Opening day for the KHSAA baseball season is quickly approaching and our staff has shifted focus to preparing for the spring! We’ve submitted a preseason questionnaire to high school head coaches across the state. Their responses have been flooding in, and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis! Read along for our next handful of team previews.

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Wayne County Cardinals  

Region 12 | District 48
Head Coach: Josh Bartley
Twitter/X: @baseball_wayne

Wayne County looks to stabilize on the mound and lean on defensive leadership in 2026 after a transitional season.

2025 Recap
The Cardinals finished 13–16, ending as 48th District Runner-Up and falling in the first round of the region to Boyle County.

Key Departures

• Parker Smith
• Jentry Keith

Returning Contributors

• Gage Gregory, SS/RHP, 2026 – Four-year starter anchoring the defense
• Palmer Smith, LHP/1B, 2027

• Cooper Stockton, RHP

• Riley Jones, RHP
• Caleb Sargent, OF

Team Identity
Despite graduating their top arm, Wayne County returns experienced pitching and elite infield defense, led by Gregory’s glove and bat.

Outlook
Expectation level is two, with growth on the mound and offensive consistency being the key to postseason success.

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Daviess County Panthers 

Region 3 | District 9
Head Coach: Austin Clay
Twitter/X: @daviessbaseball

Daviess County enters 2026 with depth and opportunity as several players earn their first varsity roles.

2025 Recap
The Panthers finished 17–17.

Key Departures

• Logan Mewes
• Brody Brubaker

Returning Contributors

• Cameron Rickard, RHP/INF, 2026
• Weston Lawrence, INF
• Ben Watkins, INF
• Nolan Johnson, INF
• Gavin Howard, CI, 2026

Team Identity
Depth and versatility define this group, with development and composure being key as new players step into larger roles.

Outlook
Expectation level is three.

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Spencer County Bears 

Region 8 | District 30
Head Coach: Stuart Dill
Twitter/X: @SpencerCoBSBL

Spencer County looks to build off a State Final Eight appearance with another strong defensive unit.

2025 Recap
Finished 28–9, advancing to the state quarterfinals.

Key Departures

• Jarrett Stewart
• Carter Walters
• Baylor Hair
• Talon Keen
• Kaiden Fowler

Returning Contributors

• Griffin Kingsolver, C/RHP, 2027

• Eli Dockery, INF/RHP, 2027

• Michael Robinette, INF/RHP, 2026
• Robert Smith, LHP, 2026

Team Identity
Defense-first club with upside offensively if new bats emerge.

Outlook
Expectation level is three.

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Simon Kenton Pioneers 

Region 8 | District 32
Head Coach: Brady Smiley
Twitter/X: @skhsbaseball

Simon Kenton returns one of the most experienced senior groups in Northern Kentucky and expects pitching to be a strength.

2025 Recap
The Pioneers finished 18–11–2, winning the 32nd District and reaching the 8th Region semifinals.

Key Departures

• Tyler Ruete
• Cash Hoard

Returning Core

• Jacob Piper, 3B/SS/RHP, 2026

• Caleb Uhl, MIF/RHP, 2026
• Tre Beach, RHP, 2026
• Logan Judd, OF/RHP

• Logan Lawson, MIF, 2026

Team Identity
This group is built on experience, pitching depth, and clean team baseball, with 12 seniors anchoring the roster.

Outlook
Expectation level is four.

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Warren East Raiders 

Region 4 | District 15
Head Coach: Wes Sanford
Twitter/X: @wehs_baseball

Warren East returns pitching strength despite heavy graduation losses.

2025 Recap
Finished 12–20, losing a one-run thriller to South Warren in the regional championship.

Returning Leaders

• Brooks Vincent, RHP/INF, 2026 – Lindsey Wilson commit

• Andrew Barbalas, LHP/OF, 2026

• Briggs Young, SS/RHP, 2027

Team Identity
Pitching remains the strength as new faces emerge around a solid core.

Outlook
Expectation level is three.

Schedule Highlight
National-level schedule including IMG, McCracken County, Florida trip, and rugged 4th Region matchups.

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Newport Wildcats 

Region 9 | District 36
Head Coach: Ian Plank

Newport enters 2026 focused on rebuilding culture, competitiveness, and consistency.

2025 Recap
The Wildcats finished in the first round of districts.

Returning Core

• Adam Kuebel, JR
• Ethan Koster, SO
• Donovan Craig, SO
• Gabriel Lynn, FR
• Chris Lindsay, FR

Team Identity
Newport’s strengths lie in team chemistry and defensive effort, with player development being the primary goal.

Outlook
Expectation level is three, centered on growth and progress.

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