Coming off of a season where he was an integral part of Westminster Christian Academy's second consecutive Class Three championship, Shane Benes carried his success through the summer and capped it off with an impressive performance at the Midwest Future Games. During the high school season, Benes hit .364 with twelve doubles, three triples, two homeruns, and forty-nine RBIs.

Primarily a shortstop, Benes showed the abilit to also effectivle play second and third base, excelling at all three positions. Benes has smooth fielding mechanics and a strong arm acrosss the diamond. Benes also showed some power at the plate, blasting two homeruns in the first game of the weekend, going three for eight overall with four RBIs and three walks.

PBR: Talk a little about your experience at the Midwest Future Games.

Benes: It was the first time I was in a big time event with so many colleges watching. I was with a few of my Summer teammates, so that helped me to be more relaxed and have fun. I got to know guys from different areas of the state and it was fun to play with the best players in MO. The Futures Games were awesome and the opportunity to showcase our skills was fun. I really like taking BP at the college field.

PBR: What do you expect going into your junior season?

Benes: I want to continue to improve on my baseball skills and develop areas where I am not as strong. Westminster has won back to back state titles and I am looking forward to a potential third championship. I have a chance to be more of a leader as we are losing 4 seniors.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?

Benes: My fielding has always been a strong part of my game. I always have the chance to pick up my team with a defensive play. I can also redeem myself and contribute to my team if I’m having an off day at the plate, by making a play in the field.

PBR: What aspect of your game do you believe needs the most improvement?

Benes: I need to be more consistent at the plate. Allowing the ball to get to the hitting zone will allow me to use the whole field.

PBR: What are your expectations for the recruiting process?

Benes: I cannot control what college coaches think or do, or if they like me as a potential player for them. I can control my approach to the game and how I work at it, and I believe the results will come.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?

Benes: All three are important to me. Academics are an important part of my decision process. But I want to go to a program that I am capable of playing at and competing for a starting spot all four years. I want to have a coach will care for his players and help me get to the next level.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?

Benes: I want to play at the highest level in college. Time will tell where that is.

PBR: What were your personal goals for the 2012 season and were they met? Goals for the 2013 season?

Benes: To improve my baseball skills from the previous year and get bigger, stronger, and faster. I played SS on another State Championship team and I got stronger thru hard work with a trainer. I want to continue to improve every year and prepare myself to play at a high level in college.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?

Benes: St. Louis Rawlings Prospects

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter that you have faced?

Benes: I saw some awesome pitchers this Summer when we played against 17-18 yr olds. I don’t know their names.

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2012 baseball season (High School or Summer)?

Benes: Winning a Back to Back State Championship for Westminster.  Playing in the futures game (MO) and hitting 2 homers at Univ. of Illinois, first home runs on a college field.

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?

Benes: Being the starting shortstop as a freshman and sophomore and winning back-to-back state championships those years.

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?

Benes: I think it gives the colleges and pro scouts a better idea of what we can do as high school players. A long ball may not go as far, but you still have to square up the ball consistently to be successful.