Gorman’s Malm named Southern player of year

He was the most dangerous hitter on the most dangerous team in the state.

And for his efforts, Bishop Gorman's Jeff Malm was named the Class 4A Southern Nevada Baseball Player of the Year by area coaches.

Malm batted .564 with seven home runs and 73 RBIs to lead the Gaels to their third consecutive state title. He also was 8-2 with a 2.90 ERA.

Malm's RBI total and his 79 hits were state records, according to the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association record book.

Malm was one of four Gorman players selected to the All-Southern Nevada first team. He was joined by pitcher Donn Roach, outfielder Joey Rickard and designated hitter Brandon Garcia.

The other pitchers on the first team were Sierra Vista's Kiel Harmon, Arbor View's Josh Arnold, Las Vegas' Bryan Harper and Rancho's Justin Neubauer.

Rickard was joined in the outfield by Spring Valley's Cameron Brooks, Silverado's Jordan Keegan, Coronado's Tim Arthur and Basic's Marcus Romero.

Malm was joined on the infield by Bonanza's Kris Bryant, Durango's Niko Vasquez, Arbor View's David McClure, Las Vegas' Marvin Campbell and Green Valley's Jordan Van Hoosier.

Las Vegas' Bryce Harper was the catcher, and Cimarron-Memorial's Kaz Smith was picked as a utility player.

Malm, named the Gatorade Nevada Player of the Year this week, also was the Southwest Division Player of the Year. Keegan, who batted .434, was named the Southeast Division Player of the Year. Bryce Harper (.590, 9 HRs, 57 RBIs) was the Northeast Division Player of the Year, and McClure (.445, 3 HRs, 33 RBIs) was the Northwest Division Player of the Year.

• AIR FORCE BOUND -- Durango's Aaron Kurcz has received an appointment to play at the Air Force Academy. Kurcz hit .391 with four homers and was 7-5 with a 3.21 ERA this year.