H.S. baseball: Area standouts show off power

Evan Kenebrew and Austin Kaiser proved themselves the best of the best at Spurgeon Field on Thursday.

Kenebrew slugged a two-run homer in the first inning and added a double off the wall and three walks to lead Class 4A's 11-4 victory against the 5A team in the 48th annual City/Suburban Senior All-Star Classic.

Kaiser had a two-run triple and the defensive play of the game with a sensational diving catch in the first inning in center field.

"Oh, that was a nasty catch," Kenebrew said. "He's such a good player."

Kaiser, from Rampart, was voted 5A Metro Player of the Year by league coaches. Kenebrew, of Widefield, earned that honor in 4A Metro.

"We're out here with the best players in the city," Kenebrew said. "I just did my best and hope I stick out."

A total of 45 players saw action, representing 19 area schools, including four in Class 3A that were split among both teams.

It was serious competition but familiarity among the stars made for a lot of fun, too.

"We were talking a lot of smack back and forth," Kenebrew said. "I'm glad we finally beat 5A."

Since the format changed to 4A vs. 5A six years ago, it's the first victory for the lower classification.

Kaiser, who is headed to Mesa State, and Kenebrew will be playing on the same summer team.

"That's the first time I've seen (Kenebrew) hit in a game," Kaiser said. "He's obviously a great hitter."

Kenebrew had nine homers for Widefield, seven in four playoff games, including four against Golden. He'll play first base for Maplewoods Community College in Kansas City, the same junior college attended by Albert Pujols.

Nebraska coach Mike Anderson, a native of Eaton and former player at Northern Colorado, was among the interested spectators.

"I think the talent level in Colorado Springs is very good," Anderson said. "It's untapped. They've got quality kids and quality coaches. A lot of people just haven't discovered that yet."