2025 KSHSAA State Tournament Preview: 6A

After a slow start to the 2025 campaign, Blue Valley (19-9) hit their stride when it counted most, knocking off Gardner-Edgerton and pulling off a statement upset over Olathe East in the regional final to secure their spot in Lawrence. Battle-tested from a rigorous non-league schedule on top of navigating one of the toughest conferences in the state, the Tigers have proven they can compete with anyone—boasting marquee wins over nationally ranked Edmond Memorial (OK), top-five Arkansas power Har-Ber, and six ranked in-state opponents. Leading the way on the mound is Grady Westphal (2025; Texas), whose elite slider ranks among the best in the country and gives Blue Valley a chance to beat anyone when he's on the bump. Sophomore Matthew Gravitt (2027) has emerged in a big role, with Nolan Bell (2026; Johnson County CC) adding key innings as well. Offensively, the Tigers are powered by the state’s top-ranked 2027 in Grant Westphal, a dangerous bat who continues to elevate his game. He’s surrounded by a steady supporting cast in Chris Aiello (2025), Ethan Carswell (2026; USC), Camden Morris (2025), Patrick Dennis (2025), Skyler Bernbeck (2027), and brother Grady, who’s contributed on both sides of the ball. With a deep roster and a proven track record against elite competition, Blue Valley enters the tournament as a team no one wants to face.

Lawrence Free State (25-2) have been the gold standard of consistency in an otherwise unpredictable Kansas high school baseball season. Capping the regular season ranked No. 1 in the Power 25, the Firebirds rolled through regionals with back-to-back run-rule victories over Derby and Wichita Heights to earn yet another trip to the state tournament. With résumé-building wins over top contenders like Olathe West, Mill Valley, Blue Valley West, and Shawnee Mission East, the Firebirds enter Lawrence as one of the clear favorites to bring home the 6A state title after a third-place finish a season ago. Offensively, they boast a deep and dangerous lineup led by elite table-setter Ryker Mahnke (2027) in the leadoff spot, followed by Ben Graves (2026; Wichita State), Cole Wright (2025; Fort Scott CC), Andrew Zimmerschied (2025; Benedictine), Finn Moore (2027), Owen Lester (2027), and Wesley Cupps (2025; Ohio), all of whom have proven they can produce against the state’s top arms. On the mound, the Firebirds feature one of the most electric one-two punches in Kansas with 90+ mph arms Blaine Larkin (2025; Central Missouri) and Zane Shaw (2026), giving them the ability to match up with any offense in the bracket. Anchored by one of the stingiest defenses in the state, Free State has the tools, the depth, and the momentum to finish the job and hoist the trophy in front of their hometown crowd.

One of the youngest teams in the 6A field, Maize (20-8) returns to Lawrence for the second consecutive year after dominant regional wins over Liberal and Wichita West, securing the No. 5 seed. With just five seniors on the roster, the Eagles are powered by a wave of talented juniors and sophomores who gained critical experience during last year’s state tournament run and are now poised to take the next step. Despite their youth, Maize has proven it can compete with the best, notching wins over Seaman, Bishop Carroll, Maize South, Blue Valley West, and Haysville Campus this spring. Offensively, the Eagles are led by Parker Meirowsky (2026), who’s hitting .396, and standout sophomore Drake Blasi (.310), while Brodie Jarvis (2026), Sam Soderstrom (2025; Iowa Western CC), Gavin Short (2026), and Ryder Zimmerman (2027) have all provided consistent production throughout the lineup. On the mound, the Eagles feature one of the top sophomore arms in the state in Quincy Koehn, who’s turned in a breakout season with a 1.83 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 53.2 innings. He’s joined by Short, who’s been equally impressive with a 1.46 ERA and 55 strikeouts. With a young core playing well beyond its years, Maize is a team no one should overlook heading into Lawrence.

Sporting a 20-6 record, the Manhattan Indians return to the state tournament for the first time since 2023 after capturing a thrilling regional championship with an extra-inning win over Wichita Northwest. A gritty and experienced group, the Indians feature a veteran-heavy lineup led by Carter Aslin (2025), Sawyer Newton (2026), Brayson Gnirk (2026), and Sam Spiegel (2025; Washburn), all of whom have consistently delivered at the plate and helped manufacture runs in key moments. Freshman Asher Newton has emerged as a valuable contributor, forming a steady double-play duo up the middle with older brother Sawyer and stepping up in high-leverage situations despite his youth. On the mound, Spiegel has been the workhorse for Manhattan, anchoring the rotation and delivering quality starts each time out, known to deliver seven strong innings just about every time he gets the ball. Carter Goodpasture and Tanner Lang have also stepped up in key roles, helping to round out a pitching staff that can give the Indians a fighting chance against anyone in the field. Tough, tested, and playing with confidence, don't be surprised if the Indians cause some chaos in Lawrence.

