Both have been making major contributions to their respective teams since their sophomore years, so it is no surprise that both of them emerged this year to not only lead their respective teams, but to also be named as the Daily Dunklin Democrat Players of the Year.

A starter since his sophomore year, Hunter did it all for Senath-Hornersville -- pitch, play defense and hit, hit, hit.

"Dustin had a great senior year," Senath-Hornersville coach Randy Smith said. "He did a good job pitching and did a good job swinging the bat. He gave us good leadership. He did what you'd want out of a senior."

Hunter has also played three years as a member of the Dunklin County Post 303 Senior Legion team, helping the team win the District XIV title last summer and has emerged as a key player on this year's squad that is 16-8 thus far.

That legion experience of playing with older kids has arguably helped Hunter's game.

"I've fed off a lot of good older players and learned from them," said Hunter. "I've paid attention to every word my coaches have said and worked past my potential."

In fact, Hunter's best memory from the diamond has to do with Post 303.

"(My favorite memory was) when our legion squad won districts and got second in the zone tournament last year," said Hunter.

Hunter will continue his career playing for Mineral Area College in Park Hills next season.

"He's been a good (player for four years)," said Smith. "I hope he can go to Mineral Area and keep progressing."

Meanwhile, Branum first came on the area high school scene as a sophomore member of Kennett's 2006 district championship team -- a team that included older brother Ryne Branum, who was the DDD Co-Player of the Year that year as well.

The younger Branum started on the mound in the district semifinals that spring, then picked up the save in the district title game to give the Tribe its first district title since 1997.

"My greatest memory is striking out the final batter of the district tournament my sophomore year," said Shane Branum

After battling injuries his junior season, Shane Branum stepped up for Kennett his senior season, serving as the team's No. 1 starter and No. 3 hitter and helping the Indians win a share of the Bootheel Conference regular-season title.

"Shane had an outstanding senior year both offensively and on the mound," Kennett coach Aaron New said. "He also gave us the leadership we needed this season."

But those aren't the only words of praise New had for Shane.

"Offensively and on the mound he probably had as good of a senior year as any player I've ever coached," said New. "It was a pleasure to get to coach him his senior year."

As for the reason behind his success on the diamond, the younger Branum credits those around him.

"I feel I've been successful due to the many great coaches and teammates I've had throughout my years of playing," Shane said.

Like Hunter, Branum will play at the next level in 2009, having signed to play for Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Illinois.

Honorable mentions:With so many talented players in the Daily Dunklin Democrat coverage area, it is not easy to pick the top 12. Here are some others who stood out on the diamond this spring:

Austin Jackson, Kennett; Cameron Wallace, Kennett; Chad Adams, Holcomb; James Blanton, Delta C7; Seth Childers, Cooter; Jonathan Boone, Cooter; Zack Jackson, Campbell; Cale Weeks, Campbell; Ben Salas, Senath-Hornersville; Dustin Carter, South Pemiscot; Aaron Booker, South Pemiscot; and Brandon Quillin, North Pemiscot.