Some of the chief architects behind Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s successful 2014 baseball season were recently honored by Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools coaches.

Seniors Greg Beale and Jake Grady were voted to the all-conference first team, while junior Toby Buchanan drew second team honors.

Saints head coach David Mitchell hailed Beale as “one of the top players in the conference” and someone who “just had an outstanding year as a pitcher for us.”

At the time Mitchell submitted Beale’s statistics to the coaches for consideration, 15 games had been played in the regular season.

Beale held a record of 7-2 on the mound, 4-1 against conference opponents, and had thrown 39 strikeouts.

Offensively, he was dangerous, as well, with a .420 batting average in 50 at bats, producing 21 hits, one double, one home run and 12 runs batted in. He also had 11 stolen bases.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m glad I can be recognized for it, and I’m glad I’ve got a good team behind me, and I’m glad I can be up there with some great kids on my team, some great kids across the TCIS,” Beale said. “So, it’s been a great honor this year.”

Jake Grady’s selection gave him back-to-back years on the All-TCIS first team, and it was easy to see why it happened.

“He led our team in hits and RBIs and stolen bases and doubles and in batting average,” Mitchell said of his leadoff hitter.

Through 15 games, Grady had a .478 batting average in 46 at bats, producing 22 hits, eight doubles, one home run and 13 RBIs. He had 14 stolen bases.

“It feels good,” Grady said of the honor. “A lot of hard work goes into it in the offseason and all that, so it’s good to see all that hard work pay off.”

Toby Buchanan’s second-team recognition was earned through offensive and defensive play at the plate.

“Toby led our team in triples,” Mitchell said, also noting that he is “defensively, one of the better catchers in the league.”

Through 14 games, Buchanan carried a .306 batting average in 49 at bats, producing 15 hits, five doubles, two triples and 11 RBIs. He also had four stolen bases.

“I’m just glad that I could make it and be rewarded for all the work that I put in in the offseason, like (Beale and Grady have) said, just being recognized with all the other players in my conference who have done the same work as me, put forth their effort, as well,” Buchanan said.