Four G-H/V players earn spots on All-Conference teams

The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura baseball team had four members earn All-Conference recognition in the North Iowa Conference.

Zach Buseman and Heath Hutcheson both were named First Team All-Conference, while Braden Meints was named to the Second Team and Nathan Hrubes received Honorable Mention recognition.

Buseman, a senior, finished the season with a .349 batting average.  He tied to lead the team with 20 RBI’s.  He collected a 5-3 record pitching.  He had a 1.59 ERA in almost 50 innings.

Hutcheson, a senior, finished with a .400 batting average.  He also recorded 20 RBI’s and he hit seven doubles.

“Zach and Heath worked hard at their game.  The extra time and work they put into this season really paid off,” said Coach Paul Childress.  “They were team leaders in almost all statistical categories.  They were also great leaders and role models for the example they set for the younger Cardinal baseball players.”

Meints, a junior, recorded a .297 batting average and had 12 RBI’s.

“Braden was the best defensive catcher in the conference.  He was great at blocking balls and throwing out baserunners while still being a great offensive threat,” said Childress.

Hrubes, a senior, finished the year with a .329 batting average.  He had 16 RBI’s.

“Nathan came through with a solid senior season that saw his offensive output improve drastically from last year,” said Childress.

The Cardinals finished the year with a 10-19 overall record and a 7-7 record in the NIC.  The team tied for fourth place in the conference.