Regional Radio Senior Spotlight – Baseball: St. Paul, West County

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St. Paul Giants:
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Brey Turner – C, P

Turner would have been a four-year starter for the St. Paul baseball team this spring and was an anchor defensively behind the plate all four years. He was also one of the team’s best hitters throughout his time at St. Paul with big power in every swing. Turner was also a dependable player both offensively and defensively and was a leader who the team could rely on to get the job done. As a catcher, he was a gritty player who went out and was not afraid to do the dirty work to help the team win games. Turner was also a three-time All-District selection at catcher. He will be playing baseball at Shawnee Community College next year.

Cody Ziegelmeyer – SP, CF

Ziegelmeyer was going to be a four-year starter for the Giants this spring and was once again going to be the ace of the pitching staff. He was a talented left-handed hurler who has a great arsenal of pitches. Ziegelmeyer was also one of the team’s better hitters who was often slotted near the top of the lineup. He could be found patrolling centerfield when not on the mound and had great speed and range. Ziegelmeyer was a three-time All-District selection and was also a member of the St. Paul basketball team. He plans to attend Shawnee Community College where he will continue his baseball career.

Drew Brakefield – IF

Brakefield would have been a four-year starter for the St. Paul baseball team this spring and was a player who worked hard for everything he accomplished. He could play anywhere on the infield but was mainly a first baseman for St. Paul. Brakefield had a strong bat and was savvy on the base paths – he could swipe some bases without having a lot of speed. He was a two-year All-District player and was also a member of the St. Paul basketball team. Brakefield will be playing baseball next year at Shawnee Community College.

Preston Barnhouse – OF, IF

Barnhouse would have been a four-year starter for the Giants this spring and was one of the team’s most versatile players. He had great speed that he used in the field and on the basepaths. Barnhouse was a threat anytime he was on base because he could score at any time with his speed. He was also an anchor of the defense up the middle throughout his time with the Giants. Barnhouse will be going to the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Dade County, Georgia after graduation.

Dillon Woldberd – OF, IF, P

Woldberd was a returning player for the St. Paul baseball team this spring and was a multi-year starter who had a great skillset. He expected a lot out of himself and would give everything he had when he played. Woldberd was a strong fielder across the diamond and pitched in a lot of big games for St. Paul last season. He has some good pop in his bat, speed on the bases, and was named All-District last year. Woldberd was also a member of the St. Paul basketball team. He plans to begin an apprenticeship at Flooring Systems after graduation.

Tanner Randolf – OF

Randolf was a two-year returning player for the Giants this spring and always brought a high energy to the field. He battled through some injuries in the fall but worked hard and was poised to be a big contributor this season. Randolf was also a great teammate and supporter even throughout his time dealing with the injuries. He plans to go to the Southeast Lineman Training Center in Dade County, Georgia after graduation.

Ryan Dempsey – OF, IF, P

Dempsey was a returning player for the St. Paul baseball team this spring and would have been a member of the varsity team for the first time after transferring to St. Paul his junior year. He was a talented player who would have been a big part of the offense and the team’s pitching staff. Dempsey has a good mix of pitches on the mound and he goes right after hitters. He could also play any position on the field. Dempsey was also a member of the St. Paul basketball team. He will be attending Culver-Stockton in the fall where he will play both baseball and basketball.

Interview with St. Paul Head Coach – Jimmy Brakefield:

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West County Bulldogs:
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Dakota Dowd – P

Dowd was a returning multi-year starter for the West County baseball team this spring and was one of the top pitchers in the area in recent years. He drew most of the team’s big assignments and was dominant in those games. Dowd finished this past season with an ERA under 1 and a record of 10-0. He was a two-time All-Conference and All-District selection and this past season was named All-State and to the Regional Radio Dream Team. Dowd will be continuing his baseball career at Mineral Area College in the fall and will be in general studies.

Luke Gaia – IF, P

Gaia was a returning starter for the Bulldogs this spring and was a player who could do it all for West County. He was truly a five-tool player who could run, throw, field, and hit for contact and power. This past season, Gaia was named All-Conference and All-District. He was also a member of the West County basketball team. Gaia will be attending Mineral Area College in the fall where he will play baseball and study criminology.

Tyler Price – Utility

Price was a returning player for the West County baseball team this spring and was always a tough out at the plate. He played in some key games for the Bulldogs and came up with some clutch hits throughout his time playing. Price was the Student Body President at West County, was a member of the National Honor Society, and was an MAAA Athletic Scholar. He will be attending Missouri S&T in the fall to study nuclear engineering.

Kaiden Kaiser-Barton – OF, C

Kaiser-Barton was a returning starter for the Bulldogs this spring and was a versatile and intelligent player. He was primarily an outfielder but had the athleticism to catch as well. Kaiser-Barton was also a talented hitter who could handle the bat and run the bases well. He was named Academic All-State for the 2020 season. Kaiser-Barton plans to attend Mineral Area College in the fall where he will study information technology.

Cody Ruble – C

Ruble would have been a three-year starting catcher for the West County baseball team this spring and was a leader behind the plate every year. He stepped in as a sophomore and caught essentially every inning since and commanded a very talented pitching staff that won a lot of games. Ruble was an improved offensive player who always put in a lot of time and work to get better. He will be attending Mineral Area College in the fall and will be in general studies.

Tanner Morgan – Utility, P

Morgan was a returning player for the Bulldogs this spring and was poised for a big season after overcoming some injuries last year. He played a big role for West County as a sophomore and pitched a lot of big innings for the team. Morgan was a threat at the plate who could do damage with the bat. He was also a member of the West County basketball team. Morgan plans to attend Mineral Area College this fall where he will study business management.

Klayton Skiles – OF

Skiles was a returning player for the West County baseball team this spring and was coming off a really strong fall season in which he showed tremendous improvement. He was in position for a breakout year and would have been a middle of the order hitter for the bulldogs. Skiles was a great athlete who was versatile and could play multiple positions on the field. He was also a member of the West County basketball team. He plans to join the Local Iron Workers Union after graduation.

Interview with West County Head Coach – Bobby Simily: