By By SCOTT NOVAK / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Dowagiac junior shortstop Jamie Simpson has been named for the Division 2 All-State first team, which was announced on Tuesday.
Simpson was joined by area first team selections Kolby Wood, Chris Hass and Joe Krugh of Berrien Springs in Division 3 as the only area first teamers.
Simpson helped Dowagiac to its first district championship since 2001.
Brandywine's Noah Udell was a second team selection in Division 3.
The Berrien Springs trio aided the Shamrocks in the Division 3 state championship in 2006. Udell and the Bobcats in the district championship game eliminated Berrien Springs earlier this month.
It was Brandywine's first district championship since 2004.
Bridgman's Zac Nemitz was also a second team pick.
Division 2 Baseball
All-State First Team
Pitchers: Corey Brohl, Richmond; Kevin Vanghleuwe, Lakeshore; Matt Loomis, Alma; Tyler Mills, Mt. Pleasant; Rick Dodridge, West Branch Ogemaw Heights
Catchers: Dan Killian, Chippewa Hills; Brett Mazmanian, Lakeshore; Matt Kondziolka, Warrren Woods Tower
First base: Nathan Ferrer, Shepherd; Jeff Gorecki, Orchard Lake St. Mary
Infield: Keyl Horvath, Lamphere; Adam Connell, Chelsea; Chris Marsh, Dexter; Ben Peterson, Whitehall; Tyler McGuire, Shepherd; William Arnold, Mt. Pleasant; Jamie Simpson, Dowagiac
Outfield: Matt Faiman, West Branch Ogemaw Heights; Andrew Thomas, Mt. Pleasant; Brandon Eckerle, Corunna; Ryan LaMare, Lumen Christi; Dan Augustine, Chelsea; Brady Lafromboise, Mt. Morris
Coach of the Year; Luke Epple, Mt. Pleasant
Division 3 Second Team
(Area players only)
Brandywine: Noah Udell; Bridgman, Zac Nemitz