PRP’s Cox named Mr. Baseball

Zack Cox, who led Pleasure Ridge Park to its fourth state title over the weekend, has been selected Kentucky’s Mr. Baseball for 2008 by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Cox is the third PRP player to earn the award. Brad Corley won it in 2002, and Scott Downs in 1994.

Cox was a standout third baseman and pitcher for the Panthers. He hit .457 this season with 46 RBI, 37 runs and 7 homers. He was 10-0 on the mound, with an 0.97 earned run average, 108 strikeouts and 16 walks in 67 innings. He was the winning pitcher in PRP’s semifinal win over Apollo, ringing up 12 strikeouts in six innings. He also pitched the last two innings of the Panthers’ victory over Lawrence County in the state championship game.

As a junior, Cox hit .524 with 57 RBI, and as a pitcher was 7-1 with a 1.44 ERA.

Cox, who signed with Arkansas, was drafted in the 20th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers two weeks ago.

PRP’s Bill Miller, who has won four state titles (2008, 1996, 1995, 1994) was named Coach of the Year. His Panthers went 38-4 this season, giving him an overall record fo 861-220 in 29 years.

Mr. Baseball winners

• 2008: Zack Cox, PRP
• 2007: Ben Revere, Lexington Catholic
• 2006: Nathan Adcock, North Hardin
• 2005: Chaz Roe, Lafayette
• 2004: Collin Cowgill, Henry Clay
• 2003: Josh Ellis, Paul Dunbar
• 2002: Brad Corley, PRP
• 2001: Jeremy Sowers, Ballard
• 2000: Spencer Graeter, Ballard
• 1999: Joe Blanton, Franklin-Simpson
• 1998: Austin Kearns, Lafayette
• 1997: Scott Hodges, Henry Clay
• 1996: Aaron McGlone, Greenup County
• 1995: Brad Wilkerson, Apollo
• 1994: Scott Downs, PRP
• 1993: Dion Newby, Harrison County
• 1992: Shon Walker, Harrison County
• 1991: Trever Miller, Trinity
• 1990: Darren Burton, Pulaski County
• 1989: Tab Brown, St. Xavier

The Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association 2008 All-State teams:

First team

• Zack Cox, PRP
• Robbie Ross, Lexington Christian
• Nick Maronde, Lexington Catholic
• Daniel Webb, Heath
• Zach Osborne, PRP
• Cory Farris, Boone County
• Jeremy Dobbs, Daviess County
• Cameron Flynn, Henry Clay
• Sean Bouthilette, Elizabethtown
• Brandon Martin, Harrison County
• Tyler Dunaway, Eastern
• Skyler Shown, Apollo
• Luke Bainer, PRP
• Tim Hayes, Lawrence County
• Tyler Hieneman, Greenup County
• Justin Amlung, St. Xavier
• Kiley Jones, Eastern
• Chad Wright, Heath
• Luke Maile, Covington Catholic
• Kal Scheler, St. Xavier

Second team

• Andrew Deeds, Trinity
• Jonathan Craycraft, Henry Clay
• Isaac Vaughn, Henderson County
• Tyler Gilliland, Christian County
• Aaron Mayfield, LaRue County
• Joe Nash, Central Hardin
• Tyler Stephan, Trinity
• Chase Greene, West Jessamine
• Eric Bainer, PRP
• Lucas Mohon, Barren County
• Drew Freeman, Estill County
• Jordan Baker, Clark County
• Trey Harper, PRP
• Blake Crabtree, Barren County
• Jeff Cyrus, Lawrence County
• Sam Kidd, Ohio County
• Eric Sanders, Scott County
• Jon Hedges, Owensboro