The annual Columbia Tournament is set to return later this week, running April 17th through 19th. This premier in-season event will bring together 16 teams from across Missouri for two days of pool play on Thursday and Friday, followed by playoff action on Saturday afternoon.

Widely regarded as one of the most competitive tournaments on the MSHSAA calendar, the Columbia Tournament consistently showcases high-level talent and tightly contested matchups.

Prep Baseball Missouri will be on-site, providing full coverage throughout the weekend. Games will be held at three host sites: Rock Bridge, Hickman, and Battle High Schools.

Check out our Large and Small School Rankings - HERE

Keep reading for a close look at each of the teams set to compete in the 2025 Columbia Tournament.

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    BATTLE

Battle enters the weekend with a 7-7 record (pending the outcome of Wednesday night’s game against Jefferson City) and a challenging slate ahead, set to host small school No. 3 Blair Oaks on Thursday before squaring off against large school No. 2 Fort Zumwalt West and Platte County on Friday. The Spartans are headlined by the state’s top-ranked player in the 2026 class, Tennessee commit Tyler Putnam. The 6-foot-5, 195-pound right-hander regularly touches the low-90s with his fastball, while also swinging a hot bat with a .550 average. Offensively, Brayden Groseclose (2025; William Woods) and Ian Williamson (2026) help lead the charge, while Groseclose, Brady Crites (2026), and Jack Putnam (2025) provide key innings on the mound for a competitive Spartans staff.

    BLAIR OAKS

The defending Class 4 state champions, Blair Oaks enters the weekend with an 9-6 record and matchups lined up against Battle, No. 2 Fort Zumwalt West, and Platte County. Armed with a roster full of experience and championship pedigree, the Falcons return much of their 2024 title-winning core. Senior standouts Jaden Rackers and Zane Halford lead the offense, both hitting above .333, while sophomore Wyatt Libbert adds two-way impact—batting .333 and posting a 1.40 ERA as a key arm on the mound. Blair Oaks will also lean on Nolan DeMilia (2025; Moberly Area CC), Carson Rustemeyer (2025), and Vander Halford (2027) to anchor a deep and seasoned pitching staff.

    EUREKA

Ranked No. 7 in our current Large School rankings, Eureka enters the weekend at 8-3 (pending the outcome of Wednesday night’s game at Parkway West) and set to face off against No. 5 Nixa, Truman, and No. 9 Rock Bridge in a loaded slate. The Wildcats bring one of the state’s most explosive lineups, led by a dynamic top of the order in Kyle Rehg (2025; Central Missouri), Cole Rogers (2026), Craig Ringe (2026), and Carson Leuthauser (2027)—a group that consistently puts pressure on opposing arms and can do damage at any time. On the mound, Eureka features a deep and talented pitching staff with multiple shutdown options, including Michael Siebels (2025; Jefferson College), Ben Lackey (2026), Jaxson Joggerst (2026; Indiana), and Ralph Gianino (2025).

    FORT ZUMWALT WEST

Ranked No. 3 in our Large School rankings, Fort Zumwalt West boasts one of the state’s most talented rosters, currently sitting at 13-2 on the season and handing No. 1 Francis Howell their only loss so far. The Jaguars are led by a standout junior trio—Nolan Sissom (Missouri), Brendan Pyle (Loyola Marymount), and Anden Hyde—alongside a strong senior group in Brody Signorelli (Crowder), Carter Perry (JeffCo), and Kyle Feiste (Crowder). With a blend of seasoned experience and elite talent, Fort Zumwalt West is primed for a deep postseason run. They’ll begin tournament play Thursday against No. 3 Blair Oaks and Platte County, followed by a matchup with Battle on Friday afternoon.

    FRANCIS HOWELL

Currently holding the top spot in the state, Francis Howell sits at 9-1 on the season, with their only loss coming against No. 3 Fort Zumwalt West. The Vikings have already racked up impressive wins over No. 3 Fort Zumwalt West, No. 7 Eureka, and No. 13 Lindbergh, proving they're battle-tested and ready for more. They’ll open tournament play with a highly anticipated clash against undefeated and No. 2-ranked Staley on Friday, followed by matchups with St. Elizabeth and Hickman. Offensively, the Vikings are as dangerous as any team in the state, led by Jackson Vaughn (2025; Wichita State), Matthew Rauser (2025; Maryville), Leo Humbert (2025; Missouri), and Brady Tanner (2026). On the mound, Dylan Curtis (2026; Missouri), Eli Skidmore (2025; St. Louis), and Jake Brettschneider (2026; Missouri) anchor a deep and talented pitching staff, making Francis Howell one of the teams to beat in the state.

