Bishops' Celek selected Louisville Slugger All-American

The awards and honors continue for Bishop England catcher Brison Celek.

Celek was named to the 2009 Louisville Slugger High School All-American team. He was the only player from South Carolina to be named All-American or honorable mention by the organization.

"It's a great honor and I'm glad to be included," said Celek, a three-time All-Lowcountry and all-state selection. "It's one of the best honors a high school player can receive."

Celek, who will play for the South Carolina Gamecocks, had a big year for the Bishops, who went 28-2 and won the Class AA state championship for the fourth time in seven years. He batted .400, collecting 38 hits and 23 walks. He had eight doubles, 10 homers and drove in 48 runs.

Last weekend, Celek was named the MVP of the South Carolina/North Carolina Select All-Star Games. He went 3-for-6 in two games with a homer and four RBIs.

"It was pretty awesome being selected MVP," Celek said. "I didn't start at first. I came off the bench and was fortunate to hit a home run. I had good weekend."

Celek also had an impressive junior season, batting .405 in 2008 with 11 home runs and 50 RBIs.

As a sophomore, he started every game in Bishop England's state championship season. He helped the Bishops compile a 79-13 record the past three years.

Celek played on the Diamond Devils 17-U team last summer that beat out 192 teams from around the country to win the World Wood Bat Association National Championship.

The team also won the Continental Amateur Baseball Association 18-U Wood Bat World Series.

Reach Philip M. Bowman at pbowman@postandcourier.com or 937-5592. Read his blog at www.postandcourier.com/prepblog.