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2025 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview

***THIS WILL BE UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE DAY***

If you have not sent in your regional information or haven't received an email for it, please contact [email protected] and we will get the form to you to fill out. Thanks and enjoy!

Division I

Division-I Tournament Bracket

Division I State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 1 - Canton
  • Districts: Northeast 4 vs. Northeast 2  |  Northeast 3 vs. Northeast 1
• Region 2 - Lancaster
  • Districts: Central 1 vs. Central 3  |  Central 4 vs. Central 2
• Region 3 - Fairborn
  • ​Districts: Southwest 5 vs. Central 5  |  Central 6 vs. Southwest 6
• Region 4 - Oxford
  • Districts: Southwest 2 vs. Southwest 4  |  Southwest 1 vs. Southwest 3

#3 Olentangy Orange

Record: 23-5
Head Coach: Tom Marker
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• 6 District Titles
• 2 Regional Titles
• 1 State Runner Up 

Top Players:

• Griffin Zavislak, LF, Junior
• Keegan Knupp, 3B/RHP, Senior
• James Wimsatt, SS, Senior
• Maverick Scholvin, 1B, Sophomore
• Xavier Aguila, DH, Junior
• Jake Luling, RF, Sophomore
• Wyatt Lidke, CF, Senior
• Colby Luling, C, Freshman
• Zane Konczak, 2B, Junior
• Devin Parker, RHP, Senior
• Reid Hemrick, RHP, Junior
• Landon Blankenship, RHP, Junior
• Kason Kubetin, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The consistency with which our pitching staff and defense have played throughout the year has been a strength. That coupled with our offense's ability to really establish an identity should help catapult us into the regional tournament. We returned the bulk of our roster from a year ago and I think that helps with staying centered and approaching each day in a mature fashion.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: There is not a day that goes by where we take our success as a program for granted. Being able to win three in a row and four of the last five districts speaks to the consistency of our kids, our support staff, and our supporters. You have to have a sticktoitiveness that is uncommon in this era. We're elated for the opportunity to continue to provide an extended experience for our guys and our community. We played 27 glorified scrimmages for the opportunity to make a tournament run. The district championship was the first step.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We've traveled to several venues to show our guys "what's possible." Playing in the regional tournament is simply another experience that our guys GET the opportunity to be a part of. From SEC Baseball to a challenging non-league schedule at various venues, we have had our minds opened up to what this great game provides. We're battle tested. We're playing loose and looking for the opportunity to compete.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: To us it is a single game. It is us vs Grove City. We have to find a way to compete against arguably the most prolific team in the state of Ohio. They've been there a ton of times and we're going to try our best to advance. With that being said, I have the utmost respect for Ryan Lucas at Olentangy and Mike Weaver at Olentangy Berlin. They're two of my closer friends in the game and their teams are always well prepared. But for now, it's on to Grove City.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: This program was built by GREAT players, an incredible support staff, and community/parent supporters that understand that the scoreboard is not the way we measure success. We had a ton of alumni back at the District Final and that means so much to our coaching staff and current players. I want to extend a special thanks to our AD (Andre Nash) for his support throughout everything, Madison Twyford for her incredible work with our social media platforms, Smoresy and Potato Salad for the juice they bring each gameday, and THE PIT...Ubuntu - We are us because you are you! Thank you!

#14 Grove City

Record: 19-9
Head Coach: Ryan Alexander
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• Since 2010...
• District Championship: 6
• Regional Championship: 3
• State Runner Up in 2022

Top Players:

• Carson Stickley, RF, 2027
• Logan Highley, C, 2025
• Gavin Lawler, CF, 2025
• Landon Hinkle, 2B, 2027
• Reace Blount, SS, 2026
• Luke Harper, RHP/1B, 2025
• Alex Elliott, DH/OF, 2026
• Jordan Dye, LF, 2025
• Brayden Starner, 3B, 2026
• Vande Holser, 1B
• Carson Welsh, P
• Dylan Farley, P
• Grant Ruffing, P
• Connor Partridge, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: A ton of speed and power in our lineup right now. Hitting 80 pts higher in the 2nd half of the season compared to our start. Our pitching and defense has been great all year.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Love it for the kids. Hated that it was against Coach Fugitt-- truly love that guy and what he stands for as a Coach. Any time you get a chance to play a game in that environment is what hs sports is all about.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach:  Excited for the opportunity to play ORANGE and the Olentangy Schools Super Regional 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach:  Great friends with Marker, Lucas and Weaver. We all preach the same things and demand excellence from our players. SHould be a FUN one at Beavers Field for sure!!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach:  We do it every year for The City. Can't thank the community of Grove City enough. This city has a ton of passion for its sport teams and baseball is right up there at the top. Thank you!!

#9 Olentangy Berlin

Record: 20-6
Head Coach: Mike Weaver
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Postseason History:

• 6th season as a program
• District Champions (2024, 2025)
• Regional Champions (2024)

Top Players:

• Jackson Vondersaar
• Lucas Patrick
• Robbie Sheppard
• Mason Quatman
• Braylen Jehnzen
• Max Endarries
• Dallen Maxson
• Jack Showalter
• Alejandro Aguilar
• Carter Elliott
• Nick Gemienhardt
• Colin Bornino

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have always prided ourselves on pitching and defense. Our team ERA through 26 games is 2.08. But our hitting and execution on the bases has taken the next step over the last couple of weeks and in the tournament. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I think our boys had an expectation of that is what we wanted to accomplish. It is just a next step in achieving the next goal. We have a lot of experience from last years final four team, so it has always been what is next. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are very excited to have this opportunity to play Olentangy for the 4th time this year. All four Olentangy schools are in the Regionals, and 3 in this Region. I have so much respect for Coach Lucas and his team and staff. We are excited to get to have the opportunity to get to represent our great school district with them, and Orange. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Talent, great coaching, and history. All of these programs have been here before, and for a reason. Great programs coached by 3 great men. When you do things the right way, good things happen and this another example. They are not here by mistake. And pitching, they all have great pitching and that is what takes you far in the tournament. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: 4 Olentangy schools out of 6 from Central Ohio in the Regionals. All four High Schools. A true credit to the youth programs and youth coaches in our communities!

#10 Olentangy

Record: 20-7
Head Coach: Ryan Lucas
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 22
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 7 (1965, 2005, 2006, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2025)
• Regional Titles: 2006
• State Runner Up: 2006

Top Players:

• Carter Hire, SS
• Rocco Bucci, P, 2027
• Cooper Trace, 2B, 2025
• Cameron Birch, LF, 2025
• Dominic Pirrone, RF, 2025
• Luke Chilicki, 1B, 2026
• Kaden Gebhardt, CF, 2026
• Kaleb Rice, C, 2025
• Ty Walburn, 3B, 2027
• Everett Robinson, P, 2025
• Cooper Tracy, P, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love how balanced we are as a team. We are pitching and playing great team defense, getting on base and putting pressure on teams with our run game, getting big hits when we need them, and our team attitude is tremendous with all 22 players. Everyone knows their role and chemistry is great. We have elite level assistant coaches that are extremely loyal to the program and tireless workers. They have great relationships with our players.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We were so happy for our kids. They have been through a lot of adversity as young people playing varsity baseball the last few years. They have earned the right to win the district and compete at the regional level.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited for the opportunity and love how we are playing right now. Our schedule has prepared us for this moment, and the arms we have seen all season long. Our kids are playing with a high level of confidence and expect to win every game they play. That's how it has been since the start of our journey in Myrtle Beach in game 1 vs. Anthony Wayne and facing Graf.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We have a tremendous amount of respect for the other teams in the region. I personally know the other coaches well and think they all do an elite job of running their program. The players and coaches in Columbus are high level.
PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Coach Answer. I am proud of everyone in the program. We have an elite level fan base from parents & families, future Braves, administration and support staff. We have the best booster club in the state that do a tremendous job supporting our players and program on an annual basis.
Our captains have a great job leading us throughout this journey. Sr. Cameron Birch & Carter Hire, Jr. Luke Chilicki, So. Rocco Bucci

Region 3 - Fairborn

Region Overview: Nine-time state champion Moeller is back in the regionals after pounding Western Hills 25-0 and beating Little Miami 8-4 in the districts. Zion Theophilus gave up one hit in four innings with nine strikeouts helping the No. 1 team in Ohio to its fourth-straight district title. Carter Christensen had a single and triple, Matt Ponatoski two singles and Connor Cuozo a home run, each driving in two. Ponatoski had two home runs, a double and six RBIs in the district semis, with Jovan Love producing four RBIs and Connor Fuhrer throwing a one-hitter. … Thomas Worthington beat Newark 6-5, coming back from a 4-1 deficit to win the district title game after outlasting Upper Arlington 5-2 in the district semis. Zane Graven capped off a five-run sixth in the win over Newark with a run-scoring triple and came home on an error. … Parker Van Engelenhoven threw a one-hitter with nine Ks to lead Olentangy Liberty to a 10-0 district championship win over Dublin Jerome. AJ Goldmeyer, Andrew Leonard and Louie Santangelo had two hits apiece for the fourth-ranked team in D-I, which blanked Groveport-Madison 8-0 in the district semis. The team has a 0.00 ERA with 19 Ks through two tournament games. … A two-run fifth inning gave Lakota West a 3-1 victory over Princeton and a berth in the regionals. Parker Isaacs had two hits and scored a run for the 11th-ranked team in D-I, with Keegan Campbell and Adrian Smith combining on a five-hitter. Noah Bramble had three hits and scored four runs while Landon Holt and Smith both produced three hits and drove in five in a 26-0 district semifinal victory over Middletown.

#1 Archbishop Moeller

Record: 24-3-1
Head Coach: Tim Held
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 23 District Titles
• 13 Regional Titles
• 9 State Titles

Top Players:

• Luke Pappano, CF/LHP, Senior
• Matt Ponatoski, SS/P, Junior
• Conner Cuozzo, 1B, Junior
• Carter Christenson, 2B, Senior
• Jovan Love, LF, Senior
• Charlie Valencic, DH, Senior
• Will Schirmer, 3B, Senior
• Jackson Porta, RF, Senior
• Donovan Glosser, C, Sophomore
• Connor Fuhrer, RHP, senior
• Zion Theophilus, RHP, senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how they are focused on each game and were not rattled when they were down early to Little Miami.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It is a great feeling to win the district and advance to the sweet sixteen in our division.  It is very tough to advance year in and year out in this tournament.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The regionals are always a great 2 days of baseball where the hottest team will move on.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: The other 3 teams in our regional are playing great baseball right now and have talented rosters.  We are going to have to play great baseball to win both games.

Thomas Worthington

Record: 15-11
Head Coach: Chris Olson
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 3 (2012, 2013, 2025)

Top Players:

• Zane Graven, Sophomore
• Luca Calanche, Junior
• Tucker Seyfang, Senior
• Will Gams, Junior
• Ethan Roop, Sophomore
• Lucas King, Junior
• Sam Shankman, Sophomore
• Nolan Eppich, Senior
• Jack Brown, Junior
• Braeden Schmidt, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the togetherness of our team.  Everyone plays their part to find ways to win games.  There is no quit within this group.  If they fall behind, we never feel like we are out of the game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an incredible feeling for our players, coaches, families and community.  To have the all the work that everyone has put into this for many years pay off makes for an awesome feeling.  Also, to do it in the fashion we did by being down 3 runs in the bottom of the 6th inning and scoring 5 runs with 2 outs makes it that much sweeter.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited for the opportunity to play some of the best teams in the State.  We are one of the smallest if not the smallest D1 schools under this new 7 division format, so we are very proud to be where we are.  We are looking forward to the challenge of competing at a high level against an extremely talented team.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: The teams in our region are very impressive.  Great coaching and talent with everyone in this region. You don't make it this far if you aren't a very good team.  

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete on this stage against some of the best teams in the state.  The coaches have preached "no excuses" all year and the players have really responded.  Our field is currently under construction, so we have had to get creative in finding ways to practice as we prepare for regionals.  We aren't making excuses and are working hard to make sure we are prepared for Tuesday.

#4 Olentangy Liberty

Record: 24-5
Head Coach: Ty Brenning
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• 7 District Titles
• 1 Regional Title
• 1 State Title (2018)

Top Players:

• AJ Goldmeyer, RF, Junior
• Andrew Leonard, SS, Senior
• Lou Santangelo, DH, Sophomore
• Grayson Davis, CF, Sophomore
• Parker Van Engelenhoven, RHP/1B, Junior
• AJ Clymer, C, Junior
• Ryan Stickel, 2B, Junior
• Drew Hauenstein, LHP/1B, Junior
• Brayden Mead, LF, Sophomore
• Brady Bonacci, RHP, Senior
• Dylan Dielman, RHP, Senior
• Evan Thacker, LHP, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have elite pitching, with lots of swing and miss. Very good athletes on defense and an offense that
can apply pressure.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Mission Accomplished

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited for the next opportunity to compete.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Great teams with great players. We are looking forward to the opportunity to play great baseball..

#11 Lakota West

Record: 22-7
Head Coach: Brad Gschwing
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Postseason History:

• 3 Regional Titles 3 (2007,2008,2017)
• 1 State Title (2007)

Top Players:

• Noah Bramble, SS, JR
• Kam Gaalaas LF, JR
• Braydon Johnson, C, JR
• Landon Holt, 3B, SR
• Adrian Smith, 2B, SR
• Isiaha Meade-Moss, DH, SR
• LJ Green, 1B, SR
• Keegan Campbell, RF/RHP, SR
• Parker Isaacs, CF, So
• Tucker Wilburn, RHP, SR
• Chandler Wright RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team is showing grit. Finding ways to win no matter the game type. Winning pitcher duels 1-0 or games where bats are on fire 17-14. Kids are willing to find away no matter the style the game has shaped. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Proud. It's an accomplishment. Final 16 teams in the state is something to be proud of. Hasn't happened since 2017 for us, so for this group to ensure the leave a legacy is something to be proud of. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited. Opportunity to compete with the best teams in the state is what we strive for. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: You have 4 really good baseball teams left. You don't make it to this part of the tournament by accident. Have some really good arms in our region.

Region 4 - Oxford

Region Overview: Defending Division I state champion Mason has had no trouble in the tournament, blanking Walnut Hills 10-0 behind a five-inning no-hitter from Andrew Visconti (13 Ks) before a 19-4 domination of Huber Heights Wayne in the district finals, a school record for runs in a tournament game. This marks the fifth straight district title for Mason, which this season became the first ever to win seven consecutive Greater Miami Conference championships. … Oak Hill’s Brady Kornmann and Landen Seifert combined on a three-hitter and did not allow an earned run in an 8-1 win over Sycamore in the district finals. Lincoln Schreiber hit three singles and Brady Keeton had a single and triple. Ryan Murphy fired a four-hitter in a 2-1 district semi win over Milford. Cooper Harrison drove in both runs. … Springboro jumped out to an 8-0 lead and held on to beat Lakota East 8-7 for a berth in the regionals. Adam Smith hit a single and triple and Ben Veletean drove in four runs. Smith belted two singles and a home run to go along with five RBIs in the district semi 15-3 victory over Springfield, while Nick Hutchinson added a single and homer and Veletean two doubles and three runs scored. … Despite producing just three hits, Beavercreek won districts for the first time since 2014 with a 1-0 win over Elder. Enzo Sansabrino retired six of seven batters faced in relief of winning pitcher Joey Frisk, with the duo combining to permit six hits.

#8 Mason

Record: 21-7
Head Coach: Curt Bly
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Postseason History:

• 16 District Titles (5 consecutive)
• 4 Regional Titles (1987, 2018, 2022, 2024)
• 1 State Runner Up (1987)
• 1 State Title (2024)

Top Players:

• Andrew Visconti LHP 2025
• Jaden Bakhit RHP, 2027
• Liam Sander RHP, 2026
• Ollie Stuart RHP, 2028
• Cade Landheer, CF, 2025
• Sam Davies, 3B, 2026
• Chase Cox, SS, 2025
• JJ Darst, C, 2025
• Hutch Crociata, RF, 2025
• Liam Sander, DH, 2026
• Isaac Vargo, 1B, 2026
• Grant O'Connor, LF, 2026
• Drew Johnson, 2B, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We've been through a lot this season. We've had to deal with some adversity and our guys are battle tested at this point. I like our resiliency and our competitiveness.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It's always exciting to watch our guys celebrate one of the goals of the season and to hand another number on a banner. Our guys have worked extremely hard to be in this position at this point in the season.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Any time you're playing in June you're excited. To be 1 of only 16 teams left in the state is a terrific feeling and we are excited to continue to compete.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All great programs with talented players and tremendous coaches. Competing for a regional championship in Southwest Ohio is always exciting and tremendously difficult to accomplish. We are competing with 3 strong teams and we are excited to be able to keep battling.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I'd just like to first thank my coaches for all the sacrifices they've made to help our players be in this position. Our coaches do so much all year long to contribute to our success and we simply wouldn't be where we are without them. I'd also like to thank our community and especially our parents for their continued support and commitment to our team's success. Finally, thanks to Prep Baseball for your commitment to high school baseball and the light you shine on our great game!

#20 Oak Hills

Record: 17-10
Head Coach: Shawn Sowders
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#12 Springboro

Record: 21-7
Head Coach: Mark Pelfrey
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 3
• Regional Titles: 1

Top Players:

• Micah Brandon-SS
• Ben Veletean-3B
• Jacob Cane-LF
• Nick Hutchinson-DH
• Blake Patterson-C/P
• Adam Smith-RF
• Colten Muhlenkamp-2B/P
• Drew Davis-1B
• Vince Fortkamp-CF
• Jacob Rhinehart-P
• Dylan Brabston-P
• Colton Miller-P
• Dylan Preston-P
• Bodie Abbott-P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The team is playing well, having fun and playing for each other.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the district was a thrill (and relief).

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Exciting to be playing in the regionals and that our team has another week together.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: It will be tough to win the regional. Beavercreek is an excellent team that we split with during the season.  Mason is the defending state champs and have been a top team for several years.  Oak Hills is having a excellent season; but team I know least about.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am excited for our team to have the opportunity to play in the regionals. Our players have worked hard and our coaching staff has done an excellent job preparing our team to compete at this level.

