By Greg Sullivan
Sports Editor

Four Morgan County Diamond Dogs were selected for this year's Region 8-AA All-Region Team as chosen by coaches throughout the region, and two Dogs were picked as first team members.
Local players selected as first team all-region members were pitcher Caleb Duvall and first baseman Bobby Patrick. Shortstop Clay Duvall was named second team all-region and catcher and outfielder Tyler Ward was named honorable mention all-region.
"I'm extremely proud of them," said Diamond Dogs Head Coach Brandon Patch of his honored players. "Their hard work has really paid off."
Sophomore Caleb Duvall was one of just five pitchers selected to the first team all-region team. He finished the year with a 5-1 record, a 2.56 ERA and 43 strike outs.
"With Caleb being a sophomore, I was impressed with that," Patch said.
Patrick had a homer and 25 RBI on the year posting a .403 batting average to cap off a solid senior season.
"He was one of our hottest hitters," Patch said. "He hit well over .500 the last half of the season. He was outstanding on defense and was a steady batter."
Patrick will continue his career at Andrew College next season.
Clay Duvall had a big junior season, leading the Dogs in several offensive categories. Duvall led the team with a .424 average, 36 hits, 26 RBI and 10 stolen bases.
"Clay was probably our most consistent hitter," Patch said. "We'll look forward to having him and Caleb back next year."
Patch called Tyler Ward one of his team's senior leaders.
"He does things that don't typically show up in the box score," Patch said.
Ward played through injuries, bunted and ran the bases well.
He also batted with a .403 average, had three home runs and 17 RBI and nine stolen bases. Ward will continue his career next season at Atlanta Christian College.