Hornets attract all-state honors

Advance's baseball team started the season with little fanfare, only to reel off 14 straight wins and eventually knocking off defending district champion Oran en route to its first district title since 2002 and an 18-3 finish.

The Hornets were rewarded with three all-state selections on the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters All-State Team, which was released today.

Jeremy Limbaugh, a junior, was a first-team infielder after hitting .574 with 11 home runs, 46 RBIs and 35 runs scored. Fellow junior Darrell Wade was a second-team catcher. Wade hit .447 with 18 RBIs, 29 runs scored and 16 stolen bases. Sophomore Trent Moses was a second-team pitcher. Moses had a 1.32 ERA, with a 6-1 record and 69 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings. At the plate, Moses hit .569 with 33 RBIs and 23 runs.

Also in Class 1, Oran freshman Caleb Seyer made the first-team outfield. Seyer hit .418 with 33 RBIs, nine home runs and 37 runs.

Jackson, which also won its first district title since 2002 and finished 19-4, landed two all-state players. Jason Meystedt, a senior pitcher and outfielder, made the first-team outfield. Meystedt hit .412 with seven home runs, 28 RBIs and 24 runs. On the mound, Meystedt had a 2.46 ERA and struck out 52 batters in 59 2/3 innings.

Indians ace Tyler Beussink, also a senior, made second-team pitcher. Beussink compiled an 8-0 record with a 0.95 ERA in 51 2/3 innings. Beussink struck out 38 and walked just six.

Also making second-team pitcher in Class 4 was Central sophomore Brad LaBruyere. LaBruyere finished with a 0.92 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 68 2/3 innings. As the Tigers' ace, LaBruyere finished with an 8-2 record with two saves. Among his eight wins were two no-hitters, including one against rival Notre Dame.

Coaches' teams

The Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association also recently released their all-state list with several area players receiving honors.

Jackson's Beussink and senior outfielder Derrick Biri each made honorable mention in Class 4. Biri hit .343 with 28 runs scored and 31 stolen bases.

In Class 3, Notre Dame ace Jeremy Brinkmeyer made second-team pitcher. Brinkmeyer finished with a 9-0 record and a 0.85 ERA in 57 2/3 innings.