Burleson, Afusia MVPs in Golden West League

Ocean View High’s Sean Burleson and Nikole Afusia have earned the top two honors for the 2007 Golden West League baseball and softball seasons, respectively.

Burleson has been named the league’s baseball MVP and helped guide the Seahawks to the league title. The junior posted a 9-2 record on the mound with an ERA of 1.58. He struck out 55 and walked just nine batters. Offensively, he hit .407 with 11 doubles, eight home runs and 31 RBI.

Seven other Seahawks made all-league and one player was named honorable mention. Named to the first team were Scott Baxter (P, Jr., 6-4 record; 3.10 ERA; 26 strikeouts; .429 avg.), David Baron (OF, Sr., .341 avg.) and Chris Katsuki (Utility, Sr., .316 avg.).

Named to the second team were Davey Hughey (Utility, Sr., .360 avg.), Manny Guzman (OF, Sr., .365 avg.) and Ryan Schulenburg (INF., Sr., 352 avg.). Mike Fuentes (DH, Sr., 375 avg.) was named honorable mention.

“I’m happy for our kids,” Ocean View Coach Shane Borowski said. “We had a great year, even though our playoff performance didn’t show that. This year more than others, I really wanted to keep going, to go deep into the playoffs. Not for me or any of the other coaches, but for these kids.

“They were a great bunch to be around and they worked harder than any group I’ve ever had. We’re losing eight seniors, many of them all-leaguers. It’s going to be tough not just to replace them, but I’m going to miss them too.”

Afusia, a catcher, was one of the county’s top hitters in 2007. In addition to being named the league’s softball MVP, the junior, who already has given a verbal commitment to Arizona State, has been named Ocean View team MVP as well as its top offensive player.

The three-time all-league player had 39 hits in 73 at-bats which included four home runs and 18 RBI, and she scored 20 times.

“It was unanimous,” Ocean View Coach Randy Cruz said of Afusia’s selection as league MVP. “She is a great ballplayer and leader on the field. She certainly deserves the honor. All of our girls who made all-league were very deserving.”

Seahawks junior pitcher Brenna Klein, who went undefeated this year, was named the co-Pitcher of the Year along with Segerstrom sophomore Monica Segura.