STATE CHAMPS!

The Hickman Kewpies came from behind to win their first baseball state title in 15 years on Saturday at Taylor Stadium.

Hickman (28-2) defeated the DeSmet Spartans (19-9) Saturday at Taylor Stadium 17-7. The Kewpies tied a state record with 18 hits in the championship game.

In a game where the usually potent top of the Hickman lineup struggled early, the Kewpies won in large part because of the bottom of the lineup. Batting from the No. 7 spot, senior right fielder Joe Gaboury led the way, going 4-for-5 with four RBIs.

Coach Dave Wilson was especially pleased to see Gaboury have a big game.

“He’s a kid that kind of struggled a bit offensively, but the man never struggled for us defensively all year long and Hickman High in right field is the toughest right field to play in all of high school baseball,” Wilson said. “He never let it bother his defense because he’s a team guy, and for him to step it big today, I’m so tickled

for him.”

Gaboury said the fact the Kewpies were state champs hadn’t really set in yet.

“I’m kind of in shock, I think it won’t set in until tomorrow,” Gaboury said. “It was a real fun game, and I’ve got a whole team of best friends now.”

Despite strong seasons the past two years, the Kewpies had failed

“We’ve put the work in for four years now,” said senior Justin Jackson, who had three RBIs Saturday. “It just feels awesome to win. It’s the most fun we’ve had playing baseball, and now we can say we went out on top.”

For senior Blake Tekotte, the championship was extra special. Tekotte suffered an injury during Hickman’s football season and was forced to watch the Kewpies win the football state title from the sidelines. Tekotte, who will play baseball for the University of Miami next year, now has a championship to call his own.

“I wanted this so bad, it’s just unbelievable,” Tekotte said. “I’ll remember this forever.”

Starting pitcher Zach Heath earned the win and finished the year undefeated at 10-0. The senior said that the win was a team effort.

“I think this was our best win as a team all year,” Heath said.

Wilson said it was crucial how the rest of the lineup stepped up.

“A perfect example is when Blake (Tekotte) got out on a ground ball late in the ball game, and we get two runs right after that,” Wilson said, “and I looked at Blake and said ‘that’s what a team is for.’ He carried us offensively, and all of a sudden the team picks him up. It was a great team effort.”

The championship game was a lot closer than the score would indicate. DeSmet pitcher Brett Greenwell frustrated the Kewpie hitters early, striking out seven. The Kewpies fought back and kept the game close, and the Spartans led 6-5 heading into the fifth inning.

The Kewpies batters started getting into a groove in the fifth. Clutch hits by Gaboury, left fielder Ryan Nesbitt, and shortstop Kyle Smith brought in four runs. The Kewpies put the game out of reach with two more runs in the sixth and finished the game strong with six runs in the seventh.

Tekotte said he had faith Hickman would find a way to win.

“We knew that something was going to happen and that someone was going to step up,” Tekotte said. “We pulled through and ended up on top.”

Hickman earned the right to play in the title game after beating Lee’s Summit in thrilling fashion the previous day 11-8.

Wilson said he hoped his team would carry this feeling with them forever.

“This is my best baseball memory,” Wilson said.