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Delaware Preseason Top Ten

#10: Delmar Wildcats  

2025 Record: 9-10
Key Losses: Ryder Kiedel, Connor Nichols, Aiden Headley (transfer)

The first season under new leadership often comes with growing pains, but Delmar has the kind of talent throughout the lineup that should be capable of powering a return to the postseason. Delmar consistently develops college-level players, and even with the graduation of Kiedel, there are intriguing replacements ready to step into larger roles after limited action in prior years.

On the mound, senior Ayden McCauley (Old Dominion) returns to headline the rotation, giving the Wildcats a clear-cut No. 1 option. Senior Mathias Ford and junior Gavin Reidy are expected to slot in behind him, both coming off strong summer and fall showings that boosted their stock. The bullpen complements the rotation well, blending experience and youth with arms like Jason Smullen (Shenandoah), Aiden Rementer, and promising sophomore Austin Callaway.

Offensively, the core remains largely intact. Seniors Kane Nibblett, McCauley, Ford, Smullen, Desmond Brown, and Robert McCabe form a veteran nucleus capable of setting the tone. Wyatt Otwell is projected to take over behind the plate, while Callaway adds valuable two-way versatility. After a season that fell short of expectations, Delmar appears primed for a rebound. The key questions remain: Can McCauley deliver the consistency expected of a true ace, and will the rest of the rotation rise to meet the standard needed to support him?

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#9: Indian River Indians   

2025 Record: 14-6
Key Losses: Chase Ruley, Trey Hill, Jack Cappo

Indian River inevitably lost a few contributors to graduation, but compared to others across the state, the turnover was relatively manageable. That’s encouraging, considering 2025 marked a true breakthrough: the Indians captured the Henlopen South title and piled up 14 wins.

A major catalyst for that success was star senior two-way standout Dylan Grise (Wilmington). His impact on the mound and at the plate was undeniable last spring, and he enters his final season poised for an even bigger campaign — one that could firmly place him in Player of the Year discussions. Behind Grise, the rotation retains continuity with juniors Ty Weber and Landon Fiels returning to anchor the staff. While some depth pieces graduated, seniors Alex Behornar (Virginia Wesleyan) and Kayden Vaught, along with junior Nolan Staniszewski, are candidates to step into expanded roles.

Indian River’s roster is filled with versatile, two-way talent, and many of those arms will also be counted on to produce offensively. Just as important are the returns of Ricky Wiggins (Hood) and Landen Erbe, both everyday contributors a year ago. With a roster that closely resembles last season’s group, another dominant year from Grise could be the difference-maker in helping the Indians build on their momentum and contend once again.

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#8: Appoquinimink Jaguars  

2025 Record: 9-10
Key Losses: Carter Schurman, Alex Epperly

Appoquinimink treated 2025 as a foundational year, laying the groundwork for what this roster could become. There were flashes — statement wins over Salesianum and Sussex Central — but a five-game skid to close the regular season led to a first-round playoff exit. Now, with clearer roles and another year of development, the Jaguars enter 2026 expecting meaningful growth.

The biggest reason for optimism starts on the mound. Brody Fleming (Delaware), one of the premier arms in his class, steps into the ace role after serving primarily as a reliever last season. A dominant summer elevated his profile and positioned him to lead the staff. Behind Fleming, Coach Carney has no shortage of options. Juniors Anderson Tuten, Carter Schurman, Reed Holliday, and Gabriel Wright all factor into the rotation mix, along with sophomore transfer Dominic Fantano, adding further intrigue and competition for innings.

Offensively, many of those same names will anchor the lineup, joined by key returners in seniors Michael Lentz (Lincoln) and Gavin Miller (Wilmington), plus junior Jacob Trala. Schurman, in particular, profiles as a potential impact bat capable of providing the star power this group needs. Ultimately, Appo’s leap forward will hinge on dependable starts behind Fleming and consistent production throughout the order. If those pieces fall into place, a double-digit win season feels well within reach for the Jaguars.

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#7: Caravel Buccaneers  

2025 Record: 11-8
Key Losses: Orvy Potts, Brady Thompson, Nico George

Caravel experienced its share of highs and lows last spring, and another early playoff exit has only heightened the urgency entering this season. With a roster capable of making legitimate noise, this feels like a pivotal year for Coach Caldwell’s group.

The pitching staff is one of the most compelling units in the state, blending proven returners with emerging talent. Garrett Bohn (East Stroudsburg) is back to anchor the rotation, while junior Latimer Auwerda slots in as a dependable No. 2. Sophomore Jackson Gable has made major strides over the offseason and is positioning himself to compete for the third spot. Junior Evan Tuohey adds valuable depth, giving the Buccaneers multiple options to cover innings.

Offensively, much of the core remains intact. Gavin Gravell returns for his final season behind the plate, and the outfield is once again patrolled by senior Gavin Evans (Wilmington). Bohn will contribute as a two-way presence, and a talented junior class — including Will Caldwell, Matthew Rice, Jakob Goldstein, and Auwerda — rounds out a lineup with continuity and upside. While the departures of Thompson and Potts leave noticeable gaps, Coach Caldwell has consistently maximized her roster’s potential. The key this spring will be performance against top-tier competition; if Caravel can elevate its play in those matchups, the Buccaneers are well-positioned for a strong campaign.

