Dominating pitching in the Southern Trailways conference, Hustisford/Dodgeland's Austin Neu was a unanimous pick for the all-South squad.

"I don't think there was a better leadoff hitter in the conference all year," H/D coach Rich Padron said. "I can't say enough about Austin. He's a great player."

Neu batted .527 (39-for-74), with 10 doubles, a home run and 19 runs batted in while slugging .703. The senior shortstop and three-time first-team all-South selection also scored 28 runs and was a threat on the basepaths with 16 steals in 20 attempts.

In league play, Neu was a .512 hitter with five doubles, 16 runs scored, 14 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

"He's just a top-notched kid," Padron said. "A well-rounded person."

Three other H/D players also made the first team. Senior Derek Pieper was selected as a pitcher. Pieper struck out 45 hitters in 51.2 innings while allowing 36 runs.

In conference play, Pieper had a 3.63 ERA with a 4-1 record and added three home runs offensively.

"Derek was a workhorse for us," Padron said. "I think Derek stepped up his game not only as a pitcher but as a hitter."

H/D catcher Wes Jahnke made the team as a utility player, sporting a .441 average with four homers, 23 RBIs and 27 runs scored. In South play, Jahnke scored 15 runs with 14 RBIs.

"Wes worked himself into one of the top defensive catchers in the league," Padron said. "He calls the games and did an excellent job. His work ethic is just great."

The trio of Neu, Pieper and Jahnke have captained H/D the past two seasons.

"All three did a great job leading the team as captains," Padron said. "The younger kids have a lot to look up to."

Ben Fredrick hit .462 with two homers, eight doubles and 23 RBIs as an outfielder. He also had eight steals in 10 attempts.

"Ben's one of the best defensive outfielders in the league," Padron said. "If there's anyone who deserved to be on the first team for the first time, it's Ben."

Fall River's Dylan Rabl made the first team as a pitcher, recording 102 strikeouts in 56.1 innings.

Trailways Conference

All-Southern Trailways 2009

First team

Pitchers: H/D - Derek Pieper, Sr.; Fall River - Dylan Rabl, Jr.; Deerfield - Michael Hommen*, Sr.; Pardeeville - Nate Schmidt, Fr. Catchers: Johnson Creek - Mitch McCaffery*, Sr.; Rio - Alex Brewer*, Sr. Infielders: H/D - Austin Neu*, Sr.; Johnson Creek - Zach Schmidt, Sr.; Rio - Matt Selje, Sr.; Pardeeville - Jesse Kath, Sr. Outfielders: H/D - Ben Fredrick, Sr.; Deerfield - Trey Shaw, Jr.; Pardeeville - Zach Weihert, So.; Utility: H/D - Wes Jahnke, Sr.; Johnson Creek - Chris Wolf, So.

Player of the Year - Michael Hommen, Deerfield.

Second team

Catchers: Deerfield - Cody Eilenfeldt, Sr.; Infielders - Deerfield - Ryan Schenkel, Sr.; Wesley Halverson, So.; Cody Wyman, Sr.; Pardeeville - Pat Banks, Sr.; Outfielders - Pardeeville - Dakota Kirchenwitz, So.; Johnson Creek - Alex Large, Jr.

* Unanimous selection