By Tray Mason

Correspondent

It has been noted since the preseason that Nansemond River possessed arguably the most talented team in the Southeastern District.

After SED coaches voted for the 2012 All-SED team, it appears they still believe the Warriors have the most talented team.

Nansemond River had five players named to the first team and one more to the second team.

Senior shortstop Brandon Lowe was voted Player of the Year in the district, and head coach Mark Stuffell won Coach of the Year.

Along with Lowe, players Kyle Moore (outfield), Zach Vann (catcher), Zach Rice (pitcher), and Tyler Brown (utility), all made the first team. First baseman Travis Johnson made the second team.

The five selections were the most of any team in the district for the SED champion Warriors.

Lowe had an outstanding season both in the field and at the plate. He had a batting average over .400, hit three home runs, and was among the district leaders in RBIs. He also committed just two errors over the course of the season.

“He’s had a tremendous season,” Stuffell said. “In my eyes, he’s the player of the year.”

The other Warriors first-team selections had standout seasons, as well.

Vann had a top-3 batting average in the SED.
Moore was one of the top-hitting outfielders in the district. He led the team with four home runs and made the first team for the second consecutive season.

Rice was the Warriors’ top pitcher. He had a record of 6-1 and had more than 60 strikeouts.

Brown was named to the first team as a utility player, as he did a little bit of everything. As a pitcher he compiled a record of 6-1, with two saves. He also spent time at second base and in the outfield, where he committed just two errors.

As for Stuffell, who won Coach of the Year honors for the second time in his career, he was reluctant to accept any credit or receive praise for the award.

“That award usually goes along with the team with the best players,” he said. “So I think it says something about the team, not me. It’s all about the kids.”

The Warriors’ season resumes on Monday in the first round of the Eastern Region Tournament. They take on Granby High School at Old Dominion University; the game begins at 1 p.m.