Another impressive season on the baseball field for both Montezuma-Cortez and Dove Creek resulted in six area athletes earning all-state selections to close out their spring campaign.
Likewise, a strong state performance for the Montezuma-Cortez girls golf team placed two Panthers on the all-state squad.
Montezuma-Cortez and Dove Creek’s baseball teams landed three selections apiece as part of their postseason haul, with all six taking honorable mention honors.
The Bulldogs reached the 1A state tournament semifinals thanks to a strong effort from the senior class. Seniors Jonathan Purkat, Aiden Chadd and Gage Buffington each posted strong seasons for head coach Trent Daves’ squad. The trio also earned honorable mention selections.
Purkat led the team in several batting statistics, including hits and average, followed closely by Buffington, while Chadd lifted up the Bulldogs at the plate, in the field and on the mound.
Meanwhile, Montezuma-Cortez earned a spot in the regional finals after winning the Intermountain League title. The Panthers will also return all of their all-state performers for another season.
Cory Carver, Darren Daves and Seth Oakes all made the honorable mention list to cap off the season.
Both Carver and Daves ranked among the team leaders in virtually every offensive category while batting at the top of the order for the Panthers. Oakes was also one of the anchors on Montezuma-Cortez’s pitching staff.
Lady Panther golfers Amita Crowley and Chesnie Patrick closed out a memorable season with second team all-state selections, courtesy of their top-20 finishes at the 3A state tournament in Loveland.
Montezuma-Cortez finished eighth at the tournament after its best-ever regional finish.
The all-state teams for baseball are determined by nominations from each of the leagues and are voted on by coaches across Colorado. Golf all-state rankings are decided based on state tournament results.
