Warrenton senior Kannon Hibbs concluded his high school baseball career with another strong season, highlighted by earning GAC North Player of the Year honors. 

Hibbs was named the top baseball player in the GAC North for this past season. Hibbs was also named to the GAC North first team as an infielder. He led Warrenton to a 7-3 record in conference games and a second place conference finish. Hibbs finished conference play with a .382 batting average. He finished tied for the conference lead with 12 RBIs. 

“It was obviously huge for Kannon to get Conference Player of the Year,” Warrenton head baseball coach Eric Burle said. “It was validation for him and all the countless hours he put into his craft. His offensive numbers were at or near the top of every category in our conference. He also put up big numbers from the mound this year, too.”

Hibbs was also named to the Class 5, District 4 first team as an infielder. Hibbs led Warrenton on the season with a .505 batting average, three home runs and 40 RBIs. Hibbs also finished tied for the team lead with 33 runs scored. 

Hibbs also pitched in 14 games for the Warriors. He logged a 2.84 ERA and recorded 29 strikeouts in 24 2/3 innings. 

Burle said Hibbs was a steady and consistent leader throughout his high school career at Warrenton. Hibbs led by example and was a player every coach wants to be able to coach, Burle said. 

“He was huge with obviously the chaos of COVID, starting six freshman his sophomore year to this year having multiple injuries to a team without depth,” Burle said. “He was a big reason we had opportunities in each of the last two seasons to have a chance to win conference. He will certainly be missed but hopefully his leadership has made a lasting impact.”

Warrenton junior Ben Peth also was named to the GAC North first team as a pitcher. Peth went 4-0 in five starts in conference games, leading the conference with 38 strikeouts and 28 innings pitched. Peth was also named to the Class 5, District 4 second team as a pitcher. Peth finished the season with a 6-1 record in eight starts. He logged a 1.64 ERA and struck out 55 batters on the season. 

“He was able to put up those type of numbers with a number of new bodies out there,” Burle said. “He certainly has been able to make his mark in our conference as a top pitcher. His greatest strength and weakness is his emotions and if he can channel that, he should have a monster senior year.”

Warrenton sophomore Mason Thompson was named to the GAC North and Class 5, District 4 second teams. Thompson finished the regular season with a .313 batting average and 14 RBIs in his first season as a starter. He scored 20 runs. 

Burle said Thompson was expected to be a starting corner outfielder prior to junior Joe Goldsmith’s injury. Thompson was the team’s starting center fielder throughout the season. 

“He immediately had to step into the role of center field with two new outfielders by his side. He made huge strides offensively as the year progressed and was very receptive to what we were trying to get him to do.”

Austin Haas and Tyler Oliver were named to the GAC North second team. Haas was named to the second team at catcher. He finished conference play with a .265 batting average and four RBIs. He scored nine runs in conference games out of the leadoff spot for the Warriors. 

“Haas is, in my opinion, the best all around catcher in our conference,” Burle said. “He is a wall behind the plate, keeps the running game in check, is a tremendous leadoff batter with over 20 stolen bases and 30 runs scored.”

Oliver was named to the second team as an infielder. Oliver finished conference play with a .394 batting average and seven RBIs. Oliver finished tied for second in the conference with six doubles. 

“Tyler put up first team all-conference numbers,” Burle said. “But adding a sixth team to our conference made the infield slots highly competitive. He is a first team all-conference offensive type of player and we look forward to a big senior year out of him.” 

Blake Gerland, Goldsmith, Haas, Hibbs, Halen Locastro, Keegan Mellegaard, Bryce Phillips and Sam Wortham received GAC North academic honors.