FAYETTEVILLE — Two Arkansas baseball signees have been named their state's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Pitcher Evan Lee of Bryant, Arkansas, and shortstop Cole Stobbe of Millard West High School in Omaha, Nebraska, were named their state's recipient Tuesday. Both signed with the Razorbacks last November and will play for Arkansas next season if they don't sign professionally.
Lee was a top two-way player for Bryant, which won the Class 7A state championship last Friday at Baum Stadium. Lee hit a three-run home run during the game and was named finals MVP.
It was on the mound that Lee made his mark for the Hornets, however. The left-hander went 9-0 with a 0.54 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 52 innings as a senior.
Fellow Arkansas signee Zach Jackson pitched the state championship game for Bryant.
Stobbe was a star at the plate as a senior, helping Millard West to a state runner-up finish in Nebraska's Class A. Stobbe had a home run and 3 RBI in the state championship game, and finished a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
He finished his senior year batting .437 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI. He also drew 26 walks, scored 51 runs and stole six bases.