Area players earn spots on all-state baseball teams

In this News Tribune file photo, St. Elizabeth shortstop Ryan Loethen (left) puts a tag on Calvary-Tolton's Brad MacLaughlin during a game last season at Calvary Lutheran Lions Field. Loethen has been named a Class 1 all-state selection by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.
In this News Tribune file photo, St. Elizabeth shortstop Ryan Loethen (left) puts a tag on Calvary-Tolton's Brad MacLaughlin during a game last season at Calvary Lutheran Lions Field. Loethen has been named a Class 1 all-state selection by the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association.

Deion Hughes helped lead the Helias Crusaders to within a game of the Final Four. Now he's an all-stater.

Hughes was one of 10 area baseball players selected to the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association all-state baseball teams released today.

Hughes, who was named to the second team at the utility position, batted .365 with 22 RBI, six doubles and had a .444 on base percentage. As a pitcher, Hughes - who will play at Drury next season - was 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA on the mound despite being limited for most of the season due to an arm injury.

Blair Oaks senior Tanner Kemna was named to the Class 3 second team as an outfielder. In Class 2, state champion South Callaway was well-represented.

For the complete list of honorees, please see our newspaper or e-Edition for Friday, July 6, 2012.