GSL Baseball Stars Shine: Karis, Croall, Spencer Earn MVP Honors for Spring 2026

The diamonds of Eastern Washington were buzzing with talent this past spring, and now the Greater Spokane League (GSL) has unveiled its highly anticipated All-League teams for the 2026 baseball season. Headlining the impressive roster of athletes is Gonzaga Prep senior Anthony Karis, who has been named the GSL 4A/3A Most Valuable Player, a testament to his exceptional all-around play and leadership. Teammate Dylan Croall, also a senior, earned the prestigious 4A/3A Pitcher of the Year award for his command on the mound. Adding to the offensive fireworks, Mt. Spokane senior Braeden Parker was celebrated as the 4A/3A Offensive MVP, showcasing his explosive bat. In the 2A division, West Valley senior Ollie Spencer also took home the MVP title, distinguishing himself with stellar play. These top honors underscore a truly memorable spring for GSL baseball.

4A/3A Talent Dominates the Diamond

The GSL 4A/3A First Team highlights the league's top talent, with University High School coach Kevin May earning Coach of the Year honors for his exemplary leadership. Lewis and Clark seniors Brody Bugbee and KJ Kinkade were instrumental to their team's performance, showcasing consistent power and defensive prowess. University High saw juniors Leyton Hurley, Luca Longo, and senior Marco Longo make significant impacts, forming a potent offensive and defensive core. Ridgeline seniors like Mikey Macall and Caden Andreas were also key contributors, recognized for their skill and determination throughout the season. The emerging prowess of Ferris sophomores Holt Dissmore and Colton Smith, alongside Gonzaga Prep's Jackson Mott and Mt. Spokane's Connor Moffitt, also earned first-team recognition, promising a bright future for GSL baseball.

2A Standouts and Northeast A Recognition

In the GSL 2A division, Pullman's head coach, Kevin Agnew, was celebrated as Coach of the Year for his program's strong showing and player development. The 2A First Team featured promising young talent alongside seasoned veterans who consistently delivered under pressure. Pitching standouts included sophomores Brody Barnett from Pullman and Carson Gaumer from West Valley, both demonstrating poise beyond their years on the mound. North Central's sophomore catcher Tavish Carruthers anchored his team's defense with excellent game management, while infielders like junior Will Denney of Pullman and senior Nick Elliott of North Central demonstrated consistent excellence at the plate and in the field. Speed and defensive prowess were on display with outfielders like Deer Park senior Ezekiel Callaham and Pullman sophomore Adrian Hecker, showcasing the vibrant future of GSL 2A baseball.

Beyond the GSL, the Northeast A League also recognized its top performers, with Lakeside senior Cy Reeves and Colville senior Jet Bateman earning Co-MVP honors. Lakeside's Coach Tim Klein was named Northeast A Coach of the Year, underscoring Eastern Washington's vibrant baseball scene.

The 2026 spring baseball season was a showcase of skill, perseverance, and passion for these Washington State prep athletes. As these stars, especially the graduating seniors, look towards their futures, the impact they've made will undoubtedly resonate. We eagerly anticipate how these recognized athletes will continue to develop and where the next generation of GSL and Eastern Washington baseball standouts will emerge in the upcoming seasons.

This article was created with AI assistance. Stats and results sourced from public records.