#6 Beavercreek

Record: 23-5
Head Coach: Brandon Long
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 28
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6
• Regional Titles: 4
• State Titles: 3

Top Players:

• Anthony Wright, 2B
• John Gruenberg, LF
• Ethan Papalios, C
• Owen Roether, P
• Ethan Kuhn, DH
• Brock Bukiewicz, SS
• Easton Grimm, 3B
• Andrew Oppenheimer, CF
• Elijah Papalios, RF
• Dawson Paulus, 1B
• Enzo Sansabrino, P
• Joey Frisk, P
• Andrew Oppenheimer, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team first guys. Always up to the challenge

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Close Game, played great D

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to be back against a familiar conference opponent

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All historically great baseball programs

---

Division II

D-II Schedule

Division II State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 5 - Gate Mills
  • Districts: Northeast 3 vs. Northeast 2  |  Northeast 4 vs. Northeast 1
• Region 6 - Oberlin
  • Districts: Northwest 1 vs. Northeast 5  |  Northeast 6 vs. Northeast 7
• Region 7 - Grove City
  • Districts: Central 1 vs. Central 4  |  Central 3 vs. Central 2
• Region 8: Xenia
  • Districts: Northwest 2 vs. Southwest 2  |  Central 5 vs. Southwest 1

Region 5 - Gate Mills

Region Overview: Evan Fuller and Roman Geiselman combined on a six-hit shutout to send North Canton Hoover to regionals for the third time in four years with an 8-0 blanking of Massillon Washington. Danny Holihan had three hits for Hoover, which outlasted Normandy 1-0 in 12 innings. Jack Andes scored the winning run and was also the winning pitcher with nine Ks in four innings in relief of Jake Donaldson who gave up five hits in eight scoreless frames. … Leo Soneson fired a one-hitter in pitching Lakewood past Warren Harding 1-0 in the district finals. Drew Jones scored the lone run of the game on a passed ball in the sixth inning helping give Lakewood its first regional berth since 1992. … Alabama commit Shawn Sullivan allowed four hits and one unearned run while fanning 10 in six innings of a 3-1 Walsh Jesuit win over Massillon Perry in the district finals. Alex Ramon-Johnston was 3-3 with a double and Matt Mansbery 2-2 with a triple. Harper Lann struck out 10 in 3.1 innings of a 10-1 win over Valley Forge in the semis. Roman-Johnson had three hits and Colin Locigno three RBIs for Walsh Jesuit, heading to regionals for the fourth time in five seasons. … Ben Bee, who tossed three scoreless innings in relief of Josh Moore in a 4-1 win over Boardman in the district semifinals, threw a complete game in pitching 13-16 Stow-Munroe Falls past Austintown-Fitch 7-1 in the district title game.

#17 North Canton Hoover

Record: 16-13
Head Coach: Bryan Ashby
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• All-time Tournament record: 103-70
• 10 District Titles
• 2Regional Titles
• 1992 D1 State Runner-up

Top Players:

• Jack Andes, CF/P, Jr.
• Carter Lukens, 3B, Jr.
• Ryan Wilkinson, DH, Jr.
• Jack Ziarko, 1B, Jr.
• Roman Geiselman, RF/P, Soph.
• Matt Brown, C. Sr.
• Ryan Cervenak, SS, Soph.
• Danny Holihan, 2B, Sr.
• Drake Cooper, LF, Jr.
• Jake Donaldson, RHP, Jr.
• Evan Fuller, RHP, Jr.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing to our strengths really well and have been all season (Pitching, Defense, Base running), hitting consistency has been our Achilles heal. .

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our record does not tell the story. We have played a really tough schedule to keep us ready for league play as well as tournament time. We are battle tested and always looking to play our best in big games. We have built a winning culture and love this time of year! So happy and excited for our players and the program! Winning a District Championship was validation of how hard our guys have worked to have success together.....very proud of this team and the journey we have been on in 2025!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's special and we treat it as such. You are 1 of 16 teams fighting to advance to tomorrow. We have a bunch of guys that love each other and are enjoying every moment together. Winning matters and winning matters to them! After losing the Regional Final in 2024, our guys want more and look forward to competing! 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach:  This is going to be a great Regional tournament. 4 quality teams and programs with each having different strengths. Going to come down to who can get the timely hits and play great defense. We have tremendous respect for each of the teams and th great seasons they have had, we are happy to be a part of it!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Each season there is a huge amount of work that goes into running a high school baseball program. I cannot thank my assistant coaches enough for the time, support, care, and mentorship they give our players each day. My assistant Varsity coaches are Jeff Sarbaugh, Kolin Stanley, & Eric Sarbaugh. As well as JV coaches Kyle Young, Drew Cooke, Josh Salinas and Freshman coaches Cam Wolf & Mike Chack. Every program needs a Craig Haueter who does all our Alumni stuff, statistician/records/historian, media guide, GameChanger etc etc ... and loves it, so many thank you's to him. And no program is run efficiently without a great booster club, which we have, and great support from our administration, parents, and community. I am very lucky to have so many great people around me, they are really the reason we are who we are!

#7 Lakewood

Record: 22-7
Head Coach: Grant Graves
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Postseason History:

• 4th District Title in 50 years, 1st District Title since 1992

Top Players:

• Cooper Russell, SS, 2026
• Riley Verderber, 1B/P, 2027
• Drew Jones, 3B/P, 2026
• Nick Hart, LF/P, 2026
• Leo Soneson, C, 2025
• Luke Legato, CF, 2027
• Logan Ellis, P, 2025
• Finn Schroeder, DH, 2027
• Peter Checckett, 2B, 2025
• Justin Lacquement Jr, RF, 2025
• Jackson Comer, P, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing together and playing complimentary baseball. Pitching staff is trusting our defense, offense is doing a great job of finding a way each time and having team AB's. Seeing many different players step up in the roles to help the team

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Incredibly proud and happy for the team and the seniors. They have changed our culture and have been working so hard in the weight room and off-season to achieve these goals. Could not be more proud of the team and how they have played for each other and played together. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The team is excited but incredibly focused. They have been visualizing and preparing for this type of stage, so to be able to go out and have a chance to bring those goals to life, the team is very locked in on being prepared and embracing the moment.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Coach Answer. Strong teams, with great traditions and coaches. Programs that play hard, get their players to do things the right way. Pitching talent is apparent, with some very strong INF players and speedy OF...Should make for a great Regional to see who can advance to the Final Four.

#5 Walsh Jesuit

Record: 17-8
Head Coach: Joe Bowers
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 20+ District Titles
• 10 Regional Titles
• 4 State Titles

Top Players:

• Shawn Sullivan, RHP, Junior
• Harper Lann, RHP, Senior
• Anthony Alberty, RHP, Senior
• Josh Pierson, RHP, Senior
• Colin Locigno, 2B, Junior
• Alex Ramon-Johnston, 3B, Senior
• Matt Mansbery, SS, Junior
• Carlos Smith, LF, Junior
• Jake Brubaker, RF, Senior
• Jagger Dalton, DH, Senior
• Andrew Holcomb, C, Senior
• Zach Swiderski, 1B, Senior
• Dominic Romanini, CF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the fact that our team is playing for each other and the chemistry we have built in our dugout.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: When we got that final out in the district final, it was a feeling of great joy for our school and community, but most importantly I was so happy for the young men on our team to see their hard work on the field, in the classroom, and in the weight room, pay off with a district title.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are elated to be playing in Regional, it is a great accomplishment to be one of the 16 teams left in the great state of Ohio.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All 4 teams are very talented, well coached, and play really tough schedules.  Whoever comes out will have a great shot in Akron.

Stow-Munroe Falls

Record: 13-15
Head Coach: Aaron Debord
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 6 district titles (last in 2016)
• 1 regional title

Top Players:

• Collin Callahan, RF, Sophomore
• Caden Boyd, C, Sophomore
• Kyle Boozer, 3B/P, Sophomore
• Jacob Garcia, LF, Junior
• Will Marzec, DH, Senior
• Aiden Clark, CF, Senior
• Ashton Dudeck, 2B, Senior
• Nick Hosey, 1B, Senior
• Jake Harrington, SS, Junior
• Josh Moore, P, Junior
• Ben Bee, RHP, Senior
• Gino Petrey, RHP, Junior
• Mason Stewart, LHP, Junior
• Brennan Kupetz, LHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the way out guys are playing for each other. They truly enjoy being around each other and want to find a way to make sure we have a tomorrow.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I'm just really proud of our boys. They've continued to work and grow through the season and have put themselves in a position to succeed. To see the joy in our boys when they secured the last out is something I will always remember.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We haven't been to a regional since 2016. The team is very excited to compete and have the opportunity to keep playing ball. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Like everyone else we will get the opportunity to compete against some incredibly talented teams led by 3 men I have a great respect for. Walsh and Hoover both have experienced rosters who have made recent postseason runs. Lakewood has been one of the tops teams in the state from day 1 this year. Someone is going to earn their trip to Akron coming out of this regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are proud of this group and are excited for this team to get to experience this moment.   Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far.

Region 6 - Oberlin

Region Overview: After blanking Lima Senior 9-0 in the district semis, Clay knocked off Toledo St. John’s 3-1 to advance to regionals. Brayden Toneff, Bryce Besgrove and Landen Eversman all had RBI hits for the 10th-rated Eagles. … Hudson and North Royalton played a one-run game for the third time this season, with Hudson winning the rubber match in the district finals, 3-2. Luke Mager threw a three-hitter and Luke Sutton drove in Carson Wilham for the walk-off win, the first district title since 2020 for the third-ranked team in D-II. Nathaniel Coats, Tyler Havens and Xavier Pallo all had two hits. … No. 1 Amherst Steele rallied from a 5-0 deficit to stun Riverside 6-5 on a Harrison Schneider walk-off home run. Trailing by five with one out to go in the seventh, Amherst Steele pulled within 5-2 and Landon Wolf then tied the game with a three-run bomb, in the process setting a school single-season RBI record with 50. Wolf also holds the single-season mark for walks (28) and HBP (13). The 26 wins are also a school record. … Griff Carmichael tossed a five-hitter and opened a three-run sixth inning with a double leading Green past North Ridgeville, 3-2. Landon Langford hit a walk-off single to beat Avon 5-4 in the semis with Carmichael pitching one frame for the victory. 

#10 Clay

Record: 18-9
Head Coach: Jim Phillips
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• 9 District Championships
• 1 Regional Championships
• 1 State Championship (1979)

Top Players:

• Alex Goetz, CF, 2026
• Bryce Besgrove RF/LHP, 2028
• Landon Eversman RHP, 2025
• Jacob Weseman 1B, 2025
• Brannan Vargas, C, 2028
• Ian DeWitt, LF, 2025
• Darin Fussell SS/RHP, 2026
• Ray Campos, 3B, 2027
• Brayden Toneff 2B, 2027
• George Edwards RHP, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has continued to grow throughout the season as you hope a young team gaining experience would do. We have pitched it and picked it all year, but lately our AB’s through the line-up have been much better. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Gratitude. Getting an opportunity to coach and win a district title at my alma mater means so much to me.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It will be a big challenge, but if we compete for 7 innings like we are capable of I know we can play with anyone.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Steele has held the top spot in the D2 rankings for most of the year. They have a very talented and deep team. Hudson has also been highly ranked all season. They are a well-coached team that is fundamentally sound. Green pulled an upset (according to seeds) just like us. That tells me they are playing their best baseball of the season, which makes them dangerous.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Our tight knit community lost to great people over the course of the last few months who were very close to the baseball program. Derek Besgrove and Cindy Achter were big supporters of the program and just want both families to know we are playing for them!

#3 Hudson

Record: 21-6
Head Coach: Buddy Dice
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Postseason History:

• 5 District Titles - 1997, 2000, 2012, 2014, 2025
• 1 Regional Title - 1997 

Top Players:

• Alex Travis, 2B, Junior
• Justin Morgan, LF, Senior
• Nathaniel Coates, RF, Senior 
• Luke Sutton, DH, Junior
• Tyler Havens, 1B/RHP, Senior
• Xavier Pallo, SS, Sophomore
• Ryan Jones, 3B, Junior
• Chase Dennison, CF, Junior 
• Brady Studzinski, C, Junior
• Luke Mager, RHP, Senior
• Connor Eich, RHP, Junior
• Jack Sutton, RHP, Junior 

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our players fight to the very end. They have a never-say-die attitude, and they have had it all year. We have had a number of 1 run games, extra inning games, etc…

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It’s been too long since the last district championship (2014). So proud of this team for the work they've put in, believing in one another, re-establishing a competitive culture with a group that wants to win & play for one another. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited for this group to win a league title and able to compete in the regionals. We know how special it is and ultra competitive to get here. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Congratulations to the 4 teams that are playing in the Oberlin Region. Being 4 of the last 16 teams in the tournament is special and obviously every team has talented rosters with only 1 of us making it out.  

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Appreciate all the support for Hudson Baseball in getting back to basics. From our youngest players in the youth program to upper administration and everything in between, there is a great deal of support for Hudson Baseball. Our program is composed of so many special people and all moving in the right direction. 

#1 Amherst Steele

Record: 26-2
Head Coach: Matt Rositano
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• 7 District Championships (1982, 1993, 2008, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2025)
• 0 Regional Championships

Top Players:

• Cole Marquez, LF, Junior
• Cole Charles, RF/LHP, Sophomore
• Caleb Melendez, 3B, Senior
• Landon Wolf, 1B, Junior
• Harrison Schneider, RHP/DH, Junior
• Jacob Schliesser, C, Senior
• Eli Toyoda, 2B, Sophomore
• Tyler Denn, CF, Junior
• Cooper Bingham, SS, Sophomore
• Cael Charles, RHP, Sophomore
• Anthony Heikkinen, RHP, Senior
• Cam Rios, RHP, Senior
• Brody Glick, RHP, Junior
• Alex Lakner, LHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing together as a team with great chemistry.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: One of the most remarkable comebacks I've ever been a part of, down 5-0 in the 7th, and winning it on back-to-back HRs.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited for the opportunity to keep coaching this group for at least one more week.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: If you get to this point, every team is good. Have to be locked in every pitch, every out, every inning. The little things will win or lose a game.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Looking forward to getting to play our regional game(s) close to home, and see the full support of the Amherst community.

Green

Record: 15-13
Head Coach: Jon Wallace
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Region 7 - Grove City

Region Overview: A three-hitter by Nick Weiss gave Big Walnut its first district crown since 2017 with an 8-0 win over Westerville South. Weiss, who set a school single-season strikeout record (67), allowed only three baserunners. Evan Couser had three hits and scored four runs for Big Walnut, which had 10 hits and did not commit an error. … A hit by Eastern Michigan commit Ezra Kurek and a fielding error with one out in the bottom of the seventh gave Mount Vernon a 6-5 comeback win over Westerville Central in the district finals. … New Albany is yet to permit a run in the tournament after topping Mifflin 8-0 in the district semis and Watkins Memorial 10-0 in the finals. … St. Charles showed that seeds mean nothing. The 12th-seeded squad from St. Charles knocked off fifth-seeded Worthington Kilbourne 11-2 in the district semifinals before blanking seventh-seeded Canal Winchester 3-0 in the finals.

#4 Big Walnut

Record: 19-5
Head Coach: Mike Stafford
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District titles: 4
• Regional Titles: 1

Top Players:

• Evan Couser, LF, Junior
• Ethan Baker, 3B, Freshman
• Jake Neff, RF, Junior
• Nolan Buirley, CF, Sophomore
• Trey Kaylor, C, Junior
• Brady Taylor, SS, Junior
• Carson Stanford, 2B, Senior
• Jax Lawrence, 1B, Senior
• Tyson Barton, DH, Senior
• Nick Weiss, RHP, Senior
• Braylon Robertson, LHP, Junior
• Owen Horba, RHP, Junior
• Jack Rigg, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Like that our most recent game was our most complete, and that we have faced strong competition all year to get us ready for the tournament. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Proud to take that step forward, but that we still have work to do to reach our ultimate goal. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to come out and compete. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Should be a highly competitive group and some good baseball. 

#13 Mount Vernon

Record: 17-9
Head Coach: Nate Hunt
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Postseason History:

• 5 District Titles
• 0 Regional Titles

Top Players:

• Jagger Dohn- 1B/LHP-Senior
• Carter Castleman- DH- Senior
• Zac Clow- SS/P- Senior
• Ezra Kurek- C- Senior
• Kayden Packard- RHP- Senior
• Nolan Hershberger- CF- Sophomore
• Dammon Wolfe- 2B- Sophomore
• Isaiah Columber- LF- Senior
• Ethan Yost- 3B- Senior
• Caden Theibert- RF- Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: One thing I like about our team this postseason is that we have a veteran ball club (10 Seniors) and only 2 sophomores in the starting lineup. This group has a top 10 strength of schedule in the state of Ohio and has had to face a lot of adversity. They are playing some of their best baseball late in May and only getting stronger.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: To be able to win a district title is unbelievable but to walk it off at home, in front of a packed MV crowd, and the last time these seniors get to compete on this field is something I will always remember. Winning a district is one of our team goals and I think moving to the LCL and playing competitive, tough, well-coached teams in the LCL has done nothing but prepare us for the post-season!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We’re a confident, veteran baseball team that’s been through the battles, and we’re built for this moment. Making it to regionals isn’t just a step—it’s what we’ve been working toward all season. This group is determined, driven, and fully locked in. We know what it takes, and we’re ready to show it. More than anything, we’re excited for the opportunity to represent our community with pride and leave it all on the field.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: You can go through each team and they are there for a reason...they have great leaders. Michael Sandman, Mike Stafford, and Ray Benjamin are all not just great coaches but great men. To be able to have an opportunity to compete with their teams means we are doing something right in our program. We tell our team that just because it is the tournament doesn't make it any bigger than any other game. We “Concentrate on what we control”! To put it in simpler terms, the game of baseball is hard already and if we focus on what we can control, then the game becomes just a little bit easier!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I think this is just the start of what Mount Vernon Baseball has to offer for years and years! This community has done nothing but support our program. Financial, supportively, and physically this community has been great. This has been a great spring for Mount Vernon. Boys Volleyball is in the State Championship game, Girl's Softball is in the final four, members of the track team are competing at states, and we have a great opportunity to win a regional title. ITS A GREAT TIME TO BE A JACKET!!

#11 New Albany

Record: 17-10
Head Coach: Michael Sandman
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• 8 District Titles
• 2 Regional Titles
• 2 State Titles (2004, 2021)

Top Players:

• Quinn Blaney RF, SR
• Jacob Richardson 2B, SR
• Caden Kistner SS, JR
• Grady Bush 3B, SR
• Cam Simmons LHP, SR
• Jate Hoovler C, JR
• Joe Sokol 1B, SR
• Van Routhier CF, JR
• Brayden Pettinger DH, SR
• Logan George LF, SO
• Graham Romer RHP, SR
• Trey Wentz RHP, SR
• Grant Thunberg RHP, JR

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our guys have been really dialed in and have battled through a tremendous amount of adversity

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I cannot explain the feeling, such an excitement in the air. We have had a couple of years of close calls in the tournament so to see our guys rushing the field was very special

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Really exciting and looking forward to the opportunity to fight for one more day at a time with our group

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: The four teams in our regional are all very high level coached teams. All teams will be prepared and will have high level pitching. It should be a tremendous couple of days of baseball

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Get out and support the Eagles!!!!

