DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Jax Miller of South Williamsport dives safely under the tag attempt by Griffen Harrington of Warrior Run at Bowman Field this year. Harrington was named the Sun-Gazette Player of the Year for baseball this season.

These days it seems like anyone who achieves something special at this moment is crowned the greatest ever by the national media. That in mind, there are no grand statements here, as we do not believe in being instant historians.

But that statement comes with a caveat.

Because while the Committee is not saying he is the best Warrior Run baseball player ever, we are saying this athlete is certainly on the list of nominees.

And that shines a light on how good Griff Harrington has been the past four years. In his final year at Warrior Run, Harrington went out with a bang, again establishing himself as one of the district’s best hitters and pitchers.

During a difficult year in which Warrior Run was short-handed most of the time, Harrington was the calm in the storm and helped the Defenders navigate the choppy seas as they reached the 3A state quarterfinals for the first time.

Between his production in all facets, leadership and clutch play, Harrington stood out among a crowded field and has earned Sun-Gazette Player of the Year honors for a second straight season. Harrington becomes the area’s first repeat Player of the Year since Loyalsock’s Kyle Datres in 2014-15.

Among career leaders in virtually every Warrior Run offensive category, Harrington continued to excel this past season despite often being pitched around. Headed for West Chester, Harrington hit .382 and compiled a .566 on-base percentage while again leading the Defenders in home runs (4), RBIs (25) and doubles (9). He also belted three triples, scored 26 times, stole 13 bases and collected eight multi-hit games.

Harrington was a model of consistency throughout his career and closed it with 19 home runs, 10 triples, 29 doubles, 107 hits, 103 RBIs and 103 runs, producing an impressive 100 triple crown.

What really put Harrington over the top for Player of the Year, however, was his pitching. When the team’s projected staff ace stepped away early in the season, Harrington stepped in a huge way, going 7-2 with a 2.24 ER And 80 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings.

It was not just that Harrington put up good numbers, but when he produced them which made such a difference. He was phenomenal in the playoffs, winning three games, while allowing no runs and just two hits in those contests. After throwing 2 2/3 hitless innings of relief against Troy in the district quarterfinals, Harrington threw a one-hit shutout against top-seeded Wellsboro before throwing a no-hitter against District 2 champion Dunmore in a 1-0 state tournament victory.

Harrington threw 16 2/3 scoreless innings in those games and when Warrior Run needed him to be great, he was nearly perfect. It was an extension of the previous three seasons as Harrington closed his high school career 18-4 with a 2.28 ERA and 195 strikeouts.

Before Harrington and his senior teammates arrived, Warrior Run had won seven games in the previous four seasons. That group, anchored by Harrington, then ushered in one of the program’s best four-year runs, winning two league championships and 62 games, while reaching two district championships and this year’s state quarterfinals.

So, while who is the best Defender baseball player of all times remains an open discussion, one better believe Harrington is heavily involved. Between individual and collective achievements, what a resume he built.

Sun-Gazette Player of the Year nominees

First runner-up–Lucas Naughton, Williamsport: As good as Williamsport was in 2025, something was missing. Naughton was the critical piece and what an impact he made upon returning from an injury which cost him that junior season. Shining in all facets, Naughton took Williamsport to the next level as it went 19-2 and captured a HAC-I championship. Whether catching, playing third base or at shortstop, Naughton was a defensive rock, turning what looked like sure hits into highlight outs in the infield. Naughton may have been even better offensively, reclaiming the status he achieved as a sophomore as one of district’s best lead-off hitters. Naughton hit .450 with a .578 on-base percentage, scoring 34 runs and stealing 20 bases. The team leader homered, slammed eight doubles, drove in 14 runs and ended the year on a 12-game hitting streak. Along the way, Naughton reached base in all 21 games, delivered eight multi-hit performances and set a powerful example.

