Centerville -- Indian Hills sophomore outfielder Joel Booker capped a superb sophomore season by being named an NJCAA baseball honorable mention All-American. Booker had earlier been chosen for the All-Region 11 first team.

A two-year starter for IHCC out of Columbus, N.C., Booker led the Falcons in seven offensive categories this year. He paced the team in at-bats (186), runs (58), hits (75), triples (7), RBIs (61), average (.403) and slugging percentage (.699). He also stole 24 bases in 26 attempts and struck out just 14 times in his 186 at-bats.

IHCC head coach Cam Walker said Booker has only scratched the surface of his potential. "We knew Joel had tremendous physical talent when he came to Indian Hills," said Walker. "He turned those tools and talents into becoming an outstanding baseball player. He has an ultra-aggressive approach at the plate and the ability to make contact, as evidenced by his low strike out number."

Booker signed last winter to attend the University of Iowa and play for the Hawkeyes. However, he could have a decision to make since Walker thinks he might get drafted somewhere in the first 10 rounds of this year's MLB draft. "No matter where Joel continues his career - either at Iowa or in professional baseball - he is sure to be successful, not only because of his ability and work ethic, but because he is a professional young man with outstanding make-up and manners," Walker said.

Named to the All-Region second team as a freshman last year, Booker batted .365 with three homers and 31 RBIs in his initial year of college baseball. He hit a combined .386 in his two seasons for the Falcons and was 39-for-42 in stolen base attempts.

Booker is the first baseball All-American for Indian Hills since Ray Kruml was named to the NJCAA third team in 2006.