    GRAIN VALLEY

Grain Valley enters the weekend with a 6-6-1 record (pending the outcome of Wednesday night’s game against Lee's Summit North) and a competitive slate ahead, set to take on Smith-Cotton, Jackson, and No. 10 Willard. The Eagles are a gritty, battle-tested group capable of pushing even the toughest opponents. At the top of the lineup, a talented junior core—Hunter Nally, Logan Bennett, John Malicoat, and Bryce Meyer—brings energy and offensive pressure. On the mound, Meyer and Malicoat serve as the team’s go-to arms, each working in the mid-80s, while senior Aaron Barr (Culver-Stockton) has delivered several strong outings this spring.

    HICKMAN

One of the host teams this week, Hickman is set for a challenging weekend slate with matchups against St. Elizabeth, No. 2 Staley, and top-ranked Francis Howell. Sitting at 7-6 on the year, the Kewpies are led on the mound by a talented senior duo in Tanner Graham (Evansville) and Kyle Haynes (Iowa Central CC), both of whom feature upper-80s fastballs and the ability to command a full arsenal while shutting down opposing offenses. Offensively, Hickman brings experience and depth, with a junior-heavy heart of the order—Landen Durnil, Quinton Brown, and Jackson Shults—anchored by seniors Henry Cummings and Spencer Baehman (St. Mary).

    JACKSON

Jackson currently sits at 6-6 and is set for a competitive stretch in Columbia with matchups against No. 10 Willard, Grain Valley, and Smith-Cotton. The Indians lean on a trio of reliable arms in Drew Parsons (2026; Southeast Missouri State), Carter Shipman (2026), and Cole Koeberl (2025), while Ryan Turlington (2026) and Grant Brown (2027) have stepped up in key relief roles throughout the spring. Offensively, Jackson is powered by a senior-heavy top of the lineup, with Cooper Rhodes (Evansville), Peyton Kight (Bradley), and Drake Weber providing pop in the heart of the order. Macaibe Carter (2026) sets the tone as the leadoff man with Parsons and Dawson Eftink (2027) contibuting as well, giving the Indians a balanced and experienced offensive attack.

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    NIXA

Boasting one of the most dangerous top-of-the-order lineups in the state, Nixa enters the weekend at 13-4 (pending the outcome of Wednesday night’s matchup versus Joplin) and holds the No. 5 spot in our Large School rankings. Senior standout Wyatt Vincent (2025; Missouri State) is off to a scorching start, slashing .518/.557/1.557 with 24 RBIs and 5 home runs through 70 plate appearances. Caeden Cloud (2025; Kentucky) adds to the firepower, hitting .421 with 12 extra-base hits, while sophomore Cameron Miller is slashing .314/.479/.822. Jackson Gamble (2025; Missouri Southern) continues to impress on both sides of the ball, slashing .370/.439/1.032 at the plate and leading the Eagles on the mound with a 1.50 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 23.1 innings pitched. Nixa is set to take on Truman, No. 7 Eureka, and No. 9 Rock Bridge this weekend in Columbia.

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    PLATTE COUNTY

A perennial one of the more competitive programs in Class 5, Platte County enters the weekend at 8-3 with matchups against No. 2 Fort Zumwalt West, small school No. 3 Blair Oaks, and Battle on deck. The Pirates bring a dangerous offense capable of scoring in bunches, led by seniors Taylor Stambersky and Dayton Doll (Missouri Western) at the top of the lineup, along with two of the top junior power threats in the state—Rocco Marriott and Brennan McLaughlin. On the mound, Platte County relies on a steady group that includes McLaughlin, Brooks Hall (2026), Evan Magnuson (2027), and Wes Chiddix (2025; Missouri Western) to keep opposing lineups in check.

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    ROCK BRIDGE

Rock Bridge enters the weekend riding a hot streak, having won nine of their last ten and sitting at 12-3 overall, with their only in-state loss coming against Jefferson City. The Bruins are fueled by a senior-heavy lineup featuring Crew Norden (2025; USC Upstate), Will Kimes (2025), Tyler Towe (2025; Truman St.), Dylan Davis (2025), Cooper Siebuhr (2025; Mineral Area), and junior Asher Schulze (2026). This group leads an explosive offense that has scored seven or more runs in 10 of 14 games, averaging 8.4 runs per contest. On the mound, Rock Bridge’s pitching staff has been equally effective, holding opponents to just 4.3 runs per game. The Bruins are set to host Truman on Friday before two marquee matchups Saturday against No. 7 Eureka and No. 5 Nixa.