St. Charles

Record: 11-16
Head Coach: Ray Benjamin
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 7 District Titles (1942, 1943, 1944, 1957, 1975, 2000, 2025)
• 6 Regional Titles (1942, 1943, 1944, 1957, 1975, 2000)

Top Players:

• Hugh Robinson RF, Junior
• Dillion Cole CF/RHP, Junior
• Dylan Callam LF/RHP, Soph
• Ryan Ferguson C, Senior
• Nolan Roscoe 2B, Junior
• Hayden Saad 1B, Soph
• Lex Popadak SS, Senior
• Cam Bauman DH, Junior
• Ryan Mooney P, Senior
• Cade Austin 3B Soph
• Teddy Williams, RHP, Senior
• Andrew Irwin, RHP, Soph

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Have battled injuries all year long as well as young team who only returned 3 every day guys. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was great for our kids and our program, we have been in the majority of the games this season but to see is play clean baseball for 14 straight innings in the districts was great.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always great for your school and program to make it to the regionals, I am excited for the players.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: #1 seed Big Walnut, #3 seed New Albany, #4 seed Mt. Vernon. All three teams are great programs and all have had a very good year.

Region 8 - Xenia

Region Overview: Owen Graf threw a two-hit shutout to lead second-ranked Anthony Wayne past Northview 2-0 and with it a trip to regionals. … A five-run seventh inning propelled Edgewood past Troy 5-4 and with it the first district title since 1981. Edgewood beat Anderson 5-2 in nine innings in the semis to reach the district finals for the first time since 2005. Carter Breedlove had the go-ahead RBI in the semifinals. … Teays Valley nipped Dublin Scioto 5-4 for its first district championship since 1985. Luke Smith had three hits and three RBIs, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 12th. … Loveland’s Tyler Roberts threw a three-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 6-2 district final victory over Northmont.

#2 Anthony Wayne

Record: 21-4
Head Coach: Ryan Donley
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 10
• Regional Finalist: 6
• Regional Champion: 2
• State Runner-Up: 1

Top Players:

• Eli Donawa - LF - Junior
• Tommy Kec - RF - Senior
• Lukas Potkanowicz - SS - Junior
• Cole Biedenharn - 1B - Senior
• Max Crandell - 3B - Senior
• Ben Nieckarz - CF - Senior
• Jett Smith - C - Sophomore
• Crue Carroll - DH - Senior
• Mason Dzierwa - 2B - Senior
• Owen Graf - RHP - Senior
• Jackson Urenovitch - RHP - Junior
• Carter Johnson - RHP - Senior
• Drew Cunningham - RHP - Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our squad is a veteran group that is battle tested. We play a very difficult schedule and it has prepared us well for postseason play.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It is always a great feeling to come out on top. Northview is a very solid team and they're extremely well coached. We had split with them in the regular season so getting the win in the district final was special for our kids. With the new structure, it felt odd to have the district final be our first tournament game this year. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The postseason is what it's all about. It's what you train for. We are very humbled to have made it to the regional tournament but our guys are hungry to keep going. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All of the teams still playing at this point are very good. Whoever throws strikes, makes the routine plays, and puts the ball in play will give themselves a great chance at advancing. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Just want to say thank you to PBR for the fantastic coverage of HS baseball. You all do a phenomenal job and are greatly appreciated. I'd also like to thank everyone who has worked to adapt to the new divisional set up. I'm sure there have been hiccups along the way but the effort is noticed. Lastly, we are extremely grateful to be able to play the game we all love and to represent our families, our school, the AW community, and everyone who has followed & supported us this season. Your support is appreciated more than we could ever express. ROLL GENS!!!

#12 Edgewood

Record: 22-7
Head Coach: Austin Hatfield
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#8 Teays Valley

Record: 20-7
Head Coach: Mark Colburn
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 25
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#6 Loveland

Record: 21-7
Head Coach: Ryne Terry
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6

Top Players:

• CJ Margraf, RF, Senior
• Brady Stidham, SS, Junior
• Derek Fleming, 1B, Senior
• Drew Oerther, DH, Junior
• Blake Carrigan, CF, Junior
• Dylan Hacker, 3B, Senior
• Blake Hatfield, 2B, Junior
• Luke Zicka, C, Sophomore
• Adam Lake, LF, Senior
• Henry Bradley, RHP, Senior
• Tyler Roberts, RHP, Senior
• Will Bertke, RHP, Senior
• Brody Miller, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Love the way we are playing team baseball right now. No one is out there trying to do too much. At the plate, we have a ‘pass the torch’ mentality, we are at our best when we are staying within ourselves and letting the guys in front and behind do their jobs. Our pitchers are throwing strikes and trusting our defense to make plays behind them. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It felt like a huge weight was lifted off our shoulders. Winning a District Title was one of our goals for this year after finishing as runner-up last season. I was extremely happy for all of our players, parents, fans, and alumni. To see all of their hard work and dedication pay off was awesome to see. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s a great opportunity for our team to go out and showcase their abilities.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All very deserving of being in a regional and it should make for some great games.

---

Division III

D-III Schedule

Division III State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 9 - Hudson
  • Districts: Northeast 4 vs. Northeast 1  |  Northeast 3 vs. Northeast 2
• Region 10 - Avon
  • Districts: Northwest 1 vs. Northeast 5  |  Northwest 2 vs. Northeast 6
• Region 11 - Chillicothe
  • Districts: Southeast 1 vs. Southeast 2  |  Central 2 vs. Central 1
• Region 12: Oxford
  • Districts: Southwest 4 vs. Southwest 1  |  Southwest 3 vs. Southwest 2

Region 9 - Hudson

Region Overview: Trey Martin had three hits, including a two-run double in the top of the eighth, to lead Padua past Gilmour Academy in the district finals. Trailing by one with two outs in the seventh, Bryden Spellacy was HBP and pinch runner TJ Pickett stole second and third before coming home to tie the game on a passed ball. Martin produced three hits in an 11-7 win over Barberton in the semis while Spencer Siedlecki had two hits and three RBIs. … University School pitched two shutouts in districts, topping Harvey 10-0 in the semis behind a one-hitter from Crew Bellan, and Twinsburg, a Division I state finalist a year ago, 4-0 in the finals behind a three-hitter from Aaron Moss, a Kenyon signee who won his 20th career game to move Rob McNerney’s squad to regionals for the third time in his five years at the helm. Moss also collected his 100th career hit this season while McNerney recorded his 100th victory. In sectionals, Slater Schoaf and Aaron Kane combined on a no-hitter versus Glenville. Bobby Berglund and Deacon Nelson each have four hits and three RBIs in the postseason. … Wooster rallied for two runs in the bottom of the sixth to edge Uniontown Lake 3-2 in the district title game. Winning pitcher Brady Bowen (8-1, 29-5 career) tied the game with an RBI triple and scored the winning run on a sac fly by sophomore brother Brock Bowen. Wooster had won its first two tourney games by a combined 31-0. … After 20 years since winning districts, CVCA has now won two straight. John Harabedian threw a shutout and hit a home run in the sixth to defeat Kenston 1-0 in the district semifinals and CVCA then beat Medina Buckeye 3-2 in the finals on a walkoff sac fly by Nik Wirsching in the eighth. Ryan Wiehe holds the school mark for career coubles with 32 and Harabedian is third in strikeouts in a single season.

#25 Padua

Record: 19-10
Head Coach: Ryan McSweeney
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 15
• Regional Titles: 4

Top Players:

• Makhi Williams, CF/LHP, 2025
• Chase Martin, SS/P, 2028
• Lucas Palange, RHP, 2025
• Spencer Siedlecki, 1B, 2025
• Trey Martin, RF, 2025
• Braylon Benson, DH, 2028
• Logan Schnell, 2B, 2025
• Bryden Spellacy, C, 2027
• Riley Ziemba, LF, 2025
• Brandon Tillman, 3B/P, 2027
• Nathan Krayzel, RHP, 2025
• Jack DeGeeter, LHP, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the level of focus and the way this team has played the back half of this season. It has been a resilient team all year long. I like where our pitching has been over the course of this season as well. Offensively we are finding ways to win as a complete lineup. And not just the guys in the starting lineup, our guys coming off the bench have come up clutch for us all season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It's an unbelievable feeling to win a district title, especially with this group and being able to win back to back seasons. It is something very special and a great accomplishment

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always great to be a part of the regional tournament. A lot of really good baseball to be played in front of us with a lot of good baseball teams. The stakes are higher and we are looking forward to the challenge

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: They are really good baseball teams, I think they are some of the best teams in Northeast Ohio. It is going to make for a really great regional. I think everyone going into the year knew how loaded D3 baseball is , not only in Northeast Ohio but top to bottom in the State and I believe it is going to show during these regionals.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: This is a really special team and led by a very special Senior class. We hope to finish the season the way this team wanted from the beginning. 

#9 University School

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: Rob McNerney
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Postseason History:

• District Championships (2022, 2023, 2025) - 3 District Titles in McNerney's 5 seasons.

Top Players:

• Aaron Moss, RHP, Senior
• Crew Bellan, RHP, Junior
• Bryce Fielding, LF, Senior
• Deacon Nelson, 2B, Junior
• Jack Nelson, CF, Sophomore
• Tucker Greer, 1B, Senior
• Bobby Berglund, C, Sophomore
• James Bucci, SS, Junior
• Cayden Zelenak, DH, Junior
• Miles Wolf, 3B, Freshman
• Slater Schoaf, Senior, Closer
• Lucas Clavijo, Senior, Relief
• Cameron Ryan, Junior, Relief

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: First of all, we are thrilled to be playing baseball in June!  I really like our offense right now.  We have 3 guys over 30 hits, 7 guys over 25 hits. We are getting contributions from everyone.  1-9 are tough outs.  Additionally, I am very proud of our senior leadership.  We have 10 seniors.  Although only a handful of them have playoff experience, they are all stepping up in their own individual ways.  Whether that is on the field during games, training sessions, in the weight room, or in the dugout.  They have been intentional with everything we do and have provided tremendous guidance to our younger players.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The district championship this year was amazing.  Twinsburg is one of the best teams in the state no matter the division.  We knew it would take a near-perfect game to beat them and I am very proud of our guys.  Our coaching staff put in a ton of work to prepare the team for that game.  Our guys executed and it was a special feeling.  Each path has been different, but this one ranks at the top for sure.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being able to make it to the Sweet 16 in the new Division III is an amazing accomplishment.  Division III is absolutely loaded so to be one of the last teams standing is a testament to the work our guys have put in since coming back to school in the fall.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: The NE Ohio region is not only full of talented teams, but also amazing coaches.  Jason Herblet, Steve Young, and Ryan McSweeney are all rockstars who have had consistent success over the years.  Any of them could come out of this region.  Whomever comes out of this region will have certainly earned it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: University School has always been known as an academic school.  It has never been known for baseball.  But this senior class has won 91 games and three district titles over the last four years.  This coaching staff has now been together for five seasons (108 wins), and when we came together, we all had a goal to make this program a perennial power.  We could not be happier with where the program is these days.  Our players have proven that they belong in the conversation with the other outstanding programs in northeast Ohio.

#6 Wooster

Record: 25-4
Head Coach: Steve Young
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Postseason History:

• 6 District Titles (including 3 straight '23, '24, '25)
• 1 Regional Title

Top Players:

• Ben Winge, SS, 2025
• Hayden Meese, CF, 2025
• Brady Bowen, RHP/3B, 2025
• Brock Bowen, 1B/3B, 2027
• Aidan McMillan, RF, 2027
• AJ Likowski, LF/RHP, 2025
• Sam Nielsen, LHP/1B, 2025
• Brian Lapp, C/RHP, 2026
• Maddox Graser, 2B, 2028

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a very motivated and hungry group. We've gotten to Regionals the past two years and felt like we didnt perform our best. This group has been driven by those losses all offseason and have been building for this postseason. They're a very tight knit group who refuse to be satisfied. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Obviously, any time you can win a District Championship, it's special. It's special for the team, the school, community, etc. Our guys were excited, but not satisfied. They were still focused and immediately turned their attention to Regionals. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Super exciting and grateful for the opportunity to continue our season. Our guys have been here the last two years and things didnt go the way we'd hoped. So, to get a third crack at it is a unique and special opportunity, but we know our Regional is loaded with great teams. We're excited for the opportunity to go compete at a high level against such good quality opponents!

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously, all great teams. We've been following their seasons all year and we know all 4 of these teams have great talent and are well coached. Whoever ends up coming out of this Regional will have earned it and put themselves in a great spot in the State Semi's. I think any one of these 4 teams could win the whole thing, just very very talented and respected programs across the board!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I just want to thank all of our players, coaches, families, school community & administration for all of their support and efforts in helping make this another memorable season for our boys. We have GREAT kids and that's a testament to their parents and the support they have at school and in the community. Proud & thankful to have the opportunity to coach them and see them grow, on and off the field.

#14 CVCA

Record: 21-8
Head Coach: Jason Herblet
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

• 4 District titles
• 0 Regional titles

Top Players:

• Jonah Gaudia, 2B, Soph.
• Jacob Lancy, 3B, Junior
• Ryan Wiehe, C, Senior
• John Harabedian, RHP/1B, Senior
• Connor McGough, SS/P, Junior
• Zac Andersson RF, Soph
• Alex Mammone, LF/RHP, Soph
• Daniel Walker, 1B, Junior
• John Baker, CF, Freshman
• Thad Eaton, DH, Senior
• Even Wensel
• Kyle Shaw, RHP, Soph

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like the tight knit group we have this year. Our guys have each others back and are always encouraging one another! Our pitchers are playing with a lot of confidence right now. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an awesome feeling to win on a walk off SAC fly from our senior leader Nik Wirsching. We went from going 20 years without a district title last year, to going back to back. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It feels great to be back in the regional. Our goal was to make it back and now the sky is the limit. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: I believe our regional is loaded with great teams. University School, who in my opinion is one of the best teams in the state, all divisions. Padua, who is the only team in our conference that beat us is playing great baseball right now. Wooster is once again loaded with a ton of talent and has a great pitching staff and will be hard for any team to beat. 

Region 10 - Avon

Region Overview: A six-hitter from Drew Bailey has Wapakoneta heading to regionals via a 3-0 win over Tiffin Columbian. Bailey also had a single, double and two RBIs. The Redskins have yet to give up a run in the tourney, beating Celina 1-0 and Ashland 4-0 behind the pitching of Grant Jolly, who broke the school career strikeout record in the sectional finals. … Tyler Slone fired a three-hitter with 13 Ks leading SVSM past Medina Highland 3-1 for its first district crown since 2016. JJ Pytash had a home run, single and two RBIs. Zack Kurkey walked with the bases loaded to cap off a two-run rally in the bottom of the seventh in a 2-1 win over Chardon in the district semis. Slone had two hits, including the game-tying RBI double. Matthew Large threw a three-hitter. … Toledo St. Francis is back at regionals for the second year in a row following an 8-3 victory over Maumee. Drew Tucker drove in four runs with a single and triple and Julien Coleman had a no-hitter threw five innings. St. Francis scored four runs in the first three innings en route to a 5-2 win over Bowling Green in the district semis, with Nick Hood hitting a single and double and Tucker scoring twice. Tommy Woycik threw a no-hitter in sectionals. Tucker has set the school record for career hits (110) and stolen bases (72). … Rees Heigle, a Mount St. Mary’s recruit, struck out 10 in 6.2 innings to lead Rocky River past Hoban 4-1 in the district finals. Griffin Hill and Michael Perry had two hits apiece.

#7 Wapakoneta

Record: 20-5
Head Coach: Jason Brandt
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 8
• Regional Titles: 2 (2012, 2018)
• State Runner Up: 2012, 2018)

Top Players:

• Grant Jolly, P/SS, 2025
• Drew Bailey, SS/P, 2026
• Griffin Mericle, C, 2026
• Mason Ludwig, DH, 2026
• Joel Moore, 1B/RHP, 2026
• Daron Houser, 3B/P, 2027
• Ethan Brandt, 2B, 2027
• Zach Fisher, LF, 2026
• Jarrett Mullen, CF, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I feel like this team has meshed well all year.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was  a complete joy.  Our kids were ecstatic, our fans were ecstatic and our coaches were ecstatic.  It got a bit dicey in the 7th with bases loaded and only 1 out.  But our kids never wavered and stayed the course.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals? 
Coach:  It’s an awesome feeling to be able to play in the regionals. You can never take something like this for granted.  Our kids realize the magnitude of playing in the regionals, but they also know it is just a game.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All Brand new teams to us.  First of all if you make it to the regionals, you have to be playing good baseball and be a good baseball team.  All 4 teams have 20 wins and have had great history of baseball.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Our kids are so happy to represent Wapakoneta High School and the community. 

#18 Akron SVSM

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Ben Shepherd
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 15 District Championships (80, 82, 84, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 95, 99, 02, 16, 25)
• 4 Regional Titles (86, 89, 92, 95)
• 2 State Titles (86, 89) 

Top Players:

• Tyler Slone, Senior 
• Ian Boykin, Sophomore
• Zack Kurkey, Senior 
• JJ Pytash, Sophomore 
• Rylan Hurley, Junior 
• Matt Large, Senior 
• Quinn Yori, Junior 
• Logan Henderson, Senior 
• Asthon Tamzarian, Senior 
• Will Tober, Junior 
• Sam Robinson, Senior 
• Aidan Reynolds, Freshmen 
• Aidan Roberts, Freshmen

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have gotten hot at the right time. We are a complete team, that feeds off our senior pitchers and catcher.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This was our programs first district title since ‘16, and third since ‘02.  It was very special to win with a group of players that have fought through adversity, 3 coaches in 4 years, and have helped build our culture. This is very special group that play for each other. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is exciting, our motto all year is next game up!  We are a very confident team, but do not look past our next opponent.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: It is hard to win a district title, each of the teams that are in our region are very good.  They are all very well coached and deserve to be congratulated on what they have achieved. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are very proud to represent STVM, and the city of Akron. We have a great fan base, and loyal alumni! 

#17 St. Francis de Sales

Record: 20-10
Head Coach: Bobby Edgell
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Postseason History:

• 9 District Titles
• 3 Regional Titles

Top Players:

• Tyler Chupp, RF, 2025
• Nick Hood, 2B, 2026
• Drew Tucker, SS, 2025
• Gabe Lisowski, 1B, 2025
• Cole Porvaznik, 3B, 2026
• Tommy Woycik, RHP, 2027
• Brady Mitchey, C, 2026
• Charlie Pastula, DH, 2027
• Drew Puckett, CF, 2026
• Ethan Hiegert, LF, 2026
• Julien Coleman, RHP, 2025
• Blake Reeder, LHP, 2028
• Conor Lutz, RHP, 2027
• Charlie Pastula, P, 2027
• Drew Puckett, P, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how our team has meshed this season. We returned 4 regular starters and a few letter winners, but the young guys have blended right in and taken on huge roles throughout the season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I felt very appreciative after the district win. We had put in a lot of hard work the entire offseason to try and get back to that game.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is exciting, our motto all year is next game up!  We are a very confident team, but do not look past our next opponent.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: It is hard to win a district title, each of the teams that are in our region are very good.  They are all very well coached and deserve to be congratulated on what they have achieved. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are very proud

#13 Rocky River

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Ed Piazza
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Postseason History:

• 5 District Titles (1st District Title since 1999)
• 2 Regional Titles
• State Runners-up (1998, 1999)

Top Players:

• Griffin Hill, CF/RHP, Senior
• Landon Biscardi, 2B, Senior
• Josh Mommers, SS, Senior
• Matt Gutia, 1B, Senior
• Byrant Hurt, DH, Soph
• Jeff Maslar, C, Junior
• Henry Tovissi, 3B, Senior
• Dylan Kolonick, LF, Junior
• Elliot Hibshman, RF, Senior
• Rees Heigle, LHP, Senior
• Michael Perry, RHP, Senior
• Joe Brant,  LHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach:  Pitching has been strong and keeping us in games until offense comes alive. Taking advantage of the other teams mistakes.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach:  1st District title since 1999 and to do it in our 3rd year is so exciting.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach:  Really excited especially the community and with it being so close the whole town shoule be there.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach:  It's a very tough regional with any of the teams that could win it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach:  With 10 seniors and getting another week to practice and make it to regional with them is special.  They were the class that we started to change the culture with, they have won 54 games in 3 years setting school records for win in a season '24, and winning 1st conference championship since '81, and District Title since '99.

