A more talented baseball player one would be hard-pressed to find locally. But Evan Hallowell’s value to the Palmyra Cougars goes beyond that, to his character.

His leadership skills. His supportive nature. The way he goes about his business.

Hallowell’s tangibles and intangibles were two of the key components to Palmyra’s run to the PIAA Class AAA playoffs. It was a run that came to halt on Monday at Parkland High School, during a 7-6, opening-round loss to District 11 champion Palmerton.

But as is his nature, Hallowell was in the middle of everything right about the Cougars’ performance, including a hit and a run scored, from his number-three hole in the lineup. Defensively, Hallowell also held down a steady center field for Palmyra.

The Cougars, who came in second during the regular season in the Mid-Penn Conference’s Keystone Division, concluded their campaign at 17-8.

Individually, Hallowell batted .354 this spring, which included 23 hits and 16 RBIs.

Hallowell’s efforts also landed him a spot on Lebanon Sports Buzz’s All-Lebanon County baseball team.

– Jeff Falk