Second runners-up–Deshaun White, Williamsport and Briar Persing, Montgomery: The same could be said for White who showed why he is receiving major Division I interest while building off his breakout sophomore campaign a year ago. Combining power and speed, White hit a team-best .453 with a .597 on-base percentage. He was second in the area with four home runs, adding two triples and four doubles. White is a five-tool player who scored 30 times, drove in 21 runs and stole 15 bases. White added eight multi-hit games and has played four different positions the last two years, showcasing his versatility.

We will get to Persing’s pitching momentarily, but the Montgomery junior stood out as a hitter, too. A three-year starter who will play at Penn State in two years, Persing led Montgomery with a .483 average and .603 on-base percentage. His 35 RBIs led the area and Persing homered three times, adding three triples, six doubles and 25 runs. An excellent infielder as well, Persing stole nine bases and came back strong after playing through a knee injury which wiped out half of his sophomore year.

Sun-Gazette Pitcher

of the Year

Second runners-up–Cole Gerber, South Williamsport and Trey Damschroder, Williamsport: When the games are biggest, Gerber often is at his best, proving it again this season. In just two years, the sophomore is 5-0 during postseason play, earning two district championship wins, while allowing just two runs in sensational semifinal performances. He was strong all year again as well, going 5-2 with a 2.18 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 57 2/3 innings. Gerber allowed just 38 hits and surrendered just one run in a 5 1/3 innings of a 4-1 district championship win against state champion Southern Columbia. In two years, the left-hander is 13-5 with a 2.28 ERA and 174 strikeouts.

It was not just that Damschroder was outstanding, but it was how he helped carry the pitching staff when injuries limited Cole Deitrick and LJ Hill. Damschroder kept delivering one strong outing after another, going 7-1 with a 1.73 ERA. The left-hander struck out 56 in 48 2/3 innings and was defined as much by his toughness as by his electric stuff. Damschroder so often was at his best when the pressure was highest, becoming the consummate rally killer, including at the Backyard Brawl when he left the bases loaded twice with one out against Montoursville and earned the championship win for a second straight year. Damschroder also hit .358 with 15 RBIs and no errors.

First runner-up–Briar Persing, Montgomery: Back to full strength, Persing looked invincible at times this past season, going a month at one point without allowing a run. The hard-throwing right-hander finished 6-1 with a save and a 0.85 ERA, allowing just 24 hits in 49 2/3 innings. Persing also struck out an area-best 87 batters and threw brilliant shutouts against both District 4 Class AAAA champion Montoursville and AA champion South. Persing shutdown state quarterfinalist Warrior Run as well and enters his senior season with a sparkling 20-3 record and 287 strikeouts. He has never lost more than one game in a season and this was the third straight year in which Persing won at least six games.

Pitcher of the Year–Logan Kirby, Montoursville: After sharing the crown with teammate Jimmy Mussina a year ago, Kirby repeats as Pitcher of the Year by himself, shining a light on how good he was since it took something big to hold off Persing. Kirby was masterful while helping Montoursville reach the state’s Final 4, going 8-1 with a save and a 1.00 ERA. The right-hander allowed just 35 hits in 56 innings and struck out 73 while walking only 12. What pushed Kirby over the top again was his dominant postseason. Running his career playoff record to 7-2, Kirby allowed just one earned run in two playoff victories, striking out 19 in 12 1/3 innings. Montoursville features one of the state’s most storied traditions and has a long line of fantastic pitchers. Kirby put his name up there with them all, going 25-4 with four saves, a 1.75 ERA and 231 strikeouts the last four years. He never allowed more than two earned runs in any of his seven playoff wins and also never lost more than a game in a season. Especially dominant the past two seasons, Kirby went 16-2 and was 5-1 in the playoffs. He also hit .327 with a home run and 18 RBIs this year.

