By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Darin Vaughan led the Washington Pam Pack baseball team to its first playoff victory since 1998. He, along with three of his players, received Coastal Conference honors this year.
Vaughan, who led Washington to a fourth-place finish in the Coastal Conference standings, was tabbed the conference Coach of the Year.
“It’s voted on by coaches, so I’m flattered by it,” said Vaughan, who guided Washington to a 12-11 overall record. “To be voted that in such a great conference with so many great coaches is an award I’m very happy to receive.
“The credit goes to the players because you don’t win games without good players. I’m more happy for the kids and the program than I am for me.”
The Pack made its first postseason appearance since 1998. Washington topped Hertford County, 2-1, in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A state playoffs, before falling 3-2 to Wilson Fike in the second round.
Senior Austin Thompson, sophomore Jake Duke and senior Christopher Everette played a big role in leading Washington to a successful season. Thompson and Duke were named to the All-Coastal First Team, while Everette received honorable mention.
Thompson, a shortstop, finished with a .365 batting average, one home run, 13 RBIs, .431 on-base percentage and .540 slugging percentage.
Duke, who played at second base, shortstop and third base, hit .383 with a home run and 11 RBIs. The Pack’s leadoff batter had a .506 on-base percentage and a .533 slugging percentage.
Everette, a sure-handed second baseman, hit .271 with six RBIs. He had a .426 on-base percentage and a .396 slugging percentage.
“Christopher and Austin will be difficult to replace,” Vaughan said. “Those guys have stabilized our middle infield for three years. It was very nice to see their hard work get paid off with off-season awards. They are both deserving and I’m happy for them. They provided great leadership and are deserving of the awards.
“For Jake, with only being a sophomore, he has two more years. He has big shoes to fill as I plan to move him over to shortstop. This award proves he can successfully do it. It’s very encouraging for our program to see a sophomore win that award.”