Loyalsock freshmen Kyle Datres and Jimmy Webb competed against South Williamsport slugger Ryan Orgitano in two memorable games last year while Montgomery pitcher Garrett Shnyder turned the postseason into his personal dominant showcase.
Now all four players are on the same team.
Datres, Webb and Orgitano recently were selected to the Pennsylvania High School Baseball Coaches Association Class AA all-state first team. Shnyder earned Class A first-team honors.
Second team area selections, included Jersey Shore's Colton Potter and Tellef Notevarp at Class AAA, as well as South's Alex Carpenter and Warrior Run's Tyler Rivers in Class AA.
Datres, the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year, was selected as an infielder after hitting .519 and having a .582 on-base percentage while belting nine doubles, three triples and three home runs. Datres, who helped Loyalsock go 21-3 and capture the District 4 Class AA championship, also had 25 RBIs from the lead-off spot and stole 16 bases while hitting .500 in the postseason. He also went 9-0 on the mound with a 0.96 earned run average.
Webb made a smashing freshman debut, establishing himself as one of the state's best right fielders. Webb used his blazing speed to cover ample ground and also to become an offensive weapon whenever he reached base. He hit .507 with eight triples, 26 RBIs and a staggering .729 on-base percentage.
Orgitano had one of the best years in South history and led the Mounties to the district final in addition to its first state playoff appearance in 10 years. The hard-hitting, slick-fielding first baseman hit .597 with nine home runs, a District 4-high 45 RBIs, 38 runs and 13 doubles. The three-year starter ended the season on an 18-game winning streak and made just one error at first base while making repeated big plays that saved potential runs from scoring.
Shnyder had the best year in Montgomery history, leading the Red Raiders to their first Class A state final appearance. The senior was downright amazing throughout the postseason, throwing 20 straight scoreless innings and three consecutive shutouts while going 4-0 and helping Montgomery win the district title and reach the state final. The four-year starter allowed only one earned run in 24 potseason innings and struck out 36, finishing the year with a 9-2 record, a 1.20 ERA, three shutouts and 90 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings.
Notevarp and Potter both were recognized after helping Jersey Shore have its best season ever. Notevarp earned Sun-Gazette Pitcher of the Year honors after going 9-0 with a save, a 0.99 ERA and 63 strikeouts. The senior threw a perfect game against Selinsgrove and was dominant in the postseason, throwing consecutive shutouts in the district final and state tournament opener. Potter developed into a sensational shortstop, making several outstanding plays while hitting .406 with 20 runs, seven doubles and a .512 on-base percentage.
Carpenter dominated a series of opponents throughout South's 19-win season, going 8-2 with a 1.22 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 67 innings. He also threw four complete-games, stifled Montoursville in districts and held opponents to a .203 batting average.