#6: Sussex Central Golden Knights  

2025 Record: 16-5
Key Losses: Joaquin Rodriguez-Costa, Pete Onuschak, Brayden Tidwell, Kade Cooper, Jace Jarmon

After reaching the state semifinals in both 2024 and 2025, Sussex Central would seem primed to generate major buzz entering the spring. Instead, the conversation has centered on what was lost. Graduation hit last year’s roster hard, leaving legitimate questions about whether Central can maintain the standard it has set the past two seasons.

The turnover is most evident on the mound, where the Golden Knights saw their top three arms move on to the collegiate level. The silver lining? Their most electric talent returns. Osiah Kelley (Maryland), widely regarded as the top player in the state, is back after missing all of ‘25 due to injury. As a sophomore, Kelley dominated opposing lineups, and Central’s ceiling hinges largely on whether he can rediscover that form. Senior Kolton Barger (Brevard) and junior Hayden Barnhouser are expected to slot in behind him, while Gage Hall and Thomas Hoopes provide additional depth options.

Offensively, Kelley also headlines the lineup, having reportedly made significant strides at the plate during his recovery. Seniors Gage Wilkins (Lackawanna), Mike Toomey, and Caleb Rogers, along with several key returners mentioned above, round out a solid group. Ultimately, Central’s season may come down to two factors: Can Kelley return to peak form after injury, and can the offense deliver enough consistency to fuel another deep postseason run?

 

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#5: Caesar Rodney Riders  

2025 Record: 14-5
Key Losses: Steven Donigan, Colby Rall, Teegan Monroney, Caden Heritage

The way 2025 ended was far from what Caesar Rodney envisioned. After earning a first-round bye on the strength of a 14–4 regular season, the Riders were stunned by Delaware Military Academy (DMA) in a run-rule loss that abruptly halted their postseason. While much of the roster returns for 2026, a few major departures loom large. Steven Donigan is gone after a standout senior campaign that culminated in a commitment to Maryland, and the lineup also loses its most consistent power threat.

On the mound, the talent is there — but experience is the question. Uncommitted senior Kurt Helsdon is expected to headline the rotation, with freshman Justice Smith, the top-ranked freshman in the state, likely stepping immediately into the No. 2 role. Evan Fowler (Patrick & Henry) adds another arm with upside, while juniors Quinten Collins, Caleb Dufresne, and James Suhrbier round out a staff that will need to grow up quickly. Athletic junior Jay Sanchez provides stability at the back end as a reliable closer capable of shutting the door in tight contests.

Offensively, seniors Will Lorentz (Wilmington) and Ethan Wisler set the tone, while juniors Shane Powell, Milo Massuli, and Gavin Johnson are poised for expanded roles and significant at-bats. The freshman class doesn’t stop with Smith — infielders Enzo Vincent and Geoffrey Myers are two more young names who could factor in if called upon. The Riders remain firmly in the statewide conversation, but their ultimate ceiling may hinge on how quickly the young rotation develops and whether they can offset the loss of Donigan’s production.

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#4: Conrad Redwolves  

2025 Record: 18-4
Key Losses: Brady Wardell, AJ Shute, Dylan Pirrung, Jacob DeBoef, Max Hansen

Conrad arguably navigated the toughest road to a state title appearance last season — and nearly finished the job. After falling in the 2023 championship and missing the playoffs altogether in 2024, many had written them off. But their return to the title game in 2025 served as a loud reminder that the Redwolves aren’t going anywhere. Now comes the reality of turning the page. One of the greatest players in program history, Brady Wardell, has graduated, leaving behind a legacy that defined both championship runs.

With Wardell gone, the torch passes to a new core. The rotation is now anchored by senior Nicky Dello Buono (Bloomsburg), last year’s No. 2 arm who drew the start in the state championship. Seniors Jonathan Downes and Chase Watson, along with junior Sawyer DeLuca, will be tasked with elevating their roles and helping replace the production Wardell provided. Offensively, the program’s new centerpiece is Justin O’Connor, widely regarded as the top offensive-minded junior in the state. His .506 average in 2025 turned heads statewide and vaulted him into Player of the Year conversations as just a sophomore. He’s supported by a veteran group that includes seniors Carter Bartkowski (Eastern), Downes, and Jack Fleetwood, as well as juniors DeLuca and Mark Spoor. Brendan Zielinski, though only a sophomore, gained valuable experience behind the plate and is stepping into a larger role. The Redwolves are still extremely well-equipped — the question now is whether the pitching staff can fully compensate for Wardell’s absence and position Conrad for another deep postseason push.

