Gibson and Plato Take Home Hardware

BBCC has been known to have elite level players come through the program and this year was no different. The Vikes had not one but two players honored with First Team All-Conference awards as Parker Plato and Hunter Gibson took home the hardware. Both third year players and team captains, Plato and Gibson have left their mark as being a couple of the best players to come through the Viking Program.

Parker Plato was named First Team Outfield in his first full season as an everyday outfielder after coming off a First Team DH selection in 2022. An offensive force, Plato made an immediate impact as a true freshman. In a shortened Covid year, Plato hit .368 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and a homerun in just 19 at bats. In 2022, Parker continued to exhibit his ability to hit while taking home the First Team Designated Hitter Award hitting .313 with 6 doubles, 4 triples and 5 homeruns while driving in 35 runs. This season may have been a down year when it comes to power for Plato, but he was able to carry the Viking offense to another playoff berth, hitting .328 with 6 doubles, 2 triples and 2 homeruns. After being moved to the leadoff spot, his speed became a part of his game as he managed to steal 19 bases while only being caught 4 times. After three stellar seasons, Plato played in 99 games hitting .324 with 15 doubles, 7 triples and 8 homeruns while driving in 65 runs.

Gibson was the heartbeat of the Vikings pitching staff as he started the final four game days understanding that the Vikes were in win or go home territory. After a stellar freshman season where he began in the bullpen and earned a starting role, Gibson had a 2.96 ERA while striking out 37 hitters in just 27 1/3 innings. Gibson was sidelined for the 2022 season with an elbow injury, during this time he prepared to carry a heavy workload for the Vikes in 2023 and did just that. Leading the NWAC in innings with 97 2/3 with a 2.67 ERA, Gibson was selected as a First Team All-Conference Starting Pitcher. In his three years and two seasons in a Vikings uniform, Gibson compiled 125 innings with a 2.74 ERA while striking out 111 batters along with throwing 4 complete game shutouts. Gibson has committed to play at the University of Northern Colorado, a Division 1 school in Greeley, Colorado.

Congratulations on two great careers. #RollVikes