4 Bearcats earn post-season honors

Now that the MSHSAA state playoffs for baseball are in the books, it is now time for post season awards to be handed out with four members of the Dexter Bearcats being selected by league coaches to positions on the 2009 SEMO All-Conference First Team.

Dexter senior Caleb Miller, last season's co-league Most Valuable Player, is a repeat selection to the team as an infielder. Miller batted .482 (27 hits, 4 HR. 19 RBI)) and had an on-base percentage of .624. The right-hander played third base and shortstop for the 'Cats.

Also named to the first team were juniors Ben Mills, Cody Stause and Josh Sifford.

Mills was selected as the league's utility player after seeing duty mainly behind the plate, but also seeing action at shortstop and on the mound. Mills batted .338 with 22 hits, 2 HR's and 12 RBI.

Stause, a hard-throwing left-hander, added a no-hitter to his resume this season while compiling a 4-3 record and a 2.08 ERA in 40 innings and 65 strikeouts.

Sifford is the fourth Bearcats to be named to the first team. The sophomore started the season as a role player early in the season but his bat earned him a starting role by mid-season. He finished with a .432 average with 19 hits, 2 HR's and 8 RBI.

Notre Dame's Dylan Drury was the league's Most Valuable Player, while Bulldogs coach, Jeff Graviett, was the SEMO Conference's Coach of the Year. Notre Dame won the class 3 state title this season.

Other Dexter players selected to the league's honorable mention list included pitcher Mason Noe and outfielders Garrett McKuin and Garrett Laird.

Notes: Look for the Stoddard County Activities Association's All-Conference team in tomorrow's edition of the Daily Statesman along with the Class 3, District 1 All-District team.