Zion Bowlin, 2017 Athletic All-Star finalist

Free State senior Zion Bowlin was named the Kansas Baseball Coaches Association’s Class 6A Player of the Year, announced Monday.

Bowlin, a first-team all-state third baseman, led the Firebirds to a 15-7 record with a .461 batting average, six doubles, four triples, 22 runs scored and 24 runs batted in.

Along with Bowlin, Free State seniors Dale Miller (pitcher) and Nate Strathman (second baseman) were first-team all-state selections. Strathman earned a second-team all-state nod as a closer.

Strathman hit .413 with seven doubles and a home run, along with pitching 13 2/3 innings with a 2.05 ERA. Miller pitched 52 innings with a 7-2 record and 2.15 ERA.

Among area players in Class 4A-I, Eudora junior outfielders Peyton Garvin and Khalil Thrasher were second-team all-state picks, while Garvin received an honorable mention at first base. Baldwin senior Adam Carlson was selected for the second team as a utility player.