GASTONIA — All-conference teams for high school baseball and softball in the Gastonia and Shelby area were announced following the conclusion of the 2026 seasons in Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln counties. The selections were determined by votes from coaches in each respective league.
In the Big South 5A/6A Conference, Jackson Swenson of Crest earned Baseball Player of the Year honors, while K.J. Bell of Kings Mountain was named Baseball Pitcher of the Year. Evan Wise of South Point received Baseball Coach of the Year recognition. On the softball side, Madison Crocker of Crest was selected Softball Player of the Year, and Madeline Huffman of Kings Mountain was named Softball Pitcher of the Year. Greg Earl of Crest was honored as Softball Coach of the Year.
The Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A Conference awarded Drew Dixon of Burns as Baseball Player of the Year, with Brian Buttrick of Burns named Baseball Pitcher of the Year. Alex Leonhardt of Burns received Baseball Coach of the Year honors. In softball, Kaylin Pardo of West Lincoln was selected Softball Player of the Year. Danilyn Lewis of West Lincoln and Addy Morehead of Bessemer City shared Softball Pitcher of the Year honors. Shailen Johnson of Shelby was named Softball Coach of the Year.
In the Western Foothills 4A/5A Conference, Tucker Sigmon of North Lincoln was named Baseball Player of the Year, and Parker Williams of North Lincoln earned Baseball Pitcher of the Year. Charlie Goss of North Lincoln was selected Baseball Coach of the Year. For softball, Karsyn Sigmon of Foard received Softball Player of the Year recognition, and Serena Thurman of Bunker Hill was named Softball Pitcher of the Year. Breanna Tapp of North Lincoln was honored as Softball Coach of the Year.
North Lincoln baseball completed a back-to-back NCHSAA 5A state championship run in 2026, defeating Seaforth in Game 2 of the state championship series on May 28 in Burlington. Burns baseball reached the NCHSAA championship game but did not win the title. Cherryville baseball also competed in the 2026 postseason but did not claim the NCHSAA 2A state championship.