Three area baseball standouts have earned statewide recognition for their performances on the diamond this spring, as the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) announced its Class 2 All-State teams.

Fayette junior Payton Oeth and Harrisburg seniors Ike DeMuth and Bryce Ott were among those honored across the state. DeMuth was named First-Team All-State as a DH/Utility player, while Oeth (DH/Utility) and Ott ( infielder) received Second-Team honors.

Oeth played a variety of roles for the Falcons this season. In 23 games, he batted .514 with 36 hits, including 10 doubles, five triples, and a home run. He scored 18 runs, drove in 15, and posted a .568 on-base percentage. Perhaps most remarkably, he struck out only four times all season, half of which came against Class 4 Moberly.

“I am really pleased we have an All-Stater,” said Fayette coach Andy Oeth. “I think we may have a couple guys that deserve to be honored amongst our class’s best, but it’s hard to ignore Payton’s numbers. He ranks among the best in our class in batting average, hits, doubles, triples, on-base percentage, and more.”

Oath was selected as a utility player, mostly because he split time this season catching, pitching, and playing more infield than he had in previous years, Coach Oeth explained. “Being an All-State player is a huge honor considering the field he’s been selected from. The MHSBCA coaches vote on these players, and Payton is constantly regarded by many opposing coaches as a player they respect, have to gameplan around, and enjoy watching play. As a team we are thrilled, and as a dad I couldn’t be prouder.”

Oeth also earned First-Team All-Conference honors in the inaugural Central State 8 season.

Harrisburg ace Ike DeMuth capped his senior year with a First-Team All-State nod as a utility player. DeMuth served as the Bulldogs’ top pitcher while also manning third base and shortstop. He recorded 113 hits over his four-year career and was known for his reliability both on the mound and at the plate.

“Ike has been a staple in our lineup for the past four seasons,” said Harrisburg coach Chris Ackman. “He has played every position for us over the course of his career. The past two seasons he has been our No. 1 pitcher and played third base and shortstop. He gave us a chance to win every time he was on the mound and has always been a tough out at the plate.”

DeMuth finished his senior season with a .375 batting average, laying down a team-high 30 hits in 80 at-bats with six doubles and three triples while driving in a team best 28 RBI with 26 runs scored.

Joining DeMuth on the All-State list is teammate Bryce Ott, who earned Second-Team honors as an infielder. Ott held down the shortstop position for Harrisburg and was a reliable defensive presence in the middle infield. He also set the tone offensively as the team’s leadoff hitter.

“Bryce has been a lockdown middle infielder his entire career,” said Ackman. “This year he became the Bulldogs’ starting shortstop. He rarely makes an error and has been a staple as our leadoff hitter for the past two seasons. He puts the ball in play and gives us a chance every time he steps in the box.”

Ott finished his final season hitting .308 with 17 singles and three doubles. He scored 20 runs and struck out just five times in 82 plate appearances. 

Both DeMuth and Ott were All-Conference selections in the Central State 8, with DeMuth landing on the first team and Ott on the second. Ott was joined on the second team by teammates Hunter Caldwell and Landon Atkins, while Fayette’s Ethan Bean also earned second-team honors.

“The Harrisburg Bulldog baseball program is thankful for the dedication and effort that Ike and Bryce have put into the program,” Ackman added.