Liam KeatingTopeka Capital-Journal
TOPEKA — This spring was another incredible season for baseball in the capital city.
The Topeka area was well represented at the state level with Hayden winning the Class 3A state championship while Topeka High and Shawnee Heights qualified for their respective state tournaments, too.
After a season full of highlights, 10 players have been honored for their efforts, named in alphabetical order, for the Capital-Journal’s 2024 All-Area Baseball Team.
David Dobbs, Seaman
The junior was one of the top offensive threats for the Vikings this year. Dobbs was also impressive defensively behind the plate. He helped Seaman reach the regional championship game and conclude its season with an 18-7 record. He was also named First Team All-State in Class 5A and First Team All-United Kansas Conference.
Matt Genrich, Topeka High
The recent graduate helped the Trojans reach the Class 6A state quarterfinals with his production from the plate and at shortstop for the back-to-back regional champions. Genrich is signed to play baseball at Cloud County Community College next year after hitting .347 this spring. He also had 10 extra-base hits while scoring 18 runs and was named to the All-Centennial League second team.
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Cooper Grace, Hayden
The rising senior played an important part in Hayden’s Class 3A state championship run. Grace started the state quarterfinal game and struck out 13 batters allowing one hit in a victory. Every time Grace stepped onto the mound, he was bound to strike out double-digit hitters. Grace finished the year by striking out over 100, which ranked inside the top three in the state.His spring was so successful that he was nominated to the Class 3A First Team and was named All-Centennial League Co-Player of the Year.
Brady Heinen, Hayden
Heinen just completed his junior year in fashion. He helped the Wildcats win the Class 3A state championship while hitting .296, knocking in 19 RBIs and stealing 15 bases. His speed one of his best attributes as a centerfielder.For his efforts, Heinen was also named to the second-team All-Centennial League.
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Camden Horak, Rossville
The recent graduate was Rossville's best player on the mound this season. Horak tossed 40 innings, struck out 77 batters and ended with a 1.40 ERA. He also hit the ball well with a batting average of .403. Horak had 14 RBIs in 22 games and was named to the All-Mid East League list.
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Evan Lenherr, Hayden
Lenherr was one of the top offensive threats for the Wildcats in the Class 3A state tournament. He batted .314 and collected 17 RBIs as he played first base and featured on the mound. His athleticism in earning extra bases was helpful in Hayden’s run to securing a state title. Lenherr was also named to the second team of the All-Centennial League list.
Nathan Plankinton, Topeka High
The Centennial League's Co-Player of the Year was the main catalyst for the Trojans' successful year as he guided them back to the Class 6A state tournament for a second consecutive season. Plankinton had an ERA of 0.13 in 54 innings pitched while striking out 82 batters. Plankinton got it done on the offensive end, too. He hit .345 while driving in 13 runs. He was also named to the Class 6A First Team and will start his college career with Kansas City Kansas Community College this fall.
Shawnee Heights baseball: Standout Deacon Pomeroy excels in the 'most challenging' position
Deacon Pomeroy, Shawnee Heights
The rising senior was one of the best players for the Thunderbirds this spring. He played great defense behind the plate, his natural position. When Shawnee Heights needed him the most, Pomeroy also struck out opponents often from the bump. Pomeroy pitched 6 1/3 innings and struck out 11 in a first-round victory in the regional tournament. The Oklahoma State commit gave the team a spark, which put them on a run to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.Pomeroy was named the Class 5A and United Kansas Conference's Player of the Year.
Dysen Schooler, Silver Lake
The rising senior played multiple positions for Silver Lake this season as he was used readily at shortstop, third base and on the mound. His bat was a big reason for a successful campaign, too. He batted .491 in 19 games with 21 RBIs and 12 stolen bases to help lead the offense. While pitching, Schooler had 18 strikeouts in 21 innings. He was named to the All-Mid East League team following the season.
Fan vote: Who is the Capital-Journal's male high school athlete of the year?
Kyle Walker, Washburn Rural
The shortstop hit leadoff for the Junior Blues while his defensive glove made him one of the hardest players to hit around. Walker’s production at the plate was an added benefit for Washburn Rural, which finished 13-10 overall. The First Team All-Centennial League member had the highlight of his career with a walk-off hit over Shawnee Heights in late April.He will continue his baseball career at Barton Community College.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
