Avlas and Jackson Will Share Player of the Year Award

Shortstop Conor Jackson of El Camino Real High and catcher Phil Avlas of Kennedy have been selected the co-players of the year in City Section baseball.

Nineteen players from San Fernando Valley schools made the All-City team, including 13 first-team choices. There were eight sophomores honored.

Jackson, a senior, has been a three-year starter for the Conquistadores, winning a City title in 1998 and a runner-up spot this season. He batted .427 with eight home runs and 36 runs batted in this season.

No hitter provoked greater respect from coaches and pitchers. He has signed a letter of intent with California and was drafted in the 31st round by the Cleveland Indians.

“His performance is inspiring by itself,” Coach Bob Ganssle said. “He always has an impact, whether somebody is pitching around him or whether somebody decides to throw to him.”

Avlas, a junior, led Kennedy to its sixth City Championship in school history. He was the team’s leading hitter with a .471 average and drove in 36 runs.

Equally impressive was his play behind the plate, scooping up balls in the dirt or throwing out runners trying to steal.

Avlas’ defensive skills were crucial Tuesday night when Kennedy defeated El Camino Real, 4-2, at Dodger Stadium.

Earning All-City honors were pitchers Joe Guntz of Chatsworth, Greg Acheatel of El Camino Real and Abraham Gonzalez of San Fernando. Also honored were utility player Adam Geery of Kennedy, catcher John Voita of Granada Hills, infielders Matt Fisher of Chatsworth, Felipe Tetelboin of Grant, Manny Flores of San Fernando, Juan Sepulveda of Kennedy and Jason Kort of El Camino Real, and outfielder Hector Chavez of Sylmar.

Among the second-team picks were pitcher Eduardo Baeza of Poly, catcher Jose Carrillo of Birmingham, utility player Eddie Camacho of Sylmar, infielder Ryan Braun of Granada Hills and outfielders Brian Lee of Chatsworth and Zack Sims of Poly.