Tamaqua's Mason Ligenza on the mound in a 4-1 victory in a District 11 Class 4A semifinal baseball game Bethlehem Catholic at Robert Wetzel Field (photo by Eli Doyle).

Six of the Schuylkill League’s top performers were named to the 2025 Pennsylvania High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State Team, capping off dominant seasons that helped lead their teams to league titles, playoff runs and personal milestones.

In Class 4A, Tamaqua senior Mason Ligenza earned First-Team All-State honors as an outfielder after putting together one of the most complete two-way seasons in the state. Ligenza hit .448 with 10 home runs, 27 stolen bases, 44 runs scored and a 1.086 slugging percentage. On the mound, the University of Pitt commit posted a 7-1 record with a 0.25 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 55 innings. He helped guide Tamaqua (11-1 Schuylkill League Division I) to a league championship and a District 11 runner-up finish.

Schuylkill Haven, which went a perfect 14-0 in the league and reached the District 11 Class AA semifinals, placed two players on the Class AA All-State team. Hunter Correll, a senior infielder/pitcher, was named to the First Team after batting .474 with 4 home runs, 37 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He also went 7-2 on the mound with a sub 3 ERA and well over 50 strikeouts during the season.

Teammate Alan Evans, a sophomore, earned Second-Team honors as an infielder. Evans hit above .400 with 25 stolen bases, 19 RBIs and also posted a 5-0 record on the mound with a 2.38 ERA and over 30 strikeouts in 30-plus innings.

Tri-Valley, which won the District 11 Class AA title, made a lengthly PIAA tournament run and was the Schuylkill League runner-up, had two players honored in Class AA as well. Jason Stewart, a junior infielder, was selected to the First Team after batting roughly .500 throughout the majority of the year with two home runs, eight doubles, three triples and 19 stolen bases.

Fellow Dawg and junior pitcher Braeden Doyle made the Second Team with an impressive 10-0 record, sub 2 ERA, and well over 40 strikeouts in roughly 50 innings. Doyle also hit well above .3oo with eight doubles and 26 RBIs. Tri-Valley, for the second consecutive season, pushed its limits with a deep run through the PIAA Class AA Tournament after winning the District 11 Class AA trophy.

Shenandoah Valley senior Brayden Maksimik rounded out the Schuylkill League’s All-State honorees, earning Second-Team recognition as an infielder in Class AA. Maksimik hit just shy of .450 with 10 doubles and 17 stolen bases, while posting a 5-3 record and an ERA right around 2 and 64 strikeouts in 53 innings. The Blue Devils finished 14-6 overall and made their first-ever appearance in the Schuylkill League playoffs.

The six selections reflect the Schuylkill League’s high level of play during the 2025 season, with three teams claiming division titles and four advancing deep into the District 11 playoffs.

Beyond the Schuylkill League, District 11 had strong representation across all classifications.

In Class 6A, Parkland’s Will Dobil (INF), Stroudsburg’s Anthony Knight (INF), William Allen’s Erick Lopez (C) and Nazareth’s Ryan Petruska (UTIL) were named to the First Team. Freedom’s Santiago Rodriguez (OF) earned Second-Team honors.

In Class 5A, Dylan Keith was named First-Team INF, while Jaxson Kreider made the Second Team.

In Class 4A, Wilson’s Liam Coyle (INF), Saucon Valley’s Cole Hubert (OF) and Lehighton’s Derek Behler (OF) joined Ligenza on the All-State list.

In Class 3A, Palmerton’s Luke Matsko was named a First-Team outfielder.

The All-State selections reflect the continued strength and depth of District 11 baseball, particularly in the Schuylkill League, where players delivered memorable moments and championship-level performances throughout the spring.

*Full list below*

Buffington Tabbed for All-Star Coaching Staff

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Schuylkill Haven High School head baseball coach Scott Buffington has been tapped as an assistant coach for the inaugural Pennsylvania High School Baseball East‑West All‑Star Game. The game, hosted by the Pennsylvania State Baseball Coaches Association, is scheduled for June 22 at Medlar Field in State College.

Buffington, who surpassed his 47th season at the helm of the Hurricanes and ranks among the most experienced coaches in District 11 (752–291 career record), will join the East coaching staff alongside Sandy Menichetti of Holy Cross and Jesse Bortner of Big Spring.

The East team, composed of standout seniors from athletic districts 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12, will face the West squad from districts 4–10. Buffalo’s appointment as an assistant coach underscores his reputation for leadership and success at the high school level.

Among the District 11 players on the East roster are Bethlehem Catholic first baseman Caeden Deegan and Allen catcher Erick Lopez, as well as Pocono Mountain East infielder Rocco DelGiudice and Nazareth outfielder Chase Kilareski.

Buffington’s inclusion adds further distinction to his remarkable career, which includes guiding Schuylkill Haven to an undefeated 14‑0 league season and a deep playoff run this past spring.

The game will take place June 22 at Penn State’s Medlar Field, offering a showcase for the Commonwealth’s top senior baseball talent.