Sun-Gazette All-Star Team

Starting Lineup

1. Lucas Naughton, IF, Williamsport; 2. Deshaun White, OF, Williamsport; 3. Briar Persing, Montgomery, DH; 4. Griff Harrington, IF, Warrior Run; 5. Landen Wagner, OF, Lewisburg (.431, area-high 5 HRs, 3 3Bs, 2 2Bs, 24 RBIs, 38 runs, 7 multi-hit games, 18 SBs, .969 fielding; Career: .415, 98 hits, 57 RBIs, 90 runs, 35 SBs); 6. Noah Kirby, C, Montoursville (.377, .465 obp, 3B, 6 2Bs, 32 RBIs, .417 in playoffs, 3 2Bs, 5 RBIs, 8 multi-hit games, .977 fielding); 7. Marek Mascho, IF, Wellsboro (.456, .500 obp, HR, 12 2Bs, 27 RBIs, 35 runs, hit in 20 of 22 games, 10-game hitting streak to end season, 12 multi-hit games; Career: .424, 118 hits, 100 runs, 76 RBIs); 8. Jahvon La Rosa, IF, Loyalsock (.467, .535 obp, 4 2Bs, 20 RBIs, 12 runs, season-ending 9-game hit streak, 10 multi-hit games); 9. Jed Abernatha, OF, Hughesville (.371, .506 obp, HR, 3 3Bs, 7 2Bs, 13 RBIs, 24 runs, 7 multi-hit games)

Starting Rotation

Logan Kirby, Montoursville; Briar Persing, Montgomery; Cole Gerber, South; Trey Damschroder, Williamsport; Griff Harrington, Warrior Run

Bullpen

Gage Webb, Hughesville (5-2, 1.71 ERA, 45 IP, 28H, 44 Ks, 3-hit shutout in must win vs Berwick, 9 Ks); Cole Deitrick, Williamsport (3-1, 1.29 ERA, 21 1/3 IP, 15 H, 27 Ks); Max Mascho, Wellsboro (6-2, 2.08 ERA, 40 1/3 IP, 26 H, 71Ks, 15 Ks in 8 playoff IP); James Keifer, Warrior Run (7-2, SV, 1.62 ERA, 56 1/3 IP, 43 H, 68 Ks); Mason Bryson, Montgomery (6-0, 2.31 ERA, 27 1/3 IP, 18 H, 34 Ks)

First Team Reserves

Jameson Barlow, IF, Muncy (.500, .590, 7 2Bs, 3B, 15 RBIs, 16 runs, hit in 16 of 18 games, 8 multi-hit games, just 2 errors, 13 SBs); Parker Bennett, IF, Montgomery .400, .566 obp, HR, 2 3Bs, 4 2Bs, 16 RBIs, 33R, 22 SBs, 100-plus hits, 223 career pitching strikeouts); Landon Tillson, C, Warrior Run (.489, .603 obp, 3B, 3 2Bs, 13 RBIs, 18 runs, 10 SBs, 9 mulit-hit games in 17 games, .505 last 2 years with 56 hits, 49 runs); Carter Rhinehart, IF, Jersey Shore (.424, .534 obp, HR, 6 2Bs, 18 RBIs, 18 runs, 9 multi-hit games); Giovanni White, OF, Williamsport (.393, .493 obp, 2 3Bs, 5 2Bs, 15 RBIs, 14 runs, 8 multi-hit games, 0 errors); Clark Bower, C, St. John Neumann (.531, 644 obp; 4 2Bs, 9 RBIs, 9 runs, 4 multi-hit games, three 3-hit games, 961 fielding, zero strikeouts); Andy Hermansen, OF, North Penn-Mansfield (.475, .569 obp, 2 HR, 3 3Bs, 9 2Bs, 14 RBIs, 29 runs, 13 hit streak, hit in 18 of 20 games, 9 multi-hit games, 22 SBs); Cohen Zechman, IF, Warrior Run (.390, .544 obp, HR, 4 3Bs, 3 2Bs, 16 RBIs, 30 runs, 27 SB, .959 fielding, 9 multi-hit games, 87 career hits, 92 runs, 66 RBIs); Coen Tennis, C, Wellsboro (.463, .537 obp, 3 HR, 3B, 6 2Bs, 31 RBIs, 21 runs, 9 multi-hit games, .993 fielding, 56 hits last 2 years, 55 RBIs); Brody Aldenderfer, OF, Montoursville (.338, .484 obp, HR, 5 3Bs, 3 2Bs, 15 RBIs, 32 runs, 6 multi-hit games, 20 SBs, zero errors); Tucker Blasi, IF, Sullivan County (.457, .642 obp, 2 HR, 3 3Bs, 4 2Bs, 13 RBIs, 19 runs); Bailey Gardner, C, Canton (.436, .544 obp, 3B, 9 2Bs, 13 RBIs, 19 runs, season-ending 10-game hit streak, 14 SBs; Career: 71 hits, 59 RBIs, 66 runs)

