Bieser, Heberlie Both All-State

By ERIC X. VICCARO

EVICCARO@STEGENHERALD.COM

UNION — The Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association announced all-state selections this past Monday.

Those selections for all six state classes were made during a meeting last Saturday at Southern Boone High School in Ashland.

And four Valle Catholic High School players were deemed fit for all-state honors, with outfielder Aiden Heberlie and catcher Josh Bieser both first-team selections. Warriors Jayden Gegg and Chase Fallert were second-team honorees.

“I think any time you get a large amount of postseason honors, it speaks to the fact that we had a successful season on the field (conference champs and district champs),” said Valle Catholic head coach Nathan Gegg.

“Area coaches think highly of our kids, and just how good they were,” Gegg added. “We put up some pretty impressive numbers, and that also helps when it comes to voting for these awards.”

It was a banner season for Valle Catholic, which won its first-ever district title in Class 4.

The Warriors finished with a 28-5 record, bowing out to Kennett in the Round of 16. They earned a hallmark victory over Class 6 Christian Brothers College in April.

Zach Boyer turned in the most decorated season for Ste. Genevieve, which finished with a 12-16 mark — including a 4-1 victory over cross-town rival Valle Catholic during the Mineral Area Activities Association conference tournament.

“It’s a great honor for our kids to be recognized for their achievements by the area coaches,” Ste. Genevieve head coach Michael McDaniel explained. “A lot of hard work goes into preparing for a season, and being rewarded for their hard work is an accomplishment.”

Yes, the Dragons had a rollercoaster season; but, it wasn’t easy adjusting to schedules made on the fly because of an unsettled weather pattern during April. Ste. Genevieve set a new school record for stolen bases in a season with 75, including 19 from Zach Boyer.

Heberlie, who has verbally committed to Missouri, posted a .429 batting average with a .661 slugging mark. He sprayed 48 hits overall, including 16 doubles, two triples and two home runs with 37 RBI and 44 runs scored.

In addition, Heberlie speed was on display with great range as an outfielder, and a whopping 47 stolen bases to boot.