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    SMITH-COTTON

Smith-Cotton enters the weekend red-hot, riding a seven-game win streak to improve to 10-6 on the season. The Tigers are slated for matchups against Grain Valley, Jackson, and No. 10 Willard. Offensively, they’re anchored by one of the state’s top catchers in Kendall Hagedorn (2026; Illinois State), who not only produces at the plate but also controls the run game with ease behind it. Cooper Woolery (2026) and Caden Homan (2025) set the tone at the top of the order, while Karson Wiskur (2028) and Kaden Wiskur (2026) provide consistent production in the middle of the lineup. On the mound, senior Jakobe Linn brings veteran leadership, with Adam Rowe (2026) and Kaden Wiskur stepping up as key arms for the Tigers this spring.

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    ST. ELIZABETH

Consistently one of the premier Class 1 programs in Missouri, St. Elizabeth enters Thursday’s matchup against Hickman with a 7-3 record and plenty of momentum, riding a seven-game winning streak. The Hornets will face a major test with back-to-back games against No. 1 Francis Howell on Thursday and No. 2 Staley on Friday. Offensively, they’re led by Sam Luetkemeyer (2026), who’s hitting .400 on the season, with strong contributions from Brady Kemna (2025), Carter Reinkemeyer (2026), Gavin Williams (2025; Central Missouri), and Eli Kemna—all batting north of .340. Williams adds significant power to the middle of the lineup, leading the team with four home runs and 12 RBIs. On the mound, Williams and Eli Kemna have been dominant, each carrying sub-1.00 ERAs, while Luetkemeyer is another key arm to watch. Don’t expect the Hornets to back down this weekend in Columbia.

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    STALEY

A perfect 15-0 on the season, Staley is unquestionably the hottest team in the state, steamrolling through a demanding schedule that includes statement wins over No. 6 Liberty, No. 8 Blue Springs South, Oklahoma’s No. 11 Enid, Arkansas’ No. 3 Valley View, and Kansas’ top-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas. The Falcons are powered by a dominant pitching staff featuring multiple high-end arms, including Kyle Pearcy (2025), Jake Thomas (2025; Butler), and Brody Irlbeck (2025; Iowa), who’s beginning to draw early MLB Draft buzz. Offensively, this group is as deep as it is dangerous, led by seniors Easton Phillippe (Wichita State), Evan Abbott (Emporia State), Irlbeck, and Grant Madrid (JeffCo), who have proven they can do damage against elite arms. Adding to their firepower are two of Missouri’s premier young talents in Andrew Maultsby (2027) and Krue Patrick (2028). The Falcons open the weekend with a marquee showdown against No. 1 Francis Howell, followed by matchups with St. Elizabeth and Hickman on Friday.

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    TRUMAN

Truman enters the weekend at 9-7 and will face a tough trio of opponents in No. 9 Rock Bridge, No. 5 Nixa, and No. 7 Eureka. The Patriots are led by a senior-heavy, battle-tested lineup, with Caden Deeney (2025) and Anthony Manfredi (2025) setting the tone at the top of the order. Nicholas Dawson (2025; Crowder) and Cole Pleacher (2025) provide thump in the middle, while Connor Reinhardt (2025; Central Methodist) and Devin Ottens (2026) are other key bats to watch. On the mound, Truman relies on a group effort from Pleacher, Ottens, Hayden Rogers (2026), Landon Armstrong (2025), and Brayden Branson (2026).

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    WILLARD

For the defending Class 5 state champions, winning is the standard—and this season is no exception. Despite graduating eight players from last year's title team, Willard has jumped out to an impressive 12-2 start. A well-coached and fundamentally sound squad, the Tigers pride themselves on run prevention, holding opponents to four or fewer runs in 10 of their 14 games. They're led on the mound by standout Levi Hilton (2026), along with Bryton Towe (2025), Cade Hayter (2026), Jarrett McGee (2026), and Collin Spering (2025; Lincoln Land CC). Offensively, the double play duo of Matthew Angel (2025; Fort Scott CC) and Hayter have been the spark, hitting .406 and .407, respectively, while locking down the middle of the field. McGee and Spering also provide production at the plate, and the lineup gets a boost from Rowden LeJeune (2025; Evangel) and Jackson Phipps (2025). The Tigers are set to take on Jackson and Smith-Cotton on Thursday before facing Grain Valley on Friday.

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