GLADSTONE — Championship teams often have one player out front leading the way.

Senior Clay Cole filled the role this season for the Gladstone baseball team and was honored with a spot on the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association Division 3 All-State First Team.

“He’s had such an awesome season with his hitting, pitching and play as an outfielder,” Gladstone coach Don Lauscher said. “He’s been such a team leader. He really took this team on his back.”

Cole was named to the all-state First Team squad as an outfielder. He hit .467 with a team-high 50 hits, six doubles, 16 RBIs, .491 on-base percentage and only three strikeouts during the regular season.

He also had a slugging percentage of .523 and scored 31 runs in regular-season play.

In addition, Cole was the Braves’ No. 1 pitcher and led them on the mound. He compiled a 4-1 record in five complete games, with 16 strikeouts, 10 walks and 2.07 ERA in 27 innings during the regular season.

Gladstone made its third trip to the Final Four in Division 3 under Lauscher.

The Braves’ dream season ended Friday with a 7-5 loss to Madison Heights Bishop Foley in the state semifinals.

“He was a great leader on and off the field,” said Lauscher.

“He was our leadoff hitter, and if he grounded out or something, instead of pouting he would bring information back to the kids in the dugout every single time. That’s what a leader does. He’s been a true professional.”