Palmer Pioneers named first-team all-state

After leading Palmer to the American Legion Alaska State Tournament for the second consecutive year and the third time in four years, a group of Pioneers have been named to Alaska’s 2022 Legion Team of Excellence.

Catcher Bryant Marks, pitcher Landon Guggenmos and utility player Koen Leaders each received first-team honors. Owen Hayes was an honorable mention as an infielder and pitcher. Guggenmos was also an honorable mention as an outfielder.

Marks hit .326 in 26 games, and also had two home runs, 19 RBI, 38 runs and 10 stolen bases. Leaders hit .387 in 26 games, and finished with 28 RBI, 19 runs and eight stolen bases. On the mound, Guggenmos was 5-2 in eight games with a 3.71 earned run average. He also had 45 strikeouts in 37 innings. Guggenmos hit .360 with 16 RBI and 25 runs in 25 games.

Hayes was 3-1 on the mound with 12 strikeouts and a 3.13 ERA in 11 appearances.At the plate, Hayes hit .364 with 16 RBI and 21 runs in 24 games.

Pitcher Jaren Venie, infielder Alex Bond and outfielder Karsen Spradling were named honorable mention for the Wasilla Road Warriors.

Venie was 2-1 with a 2.90 ERA and 24 strikeouts in nine appearances. Bond hit .302 with 17 RBI and 11 runs in 20 games. Spradling finished with a .339 batting average, 16 RBI and 21 runs in 22 games.

Palmer finished with a 9-7 league record. Wasilla was 8-8 in league play.

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