On Sunday, the Laker baseball middle and high school programs held a joint banquet in the Russell County High School cafeteria.

Awards were given out to the following players: 7th grade pitching award, Nick Britt, 7th grade defense award, Lucas Whittle, 7th grade hitting award, Jalen Bennett, 8th grade pitching award, Tyler Robertson, 8th grade defense award Blake Aaron and 8th grade hitting award, Evan Selby.

Ten freshman received freshman awards for their contributions to the program during their first year of high school. They were: Matt Antle, Alex Selby, Jared Coffey, Jeron Hammond, Jeremy Morgan, Taylor Hutchison, Martin Cross, Justin Roy, Cody Overby and Garrett Withers.

Junior Varsity awards went to Jordan Best for Most RBI’s and Highest Batting Average (.500). Brett Huddleston for the defensive award and Dillon Downey for most wins.

Varsity awards went to David Wooldridge for most wins with five, Cody Stephens had 18 RBI’s, most on the team, Josh Popplewell had the highest batting average at .318, Bryson McFall won the defensive award while Quinton Warriner had the lowest ERA on the pitching staff at 1.76.

Head Coaches David Rexroat and Chris Taylor lauded their team’s efforts over the past season.

Prior to the awards being given out the Laker baseball Boosters, under the direction of Darell Selby, served a meal for all the players and their parents.

Also at the banquet, longtime Laker baseball assistant Charlie Anderson announced he was resigning from the position. Anderson was with the Laker baseball program for 16 years, spanning three head coaches.

The Laker baseball program looks bright as many new faces make their way to the high school level next year.

The Lakers said their final goodbyes to seniors Drew Richards, Josh Popplewell, Derek Popplewell, David Wooldridge, Adam McGowan and Kyle Roy.