Following highly-successful 2016 campaigns for both the Minden Crimson Tide and Lady Tiders, baseball and softball all-district teams were released late last week.
Baseball
Blake Branch/Press-Herald
The Crimson Tide (14-12, 8-2 District 1-4A) finished as district runner-up to the Benton Tigers. The senior-heavy squad got hot down the stretch in district, including an exciting home victory over North DeSoto in extra innings. For their efforts, nine Tiders landed on the 1-4A all-district team.
First team selections for the Tide were pitchers Trace Francis and Gavin Smith, catcher Matt Eskew, infielder Gunner Stephens and outifelder Justin McCready. First baseman Cade Coleman was selected to the second team infield, followed by Aubrey Dennis who was selected to the second team outfield.
Seniors Peyton Gray (infielder) and Jordan Lyday (outfielder) rounded out the Tide’s all-district list with honorable mention selections.
Eight of Minden’s nine all-district players were seniors, leaving big shoes to fill for the 2017 season. Eskew returns to lead the Tide next season.
Softball
Blake Branch/Press-Herald
Blake Branch/Press-Herald
The Minden Lady Tiders haven’t enjoyed much success in recent years, but this season provided a spark to the program as the Lady Tiders finished 13-11 and earned a spot in the Class 4A playoffs.
Olivia Osborne was the lone first team selection for the Lady Tiders, earning first team Utility and Infield. Osborne also handled pitching duties for the Lady Tide.
Antasia Rhodes made the second team as an infielder and Ma’Liyah Newman garnered second team honors in the outfield.