BRANCH COUNTY – When the dust had settled on the 2025 high school baseball season here in Branch County no local team was able to bring home a district crown, but that does not mean the area was devoid of talent, as it was announced that two local athletes earned Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) All-State honors for their work on the diamond this year.
The MHSBCA honors athletes in four different divisions at the end of each season, honoring multiple individuals at each position with a first team and second team all-state honor. This season two of Branch County’s best were honored and included among the multitude of athletes honored by the MHSBCA this season, including one first team honoree and one second team honor.
In Division 2, the Coldwater baseball program was represented by junior Owen Tappenden. Tappenden, a three-year starter for head coach Randy Spangler, not only showcased his talents on the mound and at the plate this season, but also in the outfield where he earned all-state first team honors. Tappenden was a truly versatile outfielder, playing all three spots, while batting in the heart of the Cardinal lineup.
At the plate Tappenden led the Cardinals in batting for average and power, in addition to leading the team as one of the aces of a solid all-around staff. Where Tappenden excelled the most however was in right field where the junior had his zone on absolute lockdown. With his MHSBCA first team honor Tappenden becomes the first Cardinal to earn all-state honors since the 2016 season when the duo of Brendan Spangler and Austin Krzeminski were both named to the first team. Both Spangler and Krzeminski went on to play college baseball and have since been inducted into the Coldwater Athletic Hall of Fame.
In Division 3, the Quincy Orioles saw one of their own earning postseason recognition as senior outfielder Ryan Kempter was honored for his work patrolling centerfield for the orange and black, being named to the Division 3 all-state second team. Kempter quickly distanced himself from the rest of the pack when it came to his defensive prowess in centerfield, earning quick recognition as one of the best the state has to offer.
In addition to his ability to chew up ground in the outfield, Kempter was a key member of the Oriole batting order, hitting from the all important two spot for Quincy skipper Pat Dillon. Kempter finished the season batting .395 at the plate with 18 hits in Big 8 play, numbers that placed him near the top of the conference in both categories. Kempter also earned Big 8 all-conference first team honors for his work on the diamond this season, an honor he can add to his already impressive resume of high school accomplishments dating back to football, basketball, and finally, baseball.
For all things related to high school baseball in Branch County tune into The Daily Reporter at www.thedailyreporter.com. For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding the sports department please contact sports editor Troy Tennyson via email at ttennyson@thedailyreporter.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Two Branch County baseball players earn MHSBCA All-State recognition
Reporting by Troy Tennyson, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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