Robert E. Lee's Rhett Parker slides safely into second base during a game last season.Parker, a sophomore, was recently voted as Newcomer of the Year for 11-6A All-District basebtall team. (Lang White / Correspondent)

Robert E. Lee infielder/designated hitter Rhett Parker posted the highest batting average in District 11-6A. That is the kind of thing that gets you noticed, even if you are an underclassman.

Parker was voted by the district coaches as Newcomer of the Year on the recently released all-District 11-6A baseball team.

Despite the Red Raiders missing out on the postseason, REL received three first-team selections and two second-team slots. Lee also had four players chosen honorable mention following a 16-11 season in which the team finished 8-6 in district, but lost a one-game playoff for fourth place to Rockwall.

Parker began the season hitting near the bottom of the lineup but finished in the middle of the order thanks to a .450 average in league play and .384 overall. Parker scored 19 runs and drove in 15 while finishing with eight doubles, one triple and six stolen bases.

Rhett’s older brother, Mason, was one of three REL standouts to receive first-team honors. Mason Parker was chosen as first-team outfielder thanks to numerous defensive gems, one of which saved the game for Lee in an early district win over Rowlett. Mason also batted .362 with 13 RBIs, five extra-base hits and 12 runs scored.

Also named to the first team were seniors Jonathan Randall and Marc Schwartz.

Randall was chosen as a first-team pitcher. Despite missing games due to injury, Randall went 5-1 in 45 innings with a miniscule 0.93 ERA to go with 31 strikeouts and six walks.

Schwartz was his battery mate. The Red Raiders’ veteran catcher played every inning of every district game for REL and finished with an overall .414 average with 13 doubles and 19 RBIs.

Named to the second team were senior pitcher Jonathan McGown and senior shortstop Parker Bramlett.

Chosen honorable mention were seniors Parker Bates (outfield) and Luke Hamilton (outfield), junior Kade Keener (third base) and sophomore Zach Fernandez (utility).

Cody Sturgeon of district champion Garland Naaman Forest was the league’s MVP, with Rowlett’s Landon Longsworth chosen Pitcher of the Year, Garland Lakeview Centennial’s Jim McCabe the Defensive MVP and Lakeview Centennial’s Kamron Fields the Offensive MVP. The Coach of the Year award was shared by Naaman Forest’s Carey Willingham and Lakeview Centennial’s John Lenihan.

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All-District 11-6A Baseball Team

District MVP – Cody Sturgeon, Sr., Garland Naaman Forest

Pitcher of the Year – Landon Longsworth, Sr., Rowlett

Defensive MVP – Jim McCabe, Sr., Garland Lakeview Centennial

Offensive MVP – Kamron Fields, Sr., Lakeview Centennial

Newcomer of the Year – Rhett Parker, Soph., Robert E. Lee

Co-Coaches of the Year – John Lenihan, Lakeview Centennial; Carey Willingham, Naaman Forest

 

First Team

Pitchers – Marcus Pugh, Jr., Lakeview Centennial; Jonathan Randall, Sr., Robert E. Lee; Chandler Fidel, Sr., Naaman Forest; Logan Worswick, Sr., Garland Sachse; Ethan Maxey, Jr., Rowlett

Catcher – Marc Schwartz, Sr., Robert E. Lee

Infielders – Israel Vallejo, Sr., North Garland; Clarke Sr., Creel, Rowlett; Will Frizzell, Jr., Rockwall; Garret Hermes, Jr., Rowlett; Diego Muniz, Soph., Rockwall

Outfielders – Mike Williams, Sr., Rowlett; Daniel Quintinilla, Sr., Garland; Mason Parker, Sr., Robert E. Lee; Ben Ballard, Sr., Naaman Forest; Cameron Valle, Sr., Naaman Forest

Utility – Nick Colacecchi, Sr., Rockwall

Designated Hitter – Tristin Marcus, Jr., Rowlett

Second Team

Pitchers – Jonathan McGown, Sr., Robert E. Lee; Brooks Helmer, Soph., Rockwall; Justin Lewis, Jr., Sachse; Nathan Hutchison, Sr., Garland

Catcher – Dylan Watts, Jr., Rowlett

Infielders – Jake Terry, Sr., Rowlett; Blake Strunk, Sr., Lakeview Centennial; Pablo Hernandez, Sr., Naaman Forest; Logan Layer, Soph., Rowlett; Parker Bramlett, Sr., Robert E. Lee

Outfielders – Logan Beshires, Sr., Naaman Forest; Jaylen Prince, Sr., North Garland; Bennett Laurence, Soph., Rockwall; Donovan Duvernay, Sr., Sachse

Utility – Alex Bean, Sr., Lakeview Centennial

Designated Hitter – Michal Fry, Jr., Sachse