For the first time in 10 years, the South All-Stars won the four-team Minnesota High School Baseball All-Star Series at Chaska Athletic Park.

The South All-Stars played under the direction of three coaches: Albert Lea’s Joe Sczublewski, Bart Hill of Lac qui Parle Valley and Broc Threinen of Kasson-Mantorville.

“The neat part about coaching the All-Star game is watching the kids come together as a team,” Sczublewski said. “They’re the best players on their teams, and they have something to prove. Boy, did these kids do that.”

The event featured graduating seniors, and Albert Lea was the only school to have more than one player on the squad: Makael Lunning and Dylan See-Rockers.

“Both of our kids showed they really belonged in that caliber of play,” Sczulblewski said.

The South got off to a great start on Friday with a 4-3 win over the East All-Stars. See-Rockers scored the first run of the game after he hit a double down the left field line.

“It was cool getting to know my teammates — some of the people from the Big Nine and some of the smaller schools,” See-Rockers said.

Other players from the Big Nine Conference who were selected to the team were Alex Brady of Rochester John Marshall, Danny Pierce of Faribault, Bryan Rohde of Winona, Christian Rosenow of Rochester Mayo and Colton Schock of Owatonna.

On Saturday, the South shut out the West 2-0. Later in the day, the South lost 8-7 to the North, but the South won the series with a 2-1 record.

The game has featured several players who have played for the Minnesota Twins since 2000. Catcher and first baseman Joe Mauer and pitcher Glen Perkins played in 2001, and Cole DeVries participated in 2003.

“It was a lot of fun and a good thrill,” Sczublewski said.

Albert Lea All-Star Series participants

1976: Paul Sherman
1978: Steve Curry
1980: Jeff Stegenga
1981: John Nelson
1991: Derek Fleek
1995: Andy Stockinger
1997: Adam Benson
1998: Eric Goodmanson
1999: Jeff Schulz
2002: Isaac Walton
2010: Jordan Mondeel
2011: Aaron Klatt
2013: Makael Lunning and Dylan See-Rockers