Valley players named all-state

WASILLA — As the top team in the state during the regular season, the Alaska Road Warriors boasted one of the top batting lineups in the state. And right at the heart of the order was infielder Ben Ross.

Ross, a Colony High School incoming senior, was one of three Road Warriors named to the 2013 Alaska Legion American Legion Baseball All-State Team of Excellence.

Ross, who joined Road Warriors pitchers Jonathan Boyer and Tyler Boensch on the all-state list, led the state with 32 RBI during the regular season.

“He had super good production at the plate,” Road Warriors head coach Myrl Thompson said. “He probably led our team in most batting categories.”

Ross finished the regular season with a .354 average and .432 on-base percentage. He also led the state with three home runs and was among state leaders in runs (32), triples (five) and doubles (six).

Boyer, a recent Colony High graduate, was one of a half-dozen starting pitchers named to the all-state list. He finished the regular season 4-0 with a 2.56 earned run average, while fanning 33 batters.

Boensch also earned all-state honors after emerging as the Valley team’s top option in the bullpen. He was one of two relievers selected.

Boensch, a Wasilla High product, finished 3-0 with a 2.83 ERA. He also saved three games and struck out 23.

After finishing as the top team in the state and earning the top seed in the state tourney, Thompson was disappointed only three Road Warriors were named to the list.

Thompson said he thought second baseman Russ Ruta and catcher Morgan McJimsey were among the players who should have been recognized.

Twenty-nine players were named to the list. Eagle River and South each led the state with five selections. Chugiak and Juneau landed four players each on the list.

2013 Alaska American Legion Baseball All-State Team of Excellence

Infield:

Mike Rosenberg, Eagle River; Tal Norvell, Juneau; Bryan Baker, South; Conner Cimmiyotti, Chugiak; Ben Ross, Wasilla; Kellen Johansen, Juneau; Deven Ferriss, Chugiak; Hector Rivera, Kenai.

Outfield:

Matt Ilailo, South; Ricky Ayala, Eagle River; Deray Alex, Bartlett; Ryan Caron, Service; Tod Baseden, Juneau; Jacob Hilowitz, West.

Utility:

Brad Butcher, South; David Fuller, Eagle River; Zach Schmidt, Bartlett; Zach Ferntheil, Service.

Catcher:

Alec Valdez, South; Chase Wilson, Chugiak; RJ Dirscherl, Eagle River.

Starting pitcher:

Josh Crapps, South; Tanner Petrie, Juneau; Chase Wilson, Chugiak; Jonathan Boyer, Wasilla; David Fuller, Eagle River; Brandan Mahle, Kenai.

Relief pitcher:

Tyler Boensch, Wasilla; Grant Remmer, Dimond.