A dedicated ESPNHS team managed the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011-12 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.

For his 47 fellow Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Adam Schaly

THE BASICS

School: Ashland (Ohio)
Grade: Senior
Position: LHP/OF/1B
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 195 pounds

THE PILLARS

Athletic achievement: Schaly posted an 11-0 record, a 0.20 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 65 innings, leading the Arrows (23-4) to the Division I regional final this past season. The 2011 Ohio Cardinal Conference Player of the Year, he also batted .403 with 18 RBI and 24 runs scored.

Academic excellence: Schaly has maintained a 3.82 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, he has volunteered locally preparing meals at an area homeless shelter and as a youth baseball coach.

THE PRAISE

“Adam Schaly is by far the best pitcher I have ever coached,” said Ashland head coach Rob Lavengood. “He’s also leading our team in hitting and is a superb defensive first baseman and right fielder. He is the whole package.”

THE FUTURE: Schaly has signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball on an athletic scholarship at Stetson University this fall.