Lynch, Pilar reel in all-state recognition

Ryan Lynch and Cole Pilar turned in superb seasons in helping their teams capture league championships.

Lynch and Pilar served as catalysts for the Crescenta Valley High and Flintridge Prep baseball teams, respectively.

After securing all-league and All-CIF honors, Lynch and Pilar were recently bestowed with Cal-Hi All-State recognition.

Lynch, an infielder who helped Crescenta Valley split the Pacific League championship with Burroughs, earned a spot on the website’s Large School third-team. Pilar, a senior catcher who propelled Flinridge Prep to the Prep League crown, was tabbed to the Small School first team.

Lynch batted .398 with 22 runs while providing the Falcons with solid defense. Lynch was named the league’s co-player of the year.

“I think I put together my most memorable season,” said Lynch, who picked up All-CIF Southern Section Division II recognition. “Not just for me doing well, but the whole team doing well.

“The thing I learned is that your teammates and the coaches make it special. It’s about putting in the time and practice to make sure the team is prepared to do well. You have to be dedicated and committed. I’m honored to be recognized and I appreciate it.”

Crescenta Valley finished 20-8, 12-2 in league.

Pilar, who will attend Trinity university in the fall, had another stellar campaign for Flintridge Prep. He batted .457 with a team-leading 43 runs batted in. Pilar had 10 doubles, five triples, four home runs and scored 25 runs en route to being named the Prep League Most Valuable Player.

Flintridge Prep reached the CIF Southern Section Division VI semifinals after winning the championship in 2015.

“It’s awesome to be honored like that,” Pilar said. “We had a great four-year run at Flintridge Prep and I thought this was my best overall season.

“I learned so many things from our coaching staff and we had a lot of great players. That’s what made it so much fun in the end.”