Second Team

Nolen Pauling, IF, Jersey Shore (.370, .521 obp, 2 HR, 5 2B, 7 RBIs, 24 runs, 5 multi-hit games, 10 SBs, 3-1, 2.80 ERA, 25 IP, 21 hits, 27 strikeouts); Zane Rogers, OF, Williamsport (.304, .379 obp, 2 HRs, 4 2Bs, 25 RBIs, 17 runs); Lincoln Miller, C, Montgomery (.300, .507 obp, 3 2Bs, 10 RBIs, .990 fielding); Graden Dohl, P, Muncy (2-2, SV, 2.26 ERA, 21 2/3 IP, 20 hits, 38 strikeouts); Jaymes Carpenter, IF, South (.379, .513 obp, 2 HR, 3B, 4 2Bs, 14 runs, hit in 19 of 22 games, 4 multi-hit games, .953 fielding); Ayren Morgan, IF, Cowanesque Valley (.426, .537 obp, 2 2Bs, 24 RBIs, 27 runs, 8 multi-hit games, 13 SBs); Corbyn Gardner, OF, Muncy (.304, .365, obp, 3 2B, 11 RBIs, 18 runs, 6 SBs, 4-1, 2.62 ERA, 32 IP, 39 strikeouts); Trace Wertz, C, South (.284, .402 obp, 2 HRs, 4 2Bs, 12 RBIs, .979 fielding); Levi Stahli, P, CV (1-0, 2 SV, 0.36 ERA, 19 IP, 14 hits, 30 strikeouts); Drake Dupont, IF, Loyalsock (.364, .456 obp, HR, 3B, 3 2Bs, 11 RBIs, 11 runs); Dave Hess, IF, CV (.392, .434 obp, 3 3Bs, 5 2Bs, 21 RBIs, 32 runs, .966 fielding, 30 SBs); Zack Neill, P, Montoursville, P ( 2-0, 2 SV, 16 IP, 8 hits, 12 strikeouts)

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Second runners-up–Landen Puderbach, Hughesville and Chase Bennett, Montgomery: Puderbach became a full-time starter on May 2 and rewarded the coaches’ faith in him by helping the Spartans make an impressive playoff push. The sophomore second baseman hit .391 and compiled a gaudy .562 on-base percentage, reaching in all but one start. He also provided strong defense, making just one error, and stole seven bases.

Bennett also flourished as a sophomore, highlighting his potential by hitting .326 with a .446 on-base percentage. Bennett produced a .426 on-base percentage, homered, roped three doubles and drove in 17 runs. His production helped boost the offense and Bennett will likely play a larger role next year, also providing potential pitching depth.

First runner-up–Kamdyn Bubb, South Williamsport: After playing a crucial role as a freshman helping South capture a district crown, Bubb took the next step and was a big reason it repeated. Bubb excelled offensively and on the mound, consistently delivering in key moments. Bubb hit .367 with a .418 on-base percentage, a home run and 13 RBIs. He was just as effective on the mound, going 4-0 with a 2.80 ERA and striking out 26 in 30 innings. He, Gerber and Chance Quimby all return to give South quite a rotation next season.

