The Post-Crescent Media coverage boasted some of the top baseball players in the state this season, but two players rose above the talented field: Appleton North’s Alex Henwood and Freedom’s Justin Scoville.

Both led extremely talented teams to sectional play. Henwood’s Lightning team lost in a Division 1 sectional final to Kimberly and Scoville’s Irish lost to Valders in a D2 sectional semi.

Both are heading to Nebraska to play collegiately: Henwood to the University of Nebraska and Scoville to Midland University in Fremont, Neb. Their outstanding play has led to them being named Post-Crescent Media’s co-Athletes of the Year in baseball.

JUSTIN SCOVILLE

Q: Your team had a fantastic season, reaching sectional play before losing to a very good Denmark team. What will you remember most about your high school career?

A: The thing I will remember most is definitely my teammates. This year was special because we had 12 seniors and we have all been playing together for so long that our chemistry was through the roof. And that definitely factored into our success.

Q: You overcame a serious shoulder injury to come back and pitch well this season. What advice would you give to younger athletes who may experience the same kind of adversity at some point in their careers?

A: I would say just don’t give up on your goals. And do everything you can to get back out there. You only get out what you put in and if you don’t put the work in you won’t get the results. Also I’d like to thank Dr. Mologne and my physical therapist at Peak Performance Miles, because without them I wouldn’t be out here playing the game I love.

Q: You’re one of many great athletes at Freedom High School. What is it about the community that drives the athletes to be some of the best in the Post-Crescent coverage area?

A: Being from a small town where everyone knows everyone our community is very supportive for every sport. A lot of our athletes have played together at some time in their careers, so all their parents support us even if they don’t have a kid on the baseball team. I loved playing for Freedom.

Q: Did you know at a young age that pitching was something you were going to be doing at the high school level? Who got you started?

A: Yeah, pitching started at a young age for me for sure, ever since I was in Little League. My dad was the one who got me started and always would go over mechanics with me either in the yard or at the diamond. He is a huge reason for my success on the field.

Q: You shared the Post-Crescent baseball honor with Appleton North’s Alex Henwood. What was the photo shoot like? How well do you know him? How do you feel about sharing the honor with him?

A: The photo shoot was fun. My face kinda hurt from smiling so much, but other than that it was great! I’ve known Alex for a few years. We played a few tournaments together in the summer so I have known him for a while. It was a privilege to share this honor with him because he is an amazing ballplayer and I know he will do great things.

THIS AND THAT

Q: What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?

A: I love to bowl, watch movies and hang out with friends.

Q: Freedom’s a small community and well-known for its active fan base. What’s it like playing in a town where your team’s sports are revered?

A: It jacks you up when you get to the diamond and see fans already there tailgating for the game. During the game you can always hear them supporting you. After the game, win or lose they always have your back. It’s something I will never forget.

Q: What’s the next step? Are you playing college? Attending for academics?

A: I will be attending Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. I will be playing baseball down there and studying sports management.

SOME OF JUSTIN’S FAVORITES

Musical artist: Timeflies Tuesday

TV show: “Criminal Minds” and “Teen Wolf.”

Movie: “The Sandlot” and “Benchwarmers.”

Superhero: “Captain America.”

Place to eat in Appleton: Stoneyard or Buffalo Wild Wings

Hollywood dream date: “Selena Gomez for sure.”

Place to hang out: “Wherever my friends are.”

Dream vacation spot: “Australia or Puerto Rico.”

Dream car: “My 2006 Saturn Ion.”

ALEX HENWOOD

Q: Your team had another fantastic season but ended up short of its goal to reach the state tournament. How frustrating was it for you and the rest of a very talented North roster?

A: It was frustrating, but we got beat by a good team in Kimberly, and that’s just baseball. Some days it’s not meant to be your day and that day Kimberly had the timely hitting. It was a good season and certainly one I will not forget, but I would have loved to make it to state one more time.

Q: You were on the Varsity Roundtable earlier this season and mentioned about the great fun you had playing youth baseball. How important was that for you at a young age?

A: I think youth baseball was very important to me, the fun I had is what began the love of the game. I would encourage any young kid to play baseball, to play tee ball, to give it a shot. Baseball has been one of my greatest decisions and it has granted me some incredible opportunities and it has led me to meet some pretty special people. And that all started because I gave youth baseball a try.

Q: Appleton North is known for its outstanding athletic programs. Why is the school so successful? Is it athletes? Coaching? Parents?

A: I do largely think that it is a little bit of everything. We are made up of great coaches and a variety of athletic talent that make a great dynamic for sports and success. The overall community that surrounds Appleton North and support we receive in all sports makes it special.

Q: You will be heading to Nebraska to play college baseball. What are some of your short-term goals and long-term goals playing for the Huskers?

A: My goals are simple, short-term and long-term, my goal is to give this opportunity and this University everything I’ve got. They have granted me an incredible opportunity, but my journey is just beginning. It’s my job to work hard enough that I can earn my spot and earn the chance to play. I love this game and I will do whatever it takes to continue to play, and continue to make a name for myself, my family, and my community.

Q: You shared the Post-Crescent baseball honor with Freedom’s Justin Scoville. What was the photo shoot like? How well do you know him? How do you feel about sharing the honor with him?

A: The photo shoot was fun. I know Justin. We have played together here and there. He is a great player and a guy who really loves to compete on the mound. And someone who is that invested is someone who deserves the honor of being player of year. As far as I am concerned, it is well earned on his part.

THIS AND THAT

Q: What are some of your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?

A: For fun I spend all my time outside. I don’t care much for TV or sitting around. You can usually find me hiking or biking and taking in the outdoors.

Q: When you reach into that refrigerator, what’s the No. 1 thing you want to see staring back at you?

A: Probably the best thing I can hope to find in the refrigerator is cold pizza. People have mixed opinions about cold pizza, but I love it, any time of the day, nothing compares.

Q: If you could play any musical instrument as a virtuoso, what would it be and why?

A: Piano no doubt. It just strikes me when someone can sit down and play the piano, I think it’s a crazy skill that I have so much respect for.

SOME OF ALEX’S FAVORITES

Musical artist: Ben Rector/ Brad Paisley

TV show: “Friends.”

Movie: “Miracle.”

Superhero: “Batman.”

Place to eat in Appleton: Cozy Corner

Hollywood dream date: Emma Watson

Place to hang out: “Anywhere outside.”

Dream vacation spot: “Lost on back roads in the mountains.”

Dream car: Corvette

Ricardo Arguello: 920-993-1000, ext. 558, or rarguello@postcrescent.com; on Twitter@PCRicardo

A CLOSER LOOK

JUSTIN SCOVILLE

Age: 18

Year: Senior

Position(s): Pitcher and outfield

Family: Parents, Joel and Diana; Younger sister, Stephanie (16).

Notable: Was a unanimous first-team all-Eastern Valley Conference selection and the conference’s player of the year. … Had a 10-1 record in 12 starts and finished with an ERA of 0.65. … Is Freedom’s all-time leader in career wins (20), wins in a season (10) and career ERA (1.53 ERA). … Also batted .356 on the season and lead the Irish with 22 RBI.

ALEX HENWOOD

Age: 18

Year: Senior

Position: Shortstop

Family: Parents, Chris and Tracy; Older brother, Evan; younger brother Quin.

Notable: Was a first-team all-Fox Valley Association selection. … Was a finalist for the Gatorade state player of the year award. … Was a first-team Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association selection. … Batted .427 with 39 runs scored, 25 stolen bases three triples, a home run and 18 RBI. … Will play collegiately at the University of Nebraska.