Region 11 - Chillicothe

Region Overview: Circleville beat Athens for the third time this season, 13-3 in the district semis before handing Jackson just its second loss of the year, 5-2 in the finals for its first regional appearance since 2018. Trent Smith was the winning pitcher against Athens and freshman Chase Foster was the winner versus Jackson with Glavine Bigam earning the save. Seven players had RBIs in the semis and seven had hits in the finals. … Dover’s Mason Grewell hit a single and double and scored two runs in a 5-0 win over Miami Trace in the district finals. Dover scored three runs in the top of the seventh to stun Tri-Valley 6-4 in the semis. Grewell had the game-tying RBI hit. Cody Bruno went the distance for the victory. … Licking Valley has outscored three foes 26-2 in tourney play, topping Hartley 7-1 in the district finals behind a four-hitter from Evan Lichtenauer for the first regional berth since 2019. … Watterson rallied from a 4-2 deficit to advance to regionals with a 6-4 win over Granville after beating Columbus South in the district semis. Noah Lawler was the winning pitcher in both district games. Nate Henderson had a two-run homer and Caden Mangini a single and double in the district championship game.

#15 Circleville

Record: 21-6
Head Coach: Brian Bigam
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6
• Regional Titles: 1

Top Players:

• Glavine Bigam, SS/2B/P, sophomore
• Trent Smith, SS/P, senior
• Austin Gray, C, senior
• David Northam, 1B/P, junior
• Drew Thornsley, CF, senior
• Chase Foster, RF/P, freshman
• Hudson Phalin, LF/2B, junior
• Zack Bell, LF/RF, junior
• Kiser Cassidy, 3B, sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Closeness, play for each other, pitching depth

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was happy for my guys. They've grinded for me all season and it was nice to see their hard work pay off. I was also happy for our school and community. I am a Circleville guy and take great pride in leading these men and how they represent our school and community.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to compete in regionals. We will not take it for granted. This is the 6th opportunity in school history to compete in regionals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Any time you make it this far, every team you play is going to be super competitive. Dover is extremely strong and athletic up the middle and has excellent pitching. They are well coached and fundamentally sound.

#11 Dover

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Jeff Fondriest
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#16 Licking Valley

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Adam Arcuri
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#10 Bishop Watterson

Record: 16-4
Head Coach: Jeff Boulware
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• 16 District Titles
• 7 Regional Titles
• 3 State Championships

Top Players:

• Michael Mulligan, RF, '26
• Noah Lawler, DH/1B/P, '25 (Ohio Dom.)
• Ben Uhlenhake, C '27
• Ben Burleson, 3B/P, '26
• Chance Strausbaugh, LF, '25 (UNOH)
• Caden Mangini, CF, '27
• Nate Henderson, 1B, '27
• Brady McAninch, 2B, '26
• Connor Adkins-Davidson, SS, '26
• Luke Fivecoat, 3B, '26
• Javi Serantes, P (Wilmington)
• Blaise Strausbaugh, P
• Anthony DeMassimo, P (Wilmington)
• Luke Fivecoat, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a very balanced attack on offense. Good power 13 home runs, 7 triples. Good team speed and our short game is improving. Team BA .353.  We've been solid defensively this year as well.  Our guys have a  good understanding of situational baseball and have done a nice job limiting free bases.  Team Fielding Percentage of .972.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was excited for our players, coaches and parents.  We are blessed to have guys who are very passionate about being Watterson baseball players and this means a great deal to them.  We've come up a little short the last few years after having really good regular seasons and to get over that hump was a special moment for the guys.  They've put an awful lot of work into this.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals? 
Coach: It's an honor to be one of the final 16 teams in our Division and have an opportunity to compete in a great venue.  Our guys are excited for the chance to play again down at the V.A Memorial Stadium against a really good Licking Valley ballclub.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We have a ton of respect for all three ballclubs.  This is the first time that I can remember that the two central district winners will match up in the regional semi-final. Coach Arcuri and his staff at Licking Valley do a great job each year.  They put a tremendous amount of pressure on your defense and our challenge will be to limit their free bases.  Each team in this Regional has quality wins up and down their schedules.  We'll have to play clean baseball in order to have a chance down there.

Region 12 - Oxford

Region Overview: Badin is back in the regionals after cruising in the districts, shutting out Goshen 16-0 in the district semifinals before a 9-1 win over Kenton Ridge in the title game. Kade Bowling hit a double and brought in three runs in the finals and had a single and double with three runs scored in the semis. Chase Luebbe had a pair of singles, a home run and five RBIs while Max Kraemer and Brooks Treadway teamed up to toss a no-hitter. … Conner Witte threw five shutout innings of relief, RJ Schwab drove in two runs and Drew Heagen pounded out a pair of hits leading Monroe to regionals with a 5-4 victory over Chaminade-Julienne. Keegan O'Hara had a sac fly to bring in what proved to be the winning run in the top of the sixth and Dawson Watts threw the potential tying run out at the plate in the bottom of the sixth. Monroe, which edged Talawanda 7-6 to win sectionals helped out by a bases-clearing triple from Joe Tarin, needed eight innings to defeat McNicholas 6-4 in the district semis with Schwab hitting a single and double while driving in two and scoring twice. … Evan Gabbard had four RBIs and Kerry Snyder threw a four-hitter to propel seventh-seeded Ross to regionals with a 12-2 victory over Tippecanoe. Ross trailed Turpin 1-0 in the fifth before a two-run double by Gabbard ignited a 6-1 district semifinal win. Noah Ertel went the distance for the victory. … Hunter Richardson struck out 14 in a 9-0 Butler win over Xenia in the district semis and Mason Reckner and Jackson Schilling teamed up on a five-hitter to beat LaSalle 2-0 in the finals. Russ Stratman had two hits and an RBI in sending the top-rated D-III team to regionals.

#3 Badin

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: Brion Treadway
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 23 district titles
• 15 regional titles
• 2 state titles

Top Players:

• Eli Wolpert, OF, Junior
• Austin Vangen, 3B, Junior
• Kade Bowling, 1B/RHP, Senior
• Chase Luebbe, OF, Senior
• Cooper Ollis, SS, Senior
• Chandler Taylor, OF, Junior
• Jay Carmella, DH, Junior
• Kyle Anderson, C, Senior
• Cade Cummins, 2B, Junior
• Caleb Driessen, RHP, Junior
• Max Kraemer, RHP, Senior
• Carson Lowe, RHP, Junior
• Brooks Treadway, RHP, Junior
• Ryan Holderbach, RHP, Senior
• Carson Sergent, LHP, Junior
• Chase Maggard, LHP, Senior
• Luke Campbell, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Guys are playing loose and having fun. This team has gelled well since the first day and have been a lot of fun to be around. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Best feeling in the world to win a tournament game and know we get a couple more days together.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always a blessing to be able to continue to compete for another round of the tournament. These guys work so hard all year long so to see them get this opportunity is such a huge blessing. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Anyone still playing at this point has figured a lot of things out and can be a dangerous opponent. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are honored to still have the opportunity to compete and hope we can represent our Badin Baseball alumni well. 

#27 Monroe

Record: 19-10
Head Coach: Ed Beck
Final Ranking: No. 27
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 4
• Regional Titles: 0

Top Players:

• Joe Tarin, CF, Junior
• Bryce Reynolds, LF, Junior
• Drew Heagen, 2B, Senior
• Dawson Watts, RHP, Junior
• RJ Schwab, 3B/P, Senior
• Jayden Hounchell, SS, Sophomore
• Nolan Craig, C, Senior
• Keegan O’Hara, 1B/LHP, Sophomore
• Mason Reynolds, RF, Freshman
• Connor Witte, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They are playing as a team, and have all season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our defense has been stellar, we have eliminated extra bases and played for outs. We have thrown out a lot of guys stealing which has helped our pitchers.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It was a great experience to win the districts, but we know that we have not reached our ultimate goal.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Badin and Butler have been powerhouses for a while, but to see 2 SWBL teams in the Regionals proves that our league has great baseball!

#16 Ross (Hamilton)

Record: 17-9
Head Coach: Brad Voegele
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 2

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: the way we are competing at the plate and playing loose and free.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: we knew this team had the opportunity to do sowmjiff special. We lost our first league game and came all the way back to win it! We are young so we knew we’d take some lumps.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: excited for our guys. Our seniors. Our guys that have been a big part of building this program.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: we are focused on butler. Good team that is well coached.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I’m excited for our players - past and present and the community that has supported us 

#1 Butler

Record: 27-3
Head Coach: Trent Dues
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• 12 District Titles
• 1 Regional Title

Top Players:

• Hunter Richardson, LHP/1B, 2025
• Koby Dues, 3B/RHP, 2027
• Jackson Schilling, C/RHP, 2027
• Mason Reckner, 1B/RHP, 2025
• Paxton Dwenger, 2B, 2026
• Max Rubins, SS, 2025
• Tate Richardson, DH/P, 2027
• Russ Stratman, LF, 2025
• Aidan White, RF, 2026
• Davis Ketterer, P, 2026
• Will Kitchen, P, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Feel good about our team as everyone is health and excited for the tourney run.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our team was very excited to win districts, as it was a nailbiter of a game, as we scored two runs late to win 2-0.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are very excited to play in the regionals, as I think any of the 4 teams are capable of winning it.

---

Division IV

D-IV Schedule

Division IV State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 13 - Canton
  • Districts: Northeast 3 vs. Northeast 4  |  Northeast 1 vs. Northeast 2
• Region 14 - Bowling Green
  • Districts: Northwest 2 vs. Northwest 3  |  Northeast 5 vs. Northwest 1
• Region 15 - Athens/Cadiz
  • Districts: Southeast 1 vs. Central 1  |  East 2 vs. East 1
• Region 16 - Xenia
  • Districts: Central 2 vs. Southwest 2  |  Southwest 3 vs. Southwest 1

Region 13 - Canton

Region Overview: Girard beat defending Division II state champion West Branch 5-4 in eight innings on a Dom Phillips’ bases-loaded HBP in the sectional finals after tying the game on a two-out, two-strike, two-run single by Zach Ward. Girard then nipped Perry 7-6 in the district semis with Phillips producing three hits and Ward a double and home run. Girard held off Ursuline 4-1 in the finals for its first regional berth since 1986. Dom Tolone gave up four hits and fanned nine. At 16-12, this is the first winning record for Girard since 2018. … Second-ranked Mentor Lake Catholic shut out Holy Name for the third time this season to advance to regionals for the first time in 14 years. The Cougars have outscored opponents 40-1 in tournament play after the 3-0 victory. … Hubbard scored three runs in the top of the eighth to beat Norton 3-0, the first district title in school history for the Eagles. Braydon Songer, who tossed a no-hitter against Salem in the sectionals, threw the shutout for Hubbard, which has not allowed a run in three tournament games, including a 1-0 win over Brookside in the district semis behind the pitching of Gabe Rusnak. … Canfield had 12 hits and held off Field 7-5 for the district title. Ryan Weibling went 4-5 to lead a 14-hit attack in an 11-2 win over Marlington in the semis and also had a home run and three RBIs to pace a 10-hit performance in Canfield’s 10-0 sectional victory over Coventry.

#21 Girard

Record: 16-12
Head Coach: Aaron Alejars
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: No. 30
Postseason History:

• 3rd District Title, last one was in 1986

Top Players:

• Will Hynes, CF, 2025
• Dom Phillips, SS, 2025
• Ja'den Royal, C, 2026
• Zach Ward, 1B, 2025
• Cam Herrick, 3B, 2026
• Evan Tuttle, DH, 2025
• Kaiden Clare, 2B, 2026
• Joey Alejars, RF, 2027
• Joe Marsco, LF, 2025
• Dom Tolone, P, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We believe and we battle until our last out.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was extremely emotional, having not won a District in 39 years. Additionally, I'm a former Girard player and my last game my senior year was a loss in the District Final to the same school Ursuline 33 years ago.  Ultimately, I'm so happy for my players that they got this life experience.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We will show up and give our best effort until the end. Control what we can control and live with the results.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: They are all great teams and great programs.

#2 Lake Catholic (Mentor)

Record: 22-4
Head Coach: Brian LeRoy
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#4 Hubbard

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: John Schiraldi
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 19
Postseason History:

• 1st District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Braydon Songer, SS/P, Junior
• Jonny Adamson, 2B, Junior
• Johnny Reyes, C, Senior
• Geno Leshnack, DH, Senior
• Zack Svensson, 1B, Senior
• Logan Balla, LF, Sophomore
• Gabe Rusnak, P, Senior
• Matt Bobovnik, 3B, Senior
• Kyle Barr, CF, Senior
• Matt Bobovnik, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Overall I feel like our team is playing well and is battle tested. We have excellent senior leadership. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We were excited to win the first district title in school history and look forward to keeping the positive momentum moving further into the tournament. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We’re excited to be playing in the regionals and want to continue making history. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: The other 3 teams in our regional are obviously very strong teams. Two we are very familiar with being local teams in Canfield and Girard. Canfield has an extremely solid program and Girard is always a difficult opponent in our conference. Mentor Lake Catholic is very good with strong pitching. I have the utmost respect for all three of these teams.

#11 Canfield

Record: 19-10
Head Coach: Matt Weymer
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• 15 District Titles
• 3 Regional Titles
• 1 State title (2007) 

Top Players:

• Joey Gabriel, SS/RHP, Sophomore
• Dylan Mancini, C, Senior
• Zain Jadallah, CF/RHP, Senior
• Anthony Groner, LHP/RF, Sophomore
• Ryan Weibling, LHP/RF/DH, Sophomore
• Jake Dovich, LF, Sophomore
• David Murphy, 1B, Senior
• Logan Patellis, 3B, Sophomore
• Tanner Stricko, 2B, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are just playing really good baseball at the right time. Our offense has been sensational over the last couple of weeks. Knowing that we have a chance to score at any moment has really helped our pitching/defense play more freely. I also think we are really comfortable in any type of game that we find ourselves in.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Just a lot of emotions I think for everyone involved and for many different reasons. For our seniors, I think they felt overlooked going into this season. We have produced a lot of college talent over the last couple of years and, having lost in the District Final in 2023 + 2024, I think most did not expect this group to finally get us over the hump. They were committed from the start of the offseason to put a number on the wall in our gym and at our field to cement their legacy. So this win was really satisfying for them. For our underclassman, especially our Sophomore group, has had a lot of expectations and responsibilities put on them at a young age. Its always easy with young players to think about next year or future chances when you will be older. But they really have grown up this season and have realized that every year is chance to do something special….even when most think you are too young. We also have a whole new coaching staff this season. When you inherit a program like Canfield you also inherit the legacy that comes with it. Our community has an awesome baseball history from Little League through high school. So, to be able to win the district in our first year is not only exciting but hopefully adds to the culture we are trying to establish in our program. I also cannot say enough about the work my assistants (Scott Knox, Eric Barone, Jason Morell, Nate Fleming, Jimmy Whippo) have put in all season with our guys. It takes everyone to have a successful program and we would not be where we are without them. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited for the challenge of a regional tournament, especially with 3 of the 4 teams representing the Youngstown area. I think our kids are just having fun being together this late into the season and playing good baseball. I’m really looking forward to watching them compete on this stage.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: I think its an interesting region. Lake Catholic is obviously a great team who earned the number 1 seed in our super district for a reason. The other two teams we are familiar with in terms of location although we did not face either in the regular season. I know they are excited like we are to represent their communities at this level.

Region 14 - Bowling Green

Region Overview: Josh Heilman had two singles and a double as Upper Sandusky beat Galion 10-7 for a regional berth. David Gibson and Justin Heilman (the winning pitcher) also had two hits. It marks the second district title in school history. … Perkins run-ruled Clear Fork in six innings 11-1 after beating Shelby 9-1 in the district semis. Kash Koch threw a one-hitter versus Shelby and Talon Walton allowed four hits in the finals, while also scoring three runs. … RJ Scoville gave up one run in six innings in pitching Benedictine past NDCL 4-1 in the district finals. Michael Grobelny was 2-2 with two walks, two runs and two RBIs. … Napoleon is back at regionals for a second year in a row. Parker Woods, Owen Espinoza, Cal Bickel and Mason Trausch combined to go 15-17 with eight RBIs in the district finals’ 14-2 win over Lake, a Division III state participant a year ago. Trey Rubinstein fanned six in five innings to pick up the win for the third-ranked Wildcats, which had to rally in the district semifinals against Wauseon. The Cats trailed 3-0 in the third and 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh before rallying for a 5-4 victory. Eric Hersberger drove in the game-winning run.  

#15 Upper Sandusky

Record: 18-4
Head Coach: Jacob Stansbery
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#19 Perkins

Record: 19-9
Head Coach: TJ Blanton
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 10 District Titles
• 2 Regional Titles 

Top Players:

• Bryce Davie, CF - sophomore
• Dylan Crabtree RF/LF - senior
• Braxden Martin, 3B/P - junior
• Talon Walton, SS/P - junior
• Kash Koch, P - junior
• Blake Parker, 1B - junior
• Quentin Binette, DH - junior
• Carter Koch, C - freshman
• Sam Schweinfurth, 2B/P - junior
• Kaden Kroeger, O

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: playing all 3 phases of the game, we are aggressive and playing team baseball

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: excited for the kids as our one senior is the only player who has been to a regional game so this was a first for 19 other kids in the dugout

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Making a regional in baseball is very difficult and we are excited as a program. For most outsiders this was supposed to be a rebuild year with the loss of several seniors from last year and losing a D1 Michigan State football commit to enroll early in college in Braylon Collier who was a PBR top prospect in baseball. This team has plenty of experience in big games in multiple sports. As a coach I have added incentive to play in this regional as I played college ball at BGSU and will get to take this team to a place I call home at “The Stell” 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: you have to be playing your best ball to make a regional, we expect every team to compete. I am familiar with Upper Sandusky from common opponents and they obviously have a great season going based on their record. Napoleon and Perkins have played in the tournament in both football and basketball so we know some of their players from that and they were here last year and returned a lot of good players. Looking at Benedictine schedule, they have played a very competitive schedule and we know the Cleveland area produces a lot of baseball talent 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Perkins is a strong academic and athletic program across the board, we just want to thank our administration, boosters, parents/families and all of our supporters. Go Pirates! 

