Jace Eide, Ty Bohnen, Jehiel Aviles named Class A All-State

Two players from Watertown and one from Aberdeen have been named to the 2026 South Dakota Class A All-State American Legion Baseball team. The selections were announced by Yahoo Sports and highlight the rising talent in the state’s high school baseball scene. Class A American Legion baseball is a high-level amateur league that serves as a proving ground for college recruiters and professional scouts. Making the team is a significant achievement for high school athletes in South Dakota, where baseball has deep community roots but fewer Division I prospects compared to larger states.

American Legion baseball has a long tradition in South Dakota, with teams playing in a 10-week summer season that draws strong local support. The state has produced several professional players over the years, including former MLB infielder Adam Johnson from Sioux Falls. The Class A All-State team is selected by coaches and officials after evaluating players across the state’s summer leagues. This year’s team reflects strong pitching depth and clutch hitting from smaller communities where the sport remains a focal point of youth athletics.

The Watertown players named to the team are senior shortstop Jace Eide and junior pitcher Ty Bohnen. Aberdeen’s representative is first baseman Jehiel Aviles, a junior who has drawn attention for his power bat and defensive reliability. Aviles has committed to play at the University of Sioux Falls next year, while Eide and Bohnen are still considering their college options. Last season, Watertown’s Legion team reached the state semifinals, and Aviles’ Aberdeen squad advanced to the regional round. Their inclusion on the All-State team underscores the growing competitiveness in South Dakota’s Class A circuit, which has seen more players earn college scholarships in recent years.

The three players will be honored at a banquet in Sioux Falls later this month. Their selection could open doors to showcase events and college camps, where bigger programs often scout talent from smaller states like South Dakota. For Aviles, Eide, and Bohnen, it’s a chance to stand out on a regional stage. Their success also spotlights the impact of dedicated coaches and community programs in fostering high-level baseball outside traditional talent pipelines. As the 2026 season approaches, their teams will look to build on this recognition and push for a state title.