Breakthrough Player of the Year

Elijah Eck, Montoursville: Eck provided thunder down under in Montoursville’s lineup, acting as a second lead-off hitter from the No. 9 position. Between that, his pitching and his defense, Eck burst onto the scene the way he previously had in football and basketball. A full-time starter for the first time, Eck hit .355 with a .437 on-base percentage, home run, and 22 RBIs. Eck hit a grand slam at Jersey Shore and also scored 19 times, consistently turning the lineup over. Eck may have been even better on the mound, going 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA. The right-hander allowed just nine hits in 20 2/3 innings and struck out 21.

Newcomer of the Year

Second runners-up–Daniel Inman, Canton and Parker Frederick, Loyalsock: Inman wasted no time making an impact, throwing a one-hit shutout in his first high school game last March. The freshman was an innings eater for a young team, striking out 53 in 43 1/3 innings. He was outstanding at the plate as well, hitting .444 with a .507 on-base percentage, 18 RBIs and eight multi-hit games. Frederick’s numbers did not jump off the page, but the freshman lefty threw excellent games against teams like district champion South and state quarterfinalist Warrior Run. Frederick struck out 22 in 25 1/3 innings and also drove in 12 runs despite a back injury limiting his at-bats late in the year.

First runner-up–Garrett Lorson, South: Playing right field and second base, while also catching, Lorson was a rock and made no errors. The freshman displayed good range at all three positions and worked his way up to the No. 2 slot in South’s batting order. Lorson scored 10 times, produced a .312 on-base percentage and played a vital role in all facets in the district final when South beat Southern.

Newcomer of the Year–Gage Baltzley, Wellsboro: Wellsboro enjoyed its best season this decade and Baltzley’s ability to make a seamless transition to high school baseball was a major reason why. Baltzley established himself as one of the NTL’s premier pitchers, going 5-0 with a 1.87 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 30 innings. He was just as good at the plate, constantly getting on base. Baltzley hit .362 and had a .569 on-base percentage for the co-NTL-I champions. Baltzley added 25 RBIs, 20 runs and 18 stolen bases.

Coach of the Year

Second runners-up–Derrick Zechman, Warrior Run; Tyler Albert, Williamsport; Shawn Finn, Muncy: As we mentioned in Saturday’s softball awards, there were many coaches who led their teams to terrific seasons, and some did not make the list, although we tried jamming in a lot.

Zechman helped Warrior Run make history as it overcame injuries and adversity to win 18 games and reach the state quarterfinals. Along the way, Warrior Run won 10 straight games; earned a share of a second straight HAC-III championship and came within three outs of beating eventual state champion Bermudian Springs.

Albert helped Williamsport enjoy its best season this decade as it went 19-2 and earned a share of the HAC-I championship. The Millionaires also set a program 2000s record by winning 17 straight games to close the regular season. Williamsport dealt with costly injuries for a second straight season but won a series of close games and was as resilient as it was good.

Finn helped guide Muncy back to the Class AA playoffs despite having just two senior starters and losing his top two pitchers to injury for much of the season. The young Indians made huge strides down the stretch; stunned Warrior Run in their regular-season finale, then edged Northwest in districts for the program’s first playoff win since 2023. With so many quality players returning next season, the future looks bright.

First runner-up–Chase Waller, South: Two years coaching, two district championships. It has been quite a start for Waller who again helped South play its best baseball at the perfect time. The Mounties navigated one of the district’s most demanding schedules before defeating the district’s top two seeds for a second straight year. In addition to repeating as district champions, South avenged a regular season loss to Montgomery in the semifinals and was the only team to beat Southern over its final 12 contests. The Mounties have reached five straight state tournaments and have a strong foundation movingforward.

Coach of the Year–Jeremy Eck, Montoursville: The Committee is starting to lose track of how many times Eck has won this award, but he again pushed all the right buttons as Montoursville repeated as district champions and reached a second straight Final 4. The Warriors struggled some late in the regular season but Eck and his staff had them firing on all cylinders come playoff time. Eck’s teams have won five district championships and reached three Final 4s in his his eight years at his alma mater. Counting his time at Loyalsock, Eck has led his teams to nine district titles, two state crowns, seven Final Fours, three state finals and two state championships.