2025 KSHSAA State Tournament Preview: 4A

Abilene (16-10) enters Thursday’s 4A State Tournament as the No. 7 seed after battling through the Pratt Regional, where they knocked off league rival Concordia and upset No. 2 seed Pratt to punch their ticket to Salina. Following a slow start to the season, the Cowboys have found their rhythm, winning seven of their last ten games and hitting their stride at just the right time to avenge a loss in the state seminfinals a year ago. The offense has been led by standout performances from Jake Bartley (2027) and Heath Hoekman (2026). Bartley is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign, batting .452 with 15 extra-base hits and 43 RBIs. Hoekman has also been a consistent force, hitting .410 with 12 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs, while senior Thomas Keener (2025) has provided key contributions as well. While the Cowboys have shown they can score runs in bunches, a deep postseason push will depend on their pitching staff. Bartley, Keener, and Levi Evans (2026) will be key to keeping opponents in check as Abilene looks to contend for a state title.

Clay Center (19-6) returns to Salina for the first time since 2023 after winning the regional championship and riding a six-game winning streak into the 4A State Tournament as the No. 6 seed with a 19-6 record. The Tigers are led offensively by Oklahoma State signee Cole Pladson (2025) and Highland CC signee Colten Tadtman, with key contributions down the stretch from Isaac Berggren, Miller Coffman, and the rest of the lineup fueling their postseason push. On the mound, Pladson, Coffman, Tadtman, and Rylan Gurney have been the team’s top arms and will be counted on to keep delivering if Clay Center hopes to contend for a state title.

Fort Scott enters the 4A State Tournament as one of the most dominant and consistent teams in the class, boasting a 25-3 record and riding a 13-game winning streak. The Tigers cruised through their regional with convincing wins over Field Kindley and Wamego and have already proven themselves against top-tier competition with victories over fellow tournament teams Paola and Mulvane, as well as quality wins over Andover Central, De Soto, Pittsburg, and Carl Junction (MO). Powered by one of the most explosive offenses in the class, Fort Scott has had no trouble putting up double-digit runs. Dexter Williams (2026), Lennox Vann (2025; Kansas City Kansas CC), Kanin Brown (2026), and Dub Chipman (2025; Fort Scott CC) have been the catalysts at the plate, all hitting above .390 on the year. Williams and Vann are both hitting over .420, while Vann, Brown, and Chipman have each driven in 25 or more runs. On the mound, Vann, Chipman, and Brady Messer (2025) have anchored a dominant pitching staff that enters the tournament with a 1.62 ERA and a .199 opponent batting average. With a well-rounded roster that excels in every phase of the game, Fort Scott has all the pieces to bring home a state championship—and they’ll be a tough team to stop.

The 2023 & 2022 4A state champions are back in Salina and return as the No. 1 overall seed after posting a 25-3 record. McPherson allowed just one run en route to the regional title, defeating Circle and shutting out Buhler to punch their ticket back to state. Riding a 10-game winning streak, the Bullpups are playing some of their best baseball of the year and finished the regular season ranked No. 19 in our Power 25. A senior-laden team with experience on both sides of the ball, McPherson will once again lean on a pair of returning All-State arms in Ian Razak (2025; Cloud County CC) and Logan Beede (2025; Neosho County CC) to anchor the rotation. Carter Allen (2025; Pratt CC) and Cade Strathman (2026) have also provided valuable innings on the mound. Offensively, the Bullpups have taken a step forward from last year’s team. Brock Richardson (2025; Butler CC) and Carter Bengtson (2027) lead the charge, batting .435 and .424, respectively. While McPherson doesn’t rely on the long ball, they execute with precision and consistently manufacture runs in key moments. Brody Seidl (2025; Cloud County CC), Allen, Razak, and Brenden Doile (2025; Western Nebraska CC) are also key contributors in a lineup that produces from top to bottom. With a balanced, experienced roster and a game plan that translates in any environment, McPherson looks poised to capture its third state title in the last four seasons.

Fueled by one of the most dominant pitching staffs in the state, Mulvane heads to Salina as the No. 4 seed with a 21-4 record, following regional wins over Andale/Garden Plain and Wellington. The Wildcats’ arms have made history this season, combining for 298 strikeouts—breaking a 71-year-old state record previously held by Silver Lake (1954). They’ve also posted a stellar 1.47 team ERA and held opponents to a .146 batting average. Leading the charge are Parker Clubb (2026; Louisville) and Grey Sanders (2026), who own ERAs of 0.93 and 0.83, respectively, along with 84 and 95 strikeouts. They’re joined by Nolan Fevurly (2025; Highland CC), Manny Myers (2026), and Braxton Madrigal (2025; Fort Hays State), forming a deep and overpowering rotation. Clubb is also one of the top two-way talents in the state, hitting .362 with a 1.178 OPS. He’s been backed at the plate by Hays Ensley (2027), who’s batting .354, and Madrigal, who has launched five home runs. With a pitching staff built for a championship run, Mulvane’s success in Salina will hinge on whether their offense can keep pace with their arms.

Rock Creek (21-6), the defending state champions are back in Salina, ready to defend their 4A title after shutting out Louisburg in the regional championship. This marks the Mustangs’ 10th state tournament appearance in the past 11 years—a testament to one of the most consistently successful programs in Kansas. In their first year competing in the North Central Kansas League, the Mustangs claimed the league title behind a well-rounded roster that blends veteran leadership with emerging underclassmen. On the mound, Ryker Zoeller (2025), Brock Lubbers (2027), and Cooper Seiben (2025; Hutchinson CC) have been outstanding, anchoring a staff that gives the Mustangs a chance to win every time out. Offensively, senior leaders Drew Becker (Cowley College), Zoeller, and Donavan Debita have led the way alongside juniors Peter and Palmer Martinie, creating a dynamic and productive lineup. Key contributions from underclassmen Jordy Scott (2028), Noah Valburg (2027), and Wyatt Wells (2027) have helped fill the gaps left by last year’s graduates, keeping the Mustangs firmly in the 4A title conversation. With one of the most disciplined and well-coached teams in the state, and talent spread throughout the roster, the Mustangs are poised to make another deep run—though a challenging first-round matchup with Mulvane awaits. Don’t be surprised if they find themselves lifting the trophy once again.

Facing an undefeated, No. 1-seeded Hayden team in the regional championship, Tonganoxie (16-11) pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the postseason, edging the Wildcats 9-8 to punch their ticket to a second consecutive state tournament. The Chieftains are led by junior Merek Davenport (2026), who has been a force on both sides of the ball—batting .348 at the plate and posting a 1.24 ERA on the mound. Offensively, Davenport is supported by Brock Gibbs (2025; Park Univ.) and Jacob Morenz, who has stepped into a starting role this spring and delivered a strong campaign. While the Chieftains may not overwhelm with power, they’re a scrappy, well-coached team that knows how to manufacture runs and apply pressure in key situations. Resilient and unshaken, Tonganoxie has already proven they can take down the best. Don’t be surprised if this battle-tested group plays spoiler again in Salina.

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MAY 29

G1: 11:00 AM - (2) Fort Scott vs. (7) Abilene 

G2: 1:15 PM - (3) Paola vs. (6) Clay Center

G3: 3:30 PM - (1) McPherson vs. (8) Tonganoxie

G4: 5:45 PM - (4) Mulvane vs. (5) Rock Creek

FRIDAY, MAY 30

G5: 11:00 AM - Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2

G6: 1:15 PM - Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4

Third Place Game: 3:30 PM - Loser Game 5 vs. Loser Game 6

State Championship: 5:45 PM - Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 6