Fayetteville Baseball's Ethan Jones named ASWA Class 1A Player of the Year

FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. - Fayetteville High School senior Ethan Jones has been named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 1A Player of the Year after leading the Wolves to a runner up finish in the state baseball playoffs.

Jones also earned First Team All State honors as a pitcher, capping off a standout season on both sides of the ball.

Fayetteville came within one series victory of a state championship before falling to Hubbertville two games to one in the Class 1A state championship series.

At the plate, Jones posted a .435 batting average and a .571 on base percentage while compiling a staggering 1.363 OPS. He recorded 11 doubles, 10 home runs, and 45 RBIs while drawing 30 walks and striking out just 16 times. His slugging percentage finished at .791.

Jones was equally impressive on the mound. In 15 appearances, including 12 starts, he pitched 71 2/3 innings and posted a 3-1 record. He struck out 107 batters while issuing only 18 walks and finished the season with a 2.44 ERA. Jones allowed 61 hits and 41 runs, though only 25 were earned.

The Wolves also had two other players recognized by the ASWA. Brenton Cantrell earned Second Team All State honors as an infielder, while Connor Crumpton received Honorable Mention All State recognition as an outfielder.

Jones and Cantrell both signed with Lawson State Community College in December and will continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.

The all state honors cap a memorable season for Fayetteville, which advanced to the Class 1A state finals and established itself among Alabama's top small school baseball programs.