Story By Druw Giamalva

The Alabama Sports Writers Association has released the 2025 All-State teams for each classification, as four players from The Reporter’s coverage area made the All-State team. 

For Class 5A, the Boaz Pirates received two selections in Tyler Pierce and Sage Bennett. Pierce was selected as a First-Team All-State pitcher. In Pierce’s senior season, he dominated opposing batters, as he struck out 101 in 56 2/3 innings. In nine games, Pierce would finish with a 7-1 pitching record, allowing only 20 hits and four earned runs. Pierce finished the year with a 0.49 ERA and a 0.58 WHIP. 

Bennett was selected as a Second-Team All-State infielder. In 33 games played, Bennett produced 42 hits, 30 runs, 24 RBIs, 13 stolen bases and two home runs. Bennett finished his sophomore season with a .408 BA and a .500 on-base percentage.  

For Class 3A, the Fyffe Red Devils and the Geraldine Bulldogs each received a selection, as Blake Dobbins and Jordon Lankford made the All-State team. 

Dobbins was selected as a First-Team All-State pitcher. For the Red Devils, Dobbins earned DeKalb County Player of the Year after an incredible senior season. On the mound, Dobbins struck out 110 batters while also having an 8-2 pitching record. Dobbins also made an impact at the plate, with 44 hits, 40 RBIs and four home runs. 

Lankford made the Second-Team All-State team as a freshman infielder. In his second year of varsity play, Lankford produced 39 hits, 33 RBIs and 27 stolen bases, while also being named DeKalb County Co-Hitter of the Year for the Bulldogs. Lankford batted for a .539 average and a .673 on-base percentage. Lankford has only struck out once in two seasons.

Check out next Wednesday’s edition of The Reporter for coverage of the ASWA All-State softball team.