Benedictine

Record: 14-12
Head Coach: John Ellis
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#3 Napoleon

Record: 20-6-1
Head Coach: Eric Sprague
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• 3 District Titles: 2011, 2024, 2025
• 0 Regional Titles

Top Players:

• Parker Woods, 3B, Senior
• Owen Espinoza, RHP/SS, Senior
• Trey Rubinstein, CF/RHP, Senior
• Cal Bickel, SS/RHP, Senior
• Blaine Ford, C/RHP, Senior
• Mason Trausch, 1B, Senior
• Eric Hershberger, RF, Senior
• Cooper Korak, 2B, Senior
• Paul Sausser, LF, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We are a senior led team and that leadership was tremendous in the District Final. They reacted with tremendous resolve, toughness, and determination.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Exciting for our program and our community, we get to play in our 2nd consecutive Regional

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All teams are playing at a high level and playing their best baseball right now.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are excited to represent our program, school, the Napoleon community, and Northwest Ohio. 

Region 15 - Athens/Cadiz

Region Overview: Unioto beat Westfall for the third time this season, with the 4-1 district finals win sending the Shermans to regionals for the first time since 2018. KB Perkins, the SVC Player of the Year who missed most of last season with an injury, threw a four-hitter while Jacon Zickafoose had two hits and scored twice. Perkins produced two hits and scored three times in an 11-0 win over New Lexington in the semis. … Carter Blakeway hit a three-run triple in the 12th inning to give London a 7-4 district final triumph over Marengo Highland. It marks the first district title in school history. … No. 5 Indian Creek, which lost in the Division II state semifinals last season, scored 33 runs in two district run-rule games. Sylus Hyde was the winning pitcher in a 22-3 victory over John Glenn in the semis and Sal Barcalow was the victor in an 11-1 triumph over Claymont in the finals. Ian Starkey hit two singles in each game, Ty Householder had a triple and two RBIs against John Glenn and a double and RBI versus Claymont, Caleb Bodo drove in three with a pair of singles in the win over Claymont and Logan Wedlake hit two singles and a double while bringing in three in the John Glenn game. Hyde, a junior lefthander, set the school record for career wins and strikeouts (215) while Householder, a senior center fielder, established the career marks for hits, stolen bases, runs scored and doubles. … Hunter Allison drove in Jake Whitmore in the bottom of the seventh inning to give eighth-rated Carrollton a 2-1 win over West Holmes and a trip to regionals for the first time in 31 years. Isaac Husted permitted five hits while fanning seven.

#7 Unioto

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Tony Taylor
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#16 London

Record: 20-7
Head Coach: Mike Aman
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#5 Indian Creek

Record: 21-6
Head Coach: Mike Cottis
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 2
• Regional Titles: 1

Top Players:

• Ty Householder, CF, Senior
• Hunter Rusnak C, Junior
• Sal Barcalow 1B/RHP, Senior
• Sylus Hyde LHP, Junior
• Gavin Pownall SS/RHP, Junior
• Dom DeGruttola 3B, Junior
• Logan Wedlake DH, Junior
• Caleb Bodo RF, Senior
• Ian Starkey LF, Junior
• Stan Amis 2B, Senior
• James Brothers, RHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing very confidently right now.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It felt great to get back to the district final and win it two years in a row. That is not an easy task. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are very fortunate to have 7 guys back from last year's regional team. The experience gaines last year will hopefully payoff this year. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We know Carrollton very well and they know us well. They are very well coached and solid 1 through 9. We know Unioto and London both have solid arms. This is a very good regional. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We have played a very tough schedule to prepare us for this regional. We are excited to compete against some of the best teams in the state.

#8 Carrollton

Record: 20-5
Head Coach: Brian Connelly
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 32
Postseason History:

• 4 District Titles: 89, 93, 94, 25

Top Players:

• Isaac Husted, Junior, SS
• Garrett Broadwater, Senior, LHPP
• Jacob Whitmore, Senior, 3B 
• Landon James, Senior, C
• Cooper Haun, Junior, 2B/RHP
• Hunter Allison, Junior, 1B/RHP
• Brayden Swearingen, Sophomore, CF
• Nevan Woods, Junior, RF
• Jayven Johnson, Junior,DH
• Branden Marshall, Junior, LF
• Michael Mullen, Sophomore, RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The biggest thing is how unselfish we have become and the way we are gelled together, this group does a lot together, they are all friends, but more importantly they hold each other accountable on and off the field. I’m proud of how resilient we have become, we’ve set goals this season and found ways to meet or exceed them. Both tournament games we kept hearing about the arms we were going up against and our guys didn’t bat an eye, they dug in and worked counts and it showed late in the game, working the game plan, getting pitch counts high and striking at the right opportunity. I can’t wait to see our bats explode hopefully in the next game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an amazing moment, and to see all the cumulation of little things that built up to this has been unbelievable, from Hunter’s recovery from knee surgery, to our boys signing letters of intent, to league honors, it felt like very little proud moment we’ve had on this journey was bottled up and came out when Jake crossed home plate!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is a tremendous opportunity. One, for these guys who have earned the right to be here, and then for the opportunity to represent the program, our school district and our community. We are excited to play at Harrison Central, we have been there before, we know the lay of the field, it is a great facility and we are excited to play on it in front of our community vs. Indian Creek.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Great respect for Indian Creek, Chillicothe, and London, they have all had great seasons, and we are looking to play high level baseball against great competition. We played Indian Creek last year in a district semifinal heartbreak, and we have split with them in the regular season this year. We are familiar with the program, their players, and the type of baseball that they play and are excited to get a third game vs. Creek and be given a great opportunity for us to do something special.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I just want to thank our entire community for the outpour of support in the time that I have been here. We’ve updated our facilities, gotten new uniforms, held special events, and accomplished things that have not been for over a quarter of a century;  none of which could have been possible without the community. I want to thank our coaching staff Colton Newell, Cam Clapper, Dave Eft, Josh Price & Branyan Wade, which we have had intact the last 5 years and it shows, we continue to win at the lower levels and our kids come to the varsity level ready to go, with an expectation of excellence and accountability.

Region 16 - Xenia

Region Overview: Top-ranked Jonathan Alder made it two straight district crowns with a 5-2 victory over defending Division III state champion Heath, sparked by a three-run fourth inning. Alder dominated Eastmoor Academy 12-0 in the district semis. … Roger Bacon secured its 10th district title with a district final win over Springfield Shawnee. Kyle Miller threw a three-hitter in a 4-2 win over Clinton-Massie in the district semis after tossing a two-hitter to blank Reading 3-0 in the sectional finals. … A Carter Williamson three-hitter sent Fenwick past Ben Logan 6-0 in the district finals. Jackson Kaufman had a home run and double while Carter Shouse and Dylan Fletcher added a single and double each for Fenwick, which beat Miami Valley Conference champion CHCA 2-0 in the district semis and has outscored tournament foes 20-0. … After ending a 31-year drought a year ago, Indian Hill will be at regionals for the second straight season after knocking off Brookville, 9-3. Noah Coffman hit a bases-loaded RBI single to beat New Richmond 3-2 in eight innings in the district semis, with Jim Liebel not permitting an earned run in a five-hit, 10-strikeout performance. Dylan Hartman scored two runs.

#1 Jonathan Alder

Record: 24-2
Head Coach: Craig Kyle
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 10 district titles
• 5 regional titles
• 2 state runner-ups
• 2 state titles

Top Players:

• Cashton Wheeler, JR, CF
• Grant Horne, SR, 2B/SS
• Ashton Martin, SR, SS/P
• Jace Schrock, SR, C
• Corey Taylor, SO, RF/P
• Zach Gantz, SR, DH
• Brooks Pierce, JR, 1B
• Silas Shoemaker, JR, 3B
• Garrett Bauer, JR, LF/P
• Tyler Barton, SR, P/RF
• Luke Tubbs, SO, LF/RF
• Mason Petersheim, P
• Garrett Bauer, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a very tight knit team where our returning veteran starters really gelled with our talented youth over the course of the season. Our program's formula over the years has been to throw and locate strikes, make the routine play in the clutch situation and come up with 2 outs hits with runners in scoring position. This year's team is no different and has excelled at all 3 of those things throughout our season. I really feel like this is one of the closest teams we have ever had in our program that has truly embraced the idea of it's amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: After winning a District Championship last year in 2024 and getting a taste of it, our returning and new players were on a mission to get back there and win it again this year. Seeing the smiles and pure joy on our players' faces after winning it this year is something I will never forget. There's truly nothing like being at the bottom of a dogpile after winning a Championship with guys you have played with since you were 5 years old. I have a ton of respect for the Division 4 programs and coaches in Central Ohio so winning the District Championship this year against a great team and program in Heath is something we are very proud of and didn't take lightly.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Earning the opportunity to practice and play in the month of June knowing you're this far in the tournament is the HS Baseball equivalent to practicing on Thanksgiving Day for HS Football players and coaches in Ohio. There is really nothing like that feeling along with getting to experience all the build up and overall excitement of your community over the past week in preparation for Wednesday. Our players and coaches are extremely excited and really looking forward to the opportunity we have earned to compete in the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Sweet 16 in a Regional with 3 other really great teams.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Some of the best HS Baseball over the years has been played in the southwest corner of the state. We have a ton of respect for the Roger Bacon, Indian Hill and Bishop Fenwick programs, coaches and their players. This Regional has 4 teams that all have great pitching, defense and some of the top hitters in the entire state. We are truly honored to have earned the opportunity to represent Central Ohio in Xenia this week competing against these 3 great teams and programs.

#23 Roger Bacon

Record: 15-11
Head Coach: Tim McCoy
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: No. 28
Postseason History:

• 10 District Titles
• 7 Regional Titles
• 2 State Runner Up
• 1 State Title

Top Players:

• Kyle Miller-'26 RHP
• Owen Stewart- '26 CF
• Ben Powers- '26 RF
• De'vion Gipson- '26 2B
• Ethen Weimer- '25 DH
• Caleb Rosenfeldt- '25 1B
• Terrance Todd- '26 3B
• Rob Brenner- '25 SS
• Sam Bova - '26 LF
• Ian Childress- '26 C
• Colin Schulte- '26 RHP
• Evan Otto- '27 LHP
• Jacob Whitacre- '26 RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are tested. We play in a tough conference and have played a really tough regular season schedule. We are still relatively young, junior heavy. We are competing at a high level right now. These guys really like playing together and that goes a long way in this tournament. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning is always fun. This was our third district championship in the last 6 seasons. It is a preseason goal of ours every year. Watching the guys dogpile is always a highlight. They have worked extremely hard for this moment and deserve it. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We love this challenge. We have won the regionals the last two times we were here in '19 and '22. Getting to Akron is a feeling that is unmatched by anything else. Our guys are going to prepare hard and grind like they always do. Looking forward to the opportunity. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: This has to be one of the toughest regions in our division. All four programs are well-respected in the state of Ohio. Every program does it the right way and their kids compete. Whoever makes it out of this will have a great shot to make some noise in Akron. There are some big arms in this group. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: The Roger Bacon baseball program is thrilled for this opportunity. I know our community will travel well and we are looking forward to a great ballgame. 

#24 Bishop Fenwick

Record: 15-10
Head Coach: Rob Goodale
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#14 Indian Hill

Record: 21-8
Head Coach: Cary Daniel
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Division V

D-V Schedule

Division V State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 17 - Massillon
  • Districts: Northeast 2 vs. Northeast 3  |  Northeast 4 vs. Northeast 1
• Region 18 - Elida
  • Districts: Central 1 vs. Northwest 2  |  Northwest 1 vs. Central 2
• Region 19 - Marietta/Cadiz
  • Districts: Southeast 2 vs. Southeast 1  |  East 2 vs. East 1
• Region 20 - Mason
  • Districts: Southwest 3 vs. Southwest 2  |  Southeast 3 vs. Southwest 1

Region 17 - Massillon

Region Overview: Cardinal Mooney has outscored tournament foes 29-0 after a 9-0 shutout of Lagrange Keystone in the district finals. Winning pitcher Ford Stacy fired a four-hitter while also pounding out three hits and four RBIs for Mooney, in the regionals for the first time in a dozen years. Ben Oddis threw six shutout frames in a 6-0 win over South Range in the district semis. Ryan Reese had two hits, two stolen bases and three RBIs. Stacy has four RBIs in the tournament while Taco Verocco, Oddis and Stacy have held opponents to a .172 batting average with 22 Ks and only five walks. … Mooney’s regional opponent Waynedale had two-run rule wins in districts, 11-0 (Columbiana Crestview) and 13-0 (Wickliffe) after winning on a forfeit in sectionals. Shane Coblentz struck out 10 in a one-hitter versus Wickliffe and combined on a one-hitter in the semis with three other pitchers. It marks the fourth-straight district crown for Waynedale, D-III state champions in 2022 and 2023. … Canton Central Catholic has also blanked all tournament opposition, including a 3-0 district title game win over Wooster Triway behind a three-hitter from Nolan Bunner. Austin Coy fired a five-hit shutout in beating Warren Champion 10-0 in the semis and a one-hitter in topping Lorain Clearview 11-0 in the sectional finals. … Seven has been the lucky number for Norwayne, which topped Poland Seminary 7-3 in the district finals after defeating Tuslaw 7-2 in the semis and Wellington 7-0 in the sectional finals. Ashton Snyder, who set the record for strikeouts in a career as well as school record for career wins, threw a shutout against Wellington, combined on a two-hitter with Dan Steingass, Hayden Klepper and Grady Cotton against Tuslaw and pitched five innings against Seminary for his ninth victory of the year. Dylan Tanner went 2-3 with an RBI triple versus Tuslaw while Snyder was 2-4 with a double in the district finals, helping Norwayne to its second straight trip to regionals after a 20-year drought.

#11 Cardinal Mooney

Record: 19-6
Head Coach: Eddie Reese
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 21
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 11+

Top Players:

• Ryan Reese, 2B, 2026
• Andrew Bushey, SS, 2027
• Kaden Reese, CF, 2027
• Ford Stacy, 1B/P, 2027
• Will Petty, LF, 2026
• Ben Oddis, 1B/P, 2027
• Vince Gentile, RF, 2027
• Trent Litman, C, 2025
• Taco Verocco, 3B/P, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I believe we are really playing for each other. We’re doing the little things right more and more as the season continues. I feel we’re playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was just very excited for our kids. It’s been 12 years since we’ve one a district in baseball at Mooney, so I’m really happy we were able to bring back a District Title trophy back to the school.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We’re very excited for the opportunity and looking forward to the great competition. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We were fortunate to face Norwayne and CCC during the regular season, which was a valuable experience for our players. It gave them a firsthand look at the high level of play those programs bring and the intensity required to succeed in the postseason. I’m not sure any program has had more consistent success over the past few years than Waynedale. We added them to our schedule a couple of years ago so our players could see the standard we’re striving to reach. We have a great deal of respect for all three of those programs. 

#1 Waynedale

Record: 26-4
Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 12 District Titles
• 4 Regional Titles
• 2 State Titles

Top Players:

• Shane Coblentz, RHP/SS, Senior
• Tristan Franks, C, Senior
• Cameron Miler, LF/RHP, Sophomore
• Jordan Miller, SS/2B, Junior
• Jayden Schlabach, DH, Senior
• Brayden Steiner, 3B/RHP, Junior
• Josh Yoder, CF/LHP, Senior
• Logan Troyer, 1B, Sophomore
• Hudson Barkman, RF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The team is getting more consistent with getting runners on base and driving in runs when we have opportunities. Pitching and defense has continued to be our most reliable strength. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great experience to get to play at a new location for the district championship (Thurman Munson) and advance to regionals. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be back at Massillon for Regionals. It is never easy to get to this point in the season, and we are excited for some more tournament baseball. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All the teams in the regional have had success in recent years in the tournament. I know that the other teams have had good seasons with tough schedules. All these teams are playing well right now to have advanced to this point. 

#13 Canton Central Catholic

Record: 20-6
Head Coach: Dan Massarelli
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 16
• Regional Titles: 8
• State Titles: 3

Top Players:

• Austin Coy, RHP, 2025
• Nik Hilton, C, 2025
• Noah Berbari, 1B/LHP, 2025
• Dylan Minnie, 2B, 2026
• Luke Spittler, 3B, 2026
• Luke Vlacovsky, SS, 2025
• Lance Vlacovsky, LF/RHP, 2026
• Jeremy Earley, Jr., CF/RHP, 2025
• Jaxson Keane , RF, 2026
• Nolan Bunner, RHP, 2027
• Joe Meyer, RHP, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Chemistry

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: felt like getting a monkey off our back

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's about time

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: This is going to be a dog fight. The team that limits the other team to 3 outs will prevail.

#16 Norwayne

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Joe Gilmore
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Postseason History:

• 2 District titles (2004, 2024)

Top Players:

• Mason Moyer, SS, Senior
• Chaz Maxwell, 2B, Sophomore
• Ashton Snyder, RHP/C, Senior
• Dylan Tanner, RF, Senior
• Dan Steingass, RHP/LF, Sophomore
• Grady Cotton, RHP/C, Sophomore
• Hayden Klepper, LHP/1B, Sophomore
• Cade Leach, 3B, Sophomore
• Luke Larrison, CF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing some of our best baseball of the year right now. Our hitting, pitching, and defense are complementing each other well over the past 10 games. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: After large turnover from our district winning team last year, there were a lot of hurdles that we had to overcome to get to this point. We were very excited to be able to play well and earn the win in the district finals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being able to have the opportunity to play at Massillon for a regional title is an amazing opportunity. We truly believe that we have a chance to make school history and continue to play on.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: All four teams have had incredible seasons. Coach Daugherty, Massarelli, and Reese are great coaches who have had great seasons. Waynedale has been very successful lately and we have had some great battles with them in our league. We had a great game with Canton Central Catholic last year in the district semi final and are typically a disciplined and hard nosed. Cardinal Mooney has had a great season and have been getting better with each game.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: The players have truly bought into our program and it is truly starting to show. The parent and community support has been incredible. I want to thank my assistant coaches for the countless hours of work that they have put in this year. Additionally, I want to give a huge shoutout to my wife and the significant others of our coaching staff who have helped support this journey!

Region 18 - Elida

Region Overview: Centerburg won the rubber match against Fredericktown 10-2 for a berth in the regionals. Daniel Lemaster went 3-4 and Mason Vallance had two triples for Centerburg, which has 39 hits in the three tournament games. Lemaster, the winning pitcher in a 15-1 sectional triumph over Harvest Prep, improved to 12-0 on the year in a 9-6 district semifinal win over Johnstown Northridge. Ricky Faught, Gabe Campos and Vallance all went 2-4. … Mason Welsch hit a triple, drove in two runs and gave up two earned runs in 4.2 innings to lead Coldwater past Liberty-Benton 8-5 in the district title game. Cody Depweg and Miles Potkotter each had two hits for the Cavs, which had eight players with at least one hit. … Second-ranked Ottawa Hills did not give up a run in districts, blanking Archbold 10-0 and Eastwood 8-0 behind the pitching of Colin Hennessy and Toby Stevens. The offense had it rolling as well, scoring 18 runs in the two games. Reddik Pillarelli has 50 stolen bases for Ottawa Hills, which has been to the Final Four nine times, more than all but eight schools in OHSAA history. ... A Chase Crawford two-run walkoff base hit sent Worthington Christian to regionals with an 11-10 victory over East Knox. Becket O’Neil had three hits for WC, which beat Grove City Christian 12-4 in the district semifinals.

