ASWA names Maggerise Class 2A Coach of the Year
Red Bay’s Richard Maggerise was named the Class 2A Baseball Coach of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
Maggerise led the Tigers to the quarterfinals of the Class 2A baseball playoffs this spring – the deepest the school has gone since 1993.
“I am extremely humbled and honored to recognized across the state for what we have been able to accomplish at Red Bay,” said Maggerise. “Six years ago, teams wanted to play us to get an easy win. Now teams know and understand the style of baseball we can play here. For that, I am grateful to have had a hand in creating.
“There is no way this achievement could have happened without the dedication of both great players, both present and past, and the assistance of great assistant coaches like Jamie Purser.”
Two Franklin County baseball players earned All-State First Team nods: Phil Campbell sophomore pitcher/infielder Ridge Raper in Class 3A and Red Bay pitcher/infielder Kolby Bragwell in Class 2A.
Raper helped lead the Bobcats to the Class 3A semifinals, batting .367 with 47 hits – including 13 extra base hits – 42 RBIs, and 49 runs scored. He was the ace of the Bobcats pitching staff, going 8-1 with a 2.47 ERA. He struck out 77 while walking 16.
Bragwell helped lead the Tigers to the Class 2A quarterfinals, batting .541. He had 17 extra base hits, walked 36 times, scored 50 runs and stole 28 bases. As a pitcher, Bragwell went 6-1 with a 2.02 ERA. He will continue his baseball career at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa.
Phil Campbell landed two on the Class 3A Second Team All-State list, as well: junior catcher Rilan Garrison and senior pitcher/infielder Nate Owens.
Garrison led the Bobcats with a .409 batting average and walked 43 times. He got on base 58 percent of the time. Owens had 51 hits, 52 runs scored and 49 RBIs. On the mound, Owens finished the season with an 8-2 record, a 2.85 ERA and 72 strikeouts.
Red Bay senior Chase Allen earned Class 2A Second Team honors. Allen batted .410 with 34 hits and got on base 58 percent of the time.
Red Bay senior outfielder Cade McKinney earned Honorable Mention honors in Class 2A. McKinney batted .391 with 34 RBIs and 30 runs scored.
Russellville senior catcher Hunter Briles earned Class 5A Honorable Mention. Briles batted .318 with 34 hits.
