Three from Oran, two from ND find spots on state list

Oran may not have tracked down its elusive first Class 1A state baseball championship this year, but the Eagles' junior-laden lineup opened a few eyes in its quest.

Oran, which finished its season 20-5 and third in the state, placed three players on the 1A all-state first team released today by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.

Honored from Oran are junior pitcher Trey Graviett, junior catcher Nathan Seyer and junior first baseman Tyler Cookson, who was selected at the utility and DH spot.

Notre Dame, which finished third in Class 2A, saw two seniors rewarded. The Bulldogs, who finished with a 19-6 record, had first baseman Tim Wencewicz selected to the first team and second baseman Shane Kistner chosen to the second team.

Lefthanded pitcher Kyle Long of Woodland was also selected to the 2A second team after a big senior season.

Graviett, a pitcher and outfielder, finished the season strong at the plate, lifting his average to .414, hitting six home runs and driving in 31 runs. He also had a stellar season on the mound, going 7-4 with a 1.79 ERA.

Seyer batted .513, scored a team-high 41 runs, hit five home runs and finished with 30 RBIs. He also threw out 17 of 27 base runners from behind the plate.

Cookson batted .417 with 27 RBIs and scored 33 runs. The Eagles' cleanup hitter, he also had 11 doubles.

Wencewicz endured an injured knee all season but still enjoyed a productive year as the Bulldogs' first baseman and designated hitter. He batted .474, hit seven home runs and collected 24 RBIs.

Kistner finished his final season with a .468 batting average, three home runs, 23 walks, 22 RBIs and 31 runs.

Long struck out 88 batters in 45 innings while compiling a 6-1 record and 0.93 ERA. He also batted .363 with four home runs.

Other players honored from around the region: Blake DeWitt (3A first team, IF) and Jamie Puckett of Sikeston (3A second team, IF); Nathan Baker of Kennett (3A second team, P); and Cody Boyer of Dexter (3A second team, OF).