by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Lancaster High School placed three athletes on the Virginia High School League Class 1 all-state baseball team after finishing as a semifinalist in the state tournament.
James Bieger, who led Rappahannock to its fifth state championship in school history and the second in three seasons, was chosen coach of the year while Chilhowie junior pitcher Dawson Tuell was named the player of the year.
According to LHS coach Scotty George, Red Devils senior shortstop and pitcher Creston Saunders had tied with Tuell for the player of the year award but because Chilhowie advanced farther in the tournament, Tuell was the honoree.
Saunders did, however, garner a first team all-state spot at shortstop. Also the Northern Neck District and Region 1A player of the year, he led the Devils at bat with .492 batting average for 32 hits, including 10 doubles and three home runs, with 22 RBI and 35 runs scored.
Lancaster senior outfielder Toni Thomas also secured a first-team spot with a .443 batting average with 35 hits for 17 RBI and 23 runs. He had 10 doubles, three triples and one home run this season.
Junior pitcher Josh Woolard of Lancaster was named to the second team with….
