Braves earn state, league honors Council Grove Braves Baseball Coach Matt Wilkens and several members of the Braves’ 2026 team received postseason recognition following a 26-2 season that placed Council Grove among the top programs in Class 3A. Wilkens was named the 2026 KABC 3A All-State Baseball Coach of the Year after leading the Braves through a season that included 26 wins and only two losses. The honor came as five Council Grove players also received all-state recognition from the Kansas Association of Baseball Coaches.
Maxton Villalobos, a senior, was named to the 3A All-State First Team at third base. Junior Bradley Doornbos was selected to the First Team in the outfield, and junior Reid Buttrey was named First Team utility. Sophomore Joshua Senne was selected to the Second Team at catcher, while junior Luke Stewart received Second Team recognition as a middle infielder.
The all-state selections reflected the depth of a Council Grove team that received recognition at multiple positions. Villalobos, Doornbos and Buttrey earned First Team honors, while Senne and Stewart added Second Team recognition for the Braves.
Council Grove also was well represented on the 2026 Flint Hills League Baseball All-League Team. Buttrey was named First Team pitcher. Villalobos was a unanimous First Team selection in the infield. Doornbos was a unanimous First Team selection in the outfield. Senne was named First Team utility. Stewart was selected to the Second Team infield, and Grady Kepley received honorable mention.
Council Grove softball players also received Flint Hills League honors. Aubrey McEuen, a freshman, was named Second Team pitcher. Neenah Hestermann, a junior, and Taylon Hendricks, a freshman, were named Second Team infielders. Marlee Gant, a senior, received honorable mention.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.