Two of the best: Lunzman, Hochhalter reflect on All-State honors
Jun. 13—JAMESTOWN — The end to a high school athletics career can be bittersweet but the North Dakota High School Coaches Association (NDHSCA) wound up making the end to Payton Hochhalter and Mason Lunzman's careers a little bit sweeter.
The pair of Jamestown High School graduated seniors were named to the 2023 Class A Baseball All-State Team last week.
Lunzman and Hochhalter helped lead the Blue Jays to the team's first-ever WDA regular season title this spring. Jamestown also managed a second-straight appearance at the 2023 Class A State Baseball Tournament.
"It means a lot to me to earn those awards, knowing that the work I put in has paid off," Lunzman said. "I'm most proud of myself for becoming a better leader than I used to be."
Following the 2023 West Region baseball tournament, Lunzman was named Co-WDA Senior Athlete of the Year. One week later at the conclusion of the 2023 State Tournament, he was named the 2023 Player of the Year but he's not taking the credit.
"It is really exciting," Lunzman said. "There really aren't many words that could describe it. The coaches I've had throughout my years of playing baseball, I wouldn't have been where I am without them. The teammates that I have had always pushed me to work harder and become better. My brothers have helped me my whole life with baseball and that means a lot to me for them putting time away to help me."
Lunzman's oldest brother, Tanner, coached Lunzman in his early teen years and helped his younger brother develop different types of pitches in the family's backyard.
Lunzman's second-oldest brother, Ryder, a JHS Class of 2019 graduate, underwent Tommy John surgery after his senior season. For about a year after the surgery, Lunzman worked through Ryder's rehabilitation program with him and better learned the mechanics required of a pitcher.
"I am the first one in my family to be named senior athlete, but my two older brothers were also great athletes in all of their sports, especially baseball," Lunzman said. "I had always looked up to them and tried to follow in their footsteps. If it wasn't for them always coaching me and helping me out with anything I needed, I wouldn't have received that award."
The lefty was 7-0 on the hill this spring. in 42.1 innings, he only allowed 12 runs — four earned — on 23 hits. Lunzman walked eight and recorded 53 Ks. Lunzman's senior year ERA read .661.
Lunzman, the Jays' leadoff batter all year, held an average of .325 this season. He drove in 14 runners off his 26 hits. He was 19-for-20 in terms of stolen bases.
"Mason deserves this award because he is very hard working and a great teammate to be around," Hochhalter said. "Mason and I put a lot of work in this winter, so I could see how much he loved the sport and the love of grinding."
Lunzman was one of four Blue Jay athletes to earn Player of the Year honors this school year.
Hochhalter was named the 2022 Class A Football Player of the Year. For the girls, Emma Hillerud earned POTY honors in gymnastics and Katie Falk picked up the honor in softball.
"I think that over the years Jamestown has usually been known as the underdog in many sports and the athletes really just want to prove that we aren't," Lunzman said. "They put in a lot of work and really try to show what Jamestown can do. Also, it's not only just the single athlete but the entire team that wants to prove themselves.
"I hope that I helped younger players know that Jamestown is just as good as the other bigger schools," he said. "If you work hard enough and just go out and compete that you will do just fine no matter who you are going up against."
Lunzman has not officially announced if he plans to continue playing baseball at the collegiate level but Hochhalter has committed to the University of Jamestown to play football and baseball.
"Payton is an outstanding athlete," Lunzman said. "On the mound, in the field and in the batter's box, I know he is always going to get the job done no matter what. He will always go out and compete with his best stuff because that's just who he is. He has helped the program by pushing everyone to work harder and to get better at every practice and every game."
Hochhalter was .361 at the plate, recording 26 hits off 72 at-bats. The senior was responsible for two of the Jays' 10 triples and four of the team's 10 home runs. He drove in 24 runs.
On the hill, Hochhalter tossed a total of 614 pitches across 40.1 innings this spring. He allowed 15 runs on 30 hits and walked 14 batters. He set down 41. Hochhalter's ERA read 1.041 at the end of the year.
"I have been named all-state in football but this is the first time for baseball," Hochhalter said. "It feels good to know that all the hard work over the years has paid off. I am most proud of being a part of the first Blue Jay team to win the WDA regular season title. I hope that the future Blue Jays will look up to this team and see what dedication and hard work can do."
Before he officially signs off and starts training with UJ head baseball coach Tom Hager, Hochhalter will be playing American Legion baseball with Jamestown's Post 14 squad.
"(This summer) gives me one last opportunity to play with my teammates," Hochhalter said. "It's great to know that (next year) I'll be able to keep playing on my home field and to be able to see so many familiar faces that have supported me over the years."
2023 Class A Baseball All-State Team
Mason Lunzman, Jamestown
Payton Hochhalter, Jamestown
Caleb Anderson, West Fargo
Cole Barta, Grand Forks Central
Jadon Bast, Dickinson
Kellan Burke, Minot
Caleb Duerr, West Fargo Sheyenne
Kadin Finders, Williston
Jace Groseclose, Bismarck
Connor Holm, Fargo North
Charlie Kalbrener, Fargo North
Caden Kappes, Wahpeton
Jace Kovash, Dickinson
Tommy Kraljic, St. Mary's
Adam Leininger, Shanley
Jordan Leininger, Shanley
Morgan Nygaard, Minot
Trey Stocker, West Fargo Sheyenne
Lucas Vasey, Legacy
NDHSCA POWERade Outstanding Senior Athlete — Mason Lunzman, Jamestown
NDHSCA SUBWAY Coach of the Year — Andrew Lunsetter, Wahpeton