#20 Centerburg

Record: 17-8
Head Coach: Josh Moss
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: No. 25
Postseason History:

• 2 District Titles (2018, 2025)

Top Players:

• Aiden Trobridge, 3B, Junior
• Daniel Lemaster, CF/RHP, Senior
• Ricky Faught, RHP, Sophomore
• Mason Vallance, C, Senior
• Jonah Gribben, LF, Senior
• Vinny Morgan, SS/P, Junior
• Ryan Long, RF, Sophomore
• Clarke Redd, 1B, Sophomore
• Gabe Campos, DH, Freshman
• Owen Wolford, 2B, Sophomore
• Gavin Snow, LHP, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how tight-knit our team is. They are playing for each other and playing their best baseball at the right time. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Difficult to put into words. This meant a lot to our team, school, and community. This was our second district title in school history and our first since 2018. It feels good knowing that all the work these boys have put in, starting back in September, has paid off for them. They earned this one.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We're excited to continue competing and playing the game together one more day.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: At that point in the year, every team is a solid team. We've got a lot of respect for the other programs we may face and are excited to compete.

#3 Coldwater

Record: 26-2
Head Coach: Cory Klenke
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• 29 District Titles
• 21 Regional Titles
• 4 State Runners-up
• 7 State Titles

Top Players:

• Braxton Taylor, CF
• Karsyn Homan, SS
• Mason Welsch, 2B
• Baylen Blockberger, 1B
• Mason Smith, DH
• Cody Depweg, RF
• Brady Lefeld, LF
• Bennett Spriggs, C
• Miles PottKotter, 3B

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We like that our team is continuing to get better each week, this late in the season. Our team is built off of the leadership of our 8 seniors. We have gone through some adversity this year, but the boys have adapted very well and been able to still find a lot of success as a team.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling that all of us hoped for at the start of the season. We knew our District had some really good teams in it, so it feels good to be the last one playing out of it.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always part of our team goals here at Coldwater. Anytime you get to experience regional games, it means you are having a good season.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: As mentioned in the previous answer, every team who makes it this far is having a good season. In saying this, we respect each of the teams and programs that are in this regional with us. We feel we have the team to win the regional, but we have to go out and do it.

#2 Ottawa Hills

Record: 24-3
Head Coach: Chris Hardman
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• 18 District Titles
• 8 Regionals
• 3 State Runner ups
• 1 State Championship

Top Players:

• Reddik Pillarelli, CF, Sr
• Colin Hennessey, 3B/P, Sr
• Jackson Snyder, 1B/DH, Sr
• Toby Stevens, P/DH, Jr
• Rocco Pillarelli, RF, Jr
• Jay Breed, C, Sr
• Cooper Eidenier, 1B/3B, Sr
• Ian Densmore, 2B, Jr
• Chase Miller, LF, Sr
• Gabe Grimm, SS, So

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing confidently and aggressively.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are grateful to be able to continue to play Baseball.

#25 Worthington Christian

Record: 17-10
Head Coach: Michael Kraynak
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Championships: 1997, 2025
• Regional Runner Up: 1997

Top Players:

• Nolan Schoonover, P/IF, Freshman
• Hunter Doran, IF/P, Senior
• Jameson Colley, OF, Senior
• Chase Crawford, C/IF, Junior
• Jacob Linard, OF, Junior
• Beckett O'Neil, DH, Sophomore
• Austin Wrobbel, SS/P, Junior
• Asher Doran, 1B/P, Sophomore
• Michael Shindle, IF, Junior
• Jackson Ressler, RF

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I think the guys are playing for each other and have shown toughness and a resilience that has helped us be successful.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling seeing the guys accomplish a goal they set at the beginning of the season. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are looking forward to the opportunity to play at a great venue against really tough competition. The guys put so much time and effort into this and it's great to see them get a chance to play in meaningful games in June. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We have a lot of respect for the other programs in our region and are excited to get to compete with them on the field. Coach Moss and Centerburg are in our area and they are a first class program and do things the right way. While not as familiar with Ottawa Hills and Coldwater, they are among the best teams in the state in D5 and from everything we've seen are also top class in all they do. It should be a fun environment for our guys to compete in. 

Region 19 - Marietta/Cadiz

Region Overview: Lynchburg-Clay won its second district title in school history, beating Piketon 6-0 in the semifinals behind a two-hit 11-strikeout performance from Braedon West and Portsmouth 3-2 in the finals with Cole Wells fanning 12. Cody Bell had two-out, two-run singles in both games. … Just 11-13 a year ago, Lucasville Valley is headed to regionals for the fourth time in five years after edging out Wheelersburg 3-1 in the district finals behind a no-hitter from Carson Powell, who retired the first 19 batters he faced before two errors. Tate Queen had an RBI triple and scored two runs and Powell had a run-scoring single. Nolan Barnett hit a single and triple and was the winning pitcher in relief in a 9-4 semifinal win over Fairland. Nick Queen collected three hits. … St. Clairsville is back at regionals for the seventh time and second in a row after beating Sandy Valley 4-1 and Buckeye Local 6-0 at districts. Roby Hanna tossed a one-hitter with eight Ks in the semifinals while Brody Saunders had a one-hitter with 12 strikeouts in the finals. Matheson King had a single and double versus Sandy Valley and Saunders a single and double against Buckeye Local. …After pitching in relief in Ridgewood’s 8-5 district semifinal victory over Martins Ferry, Maison Kiser went the distance in a 3-1 win over Harrison Central in the finals. Grant Lahmers produced three hits for Ridgewood and Jace McQueen scored two runs.

#5 Lynchburg-Clay

Record: 21-3
Head Coach: James Flowers
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 28
Postseason History: 

• 2 District Titles

Top Players: 

• Josiah Burns, CF, Senior
• Braedon West, SS/P, Senior
• Cole Wells, RHP, Senior
• Christian Flowers, 1B/RHP, Senior
• Quin Wells, 3B/P, Freshman
• Trevor Niehaus, RF, Sophomore
• Cody Bell, LF, Senior
• Tanner Roberts, DH, Freshman
• Elam Faust, C, Junior
• Asher Faust, 2B- Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our chemistry and resilience.  This group is like brothers to each other, they will go to battle with anyone, which is why we gave them the name Battle Brothers. They do not quit, whether being up 10 or down 10, they do not back down until the final out is recorded. This just isn’t on the field, it is off the field as well. They love each other like brothers, and that is very special.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It is a feeling like no other—it’s a mix of pure joy, relief, pride, and adrenaline all rolled into one.  What makes it unforgettable is that shared sense of accomplishment. You didn’t just win—you earned it, together.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Getting the chance to play in the regional baseball tournament is a huge honor; it’s exciting and humbling. It means your team is one of the 16 best in the state. It’s the kind of moment you dream about all season, and now it’s real.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: There’s a lot of respect. You know, these teams didn’t get here by luck. They’ve battled, just like we have, and they’ve overcome challenges to get to this point. You watch the film or think back to when you played them, and you recognize the talent, discipline, and grit each team has.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff, and your community.
Coach: I would just like to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, assistant coaches, LC staff, parents, Lynchburg community, but most importantly, these young men. It has been a blessing to coach this great group of young men.

#18 Lucasville Valley

Record: 18-6
Head Coach: Nolan Crabtree
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 22
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 19
• Regional Titles: 5
• State Titles: 1

Top Players:

• Gabe McNeil, CF, 2026
• Jaekyn Ridout, C/P, 2025
• Carson Powell, RHP, 2026
• Tate Queen, 3B, 2025
• Nolan Barnett, 1B/RHP, 2026
• Nick Queen, RF/RHP, 2027
• Brady Hanes, DH, 2026
• Hunter Cunningham, 2B, 2027
• Thad Lansing, SS, 2027
• Caysen Zieber, LF, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have battled injuries the last few weeks and really had to grind out our victories. That grit and determination is special at this time of year when the stakes are so high. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the district was very special considering it came against a league rival and because of some of the injuries we had to overcome. Our seniors, as well as many of the juniors who are in the lineup have been part of district titles before and last season was a bit of a disappointment... so to bounce back and have such a big win was special. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are thrilled to have a chance to compete in the regionals once again. We won a regional in 2021 and many of these boys were in Jr High rooting us on... so I know that's something they hope to experience.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We know that Lynchburg Clay has outstanding pitching. St. Clairsville and Ridgewood are great programs that have plenty of success. To be in the regional means you have a good team capable of winning games, and that is the case here.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am always thankful for the community support that we have received, and this year is no different. Our players are lucky to have such loyal fans who want the best for us. My coaching staff is also incredibly valuable to our success. Without their efforts we wouldn't be in this position.

#14 St. Clairsville

Record: 20-7
Head Coach: Tom Silva
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Postseason History:

• 7 District Championships (1997, 2011, 2012, 2019, 2021, 2024, 2025)
• 1 Regional Championship (2019)

Top Players:

• Caiden Bailey, CF, 2027
• Roby Hanna, 1B/LHP, 2027
• Brody Saunders, RHP, 2025
• Micky Balgo, C, 2025
• Colt Florence, RF, 2026
• Matheson King, 2B, 2027
• Niko Jacob, 3B, 2026
• Eligha Hill, LF, 2027
• Jaxon Starks, SS, 2028
• Ryan Ivey, RHP, 2025
• Hudson Florence, LHP, 2028
• Brennan Rice, 2026
• Rowan Mellott, 2026
• Landon Stack, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have had good senior leadership.  The team seems to be gelling at the right time.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The team was very excited to win back-to-back district championships.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Reaching the Regions is a yearly goal.  We are very excited about being a part of the Sweet 16.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously, they are all very solid teams to be playing at this point.  They are all well coached and playing their best ball at this time.  

Ridgewood

Record: 16-14
Head Coach: Chad Lahna
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Region 20 - Mason

Region Overview: A two-hitter by Adam Levy powered St. Paris Graham past Mariemont 8-1 in the district finals. It marks the first district crown since 2003. … MVCA took home a district title for the first time ever with a 7-6 win over Versailles. … A pair of 4-0 district wins over South Point and Minford has Ironton off to regionals for the first time since 2003. Brayden Baker fired a five-hitter against South Point while Ian Ginger threw a four-hitter versus Minford, a D-III state semifinalist a year ago. Tanner Kleinman went 2-3 with two RBIs in the finals. … Peter Marsh retired 11 batters on strikeouts and gave up just three hits in pitching Cincinnati Christian past Carlisle 4-0 in the district finals. Nick Birch went 2-2 with a pair of runs in helping the Cougars to regionals for the second year in a row.

#24 Graham

Record: 17-10
Head Coach: Spencer Mitchell
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: No. 23
Postseason History:

• 1973 State Champion
• 1995 State Runner-Up
• 2003 Regional Runner-Up

Top Players:

• Hayden Van Hoose
• Breyton Reisinger
• Adam Levy
• Holden Dunham
• Owen Powell

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They are playing with confidence and they are playing for each other.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: To see this group celebrate on the field, knowing all the hard work that they have put into their baseball careers, was very exciting.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This group has earned the opportunity to represent Graham High School. Graham hasn't been to the regionals in over 20 years. My assistant coach (Adam Jenkins) and I were on that regional team, coached by Ray Cupps. It is very unique to now be coaching a group of young men that are pursuing a championship, in the same uniform colors that we wore back in '03.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Ohio high school baseball is loaded with talent. The schools that are competing at regionals are quality teams. We are excited to represent our school and our community at this stage of the tournament.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Graham Baseball wishes to recognize  Donzil Hall. He is a pillar in our community and means so much to the history of our school and our program. Coach Hall led the Graham High School baseball team to their only state championship in 1973. We are big on remembering those that came through this program, before us. We want these players to know the names of the former players and coaches that not only played/coached at Graham, but also making sure that they understand some of those individuals are still living in our community. We mention the names of Bill Dallas, Joey Long, Matt Middleton, Brent Parke, Donzil Hall, Ray Cupps, Duane Hollingsworth, just to name a few. I remember being a kid in St. Paris, and being lucky enough to have my dad keep me out of school to go watch Matt Middleton, Brook Cupps and the Graham High School baseball team compete in the state championship game back in 1995. Those types of memories are what makes this special. Now, I'm a father and I'm lucky enough to have my kids (Jack, AJ and Bo) at these games, watching these kids compete for a championship. Time sure does fly by. Receiving a congratulatory phone call from Coach Hall, after winning districts, felt like something out of the movies. We revere Coach Hall here in Falcon Country. I also got a text from my former coach, Ray Cupps. Those two men are huge reasons why Graham Baseball has the tradition it has. No trophy will trump the feeling of a congratulatory handshake from either one of those men. That's what it's about. I want to acknowledge the incredible support that has been shown by our community. We are proud to represent our school. We wish to thank Chad Lensman (Superintendent), Tom Milligan (Athletic Director) and Bill Overla (High School Principal). There are many other leaders within our district who deserve to be recognized. We appreciate all that you do. This season has been special because of the PLAYERS. They are why we are here. They set goals for the team prior to the season and it has been a privilege to watch them strive towards achieving them.  I'm fortunate to have a wonderful and dedicated coaching staff (Adam Jenkins, Brad Davis, Matt Crisler and Steve Lett). We, as a staff, are just excited to be a part of this. This team continues to raise the standards for Graham Baseball. We are so proud. #TheGrahamWay

#17 Miami Valley Christian Academy

Record: 22-5
Head Coach: Robb Rosen
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#4 Ironton

Record: 18-3
Head Coach: John Hunt
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#26 Cincinnati Christian

Record: 17-12
Head Coach: Tony Witt
Final Ranking: No. 26
Preseason Ranking: No. ???
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

---

Division VI

D-VI Schedule

Division VI State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 21 - Louisville
  • Districts: Northeast 1 vs. Northeast 3  |  Northeast 4 vs. Northeast 2
• Region 22 - Hamler
  • Districts: Northwest 2 vs. Northwest 4  |  Northwest 1 vs. Northwest 3
• Region 23 - Lancaster
  • Districts: East 1 vs. Central 1  |  Southeast 1 vs. Southeast 2
• Region 24 - Newton
  • Districts: Northwest 5 vs. Southwest 2  |  Southwest 1 vs. Southwest 3

Region 21 - Louisville

Region Overview: An 11-run sixth inning rallied Kirtland from a 4-1 deficit to a 12-4 win over Hillsdale and the third regional appearance since 2018. Max Paul threw shutouts in both the sectional finals and district semifinals for Kirtland, which will see a familiar Chagrin Valley Conference opponent Independence at the regionals. … Independence will be in the Sweet 16 for the second time in three years after topping Dalton 6-2. Sam Crooks went 2-2 while Anderson Jolliffe and Anthony Sobonya finished 2-3. Jolliffe gave up two hits in five innings for the win. Crooks, the school’s all-time leading scorer in basketball, picked up his school record 21st win in the district semis, a 10-0 win over East Canton, and also holds the mark for RBIs in a season  … Rootstown won districts for the first time in two decades. Brady Kreitzburg was the winning pitcher in an 8-3 victory over United. Carson Hayn hit an RBI triple, Alex Ely had a run-scoring double and Ethan White drove in a run with a single for the 20th-ranked team in D-VI. … Nathan Bryant and Caleb Shelly combined to strikeout 18 and Grant Coblentz went 3-3 with a triple and two runs scored leading Lake Center Christian to its third consecutive district title, a 4-3 win over Rittman. Brayden Myers and Colton Smilek combined to throw a five-inning no-hitter against Brookfield in the district semis after Myers tossed a no-hitter versus Garfield Heights Trinity in the sectional finals. Bryant and Smilek hit home runs in the sectionals while Shelly had one in the district semis, a game in which head coach Shane Byler picked up his 200th win.

#10 Kirtland

Record: 18-7
Head Coach: Luke Smrdel
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Postseason History:

• 3 District Championships (2018, 2019, 2025)

Top Players:

• Carter Luzar, CF, Sophomore
• Tyler Turk, LF, Senior
• Ben DiFranco, 1B, Junior
• Casey Carkhuff. RF, Senior
• Lucci Cantini, C, Sophomore
• Matthew Kahley, DH, Senior
• Nate Chuko, SS/RHP, Junior
• Jack Turk, 3B, Sophomore
• Xavier Lasecki, 2B/RHP, Junior
• Max Paul, RHP, Senior 
• Sebby Becker, RHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a very balanced lineup, with good power throughout and speed on the bases 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was great, we played a very good game against a very good Hillsdale team. There is a lot of excitement around our community as well. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be in regionals again. We know we have to play the best baseball we have all season to have a chance, but we have been building up to this moment for the last 3 months. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: There are 4 really good teams in the region this year. Three of the top 4 seeds are still in it, and this will be a very competitive region this year. We look forward to getting out there next week and doing everything we can to win the next 2 games. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: This has been an incredible run so far, and we look forward to continuing it next week. 

#8 Independence

Record: 19-4
Head Coach: Jim Crooks
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#20 Rootstown

Record: 18-9
Head Coach: Keith Waesch
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#2 Lake Center Christian

Record: 25-4
Head Coach: Shane Byler
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• Program est. 2005
• 4 District Titles (09, 23, 24, 25)
• Regional Runner-up (2009)

Top Players:

• Grant Coblentz, LF/P, SO.
• Colton Smilek, C/UTL/P, SO.
• Luke Heckert, CF/P, JR.
• Caleb Shelly, SS/P, SO.
• Nathan Bryant, 3B/P, JR.
• Jacob Rainieri, 1B/P, SO.
• Brayden Myers, 2B/P, JR.
• Wyatt Caudle, DH, SR.
• Chance Klingelhofer, UTL, SR.
• Nathan Miller, RF, SR.
• Chris Moyer, UTL.
• Benson Bryant, UTL.
• Ben Brown, UTL.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We're currently firing on all cylinders and feel very confident heading into Regionals.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our guys have been working hard and we expected to get the job done. We're now excited about what's ahead of us.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is our 3rd year in a row advancing to Regionals at Louisville. We're excited and expecting to come out and play very well.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We're excited for the opportunity to play all of them.

