Southampton Academy’s Craig Beale was selected Player of the Year for the state in Division III, Virginia Independent Schools.

The Academy’s catcher/pitcher had been honored earlier as the conference player of the year. During the regular 18-game season, Beale batted .526, with eight home runs and 38 RBIs. He also had a slugging percentage of 1.070. As a pitcher, he was 3-0 during the regular season.

Southampton Academy finished in first place during the regular season with a 15-1 conference record, and 17-1 overall. In postseason play the team finished second in the conference tournament, but the Raiders won the state tournament championship at Shepard Stadium in Petersburg.

Beale completed the season with an overall batting average of .486 with 44 RBIs. In postseason play, Beale was walked or hit by pitches 11 times. Seven of the walks were intentional. Beale also won two games on the mound in tournament play.

In the state semifinal, Beale had a three-hit, 4-2 win over Broadwater Academy. He finished with an overall record of 5-0.

Beale plans to attend Virginia-Wise this fall where he has been recruited to play. He signed his letter of commitment in April.