By Ed Farrell

Herald Assistant Sports Editor

CORY JOHNSON has been named to the Pennsylvania High School Baseball Coaches’ Association All-State team.

Johnson, a senior corner infielder and No. 3 hitter, helped steer Sharon High’s 2008 squad to the best single season in the program’s history. The Tigers tallied 21 consecutive triumphs, defended their District 10 Class AA crown, and advanced to the PIAA western regional title tilt before bowing to Burrell — their lone loss.

During the regular season the righthanded-hitting Johnson — bound for Slippery Rock University to continue his education (accounting) and diamond career — batted .470 (31 for 66), including 6 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs, with 31 RBI and 32 runs scored. His on-base and slugging percentages were .636 and .500, respectively.

“Cory’s a natural hitter, with a good eye for the ball. He’s a smart kid, with a good head for the game,” praised Tigers’ taskmaster Bill Dorfi.

On the mound, the righty posted a 4-0 won-loss ledger and 2.33 ERA, whiffing 18 in 21 innings pitched while walking 8 and allowing 18 hits. Dorfi said its conceivable SRU veteran mentor Jeff Messer could use Johnson’s right arm, as well as his bat.

“I’m sure he’ll do well wherever they put him,” Dorfi forecasted.

Academically, the son of Jeff and Linda Johnson was 10th in this year’s 135-member Sharon High graduating class, accumulating a 4.01 grade-point-average. He is a member of the school’s chapter of the National Honor Society, and already earned a dozen college credits at Penn State-Shenango’s campus. He also received distinction from various national publications/organizations, including “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.”

“He’s just an all-around good kid,” Dorfi said. “He was our senior captain this year, and last year was an underclassman captain. He’s been a leader for us.”

The PHSBCA large school (AAAA-AAA) All-State team included pitchers Ricky Ott (Shippensburg) and Brett Houseal (Hempfield), a senior and junior, respectively; senior catchers Joe Maloney (Sun Valley) and Jon Steele (Williamsport); senior 1st baseman Ryan Geffert (Wyoming Valley West); the junior keystone combo of 2nd-sacker Austin Wulf (Blackhawk) and shortstop Matt Pierpoint (Canon-McMillan); senior 3rd baseman Jarrod Kramer (Blue Mountain); senior outfielders Chris Dittmar (Canon-McMillan) and Jon Moser (Hempfield) and junior picket Rocco DelPriore (Southern Lehigh), and sophomore designated-hitter Tyler Wingard (Punxsutawney).

In addition to Johnson, the 3rd baseman, PHSBCA’s Small School (AA-A) All-State squad included junior pitchers Joby Lapkowicz (Carmichaels Area) and Brenton Eades (Minersville); senior catcher Cameron Olsen (Serra Catholic); senior Derek Boyer (Schuylkill Haven) and junior David McNeill (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart), who shared 1st-base honors; senior 2nd baseman Cody Montz (Schuylkill Haven); senior shortstop Mike Devine (Springdale); outfielders Zachary Staudt (Cochranton) and Nathan DeFilippi (Center), a pair of seniors, and junior Tyler Jankowski (Lancaster Catholic), and senior DH Dustin Pare (Pius X).

“I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Dorfi said regarding Johnson. “All four years he was a starter, a letterwinner ... just one of those kids you want to have every year.”