Region 22 - Hamler

Region Overview: Marion Local is off to regionals after beating New Bremen for the second time this season. Marion got out of a bases-loaded situation in the seventh inning of a 6-5 win over Columbus Grove in the district semis. Ian Rindler did not permit an earned run in 6.1 innings of three-hit ball while adding a single, double and two runs scored. Parker Hess was the winning pitcher in the sectional and district finals, not permitting an earned run to push his school career-record mark for wins to 16. Hayden Peoppelman has tied the school record for home runs in a season with seven. … Elmwood is headed to regionals for the first time since 2016 after beating Lakota 7-3. Zachery Gross went 6.2 innings for the win before freshman Abraham Keiffer came in to get out of a bases-loaded jam. The Royals outlasted Hopewell-Loudon 5-4 in 10 innings in the district semis, escaping a first-and-third no-out jam in the bottom of the ninth. Landon Snow went 8.1 innings before Gross came on and picked up the win. Nico Allen, who had two hits against Lakota, pounded out three hits and Marshal Taft had three RBIs in beating Riverdale 11-4 for the first sectional title since 2016. … Colonel Crawford used a five-run first inning in the district finals to roll past Western Reserve 7-1 behind a three-hitter from Parker Weithman. … A six-run fifth inning rallied Evergreen past Gibsonburg 10-6 in the district title game. The Vikings, winners of the NWOAL for the first time in school history, won their previous tournament games 10-0 over Northwood and 9-0 over Huron behind the pitching of Nolan Hudik, who no-hit Northwood and allowed four hits versus Huron. Layne Vance was 3-3 versus Northwood, Colton Robertson went 3-3 against Huron while Chris Shrader and Austin Burghardt had 3-4 games in the win over Gibsonburg.

#13 Marion Local

Record: 17-8
Head Coach: Mitch Hays
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Postseason History:

• 1st District Title for school since 1981

Top Players:

• Griffin Bruns, SS, Senior 
• Ian Rindler, P, Senior 
• Ethan Heitkamp, C, Senior
• Hayden Poeppelman, RF, Senior 
• Bryant Meier, LF/P, Senior 
• Parker Hess, 3B/P, Senior 
• Damon Cramer, 2B, Senior 
• Derek Knapke, 1B, Junior 
• Drew Lause, CF, Senior 
• Luke Everman, P, Sophomore 

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The team has done a nice job offensively and our pitchers have been throwing strikes.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the District was a proud moment but also a relief to make it through in our third trip in a row to the Finals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s an honor to be able to compete in Regional.

#12 Elmwood

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Matt Malecha
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6
• Regional Titles: 1
• State Titles: 0 (runner up in 2007)

Top Players:

• Zack Gross, LF/P, Senior 
• Colton Bradord, C, Senior
• Aden Alva, DH, Senior
• Landon Snow, SS/P, Senior
• Nico Allen, 1B, Freshman
• Marshal Taft, 2B, Junior
• Aidan Marsh, 3B/SS, Senior 
• Cadyn Stewart, RF/P, Senior 
• Kason Hammer, CF, Sophomore
• Carter Goetz, 3B/P, Freshman
• Ryken Zeigler, C, Sophomore
• Abe Keiffer, RHP, Freshman
• Gabe Schafer, RHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have been ready for the moment. Playoff baseball is filled with big moments and our guys have come through in key spots. Our leadership has been strong since the offseason and the players have bought into the standards of our program.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was extremely proud of our guys. We had a very strong district and we knew we would have to play well to advance. We overcame adversity and never blinked in big moments. It was also amazing to see the support we got from the Elmwood community. Elmwood supports their baseball and we saw that first hand during Districts.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are thrilled to be making a postseason run. This was one of our goals and it has been a lot of fun. Our process won't change much. We will keep enjoying the fact we get to be together, we will look to stay calm in key moments and play our style of baseball. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: At this point in the playoffs, every team left is very good. Our regional is no different. We will have to play our best baseball to keep advancing in the tournament. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: From our first ACME game last summer, I felt that this group could be special. Elmwood has been known in the past for playing "Country Hardball". Starting with our 2024 team, we wanted to restore the tradition and success of the Elmwood Baseball program. This team has stayed consistent with their approach to achieving that and success has followed. 

Colonel Crawford

Record: 13-13
Head Coach: Jordan Oliver
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Evergreen

Record: 14-11
Head Coach: Chris Owens
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 2 District Titles (1975, 2025)

Top Players:

• Colton Robertson, CF/LHP, 2025
• Layne Vance, 1B/P, 2025
• Bryce Bolger, SS, 2026
• Chris Shrader, 2B, 2027
• Blake Boucher, DH, 2027
• Troy Manz, 3B/P, 2026
• John Herdman, RF, 2025
• Austin Burghardt, LF/RHP, 2026
• Nolan Hudik, RHP, 2027
• Sean Rafferty, C, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?

Coach: 1-13 are playing for something bigger than themselves. They are buying into what it takes to win at this level. It takes everyone on the roster to win championships. Practices are fun right now. It is fun watching the players compete against each other, and watching the baseball IQ go up.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?

Coach: Exciting time for the players, seniors, parents, and community. First baseball district championship since 1975.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?

Coach: To battle all season long, and be 1/16 teams remaining is a great feeling. Playing meaningful high school baseball in June is what it is all about. It really drives home the importance of winter workouts and not taking reps off.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?

Coach: Congratulations to all the teams that made it. Baseball season is full of highs and lows. You just have to weather the storm, and keep pushing foward. All the teams here are playing their best baseball right now. You can not afford to take a pitch off.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.

Coach: Thank you to the parents, administration, and community members for continuous suppor of all programs at Evergreen. This is a special community. The parents have mowed the field, sprayed the weeds, painted dugouts, and made sure every player had a meal before every game. The community members also built us a JV field to allow the program to grow. They are not asked, they just do it. Thank you Evergreen boosters and Evergreen youth association for your support all season. Special thank you to coach Terry McCormack for holding the standard.

Region 23 - Lancaster

Region Overview: Hiland defeated Garaway for the third time this season and with the 3-0 victory comes a return trip to regionals. Caden Coblentz gave up three hits and fanned 13 before Mike Miller came on to strike out the side in the seventh. Grady Monigold hit a three-run homer, his sixth of the season, in the first for the Hawks, which have five starters back from last year’s D-IV state champs. … Third-ranked West Jefferson earned a trip to regionals with a 1-0 victory over Fairfield Christian Academy behind the three-hit, 10-strikeout performance from Blake Bogenrife. Cohen Hesson had a single, double and four RBIs and Bogenrife did not give up an earned run while fanning 12 in an 8-3 defeat of Liberty Union in the district semis. Brodie Quinn is tied for the school record for RBIs in a season with 30, Bogenrife has set the single-season mark for hits and stolen bases while also establishing the record for strikeouts in a year with 66 and Zack Oyster has the school record for wins in a season with seven, appearances in a season with 14 and ERA for a season at 0.861. West Jefferson has won the last three Ohio Heritage Conference championships. … Hunter Needs hit a single and triple while Ayden Wilhelm and Rohwan Gilmore each had a single and double in helping Reedsville Eastern past Huntington 9-6 in the district finals. Wilhelm had a single and double and Ethan Edwards two singles in a 3-2 win over Frankfort Adena in the semis, with Eastern scoring the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh. … Chillicothe Southeastern beat Waterford 2-1 for its first district title in school history. Joey Pfeifer threw a two-hitter with seven Ks and also went 2-3 with a double and run scored. Gage Cheadle had a double and Carson McWhorter a single and an RBI. McWhorter fanned 12 in the semifinals, a 13-6 win over Symmes Valley.

#2 Hiland

Record: 27-1
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 15
• Regional Titles: 7
• State Titles: 3

Top Players:

• Caden Coblentz, 1B/RHP, Senior
• Mike Miller, RF/LHP, Junior
• Colin Coblentz, CF/LHP, Senior
• Grady Monigold, 1B, Junior
• Danny Hostetler, C, Senior
• Logan Yoder, 3B, Junior
• Keith Hershberger, SS, Senior
• Cade Beachy, LF, Senior
• Kaden Kandel, 2B/RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing some of our best baseball right now. Our pitching and defense are both performing at a high level and we've been putting together some great at bats.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It is always special to win the district. Our district is always tough and our guys did a fantastic job preparing for those games.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Regionals are a unique experience. Teams don't get to this point by accidents, you can always expect strong competition at this level.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: As I said, the other three teams have been playing very good ball to get to this point. I expect all the games to be hard fought, there will be a lot of good pitchers throwing in these games. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Thank you to the parents and community, your support of our program is greatly appreciated by the players and coaches.

#3 West Jefferson

Record: 23-3
Head Coach: Jason Bogenrife
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• 3 District Titles

Top Players:

• Blake Bogenrife, C/P, Junior 
• Zack Oyster, 3B/P, Senior, Hocking College Commit (Football/Baseball)
• Brody York, 2B, Junior
• Brodie Quinn, DH, Senior, Frontier CC Commit
• Brett Bogenrife, LHP, Junior
• Nate Godinez, SS, Senior
• Cohen Hesson, 1B, Sophomore
• Colt Kincade, RF, Sophomore
• Owen Anderson, CF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Clutch Performances & Offensive Depth – Everyone is contributing.  Whether it’s the top of the order or the bottom of the lineup, guys are stepping up in key moments. You’re not relying on just one or two players, it’s a full-team effort.  Big hits with runners in scoring position, smart baserunning, and timely power have turned tight games into wins. When everyone contributes like that, it wears opponents down and builds serious momentum. Consistency and Chemistry – A season likes this shows the team is locked in.  The players are trusting each other, playing clean baseball, and showing up ready everyday to compete. That kind of consistency over nearly 30 games is no fluke.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: When that final out was made and we officially won the district title, it wasn’t just excitement—it was relief, pride, and pure joy all rolled into one.  This wasn’t just another game. This was a goal we’ve been chasing for the last couple of seasons.  Each year, we came close—just short enough to feel the sting, but close enough to keep believing.  That made this moment even more meaningful.  We’d been building toward this.  Every offseason workout, every tough loss we learned from, every extra rep in the cage or on the field—it all led to this.  And when it finally happened, when we earned it, the celebration hit different.  You could feel how much it meant to every player, every coach, every parent who’s been riding this journey with us.  What made it even better?  The way we got there.  Everyone played a part—our bats came alive when we needed them, our pitching stayed composed under pressure, and our defense made big-time plays in big-time moments.  Now, with that goal finally crossed off, we’re not satisfied

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: There’s something different in the air when you're heading to a regional.  The stakes are higher, the crowds are louder, and every pitch, every swing, every play matters just a little bit more.  It’s the kind of stage we’ve dreamed of playing on, a chance to go up against some of the best and prove that we belong.  Getting here wasn’t easy.  We earned this.  Now that we’re in, there’s a fire in this team that’s hard to put into words.  The excitement is real, this is what you work for all season and off seasons for.  This is where memories are made.  There’s also a sense of pride.  We’re not just playing for ourselves anymore—we’re representing our school, our town, and everyone who’s supported us along the way.  And when we take the field, we’re carrying all of that with us.  But more than anything, we’re ready.  We’re not just happy to be here—we’re here to compete.  This team is locked in, playing with confidence, and hungry for more.  We know we’ve got what it takes to make some noise, and we can’t wait to show it on the regional stage.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Any time you make it to a regional, you know the competition is going to be tough.  All four teams earned their spot, and there’s a reason they’re still playing, each one brings something different to the table.  That said, we’re not looking around.  We’re locked in on one team in the Regional Semi-Finals: Berlin Hiland.  They’re the two-time state champions for a reason.  They are disciplined, experienced, and well-coached.  We respect what they’ve accomplished, but we’re not backing down.  We’ve had our sights set on this challenge since the brackets were published in February.  To be the best, you have to go through the best, and we’re ready to step up.  Our focus is sharp.  We’re not just showing up to compete—we’re showing up to win.  We know who we’re up against, and the crowd they will bring.  We are confident in who we are. This is the kind of matchup that fuels great teams, and we’re excited to take that field and leave it all out there.

#9 Eastern (Reedsville)

Record: 21-7
Head Coach: Chris Stewart
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Eastern has had one Elite 8 appearance (2018)

Top Players:

• Ethan Edwards, SS/P, Junior
• Ayden Wilhelm, 2B, Senior
• Alex Collins, 3B, Senior
• Caleb Abner, C, Junior
• Rohwan Gilmore, 1B, Senior
• Brady Rockhold, RHP, Senior
• Hunter Needs, CF, Junior
• Blaise Gilmore, DH, Sophomore 
• Lance Hensler, LF, Senior
• Lane Atha, RF/RHP, Junior
• Clayton Moore, LHP, Sophomore
• Trey Mugrage, RHP, Sophomore 

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Poise. Confidence. We haven't played from behind much this season, but in the tournament both of our games have tested our resillience and poise and our guys have handled it well. This team is not 18 guys, but ONE. Every heart beats together. They are good at baseball, but even better at life. These are good men with good families, and they will make an impact in the world after high school baseball. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I'll answer that with what one of my guys said to me when the game was over. He said, "We did what we were supposed to do, Coach." It always feels great but this year, going into the season, it was more of an expectation. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Honored. Grateful. I want our team to soak it all in and enjoy it. Sometimes the pressure of playing in these types of games dominates the experience. I want them to allow the joy of playing quality baseball in a quality environment to be their experience. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Southeastern plays in a historically great conference that always has strong baseball. They have solid pitching, which always makes a team tough. Hiland's success speaks for itself, they are two-time reigning state champs and return several key players from last year's team. I don't know as much about West Jefferson has some really big wins vs. quality opponents that have been state ranked all season. This is a very competitive field of teams. Should be good baseball in Lancaster. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We appreciate the support and promotion of our athletes. You have been a wonderful resource to help players fulfill dreams of playing this wonderful game for as long as possible. 

Southeastern

Record: ???
Head Coach: ???
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Region 24 - Newton

Region Overview: Cole Mack threw six innings of two-hit ball, Jonah Shininger earned the save and Elijah Arend had two singles and an RBI in Fairview’s 3-1 win over Lincolnview in the district finals. The third-ranked D-III team avenged a 6-1 Green Meadows Conference defeat to Wayne Trace with a 10-1 victory in the semis after shutting out Hicksville 8-0 in the sectionals. Arend and Anthony Singer combined to allow five hits against WT with Mack and Zane Timbrook each hitting two singles and a double, Timbrook driving in four runs. Mack tossed a three-hitter versus Hicksville while Timbrook had a single and double and Singer two singles and a pair of RBIs. Fairview has set school records for wins (23), run-rules (10), runs in a game (33), hits in a game (31), HBP in a season (37), hits in a season (305), runs in a season (277) and RBIs in a season (229). … Elijah Guttman struck out 16 and hit a single, double and triple to send Country Day to regionals with an 8-0 blanking of Troy. Jaemeson French hit two home runs in a 9-2 district semifinal victory over East Clinton for Country Day, which has outscored opponents 27-2 in the tourney. …. Summit Country Day outlasted Covington 2-1 to earn a berth in the regionals. Grayson Houchin pitched a five-hitter with 10 Ks while Jack Phillabaum had a single, double and RBI. Keller Minton drove in four runs and Lucas Reder had three singles and three RBIs in a 13-3 run-rule win over Purcell Marian in the district semis. … Fort Recovery is two wins away from a return trip to state following a 2-1 nine-inning victory over Xenia Legacy Christian on a Colson Post RBI single to score Austin Siegrist. Alex Gaerke and Caden Girsez teamed up to not permit an earned run for Fort Recovery. Dylan Klenke threw a two-hit shutout in a 10-0 blanking of Twin Valley South in the district semis. Grisez had a double, home run and four RBIs.

#4 Fairview (Sherwood)

Record: 25-3
Head Coach: Andy Singer
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• 3 District Titles since 2003

Top Players:

• Elijah Arend, RHP/SS, 2026
• Shady Fritch, LF, 2028
• Cole Mack, 2B/RHP, 2025
• Zane Timbrook, RF, 2025
• Drayden Grinnell-Dennis, 1B, 2026
• Anthony Singer, 3B/RHP, 2028
• Gavin Palladino, DH, 2026
• Jesse Coolman, C, Senior
• Logan Olinger, SS, 2027
• Gavin Garza, CF, 2027
• Jonah Shininger, RHP, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The way they play together while supporting one another throughout the season. The amount of dedication to preparing for each game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: A good feeling to see good kids rewarded with good things.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Exciting for the community to be apart of a tournament run.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: It is exciting to play teams you normally wouldn't see throughout the regular season.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Assistant Coach Tony Singer is approaching his 75 season coaching a baseball or softball team in our district.

#22 Cincinnati Country Day

Record: 15-10
Head Coach: Greg Tissot
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#21 Summit Country Day

Record: 18-10
Head Coach: Andrew Poli
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: NR

Top Players:

• Rylan Gentry, 2026
• Grayson Houchin, 2026
• Bryce McNair, 2025
• Gavin Miller, 2026
• Dillon Minton, 2028
• Keller Minton, 2025
• Jack Phillabaum, 2026
• Lucas Reder, 2028

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The sectionals games were vert uneventful as we 10 run ruled both games. The District championship game against Covington was a great game played by both teams.  Grayson Houchin pitched a complete game while striking out 10 batters. Jack Phillabaum was 2-3 at the plate with a double and game tying RBI. Bryce McNair drove in the run that broke a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the 7th for a walk off win.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is a honor to be back in the Regionals for the first time since 2015 along with League rival Cincinnati Country Day.  It was a grind this season battling early season injuries and playing games with a limited roster that was reduced to 11 players at one point. The team fought through the tough times and responded with a strong finish to the season.

#14 Fort Recovery

Record: 18-8
Head Coach: Kevin Eyink
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

---

Division VII

D-VII Schedule

Division VII State and Regional Tournament Bracket

• Region 25 - Oberlin
  • Districts: Northeast 1 vs. Northeast 3 |  Northeast 2 vs. Northwest 5
• Region 26 - Bowling Green
  • Districts: Northwest 4 vs. Northwest 3  |  Northwest 1 vs. Northwest 2
• Region 27 - Athens
  • Districts: Southeast 2 vs. East 1  |  Southeast 1 vs. Central 1
• Region 28 - TBA
  • Districts: Southwest 1 vs. Southwest 2  |  Southwest 3 vs. Northwest 6

Region 25 - Oberlin

Region Overview: Warren JFK made it five consecutive district championships with a 10-1 win over Kidron Central Christian. Freddy Bolchalk threw a four-hitter with nine Ks. Trevin Rinck and Taggart Carfangia each drove in a pair of runs. … For the first time since 1985, St. John has won a district championship. Ezra Campbell, Will Anderson and Chase Newsome had two hits each in a 9-6 victory over Waterloo to advance to regionals. … Quinn Schmidt fanned 10 in pitching McDonald to a 7-1 district title game win over Maplewood. Jaxon Candel, Josh Srock and Brady Klockner each had two hits. … Tiffin Calvert won its fifth-straight district crown, blanking St. Paul 10-0 in six innings. Connor Moyer had a two-run homer and Tucker Coleman struck out eight in five frames of three-hit scoreless ball. Vencenzo Lyons had a single, double and triple with three RBIs in a 12-0 district semifinal blanking of Old Fort. Logan Ritzler and Moyer teamed up on a two-hit shutout. Blake Coleman has the school record for pitching wins (25) and hits (120).

