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The Road To Werner Park: 2025 Class A State Tournament Preview

May 14, 2025
Pascal Paul
State Director, Prep Baseball Nebraska

 

Starting on Opening Day, our scouts will be out covering the 2025 season, publishing notes on our Scout Blog and additional in-season content along the way, like Power Rankings updates, Player of the Week awards, and weekly top performers included inside Diamond Notes.

For the full state tournament schedule and bracket, click here.

LINCOLN EAST SPARTANS  

With back-to-back trips to the finals, Lincoln East enters state as one of the hottest teams in the field. The Spartans won the loaded Don Kraft Invitational two weeks ago and dominated the A-1 District last weekend. They boast one of the most complete offenses in Nebraska, led by Jeter Worthley (Nebraska), Joey Senstock (Nebraska), Troy Peltz (Iowa Western), and Carter Harmes (South Dakota State). Their aggressive, pressure-based offensive approach keeps defenses on their heels. 

On the mound, East forces action and throws strikes. Their top six arms by innings pitched all hold a 2:1+ K:BB ratio, led by senior Jack Ohler (Northwest Missouri State) and sophomore Kalai Larsen. A full team effort will be required if they’re going to make it three straight trips to the finals.

PAPILLION LA VISTA SOUTH TITANS

The Titans have held the #1 spot in our rankings all season. They come into the 2025 State Tournament with unmatched depth and talent, giving the coaching staff flexibility with matchups and rotations. While Danny Wallace garners much of the attention, he’s battled minor injuries and has had an up-and-down year. That said, this is a team that can have a different hero every game. Seniors Cameron Curtis (Hutch CC) and Emmett Minderman (Northeast CC) have been steady contributors and will be key figures at Werner Park for Coach Lynam and staff.

KEARNEY BEARCATS 

Coach Connot’s squad has won 11 of their last 12 and carries a 22-9 record into state, playing their best baseball at the right time. Bryce Andersen (Iowa Western) has been a do-it-all standout, hitting .405 with 12 extra-base hits and posting a 2.86 ERA with 41 Ks in 41.2 IP. Senior leaders Griffin Novacek (Iowa Western), Derrick Nonhof (Dordt), and Kole Throckmorton (Iowa Central) bring valuable postseason experience.

MILLARD SOUTH PATRIOTS

After a brief absence from the finals, Coach Geary has the Patriots ready for another deep run. RHP Tyler Albert (Wayne State) has been dominant all year (1.98 ERA, 56 Ks, 23 BBs in 42 IP). Offensively, juniors Jaxson Appuhn and Brady Perich, along with sophomores Braden Swaney and Blake McAndrews, have delivered consistency. Juniors Carson Derr (UNO) and Noah Carroll returned mid-season and re-solidified the lineup and pitching depth.

MILLARD WEST WILDCATS 

The defending state champions return to defend their crown. Senior Iowa commit Brady Ferguson has been lights out on the mound (1.17 ERA, 53 Ks, 15 BBs in 30 IP). Fellow seniors Dylan Swiercek (Northeast CC), Ethan Cole (Northeast CC), and sophomore Colton Williams have also stepped up. Offensively, it’s a veteran group—six of their top nine hitters are seniors with multiple state tournament appearances under their belts. Expect their experience to be a major factor in a title defense.

  ELKHORN SOUTH STORM 

With the fewest games played in the field, the Storm enter as the 6-seed at 16-10. The return of Cal Cooper (Nebraska) has been a difference-maker down the stretch. Cooper, Brody Jindra (Nebraska), and Devin Meier form a three-headed pitching monster capable of shutting down any lineup. Jindra—also a top Player of the Year candidate—leads the offense with a .410/.558/.679/1.237 slash line and 12 extra-base hits. Seniors Tyler Lofdahl (Wayne State) and Owen Musil (Kansas City Kansas CC) add depth and spark to the lineup.

MILLARD NORTH MUSTANGS

The “Cardiac Kids” punched their ticket with a walk-off in extras by uncommitted 2026 MIF Tanner Evans. A year ago, under first-year head coach Bob Llavac, the Mustangs were viewed as underdogs. Despite being the #7 seed this year, there’s a different vibe. The pitching staff of Noah Gartner (Nebraska), Colin Driffill (USF), Wade Spencer (Southeast CC), and Brandon Berge (Southeast CC) has been locked in all year—each with sub-2.00 ERAs and impressive K:BB ratios. Offensively, Augustana commits Marcus Hankins and Ripken Fleck lead the way. Hankins has been the run-producer with 15 XBH and 26 RBIs. With experience and pitching depth, this group could make serious noise.

PAPILLION LA VISTA MONARCHS

Making their first state tournament appearance since 2015, the Monarchs carry a 20-11 record and plenty of belief. LHP Brett Hoelscher (Iowa Western) has made a strong case as the best arm in the state (0.50 ERA, 0.114 BAA, 79 Ks, 18 BBs in 42.1 IP), picking up wins over top teams. Senior Trevor Antoniak (Northeasten CC) and juniors Landyn Albrecht and Cayden Miller deepen the rotation. Offensively, Isaac Pamaran (Johnson County CC), Easton Schneider (South Mountain CC), and junior Ryan Thompson have provided consistent production. Pamaran is a dynamic athlete who can flip a game on defense or offense. Coach Nate Thompson has this group primed to prove they belong.

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