FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2008

Ezell named to the ABCA All-Central Region Second Team

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern junior first baseman Derek Ezell (Lees Summit, Mo.) has been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association All-Central Region second team, as announced by the organization.

Players from the MIAA, the North Central Conference and the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference make up the Central Region and were all eligible for the honor. Coaches from within the region vote on the teams.

Ezell led the Lions with a .394 batting average this season and finished sixth in the MIAA in hitting. He hit .394 on the season with eight home runs and 42 RBIs, while leading the Lions in Slugging (.653), doubles (18), hits (67), runs (37), on base percentage (.488), total bases (111) and fielding percentage (.989).

It was conference play where Ezell really showed his offensive strength. During MIAA play, Ezell hit .406 with seven of his eight home runs and 33 of his 42 RBIs. He had a two home run game at Truman State as part of a four home run weekend against the Bulldogs.