#13 Warren JFK

Record: 17-8
Head Coach: Jim Ciambotti
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#10 Saint John School

Record: 19-5
Head Coach: Alvin Rodriguez
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: NR

Top Players:

• Will Anderson SS/RHP Senior
• Anthony Severino C Junior
• Ezra Campbell 2B Senior
• Ryan Williams 1B/RHP Senior
• Aaron Wychock LF/RHP/DH Senior
• Dylan Newsome 3B Senior
• Chase Newsome CF Sophomore
• Gus Petros RHP/OF Freshman
• Brady Cole OF/SS/P Sophomore
• Kyle Hejduk RF/P Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have been in a good rhythm lately. It’s kept us focused and able to bounce back from adversity.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We are very happy to have finally won our district. It’s been years of being the runner up. Happy but not satisfied. This group wants more.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very excited. This group of seniors has been together since they were kids. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: great well coached teams. Nobody got here by accident. 

#17 McDonald

Record: 16-8
Head Coach: Andy Timko
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#1 Calvert

Record: 25-3
Head Coach: Matt Coleman
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• 7 District Titles
• 2 Regional Titles

Top Players:

• Blake Coleman, RHP, 2025
• Vincenzo Lyons, LF
• AJ Shoemaker, RF
• Connor Moyer, C
• Cameron Moyer, 1B
• Charlie Palm, SS, 2028
• Jake Kidwell, 2B
• Cash Lee, CF
• Logan Ritzler, 3B, 2026
• Tucker Coleman, RHP, 2028

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They are playing for each other and have settled into accepting their roles and focusing on execution more than results or stats. We have some versatile players that have made us a versatile team with some good options.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was special and something we will never take for granted in this sport. I was especially impressed because in the past, we have occasionally taken our foot off the gas.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in June is always special and this year I think it is even more special based on the cold and wet weather we have had. The guys are finally starting to give a glimpse of their potential, especially offensively.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: It looks like 3 fundamental teams that each have a niche that they do really well, but overall they all like to compete. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are so thankful for all the support and hope to go make our community proud and to glorify God for the talents he has given us!

Region 26 - Bowling Green

Region Overview: SBC River Player of the Year Shane Jones led New Riegel past Hardin Northern 8-2 in the district title contest. A six-run first inning ignited the district semifinal 12-0 win over Arcadia. Carter Clouse had two hits and drove in two while Alec Hohman scored twice. Jones threw a one-hitter with 16 Ks in a 10-2 win over Pandora-Gilboa in the sectionals. … Midwest Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year Louis Magoto fired a two-hitter and Reese Beair drove in the lone run of the game in the bottom of the seventh to lead Minster past Delphos St. John’s 1-0, the first district title since 2019 and 10th overall. Caleb Couse pitched four innings of one-hit ball in the district semifinal 13-0 win over USV. Dylan Heitkamp had a single, double, triple and three RBIs. Magoto threw a no-hitter in the sectionals. … Montpelier beat Edgerton 5-4 in eight innings on a walkoff base hit from Tyler Plourde, the lone senior on the squad. Wesley Hartsock, the winning pitcher in the sectional finals, allowed two hits in going the distance in the district finals, sending the Locos to regionals for the second year in a row. Kenneth Smeltzer, who scored the winning run versus Edgerton, fanned 10 and permitted just one earned run in a 7-3 district semifinal victory over Edon. Hartsock went 3-4 with three RBIs. Junior catcher Griffin Cooley established the career stolen base record for Montpelier with 73. …. Miller City defeated Kalida 5-1 in the district finals behind an Andrew Weis five-hitter. Brendan Barlage had a two-out, two-run double after producing two hits in each of the previous two tournament wins. Weis threw a no-hitter in a 3-0 win over Ottoville in the sectional finals while Jack Wenzinger fired a shutout in beating Leipsic 2-0 in the district semis.

#22 New Riegel

Record: 16-12
Head Coach: Dereck Uitto
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6
• Regional Titles: 3
• State Titles: 1 (1969)

Top Players:

• Shane Jones, RHP/SS, 2025
• Blake Moes, CF, 2027
• Carson Pahl, C, 2025
• Carter Clouse, LF, 2025
• Alec Hohman, SS, 2026
• Gabe Pugh, 3B/RHP, 2027
• Quinn Allison, 2B, 2027
• Brighton Coffin, 1B, 2026
• Sam Clouse, RF, 2027
• Brayden Schalk, P, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are running the bases really well. We also are really focused on having clean innings.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Just awesome! I am very happy for the community and the players. This is where I grew up.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Honored. Happy to get this far, but not content. We really have to focus at practice this week.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Solid. I feel all of these teams are capable of winning this thing. The team that gets out is the team that did the most right.

#2 Minster

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Mike Wiss
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• Sectional Champions: ‘95, ‘96, ‘97, ’98, ‘01, ‘02, ‘03, ‘04, ‘07, ‘08, ‘10, ‘11, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19, 21(D3), ‘22(D3), ‘24, '25
• District Champions: ‘96, ‘03, ‘04, ‘07, ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19, 25
• Regionals: ‘96 (semis), ‘03, ‘04 (runner-up), ‘07 (semis), ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ’18 (semis), ‘19
• Regional Champions: ‘03, ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ‘19
• State runner-up: '03, ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ‘19
• State Champions: ‘11, ‘12, ‘17

Top Players:

• Dylan Heitkamp, Sr, C
• Reese Beair, Jr, 2B/DH
• Louis Magoto, Sr, 2B/RHP
• James Niemeyer, Sr, 3B
• Ian Homan, Sr, 1B
• Rylan Edwards, Sr, LF
• Jace Hemmelgarn, JR, RF/DH
• Andrew Wiss, JR, SS/RHP
• Connor Schmiesing, Sr, CF
• Caleb Couse, Sr, LHP
• Andrew Ketner, Jr, RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Committment to competing

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Had to beat a really good junior pitcher from DSJ Cam Elwer. A Class young man. Tough to handle. Does a lot of things really well. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Our 1st trip since 2019. Tough to do in our area with the quality of baseball (esp. in the MAC, WBL, SCL, etc)

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Some really good teams with some special athletes. Gonna be a challenge.

#6 Montpelier

Record: 19-5
Head Coach: Toby Hutchison
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 4
• Regional/State Appearances: 1 (2003)

Top Players:

• Wesley Hartsock, SS/RHP, Sophomore
• Hayden Sharps, 1B/RHP, Junior
• Kenneth Smeltzer, RHP, Junior
• Griffin Cooley, C, Junior
• Jaxon Stahler, 3B/RHP, Junior
• Malachi Smeltzer, LF, Freshman
• Jacob Lyons, 2B, Freshman
• CJ Fidler, CF, Freshman
• Tyler Plourde, RF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I think the biggest thing that I like about our team is the fact that when their back was against the wall, they didn’t give up and they didn’t quit. Despite the situation of myself getting ejected from the game, our boys battled back and competed to win our district final game. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Last year was really special because it was the first time that we had been out of districts in a long time, but I felt like we were just happy to get to regionals. This year, winning on a walkoff by our only senior is something that I don’t think anyone will forget. It was an overwhelming feeling that just goes to show how gritty our boys have been this season. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The goal of every season is to make it to state. For some teams, their season is cut short before they even get close. We are blessed with an opportunity to play one more game - because right now there’s only 16 teams left. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: I think our district is loaded with talent. You look at Miller City, who ended up as the #2 team in D7 poll, and you have to think they will compete against anyone. Minster was also tied at the #2 spot and they beat a really good Delphos St. John team that we played earlier in the season to advance to our region. New Riegel took down another state ranked team in our division to advance. So needless to say, I think the Northwest region will represent well - whoever comes out.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I’d like to thank our parents and the fans that have supported us throughout the season. At times it felt like there were the same faces in the stands every game - our boys know who has been there for them whole season and they appreciate it. I’d also like to shoutout the Montpelier softball program for making it to their second consecutive regional appearance before bowing out to a really good Ada team last week. I’d like to thank my coaching staff. Ryan Yahraus, who does our GameChanger and works primarily with our hitters, has been with me for what seems like forever. Wes Rickenberg, our pitching coach and first base coach, has been phenomenal with our pitching staff. Eric Smeltzer, who was thrust into the third base coaching responsibilities last game. And lastly our JV coaching staff of Tyler Benner and Doug Williamson. I wouldn’t be in this position if not for the guys around me. I tell people all the time that I don’t do much of the coaching when I’m surrounded with as much experience and talent as what I have on my staff. 

#3 Miller City

Record: 23-4
Head Coach: Dusty Pester
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 12
• Regional Titles: 4
• State Titles: 2

Top Players:

• Brayden Niese, SS, 2025
• Jack Wenzinger, 2B/RHP, 2027
• Brendan Barlage, C, 2025
• Max Long, CF, 2027
• Jonathon Pester, 1B/RHP, 2026
• Andrew Weis, RHP, 2025
• Jude Otto, DH, 2025
• Beau Reyna, LF, 2026
• Will Otto, 3B, 2025
• Tanner Verhoff, RF, 2027
• Will Otto, RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This team is competing right now.   We had to defeat three league opponents to advance to the regional tournament and that was no easy task.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Joy!  This was one of our main goals before the season started and to accomplish something when you work hard for it is a great feeling.  This team is ecstatic for our seniors to be able to hang a 2025 in the gymnasium.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in a regional tournament means you have a shot at the ultimate goal.  All 4 teams are really good.  It is going to be fun.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Very Good teams.  Montpelier and Minster proved why they were the 1 seeds in their district and New Riegel and us want to keep the momentum going after knocking off the 1 seeds.  You do not get to this point by accident.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Small town athletics is special.  The communities really get behind their teams and it is great to be a part of.  

Region 27 - Athens

Region Overview: A pair of 11-1 district wins over Leesburg Fairfield and Racine Southern has South Webster heading to the regionals for the third time since 2017. The Jeeps also won the Southern Ohio Conference this year for the first time in 44 years. … The sixth district final appearance since 2016 for Strasburg-Franklin was the charm. A 10-2 win over Conotton Valley sends the Tigers to regionals for the first time ever. Drew Lancaster fired a three-hitter after Brody Baughman struck out a combined 17 in sectional final and district semifinal wins. Caden Dugan is 7-9 with two doubles and a home run in the tournament. … Blake Smith drove in Riddick Jenkins in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Franklin Furnace Green a 5-4 win over Whiteoak in the district title game. Jonathan Knapp had two singles and three RBIs, including the game-tying run-scoring hit in the last of the seventh. Knapp fanned 14 in 6.2 innings of a 4-1 win over Trimble in the semis. … Alex Nagel hit a three-run triple in a six-run fifth inning to lift Newark Catholic to an 8-1 district final win over Danville. Junior southpaw Owen Przymierski tossed a three-hitter with 11 Ks.

#7 South Webster

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Ryan McClintic
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Postseason History:

• 3 District Titles: 2017, 2023, 2025

Top Players:

• Benaiah Andrews, (P/LF) - Jr
• Jacob McGraw, (P/LF) - Jr
• Hunter Barnard, (SS) - Jr
• Brycin McClintic, (2B) - Jr
• Cole Bennett, (3B) - Soph
• Beau Stephens, (RF) - Jr
• Tristan Belford, (P/DH) - Sr
• Sam Murphy, (C) - Jr
• Dylan Shupert, (CF) - Sr
• Brody Perkins, (1B) - Sr

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like the team chemistry and unselfish nature of our kids. They don’t care who gets the credit and just want to win baseball games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling and it never gets old. This is the goal each and every year and the kids worked hard all year long to put us in the spot we are in now. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be back in the regionals and have an experienced group this time around. This group is ready to play their game and the moment won’t be too big for them. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Every team is capable of winning this regional. Green has some nice pitching to go along with an experienced group. Newark Catholic is a perennial power and they are always battle tested. We have a ton of respect for our opponent (Strasburg) and know how hard it is to make it out of that East District. It will be a challenge and we are going to give it our best shot. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We appreciate the support from our community. They always show up for our kids and we hope to see a lot of red & black in the stands at OU on Wednesday.

Strasburg-Franklin

Record: 15-14
Head Coach: Mike Becker
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Postseason History:

• 1st district title in school history

Top Players:

• Drew Lancaster - SS/P - Junior
• Caden Dugan - 2B/P - Junior
• Brody Baughman - SS/P - Freshman
• Brodie Hurst - 3B/P - Sophomore
• Avery Keffer - 1B - Sophomore
• Tanner Tucker - C - Sophomore
• Zayden Barr - LF - Junior
• Logan Yoder - DH - Freshman / Lucas Gopp - CF - Freshman
• Bradyn Whitman - RF - Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This is a very young but resilient group. We lost 6 games by 1 run during the regular season, walked off 4 times. We battled injuries the entire season and only played 3 regular season games with our projected starting lineup. We are as close to full strength as we've been all season and the adversity we faced throughout the year brought this group together. Our starting pitching has been a strength throughout the year, and it has helped carry us through the tournament so far. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This was our 6th District Final appearance since 2016 but the 1st time getting over the hump to claim an East District Championship. Felt very proud of this group to hang together and fight all season and get rewarded. Our community is amazing and the support they give to our student athletes is so appreciated. So excited to see the boys get to celebrate with all our families & supporters Thursday night.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to represent the East District and Inter Valley Conference in Regional play. Winning the District to earn a trip to the Regional is one of our goals each season.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We are awaiting the winners of the Southeast Districts to find out our opponent and the other participant on the other side of the bracket. South Webster, Whiteoak, Green and Racine Southern are always traditionally good programs. We know Newark Catholic has advanced and the tradition of winning in their program. We played them early in the season and they are very good again. 

#9 Green (Franklin Furnace)

Record: 18-5
Head Coach: Dave Shoupe
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Postseason History:

• 5 District Titles: 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993, 2005, 2025
• 1 Regional Title: 1986

Top Players:

• Blake Smith, CF, Senior
• Gabe Blevins, C, Sophomore
• Landon Kimbler, SS, Senior
• Jonathan Knapp, P, Junior
• Quincy Merrill, 2B, Senior
• Mason Neal, LF, Junior
• Riddick Jenkins, 1B, Freshman
• Connor Blanton, RF, Junior
• Kace McIntyre, 3B, Freshman
• Brennen Renison, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach:  We like the resilience that they have shown. We have went into extra innings five times this season, including in the district championship game, and have won every time we have went into extras. We have said we are the “Cardiac Cats” this season. Right now, our bottom half of the lineup has been hitting it very well. When we got into extras innings against Whiteoak, we had our bottom three coming up. We didn’t worry because of how well they have been swinging it as of late. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It’s been 20 years since our program put a district championship trophy in our trophy case. Doing so in walk off fashion makes it that much more sweeter. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s a testament to the hard work the players have put in this year. We knew going in that this group was going to be special. You have to play good competition in order to compete at this level, and we feel our non-conference schedule has reflected that.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously, we play Newark Catholic. Year in and year out they are constantly competing at a high level. That is the testament to their dedication and their discipline. They are one of the best teams in the state for a reason and our boys are more than ready for the challenge. South Webster is a team that won their conference championship which includes the likes of Wheelersburg, Valley and Minford which speaks to how good they are. We were supposed to play them but due to weather cancelations we were never able to get them rescheduled. We know they have a great pitcher and hit the ball very well. Our boys play them in summer baseball so we are familiar with them. Strasburg-Franklin won the east district which is highly competitive. You have to be tough to get out of that district. They also play a very tough schedule so they are battle tested.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We have three four year starters who have put in the work to get us this far. All of the kids have worked hard in practice and the weight room. Our community has been phenomenal during this ride. They have supported us. It was great to see the sea of green and white after winning the district championship flood to the fence line. Our fans have supported us this far and we look forward to seeing the support continue in Athens.

#5 Newark Catholic

Record: ???
Head Coach: Ron Graves
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

Region 28 - TBA

Region Overview: A pair of one-run victories has Fayetteville-Perry in regionals after beating New Miami 3-2 in the district semifinals and Newton 5-4 in the finals. Blake Rugenstein had a single and double versus Newton and Parker Pfankuch permitted one earned run in 6.1 innings against New Miami. … Xavier Pauling tossed a four-hitter to send Cedarville to regionals with a 2-0 win over Fort Loramie. Zach Creeden had a single and double for Cedarville, which also blanked Franklin Monroe 10-0 in the semis. … Braylon Cordonnier fanned nine and walked two in a four-hit 10-0 shutout of Tri-County North to move Russia to regionals. Ben York hit a home run to pace a 12-hit attack for Russia. … Northern 10 champion Mohawk cruised to regionals with a 9-1 win over South Central after beating Plymouth 11-1 in the district semis. Hunter Haynes allowed one unearned run in throwing a three-hitter in the finals while also leading 12-hit attack with three base knocks. Elias Magallanes had two hits and scored three runs and Lance Frankart had a pair of hits. Kaleb Bish went the distance against Plymouth with Levi Tiell, Owen Patrizi, Ben Bogner, Andon Clouse and Frankart each producing two RBIs.

Fayetteville-Perry

Record: 7-14
Head Coach: Chris Snyier
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 1st District Title.

Top Players:

• Caleb Fehring RF/P 12
• Ryder Luncan 2B/P 11
• Braedyn Crone 1B 12
• AJ Roy 3B/P 12
• Blake Rugenstein C 11
• Carter Galinger SS 11
• Alex Williamson LF 11
• Tyler Short CF 11
• Parker Pfankuch P 10

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: There competitiveness & team comradery.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning Districts was an amazing experience for our team & the school.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We're excited. It's never happened for Baseball at our school. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: They Are all really good teams. Should be a really competitive games.

#15 Cedarville

Record: 16-6
Head Coach: Trevor Creeden
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#8 Russia

Record: 16-11
Head Coach: Kevin Phlipot
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will update when we receive their regional preview.

#4 Mohawk

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Zack Hawkins
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 5
• Regional Titles: 0

Top Players:

• Owen Patrizi, 2B, 2026
• Hunter Haynes, SS/P, 2025
• Ben Bogner, CF, 2025
• Kaden Bish, 3B/P, 2027
• Lance Frankart, C, 2025
• Andon Clouse, 1B/P, 2025
• Kaleb Bish, LF, 2025
• Elias Magallanes, RF/P, 2025
• Levi Tiell, LF, 2028

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: What I like about the team.. putting together good at bats 1-9.  Throwing alot of strikes and playing good defense behind it.  Athletic group of kids who are playing with confidence

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The feeling of winning districts was great.  The kids were jacked and this was the first time in ~ 5 years and only the 5th time in school history.  It was a goal of ours so achieving that made it feel amazing.  I feel that the kids are hungry for more.

PBR: Thoughts on the four teams in your division that are at the regional?
Coach: We ended up going to the Southwest region so we do not know much about any of the teams.  We know the recent success that Russia has had in multiple sports.  At this point that is the only game we are focused on.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: The Mohawk community has gathered around the baseball team and continues to come out and support.  We feel spoiled to live and play for such a great community.  We hope to keep this going and allow our players, coaches, fans and community to make many memories.

*** Click here to view our Regional Predictions ***

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