The window on the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race is closing, and the search for elite student-athletes is in full swing. The award recognizes not only athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field. Here are two top candidates who meet the basic award criteria as determined by our ESPNHS team that administers the program’s selection process.

Luke Fernandes

Senior Pitcher/Shortstop, Marshwood High (South Berwick, ME)

2012 Team record: 10-2

2012 Team standing: First in Class A West

2012 Batting average: .421

2012 RBI: 10

2012 Runs: 12

2012 W-L record: 3-1

2012 ERA: 1.57

2012 Strikeouts: 41

Academics: B average

Collegiate destination: Boston College

How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: First Team All-State; Rawlings/Perfect Game First Team All-Northeast.

Corbin Hyde

Senior Pitcher/First baseman, Lewiston High (Lewiston, ME)

2012 Team record: 9-3

2012 Team standing: Fourth in Class A East

2012 Batting average: .457

2012 RBI: 16

2012 Runs: 14

2012 W-L record: 3-1

2012 ERA: 0.90

2012 Strikeouts: 45

Academics: B average

Collegiate destination: Endicott

How he’s played himself into the State POY conversation: First Team All-State; American Legion State Tournament MVP; First Team All-Conference.

Make no mistake, the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year race isn’t over yet. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list. Here are some more of many who’ve been in the conversation throughout the 2011-12 campaign.

Louie DiStasio: Senior Pitcher/Shortstop, Cheverus High (Portland, ME)

Ben Wessel: Senior Pitcher/First Baseman, Scarborough High (Scarborough, ME)

Joe Cronin: Senior Shortstop, Scarborough High (Scarborough, ME)

Paul McDonough: Senior Shortstop, Wells High (Wells, ME)

Think we're missing a deserving Gatorade State Player of the Year candidate in your state? Let us know via e-mail at ESPNHS_GPOY@ESPN.com.