The Mill Valley Jaguars (22-5) return to the state tournament for the first time since 2019, and this year’s squad may be the most complete and talented group the program has fielded. Headlined by one of the nation’s top two-way players in Beau Peterson (2026; Texas), the Jaguars feature a deep, potent lineup capable of wearing down any pitching staff. Supporting Peterson at the plate are key contributors like Jackson Lucht (2026), Drew Yockey (2026), Owen Gietzen (2025; UAPB), and Blake Jay (2026), along with breakout sophomore Easton Engelhart, who’s become a major spark in an already loaded offense. On the mound, Mill Valley boasts a strong and balanced rotation led by Peterson and Isaac Lightcap (2025; Fort Scott), who has emerged as a go-to arm down the stretch. Carson Cooke (2027), Brandon Neis (2026), and Ryan Gleason (2026) round out a staff that’s held up well against elite competition. The Jaguars are rolling at the right time, entering the tournament on an eight-game win streak and winners of 13 of their last 14 contests. With statement victories over programs like Blue Valley Northwest, St. Thomas Aquinas, Blue Valley, Shawnee Heights, and a dramatic extra-inning win over Shawnee Mission East in the regional championship, Mill Valley has proven they can go toe-to-toe with anyone — and they’ll arrive in Lawrence with every intention of bringing home the 6A crown.

Shawnee Mission West (17-11) enters the 6A state tournament as this year’s potential Cinderella, riding a wave of momentum after pulling off back-to-back upsets over Blue Valley West and Blue Valley Northwest to punch their ticket to Lawrence. The Vikings are heating up at just the right time, and with the way they’re playing, they’re a team no one should overlook. The strength of this group lies on the mound, where Brayden Everett (2025; Highland CC) and Ben Goodwin (2026) have been outstanding. The two high-pitchability arms have posted ERAs of 1.16 and 1.37, respectively, and have consistently kept even the most potent offenses in check. Offensively, Cooper Stein (2025) leads the charge with a .376 average, while Graham VanArsdale (2025) and Connor Witt (2027) are catching fire at the perfect time — both turning in standout performances during regionals. With quality wins already on their résumé over the likes of Shawnee Mission East and Mill Valley, Shawnee Mission West has proven they can go toe-to-toe with anyone. If the arms stay hot and the lineup continues to produce, don’t be surprised if the Vikings keep knocking off top seeds on their way through the bracket.

A streaky team with the tools to cause some chaos, Washburn Rural (15-11) enters Thursday as the No. 8 seed after knocking off Wichita North and toppling No. 2 seed Haysville Campus in the regional final to punch their ticket back to Lawrence for the first time since 2022. Riding a wave of momentum, the Junior Blues have shown they're more than capable of playing spoiler. Isaac Ansley (2026) has been the go-to arm for Rural all spring and delivered when it counted most, tossing a seven-inning shutout in the regional championship. He anchors a staff that emphasizes limiting free passes and inducing soft contact, with Tyler Edmiston (2027) and Gavin Payne providing valuable innings in support. Offensively, the Junior Blues have weapons at the top of the lineup with Drew Moore (2026), Nate Salem, Austin Ditch (2026), and Brody Haas (2026) all playing key roles. While the bats have been inconsistent at times, this group has shown the ability to get hot, and they'll need to keep that rolling if they want to advance. This program has a history of pulling off upsets, with wins this season over the likes of Olathe South, Seaman, Lee’s Summit (MO), Manhattan, and Shawnee Heights. With their confidence building and a giant-slayer reputation to uphold, don’t count out Washburn Rural making another surprise run in Lawrence.

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, MAY 29

G1: 11:00 AM - (1) Lawrence Free State vs. (8) Washburn Rual

G2: 1:15 PM - (4) Manhattan vs. (5) Maize

G3: 3:30 PM - (2) Olathe West vs. (7) Shawnee Mission West

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

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