The Road To Werner Park: 2025 Class B State Tournament Preview
May 15, 2025
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.
SKUTT CATHOLIC SKYHAWKS
The SkyHawks have held the No. 1 ranking in our polls throughout the 2025 season. Headliner Jace Ziola (Nebraska commit) continues to draw attention with his explosive 95+ mph fastball, wipeout slider, and growing MLB Draft buzz. But Skutt's success goes far beyond one arm — the pitching staff boasts a team ERA of 2.19 with 256 strikeouts to just 92 walks. Junior Huston Beran and standout sophomores Bubba Day and Easton Elam add depth and effectiveness, forming the top pitching unit in Class B. Offensively, seniors Joe Kolego (South Dakota State - Football), Dylan Van Dyke (Iowa Western - Football), Luke Van Dyke, and Gage Guenther (Augustana) have all been highly productive, each batting over .340 with 70+ at-bats. With strong performances across Skutt Catholic athletics this year, Coach Day and his squad look like the favorites to add more hardware to the trophy case.
BENNINGTON BADGERS
The Badgers enter the state tournament with the most wins in Class B (25-3). Their top four pitchers — sophomores Brandt Schmidt, Brody Litchy, and seniors Jarron Utterback (Midland) and Houston Hill (Doane) — have each posted sub-2.00 ERAs and 35+ strikeouts. Offensively, Bennington is senior-heavy, with seven of the top eight hitters in their final year. Shortstop Hunter Spencer (Midland commit) has been the engine of the offense, slashing .385 over 111 at-bats with 18 extra-base hits, 5 HR, and 38 RBIs. If the Badgers make a run, expect Spencer to be at the heart of it.
RALSTON RAMS
The Rams earned the No. 3 seed with a 16-6 record entering the tournament. Junior Dallas Whetzal has anchored the rotation with a 5-1 record and a 0.91 ERA. Nick Benis has also contributed on the mound with 20 strikeouts in 30.1 IP and a 2.31 ERA. Offensively, senior Brayden Vandervort and junior Bryson Sargent (Highland CC) have been the leaders, both batting over .340 and combining for 12 extra-base hits and 28 RBIs. Making their tournament debut, the Rams aim to make the most of their opportunity.
GRETNA EAST GRIFFINS
The Griffins return to the state tournament as the No. 4 seed following a runner-up finish last year. Four hitters are batting over .300 with at least 10 RBIs. Senior Nolan Green (Cloud County CC) and junior Carson Hermann are both hitting above .350 with 21 combined extra-base hits and 31 RBIs. On the mound, seniors Trevor Cox and Austin Copeland, along with sophomore Chase Neneman, have been steady, each logging 30+ innings. Sophomores Carter Woodson and Colton Kuhl have chipped in quality innings as well. Green has closed out games brilliantly — he's yet to allow a run over 11 innings, striking out 18 with a 3-0 record. With depth on both sides of the ball, Coach Darrell Everhart has a complete team aiming to make another deep run in just the program’s second year.
WAVERLY VIKINGS
Waverly is heating up at the right time, winning 14 of its last 16 Class B matchups. The pitching trio of seniors Brennan Miller (Iowa Western CC), Bruin Sampson (Barton CC), and Owen Glassburner has delivered all season. Miller has a 0.84 ERA over 41.2 innings with 59 strikeouts; Sampson, a 2.62 ERA over 45.1 IP with 52 Ks; and Glassburner has added 33 Ks in 38.1 IP. Offensively, Hunter Thoms (Barton CC), Nebraska’s steals leader, is hitting .417 with 11 extra-base hits and 32 stolen bases. Sophomore Carson Malcolm and seniors Miller, Sampson, and Drew Koch add consistent depth. With recent postseason frustrations, senior leadership will be key if the Vikings want to break through in 2025.
GROSS CATHOLIC COUGARS
The Cougars finished the regular season on a high note, winning three straight, including a road victory over Elkhorn North to clinch their district. The top four hitters are batting over .318, led by junior Logen Legner (7 XBH, 18 RBIs). Senior Carson Kozeal brings elite plate discipline with twice as many walks as strikeouts and a near-.500 OBP. On the mound, juniors Kayo Rempe and Charlie Yeshnowski have each logged 30 innings, striking out over 20 while walking just 11. Kozeal also set a school record with five saves. The Cougars hope to keep their momentum rolling at Werner Park.
SEWARD BLUEJAYS
The Bluejays arrive at state riding a hot streak, winning 9 of their last 11, including a stunning upset over the defending state champions. Juniors Botyn Happ and Kyle Riley have powered the offense, both batting over .400 with OBPs above .500. Sophomore Keyan Schadwinkel and junior Brycen Burt are dynamic two-way players, leading the team in extra-base hits and strikeouts with 40+ each. On the mound, seniors Connor Sveegen and Kolton Loos add experience, both with 30+ Ks and ERAs under 2.15. Seward will look to stay hot and continue their strong run into the tournament weekend.
HASTINGS TIGERS
The Cinderella story of Class B, Hastings stunned No. 3 Ralston in the district to punch their ticket. Isaiah Shaw (.440 AVG, .509 OBP) and Royer Deloera (.330 AVG) lead the offense. On the mound, Ben Wibbels, Elliot Sidlo, and Alex Haws each have 20+ innings and 20+ strikeouts. Coach Stoffel’s squad will aim to extend their surprising postseason run and turn heads at state.
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