H&R Announces All-Area Team Members

Area athletes dominated the Decatur Herald and Review newspaper's All-Area baseball team.

First team members included Devin Smith of Teutopolis, Brent Beals and Lane Koenig of Effingham, and Nic Hutchinson of Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg.

Smith was recognized for his work on the mound, where he finished 9-2 with a 2.22 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 59-2/3 innings. Smith also led the Wooden Shoes in runs, homers, steals and walks.

Beals hit .457 this spring with 23 RBI, but also went 7-1 on the mound and drew praise for his glove work in the infield.

Koenig hit .448 including three home runs, and also struck out 49 batters in 53 innings with a 2.77 ERA.

The best news for Effingham is that Beals and Koenig will be back next year for their senior seasons.

Hutchinson batted .474 with five homers and 39 RBI. He also picked up four pitching wins and delivered good glove work.

Second team members include Austin Johnson of Teutopolis, Drew Gibson of St. Anthony, Matt Kingery of Neoga and Brandon Repking of North Clay. Gibson and Repking are back for their senior seasons.