2025 KSHSAA State Tournament Preview: 5A

After winning the 5A state title in 2022 and falling just short in last year’s regional final to St. Thomas Aquinas, Blue Valley Southwest (21-6) returns to Wichita with its sights set on another deep postseason run. The Timberwolves boast one of the most dangerous offenses in the state, capable of putting up double-digit runs in a hurry. Leading the charge are Brody Shinkle (2025; Creighton), Luke Hanahan (2026; Xavier), Max Flowers (2025; Hutchinson CC), and Ryan Specht (2025; Missouri Western), forming a powerful core in the heart of the order. They're joined by a talented group of underclassmen, including Charlie Foote (2028), Drew Pittman (2027), and Brayden Shannon (2027), with Pittman and Shannon forming one of the most reliable double-play duos in the state up the midde. On the mound, Hanahan and Josh Tingey (2026) have stepped up as leaders, with Carter Nelson (2027) and Brock Bailey (2028) filling key roles and helping to replace the innings left behind by last year’s senior class. With depth, experience, and young talent on both sides of the ball, Blue Valley Southwest is primed to be a serious contender once again.

Eisenhower (18-10) is embracing the role of spoiler once again. After making a Cinderella run to a state tournament berth last year, the Tigers returned to form this postseason by knocking off Hutchinson and upsetting second-seeded Bishop Carroll—ranked No. 9 in the Power 25—to punch their ticket back to Eck Stadium. Cole Adams (2025) and Carter Pabst (2025) have once again anchored the pitching staff, while Carson Douglass (2027), Isiah Lyons (2026), and Jalen Lawhead (2028) have delivered key innings in support. Offensively, Pabst, Christian Guerra, Bryce Engel, and Colton Doll (2025) have driven the Tigers' run production from the heart of the lineup. If Eisenhower is going to continue its postseason magic, they'll need that core group to carry their regional momentum into the state tournament and deliver in the biggest moments once again.

After securing the No. 1 seed in the West with a dominant 23-5 record, Great Bend made quick work of its regional, run-ruling Arkansas City before defeating Kapaun Mt. Carmel in the championship to punch its ticket to Wichita. The Panthers have been one of the most explosive teams in the West all spring, regularly posting double-digit run totals and notching quality wins over Hays, Emporia, McPherson, Lee’s Summit North (MO), Gardner-Edgerton, and Manhattan. Carson Umphres (2025; Northeast Texas CC) has emerged as one of the state’s most dynamic two-way talents, leading the charge both at the plate and on the mound. He’ll be a key factor in Great Bend’s chances of making a deep run. Supporting him offensively are Ian Premer (2026), Daxton Minton (2026), and Trenton Kern (2026), who have set the tone at the top of the order and been crucial to the Panthers' offensive success. On the mound, Hunter Herrman (2025) will serve as a key arm alongside Umphres. With the firepower to make serious noise in Wichita, the Panthers’ title hopes may hinge on the performance of their supporting cast in high-leverage moments.

Hays (18-8) found a way to get it done in regionals, grinding out back-to-back one-run victories over Salina South and Andover to punch its ticket to Wichita for the first time since 2021. The Indians enter the state tournament riding a five-game winning streak and have taken 10 of their last 12, hitting their stride at the right time. While not the most explosive offensive team in the field, Hays is a scrappy, well-coached group that excels at stringing together timely hits and manufacturing runs by any means necessary. The offense has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, highlighted by key wins over Great Bend and Rock Creek. Johnny Cano (2025) and Carter Graham (2025) have been pivotal to the team’s success on both sides of the ball, while Trace Jacobs (2025) has been a reliable presence on the mound and Jalen Smith (2025) has provided a spark offensively. With momentum on their side and a gritty style of play, the Indians are going to be a tough out in Wichita.

Making history with their first-ever trip to the 5A state tournament, Piper (17-10) punched their ticket to Wichita after taking down rival Basehor-Linwood in last week’s regional championship. The Pirates have ridden the strength of a dominant pitching staff, which has been the backbone of their success this spring, posting an impressive 2.99 team ERA and holding opponents to a .228 batting average. Sophomore Dylan Eikenbary (2027) has emerged as the ace of the staff, turning in a breakout campaign with a 1.30 ERA and 67 strikeouts. He’s been backed by a deep and reliable group on the mound that includes Carter Laird (2026), Connor Musil (2026), Jack Bakarich (2025), and Roch Emanuel (2026), each contributing meaningful innings throughout the season. Offensively, the Pirates rely on a gritty, experienced lineup led by Texas Tech commit Myles Ross (2026), Eikenbary, and Mason Porter (2026), along with timely production from Kaiden Simons (2026) and others. While not always flashy, Piper finds ways to manufacture runs and scratch out wins, making them a dangerous and resilient group heading into their first-ever appearance on the state’s biggest stage.

Certainly one of the favorites entering Thursday, defending 5A state champions St. Thomas Aquinas (22-4) is back in Wichita with their sights set on a repeat. No strangers to postseason success, the Saints cruised through their regional on their title defense tour and enter the tournament with one of the most dangerous lineups in the state. The top of the order features a gauntlet of high-level talent with Westin Boyle (2025; Purdue), Brady Stewart (2026; South Carolina), Cru Huenfeld (2025; Kansas), and Lincoln Boyle (2026; Arkansas) forming a nightmare for opposing pitchers. It's a group that can put up crooked numbers before many fans find their seats. But it doesn’t stop there—Will Ray (2026), Ernesto Lopez (2025), Henry Goodwin (2026), Nic Sabers (2026), and James Forgy (2026) round out a deep and balanced lineup that continues to apply pressure throughout. On the mound, the Saints have leaned on the same level of depth and quality. Lincoln Boyle, Ray, Sabers, and Forgy have all delivered strong outings to anchor a pitching staff that complements the explosive offense. With a loaded roster and championship pedigree, Aquinas has all the tools to make another run at the 5A crown.

It’s been a “Why Not Us” mentality all postseason for Valley Center (17-11), and the Hornets show no signs of slowing down as they head into Thursday looking to continue their Cinderella run. After staging a dramatic 7th-inning comeback to upset Salina Central and then knocking off Andover Central, the Hornets punched their ticket to Wichita by winning one of the toughest regionals in the bracket. Valley Center enters the state tournament having won seven of their last eight games, thanks in large part to a pitching staff that has hit its stride at just the right time. The rotation is anchored by Aydan Hyson (2025; Kent State Tuscarawas) and Caleb Needham (2025), who have both delivered when it matters most. Offensively, the Hornets are clicking as well. Cooper Boone (2026), Connor Meyer (2025), and Braeden Heitsman (2026) are all hitting over .330 this spring, with Boone leading the way at a scorching .429 clip. With momentum on their side and confidence growing each game, Valley Center is fully embracing the underdog role—and they’ve already proven they’re capable of sending top seeds packing.

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MAY 29

G1: 11:00 AM - (1) St. Thomas Aquinas vs. (8) Valley Center

G2: 1:15 PM - (4) Shawnee Heights vs. (5) Hays

G3: 3:30 PM - (2) Great Bend vs. (7) Piper

G4: 5:45 PM - (3) Blue Valley Southwest vs. (6) Eisenhower

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