as the season went on.
"He threw out four or five runners and stopped the running game for the opposition and we were able to rely on him."
Brubaker was pleased with how is three all-stars flourished over the season.
"All three of these guys are great and it's a privilege to be around them and watch them grow and they're also fine students."
The Greenwood Wildcats had a tough season and finished 0-12 overall in the TVL, but pitcher Zach McCoy still had a great season. McCoy finished second in the TVL striking out 50 batters and finishing the season with a 3.00 ERA in just 28 innings.
Wildcat coach Mark McCoy knew that when his son was on the mound his team was at their best.
"In order for our team to have a chance to win he had to be on the mound," Mark McCoy said. "He gave us the best chance. There were two or three weeks that we didn't have him because of a hamstring injury and the team didn't feel like they could win. Throughout a tough season, he stayed positive and was always helping his teammates improve."
