Fuqua School’s varsity baseball team drew three VISAA all-state selections, including two on the first team, after reaching the final four in 2019 for Division III of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA).

“I thought we deserved to have more guys on the (all-state) team(s),” Falcons Head Coach Taylor Myers said. “… I’m shocked that we didn’t have a better representation, honestly, because Walsingham had seven all together, and Fuqua, I thought, deserved to at least have five — at least — on some sort of team. I nominated eight guys because I thought that eight of them deserved it, but we only got three award winners.”

Making the first team for Fuqua were senior D.J. Williams and freshman Tanner Thomas. Falcons junior Colton Copley was selected to the second team.

They helped Fuqua advance as far as the state semifinals this season, finishing with a strong 14-5 overall record.

Repeating as an all-state first-team selection, Williams was outstanding in his final year with the Falcons.

“And this year, he was nominated and he was up for state Player of the Year,” Myers said.

Williams had a batting average of .565 this year, with four doubles, two home runs, one triple and 18 RBIs to go with seven stolen bases. As a pitcher, he ended up with a 2-1 record and a 1.17 earned run average.

Describing what he thought stood out to the voting committee and to himself about Williams, Myers said, “He was an absolute monster, offensively. And pitching-wise, he struggled this year a little bit with injury, but it was him in any big game that we played that got the start, and he pitched gems for us, and that really helped us. But his offense really stood out to the committee.”

Thomas stood out as a promising young star.

“When I talked to coaches about him, I would say at least four coaches told me that he was one of the really big bright spots for our team, and with just being a freshman, he’s got unreal potential and talent that will be focused on for the coming years,” Myers said. “Some of the coaches I spoke to said that they wish they had a Tanner on their team to really spark ‘em as a youngster.”

Asked if it was Thomas’ offensive stats or defensive prowess at catcher that grabbed the committee’s attention, Myers said, “He was solid behind the dish for us, but I think it was the offensive stats, because as a freshman, hitting leadoff for a varsity team that has done so well in the past, that speaks high volumes, especially to the veteran coaches on the committee.”

Thomas batted .455 this season, recording seven doubles, one triple and 18 RBIs. He also registered eight stolen bases.

Copley drew praise for his marked improvement on offense and his strength in the infield on defense.

“I think he hit around .220, .230, .240 last year, and this year he was hitting I want to say .370, so he really found his way offensively this year for us,” Myers said. “And a couple coaches told me that even though he didn’t pitch a lot, he was an absolute centerpiece for us as far as shortstop, and I agree with them.”