Parish trio earns Class B All-State honors

After leading their respective teams on the diamond this spring, Simsboro junior Carlei Wheeler and Choudrant junior Zoey Smith made the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class B All-State Softball Team, while Choudrant junior Colton Smith made the LSWA Class B All-State Baseball team.

Zoey, the District 2-B MVP, hit .531 with 36 runs, 11 home runs, 11 doubles, and 54 RBIs this season. With her selection, Smith is now a four-time All-State selection.

"She's a special player for sure," CHS softball head coach Wayne Antley said. "She has been all state since eighth grade and continues to improve every year. One of most dependable hitters I have seen."

Wheeler did it all for the Lady Tigers in her junior season, striking out 227 batters in 117 1/3 innings with a 2.89 ERA, along with a .585 batting average with 38 RBIs and 4 HRs.

After making all-state honorable mention in 2023, Wheeler, All-Ruston Daily Leader Pitcher of the Year, led Simsboro to its first playoff win since 2018.

"I'm just extremely proud of her," Simsboro head coach Payton Bond said. "She works so hard to excel at what she does, and the amount of time that she puts into softball outside of our program is not matched by many. To see her receive this level of an achievement just brings me so much happiness. It's not always about individual awards like this but it's so good when you see a player get recognized for the hard work and commitment that they put into their craft. There have not been many players in our program's history to receive an honor like this."

Choudrant junior Holly Bennett and Simsboro junior Jacoya both made all-state honorable mention as well.

Quitman's Cali Deal was named Class B Player of the Year, while Quitman's Justin Dodson won Coach of the Year after winning a state title in Division V nonselect.

BASEBALL

Colton Smith received his first ever All-State honors after he led the Aggies to another playoff appearance this spring with a team-best .436 batting average to go with 22 RBIs, 11 doubles, and a HR.

When he wasn't at the plate, the All-Ruston Daily Leader Player of the Year put up a 2.59 ERA in 54 innings of work on the mound with 66 strikeouts as well.

Simsboro junior Hayden Rabo was named all-state honorable mention for his two-way play for the Tigers.

Quitman double-dipped in Coach of the Year honors with Joe Lockart taking the honor after the Wolverines also won a state title in baseball. Avoyelles Charter's Tanner Dupuy was named Class B MVP after helping lead the program to a second-straight state title.