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2025 OHSAA Tournament: State Final Four Preview

***THIS WILL CONTINUOUSLY BE UPDATED UNTIL THE FIRST PITCH THURSDAY NIGHT***

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

• #10 Olentangy vs #11 Lakota West
• #17 Perrysburg vs #12 Springboro

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Division II

Division II Tournament Bracket

• #1 Amherst Steele vs #11 New Albany
• #2 Anthony Wayne vs #5 Walsh Jesuit

#1 Amherst Steele vs #11 New Albany

#1 AMHERST STEELE: The first Final Four appearance in school history is part of a memorable season for Amherst Steele, which defeated Green 6-3 in the regional semifinals and Oregon Clay 7-4 in the finals. Cael Charles did not allow an earned run in six innings against Clay to pick up his 10th win of the year, a single-season record for the program. Twin brother Cole earned the save for the Comets. Harrison Schneider moved to 9-0 in the regional semis, giving up one earned run in six frames. The No. 1 team in Division II rallied from a 5-0 deficit to stun Riverside 6-5 on a Schneider walk-off home run in the district finals. Trailing by five with one out to go in the seventh, Amherst Steele pulled within 5-2 and Landon Wolf, the top-ranked junior first baseman in Ohio, then tied the game with a three-run bomb. Wolf holds the single-season mark for RBIs (52), walks (29) and HBP (14). The 28 wins are also a school record.

#11 NEW ALBANY: Pitching has been dominant for New Albany, which has yet to permit a run in four tournament games, topping Mifflin 8-0 in the district semis, Watkins Memorial 10-0 in the district finals, Columbus St. Charles 7-0 in the regional semifinals and Big Walnut 6-0 in the regional finals. Trey Wentz fanned 15 in a one-hitter vs. Mifflin, Cam Simmons allowed three combined hits with 20 Ks in 10 innings against Watkins Memorial and St. Charles and Grant Thunberg fired a two-hitter in the regional finals. Of the three hits allowed in the regionals, two were infield. Jacob Richardson is batting .556 in the tournament and Jate Hoovler .545 for head coach Michael Sandman, who picked up his 100th coaching victory this season. New Albany, ranked 11th in Division II, won a championship in its two previous appearances at state, 2004 and 2021. 

#2 Anthony Wayne vs #5 Walsh Jesuit

#2 ANTHONY WAYNE: Mason Dzierwa singled in Ben Nieckarz in the bottom of the 11th to send Anthony Wayne to state for third time in eight seasons with a 4-3 win over Loveland. The Generals nipped Edgewood 3-2 in the regional semifinals after shutting out Northview 2-0 in districts behind a two-hitter from Ohio State commit Owen Graf. Carter Johnson was the winning pitcher in both regional games, throwing six innings of no-run relief allowing two hits while fanning eight. Graf has tossed 14 innings in the tournament giving up six hits and two earned runs with 19 Ks for the second-ranked D-II squad. Anthony Wayne has never won a state title, finishing as runners-up in 2018.

#5 WALSH JESUIT: Andrew Holcomb hit a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to give Walsh Jesuit a 2-1 walkoff win over Stow-Munroe Falls in the regional semis and the Warriors went on to blank Lakewood 7-0 in the finals to advance to state for the third time in five years and 10th time overall. Alabama commit Shawn Sullivan has given up one earned run and six hits in 11 innings in the tournament while Harper Lann, a Wabash Valley JC signee, has fanned 18 in 7.1 frames. Matthew Mansbury, a junior committed to Michigan, is 7-9 with five runs and four RBIs in tourney play for the fifth-ranked D-II team in D-II. Walsh Jesuit has won four state championships (2008, 2006, 2004 and 1999) and finished second twice (2010 and 2009).

#1 Amherst Steele

Record: 28-2
Head Coach: Matt Rositano
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• 7 District Championships: (1982, 1993, 2008, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2025)
• 1 Regional Championship: (2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: 314, Total Runs: 261
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 202, Team ERA: 1.73, Strikeouts: 231

Top Players:

• Cole Marquez, LF, 2026 (Ranked 131)
• Cole Charles, RF/LHP, 2027 (Ranked 19)
• Caleb Melendez, 3B, 2025 (Adrian Commit. Ranked 226)
• Landon Wolf, 1B, 2026 (Ranked 33)
• Harrison Schneider, RHP/DH, 2026 (Ranked 43)
• Jacob Schliesser, C, 2025
• Eli Toyoda, 2B, 2027
• Tyler Denn, CF, 2026 (Ranked 183)
• Cooper Bingham, SS, 2027 (Ranked 81)
• Dylan Coughlin, DH, 2025
• Cael Charles, RHP, 2027 (Ranked 7 OH / 378 Nationally)
• Anthony Heikkinen, RHP, 2025
• Cam Rios, RHP, 2025
• Brody Glick, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 202)
• Alex Lakner, LHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Weightroom, Yoga, Breathing exercises.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: After the last game of the 2024 season.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This is such a resilient, tough group of kids who are playing for each other right now.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: We've had so many great teams recently, but could never get over that Sweet 16 hump. Now we're there, and it feels like all the hard work over the years is finally paying off.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I'm most excited to just have the opportunity to coach this group of young men for one more week. For me, anything else is a bonus. I want to win for the kids, the school, the community. They have earned this chance, and they deserve it.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: Anthony Wayne, Walsh Jesuit, and New Albany all have great programs, and are extremely well coached. Should be some fun and exciting 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: Looking forward to going down to Akron/Canton and playing in front of the entire city of Amherst, who I expect to be there, and be loud.

