Three Barton Community College baseball players earned post season recognition for their play this season when the all-conference teams were announced at the end of the season.

Evan McDonald was selected as a second team pick at second base while Jordan Plank and Lance White both earned honorable mention for the Cougars.

The All-Jayhawk West team was headlined by Francisco Alvarez of Garden City as the Broncbuster catcher was selected as the Most Valuable Player. Max Simpson of Hutchinson was tabbed as the Most Valuable Pitcher and Johnny Balsamo of Dodge City was picked as the Freshman of the Year.

Dodge City coach Phil Stephenson was tabbed the Coach the Year. Stephenson led Dodge City to a second place finish in the West during the regular season and to the Region VI championship in the post season. Dodge City will take on Northwest Florida State this weekend to start the NJCAA World Series.

McDonald led the Cougars with a .369 batting average this season. He also led Barton with 43 runs scored, 69 hits, and four triples. The sophomore from Platte City, Mo. was second on the team with 19 stolen bases, a .441 on base percentage, and 20 walks.

His play in the field was solid as well with a .946 fielding percentage and was part of 20 double plays. He led Barton with 124 assists.

White earned honorable mention at third base for Barton. He led the Cougars with six home runs and tied for the team lead in RBI with 31. His .510 slugging percentage was tops and his 12 doubles were tied for the most on the club.

The freshman from Midland, Texas hit .306 during the season and scored 39 runs.

Plank was the only pitcher to earn honors with his honorable mention selection. Plank started 12 games for Barton this year going 7-2 on the mound with a 2.91 ERA. The sophomore from Wichita Heights High School struck out 55 batters and walked 20 in 77.1 innings of work.

Barton ended its season with a 16-16 record in the West in sixth place. The Cougars were 26-27 overall on the season.


All Jayhawk West
Coach of the Year – Phil Stephenson, Dodge City
Most Valuable Player – Francisco Alvarez, Garden City
Most Valuable Pitcher – Max Simpson, Hutchinson
Freshman of the Year – Johnny Balsamo, Dodge City

First Team
Pitcher, Max Simpson-Hutch
Pitcher, JB Olson-Seward
Pitcher, Connor Osburn-Butler
Catcher, Francisco Alvarez-Garden
First Base, Ethan Schlesener-Pratt
Second Base, Ted Ramirez-Garden
Shortstop, Alex White-Seward
Third Base, Brandon Rix-Seward
Utility, Mason Brown-Garden
Outfield, Johnny Balsamo-Dodge
Outfield, Skylar Dean-Pratt
Outfield, Marvin Malone-Colby

Second Team
Pitcher, Hayden Howard-Seward
Pitcher, Luke Crabb-Dodge
Pitcher, Andrew Riddell-Dodge
Catcher, Brent Williams-Seward
First Base, Cory Slater-Butler
Second Base, Evan McDonald-Barton
Shortstop, Zach Baker-Butler
Third Base, Leno Ramirez-Dodge
Utility, Jeremy Stidham-Colby
Outfield, Jordan Harris-Hutch
Outfield, Brandon Urquizo-Seward
Outfield, Brooks Benson-Garden

Honorable Mention
Pitcher, Emilio Foden-Cloud
Pitcher, Jordan Plank-Barton
Pitcher, Brandon Koehler-Colby
Catcher, Alixon Herrera-Cloud
First Base, Chris Penne-Hutch
Second Base, Haden Hernandez-Hutch
Shortstop, Quintin Crandall-Hutch
Third Base, Ben Dalke-Colby
Third Base, Lance White-Barton
DH, Josh Williams-Dodge
Utility, Bryant Klusener-Butler
Outfield, Mack Gowing-Hutch
Outfield, Ty Redington-Butler
Outfield, Jake Wells-Cloud