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#3: Saint Mark's Spartans

2025 Record: 15-5
Key Losses: Aidan Lehane, Ryan Flasinski, Brian McDermott, Coleton Sims, Ian Keane, Zach Pruitt, Chase Thornton

Saint Mark's burst onto the scene in 2025 with a 10–0 start, but their season ended in dramatic fashion — losing four of their last five, capped by a heartbreaking nine-inning walk-off defeat to Sussex Central in the state quarterfinals. Even so, Saint Mark’s has built its identity on balance, and that formula remains unchanged heading into the spring. This is never a one-man show; the Spartans thrive on collective production and depth across the diamond.

The offense features a refreshed mix of proven returners and promising new contributors. The outfield remains a strength, led by seniors Joey Santoro (Delaware State) and Graham Clark, with rapidly emerging sophomore Micah Nelson rounding out the group. Owen Duffy (Goldey-Beacom) is back at third base, while junior Noah Thompson (Seton Hall) steps into an everyday role. Gavin Metrinko (Montclair), John Nich (Hood), and Aiden Collie help solidify a lineup that aims to build on last year’s offensive numbers.

Balance defines this roster not just offensively, but on the mound as well. The rotation is expected to feature a trio of left-handers, headlined by senior Tanner Emmertz (Wilmington). Clark and Nelson are candidates to round out the starting group, while Duffy, Nich, Kip Fillingame, and Joey McAleese give the bullpen experienced, upperclass depth. The Spartans also welcome one of the state’s most talented freshman classes, making it worth monitoring whether Lee Santoro or Scott Fillingame crack the varsity roster at any point. With depth, versatility, and experience, Saint Mark’s once again looks poised to make a serious run at a state title.

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#2: Salesianum Sals  

2025 Record: 15-6
Key Losses: Jimmy Gray, Jude Swift, Billy Neumann, Aidan Moore, Kyle Dailey, Matthew McSorley, Michael Dell'Oso

Fresh off a state championship in 2024 and a semifinal appearance in 2025, Salesianum once again looks built for a deep postseason run. Despite losing key contributors on both sides of the ball, the core remains firmly in place — particularly within the starting rotation.

The one-two combination of junior Brandon Emig (Pittsburgh) and uncommitted senior Jack Bujnowski gives Sallies a legitimate case for the top starting duo in the state. While much of last year’s power production graduated, the lineup still returns a steady, battle-tested group. CJ Moxley (Goldey-Beacom), Landon Johnston (Bloomsburg), Bujnowski, Stephen Catalina (Hartford), Aidan Hughes (Alvernia), and Brooks O’Hanlon are all back for their senior campaigns, providing six college-level bats and a wealth of experience throughout the order.

The primary concern entering the spring lies in the bullpen, which was gutted by graduation after losing four impactful relievers. That turnover forces Coach Godfrey to piece together new options to fill innings. Cole Antonelli (Lackawanna), Tai Wu, Sean McGuigan, and junior Joey Rodia are among the candidates who could stabilize the staff, with some capable of making spot starts if needed. This may very well be the most experienced roster in the state — and experience often pays dividends. If the new bullpen pieces settle in and the remaining gaps are filled, Salesianum has every opportunity to finish the year on top.

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#1: Cape Henlopen Vikings  

2025 Record: 21-1
Key Losses: Jase Mitchell, Jaxon Clampitt, Brad Marks, Jacob Smith, Trey Hitchcock, Brady Kosc, Miles Godwin

Cape Henlopen put together one of the most historic seasons the state has witnessed in 2025. With the wave of senior departures that followed, it seemed almost impossible to imagine the Vikings opening 2026 as the top-ranked team in Delaware. Yet here they stand once again, a testament to the seemingly endless pipeline of talent that continues to emerge from the beach.

The most significant overhaul comes on the mound, where Cape must replace its top three arms from a year ago. While this new staff may lack the experience of its predecessors, it certainly doesn’t lack ability. Junior Dom Mangini steps into the ace role after a breakout summer, giving the Vikings a physical presence at the top of the rotation. Fellow junior Jack Simeone, who gained valuable experience out of the bullpen last spring, slots in as a dependable No. 2. After an impressive showing last weekend, sophomore Christian Cabello appears ready to claim the third starter spot. In relief, senior Robbie Payton IV should factor into key innings, along with a couple of versatile two-way contributors.

Offensively, the biggest void comes in replacing reigning Player of the Year and Houston Astros draft pick Jase Mitchell, but he’s far from the only departure. The lineup will skew younger, yet there’s little reason to doubt Coach Evick’s ability to bring the group along quickly. With Mitchell gone, junior Aaden Johnson moves behind the plate after serving as a key utility piece the past two seasons. Nicholas Clampitt provides experience across the infield, while the outfield is anchored by senior Emmett Wheatley (Wilmington), coming off a remarkable .485 junior campaign. Beyond that trio, youth will define much of the order. Mangini, sophomore Joe Ruark, and freshman Trey Dickinson have limited experience but are poised to step into big roles. Though many contributors are still adjusting to the varsity level, the talent is undeniable — and if Cape solidifies early, the Vikings could very well find themselves atop the state once again.

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