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All-metro first team

June 14, 2011 at 4:00AM

PITCHERS

Austin Malinowski, Centennial, senior

• The hard-throwing lefthander has a tough decision to make soon: play in college (Arizona) or on the pro level (Twins). He was selected by the hometown squad in the 16th round of this year's draft. Malinowski had a 7-2 record with 103 strikeouts and 12 walks while posting a 0.49 ERA in 57²/₃ innings during his final prep season.

Logan Shore, Coon Rapids, sophomore

• If you want to take a good look at the state's future, go watch this poised youngster. Shore has exceptional control, finishing the year with 57 strikeouts while walking only five. He went 5-2, one setback being 1-0 to Malinowski, with one save. The young phenom, who also plays shortstop and first base, hit .397.

Rob Youngdahl, Hill-Murray, senior

• Youngdahl is a gifted player, whether it be on the hill, in the outfield or at the plate. The lefthander was 7-0 on the mound with a 0.49 ERA before losing to Roseville in section play. He also batted .450 with five home runs and 24 RBI. The state's Gatorade Player of the Year is headed to Kansas State.

CATCHER

Justin Threlkeld, Burnsville, senior

• Threlkeld's leadership skills behind the plate have helped the Blaze become a state power over the past two years. He enters the state tournament with a .378 batting average and five home runs. Threlkeld will play at Iowa Central Community College.

POSITION PLAYERS

Ryan Busch, Roseville, senior, ss

• Busch was coming off an outstanding junior season and still elevated his game in 2011. The metro's top teams and pitchers seemed to bring out the best in the Raider. Busch, who is headed for Georgetown, hit four home runs as a junior and doubled that output in his final year.

Trevor Jaunich, Delano,

senior, ss

• A four-year starter who quietly has developed into one of the state's best. At the plate, Jaunich hit .490 and once on the base paths stole 18 bases. In the field, Jaunich had a .974 fielding percentage. He will play at North Dakota State.

Pat Kelly, Red Wing, senior, ss

• The line-drive-hitting middle infielder led the Wingers to their first winning season since 2007. Kelly hit .436 with five home runs in his final season. The Nebraska recruit is one of seven finalists for the Mr. Baseball award.

Connor McCallum, Hill-

Murray, senior, ss

• McCallum's effort never will be questioned -- he gives 100 percent all the time. He finished the regular season hitting .590 with three home runs and 32 RBI. McCallum is headed for Minnesota State Mankato.

Max Murphy, Cooper, senior, of

• Murphy has developed into one of the fastest and most powerful hitters in the state. The fleet-footed center fielder belted 10 home runs while also hitting for average (.585). The Bradley recruit is a big reason Cooper won its second consecutive North Suburban Conference championship.

RON HAGGSTROM