Kennett, Mo. - Two Kennett High School baseball Indians were named to the All-SEMO Conference first team.

Both senior Ashton Williams, who signed a national letter of intent to play for the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and junior Hayden Gilmore were among a group of about 20 or so elite athletes chosen for the team.

Williams took time out from his practice and work schedules to speak about the honor and talked about his relationship with his friend and teammate.

Kennett's Ashton Williams checks the signal and prepares to pitch.Photo by Steve Hankins

“It feels great to me,” Williams said, referring to being chosen. “It's a milestone because our team has been really good in the past.

“All these great players have been on our team,” he added. “Reese Robinett and Tanner Duncan and all of them for instance. They were always on the All-Conference teams, and I always wanted to get myself to that level, for just myself.”

Clearly there are a number of elements to that; more than a few reasons why Williams would model himself to emulate who he regards as the greats.

Kennett Indian Ashton Williams loads up at home.Photo by Steve Hankins

However, one justification stands taller than the rest, and Williams made no bones about it.

“To achieve what they achieved,” he said. “I really looked up to them a lot. When I was younger, they all were always up there, and I just wanted to be great like them one day.”

His efforts on the diamond were many during his baseball career and although some might crow about their superior status, Williams does not.

Kennett Indian Ashton Williams at the plate.Photo by Steve Hankins

“This means a lot to me,” he said. “It really does.

“It makes me feel humble and grateful,” he continued. “Like all the work I put in is really starting to pay off. It's a real confidence booster.”

And his addition to such a fine bunch of players rested on just one thing. One crucial thing.

“It's all about practicing,” Williams said. “Practicing when nobody's looking.

My dad and I would hit the gym and I'd put myself in imaginary situations, like there's 100,000 fans watching me when actually it was just the two of us,” he continued. “Now, I act like there's a million spotlights on me. I try to make it as hard as possible on myself and really, nobody's there. So, when the time comes and people ARE watching, it's like I've been through all this before. I want to train my mind to not think and just focus on the ball, either coming at me or leaving my hand.”

With a plethora of books, television shows and films about baseball from which to choose – all of them with a lesson about playing the game or life in general - Williams does have a favorite.

Kennett's Ashton Williams takes a cut at home during a regular season game.Photo by Steve Hankins

And it's not about small ball.

“Remember the Titans,” he said. “I've watched that thing 100,000 times.

“It's not a baseball movie, but it has a lot of meaning to it,” he explained. “It just shows how single individuals can come together as a team and overcome obstacles and adversities. It demonstrates how a team of individuals can put their minds on one thing and achieve together.”

While he's included with a corps d'elite, Williams faced most of them in his seasons at Kennett. He wasn't shy about naming one, and although he wasn't certain, he was hopeful that one player made the team.

“John Paul Sauer,” he said.

The Jackson High School Indian ace hurler who led his team all season and then some.

Kennett Indian Ashton Williams at the plate.Photo by Steve Hankins

“I'm sure he made the cut,” Williams said. “He's a really big name.

“Somebody like him, you just kinda … I wish I could play him today,” the Kennett Indian said wistfully.”

But Williams did not discount others.

“Honestly,” he said. “Everybody on that list deserves it 100 percent because they've put in hundreds of thousands of hours when nobody's watching.

“For me to be on that list and be recognized with all of them?” he asked. “It's an honor, it really is. Everybody on that list has put in more work than people can even think of.”

One of that group is his friend and teammate, Hayden Gilmore.

“Hayden is one of them guys that you could put in any kind of situation and he's gonna perform,” Williams said. “He just does NOT feel pressure.

Kennett Indian Hayden Gilmore at bat at Indian Park.Photo by Steve Hankins

“He really doesn't,” Williams emphasized. “I don't know how he does it. When he's locked in and focused it's like a brick wall because you'll get NOTHING outta him. He's 100 percent focused on what he's trying to do. And that's why I've really enjoyed playing with him all these years.”

Does Gilmore measure up to Williams' work ethic? Is he a valuable asset?

“He puts in a TON of work,” Williams said. “He's almost like another coach sometimes because he knows the game inside and out.

“He's really smart about the game,” Williams said of his teammate. “You can ask him any kind of question. You can have him watch your swing and he'll pinpoint problems you didn't even consider. He corrected my swing and helped me a lot. He helped me get out of a bunch of pickles throughout the season with my swing.”

That's a truckload of praise. And Williams doesn't mince words when it comes to his teammate and friend.

Kennett's Ashton Williams swings for the cheap seats at a regular season game at Indian Park.Photo by Steve Hankins

“He helped me with my approach and everything,” Williams said. “He's a great teammate.”

And that admiration promotes a lifetime of camaraderie and immediate sportsmanship.

“We have each other's backs,” he said of their relationship. “That's for sure.”