Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Fort Dodge’s Mason Bockoven dives into home plate against Johnston at McNeil Field during the regular season.

The postseason recognition continued for Fort Dodge’s Mason Bockoven this week, with the biggest honor yet coming from the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Bockoven, a senior third baseman, was named first team all-state by the IHSBCA. He is the first Dodger to reach elite Class 4A status since Kole Kampen and Austin Halligan in 2015.

Bockoven batted .365 with four home runs and 25 runs batted in. The three-year varsity starter scored 16 runs in 23 games for Fort Dodge, which posted a 13-10 overall record during the COVID-19 shortened season.

“Making the all-state team was a goal of mine this year, because I wanted to solidify myself as one of the best,” Bockoven said. “To finally make it feels like a dream come true.

“I have to thank my close family for their constant support and sacrifices throughout my career. I want to thank my coaches also for building me up as a player, but more importantly, as a person and having my back every step of the way.”

Bockoven, who was recently named an all-CIML and all-district pick as well, also tossed a five-hit shutout in the Dodgers’ substate quarterfinal win over Ames, striking out seven.

On June 29, Bockoven set FDSH’s single-day record with 12 RBI in a doubleheader sweep of Des Moines Roosevelt at McNeil Field. He hit a grand slam and a three-run home run in the same inning during the opener.

Sam Kolacia (2nd team in 2016) was the last Dodger baseball player to make the all-state squad before Bockoven.

Pocahontas Area’s Christian Davidson was recognized for the second consecutive season in Class 2A. Davidson, a junior, landed on the third team after hitting .419 with five doubles, five triples and 11 RBI. He scored 23 runs in 18 games, and went 6-1 on the mound with a 1.87 earned run average.

Davidson, who made the first team in 2019, struck out 63 in 45 innings pitched. Opponents hit just .161 against the right-hander, who allowed only 28 hits and walked eight batters.

The Indians were 16-2 overall this year and ranked in the Top-10 for most of the season in 2A.

Newell-Fonda’s Trey Jungers (.362, 25 runs scored, 17 RBI, 2-1 pitching record, 1.54 ERA) earned second team honors in Class 1A. Mustang teammates Hunter Christiansen (.333, 31 runs) and Hogan Henrich (.320, 16 runs, 13 RBI, 6-2 pitching record, 1.43 ERA) — both juniors — were placed on the third squad.

Newell-Fonda went 16-3.

Johnston senior Jake Thilges, the son of FDSH graduates Denny Thilges and Amy (Reiners) Thilges, made the second team in 4A. Thilges hit .408 with 28 RBI and 21 runs scored.

The Dragons won the state championship.