Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s boys’ baseball team had five players earn honors and received the team sportsmanship award in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools.

Dominick Claxton and Sam Neal both received All-TCIS first team-honors this season. Claxton is described by his coach David Mitchell as one of the best centerfielders he has ever coached.

“Dominick has hit .386 this season,” Mitchell said. “He has also had 22 hits, with 24 runs scored, four doubles, stealing 22 bases and 13 walks.”

Neal was a first-team all-conference player last year and this year. He hit .548 and has collected his 40 hits on the season, with 22 RBIs. Neal has scored 24 runs and has had three doubles and two triples. He is a left fielder with a slugging percentage of .643 and an on-base percentage of .616.

“Sam has had a phenomenal season, one of the best in school history for NSA baseball,” said Mitchell.

Both players received All State honors. Neal made first-team All State and Dominick Claxton made second-team All State.

“They were both key contributors in the season from an offensive standpoint,” Mitchell said.

Second-team honors went to Patrick Crossman, James Mullin and Garrett Reams. Patrick Crossman is a senior outfielder hitting .444 this year, with 20 hits, 12 RBIs and 13 runs.

“Patrick had some of the biggest hits for us this season in upset victories,” said Mitchell.

Crossman also received the most improved award from the team this year.

James Mullin is a junior who plays second base and also pitches for the Saints. Mullin hit .371 and had 26 hits, scoring 21 runs at 10 RBIs, He drew 11 walks while stealing 10 bases.

As a pitcher, Mullins had 20 innings pitched, with two wins, no losses and two saves. He finished the year with an ERA of .70, allowing only two earned runs in 20 innings pitched. He also had 20 strikeouts.

“He had a great year offensively, defensively and as a pitcher,” Mitchell said.

Garret Reams is a sophomore third baseman hitting .333, with 22 hits and 11 runs scored. His 20 RBIs placing second on the team, and he also led the team with six doubles.

Claxton, Neal and Crossman are all seniors, and their contribution to the team has been undeniable.

“Losing those three guys and all nine of our seniors is definitely going to be hard to replace,” Mitchell said. “We’re going to need some young guys to grow up a bit and some freshmen to step up.”

The NSA baseball team also received a sportsmanship award for how it conducted itself on the field of play.

“Of all the awards that are given out by the conference, that’s the award that means the most to me,” Mitchell said. “We’ve received this award two years in a row, and it makes me proud as a coach that our team is being recognized for how they act during the game and after the games, win or lose.”