SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Success for the Sylacauga High School baseball program continues to mount.
After missing the playoffs in 2016 and 2017, the Aggies made a push to the third round before being eliminated by Faith Academy in Mobile.
Now, a trio of Aggies have received all-state honors from the Alabama Sports Writers Association.
“It’s a well-deserved honor. It says a lot about how hard they work and how talented they are,” said Jeff Bell. Bell is the head coach of the varsity boys baseball team at Sylacauga High School.
Rising senior and shortstop for the Aggies, Zach Dew, was named to the first team all-state roster for class 5A. Dew, a dominant hitter, hit over .450, recorded four home runs, and knocked in 40 RBIs. He also stole over 19 bases.
“Someone like Zach deserves every accolade he gets,” said Bell. “He comes to work everyday, he’s always upbeat, and he lifts up the younger guys and holds the older guys accountable. He leads by example and deserves every award he gets.”
Dew is excited to be honored statewide, but said his team accomplishments comes first. “This is a representation of how the whole team played all season. Mainly my teammates helped me get this award,” he said. “This doesn’t mean as much unless we’re winning.”
Bailey Ward, now a graduate of Sylacauga High School was honored as class 5A second team all-state. Ward was instrumental in the team’s success this season, especially at the plate. Ward always seemed to come up with a timely hit to give the Aggies a spark. Overall Ward hit eight home runs.
“Not that many guys can hit a ball out of the park in high school,” Bell explained. “Even in the playoffs he drove in a ton of our runs in crucial situations with runners in scoring position. He always delivered for us.”
Jordan Ridgeway, the teams rising junior at second base, was named honorable mention.
“We were lucky to have guys throughout the lineup that we could depend on and Jordan was another one of those guys.” Bell said. “When Jordan had an opportunity in a game he would come through for us.”
