The awards for Cuba star baseball player Braden Gipson keep rolling in following a fantastic junior season at the plate and on the mound.

After already being named All-Conference and All-District, Gipson was recognized by the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) as a second team All-State utility player/designated hitter in Class 3 for his play this past spring. Gipson is the first Wildcat to receive All-State recognition since Curtis England and Douglas Payne were second team All-State and honorable mention All-State selections, respectively in 2017.

Belle senior Hank Stratman and Fatima senior Blake Kliethermes were first team All-State selections and the only players in Class 3 District 8 to be recognized.

Gipson had a .471 batting average and a .553 on base percentage hitting out of the leadoff spot along with 41 hits, 30 runs scored, 16 runs batted in and 16 stolen bases. His batting average, on base percentage, hits, and stolen bases were team-highs in each statistical category and his 30 runs scored tied Carter Medows for the team lead.

Gipson was also Cuba’s best pitcher throughout the season. He finished with a 7-1 record with a 1.53 earned run average, striking out 94 batters in 59 2/3 innings. Gipson’s earned run average was below 1.00 for the majority of the season and his only loss of the year came in Cuba’s Class 3 District 8 Tournament semifinal on May 20 to Belle.

Gipson was the Wildcats’ starting shortstop when he wasn’t pitching, anchoring the middle of the defense while helping assist on four double plays throughout the season.

This past season’s 12-win campaign was the most successful team Gipson has been a part of at Cuba after the team won seven games combined in the previous two years.

Gipson will return for his senior season as the undisputed leader of a young, promising team. Starting second baseman Logan McDonald and utility player Jesse Shireman will join Gipson as the only seniors on next year’s squad. The trio of seniors will be looked upon as leaders and will look to combine with a strong class of upcoming sophomores Layten Eikermann, Chase Hanes, Elijah Jesse, Wyatt Littrell, Aiden Moreland, Cooper Medows and Carter Medows for a strong season in their final go around.