#11 New Albany

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

• District Titles: 8
• Regional Titles: 3
• State Titles: 2 (2004, 2021)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .304, Total Runs: 200
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 183.2, Team ERA: 2.21, Strikeouts: 196

Top Players:

• Quinn Blaney, RF, 2025
• Jacob Richardson, 2B, 2025
• Caden Kistner, SS, 2026
• Grady Bush, 3B, 2025 (South Carolina-Sumter Commit)
• Cam Simmons, LHP/OF, 2025 (Ranked 94)
• Jate Hoovler, C, 2026
• Joe Sokol, 1B, 2025
• Van Routhier, CF/RHP, 2026
• Brayden Pettinger, DH, 2025
• Logan George, LF, 2027
• Grant Thunberg, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 126)
• Graham Romer, RHP, 2025
• Trey Wentz, RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: When last season ended abruptly, our guys went to work and began to grind. We started working in the fall and had a huge emphasis on the weight room. We continued with it all throughout the winter and throughout the season. Our strength coach Andy Britton did a great job preparing our guys for the long haul of the season. We put a big emphasis on offensive development throughout the winter. When the season began we had a challenging schedule along with the always difficult OCC-OHIO schedule to help challenge our guys.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We felt that we had a strong combination of classes going into this season. We have tried to continue to just take a one game at a time approach. It really began to hit when we got the first couple of outs in the 7th inning of the Regional Final.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team camaraderie has really taken off of late. The guys are enjoying the fight for one more day together. We have pitched and played strong defense up to this point.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Total elation - for our guys, our coaching staff, our community. It was such a moment to be able to reach state with a coaching staff who is all in for the success of our kids and a community who has supported us in so many ways, and a group of kids who have never wavered in their belief that we could achieve something special. The excitement of the moment for our kids was just incredible - the dogpile is a image I will have with me for the rest of my life.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We understand we have a great challenge ahead of us with Amherst Steele. We want to represent our community and go out and give it everything we have.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: To get to the Final Four you have to be an incredible team. We know that the teams here are going to play a great brand of baseball and all 3 games Friday/Saturday are going to be high level baseball 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: Get out and support the Eagles!

#2 Anthony Wayne

Record: 23-4
Head Coach: Ryan Donley
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 10
• Regional Titles: 3
• State Runner-Up: 1

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .291, Total Runs: 157
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 188, Team ERA: 218, Strikeouts: 2.23

Top Players:

• Eli Donawa, LF, 2026
• Tommy Kec, RF, 2025
• Lukas Potkanowicz, SS, 2026 (Ranked 88)
• Cole Biedenharn, 1B, 2025
• Max Crandell, 3B, 2025
• Jett Smith, C, 2027 (Ranked 150)
• Ben Nieckarz, CF, 2025
• Crue Carroll, DH, 2025
• Mason Dzierwa, 2B, 2025
• Owen Graf, RHP, 2025 (Ohio State Commit. Ranked 19)
• Jackson Urenovitch, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 100)
• Carter Johnson, RHP, 2025
• Drew Cunningham, RHP, 2025
• Tanner Graf, RHP, 2025 (Southern Union State Commit. Ranked 93)
• Blake Madalinski, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 143)
• Drew Madalinski, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 199)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Like most programs, we lift & train hard in the offseason. We bring our guys in at 5:30a before school which we believe teaches discipline. The main difference in our approach this year was INTENT. A lot of teams put the time in, but we focused on the quality of the time. I truly believe that focused preparation has made a difference in our performance this season.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: Winning a state championship is always the goal. We made a Final Four in 2023 and lost in extras to an outstanding Olentangy Orange team. Last year, we suffered an early loss in the tournament to St. Francis de Sales who is another great program. Several guys on this year's team were on the roster for both of those crushing defeats. I believe it has certainly fueled our focus and belief.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: What I like now is what I feared early in the year. I worried that we would struggle in tight ball games. I wasn't sure if we had the grit to compete at a high level when things got tough. However, as we've grown closer together as a unit, those weaknesses have turned into strengths. We've got a highly competitive squad that doesn't back down. There's no quit in our group and we have a lot of fun playing the game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: We were all thrilled and exhausted, physically and mentally! We found ourselves in an 11 inning dogfight with Loveland and we finally pulled it out. So many emotions in that moment to pick just one. As a staff, we were just really proud of our kids and their approach to the game, especially when adversity presented itself.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Like I said, winning a state championship is always the ultimate goal. However, there are a lot of things that have to fall into place in order for that to happen. We've taken care of business to this point and we will continue to do things the right way. Playing meaningful games in June is what we hope for and we're very grateful to have earned this opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: They're really really good programs. All teams still playing, regardless of division, are really good at this point. We've followed Walsh Jesuit, New Albany, & Amhurst Steele all year. There is no doubt that all are deserving and have a real shot at winning the title. It will come down to who throws strikes, makes routine plays, and puts the ball in play offensively.

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!!!

#5 Walsh Jesuit

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Joe Bowers
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

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

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .280, Total Runs: 152
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 185.1, Team ERA: 1.77, Strikeouts: 240

Top Players:

• Shawn Sullivan, RHP, 2026 (Alabama Commit. Ranked 64 Ohio / 2 Nationally)
• Harper Lann, RHP, 2025 (Wabash Valley Commit. Ranked 42)
• Anthony Alberty, RHP, 2025 (Indiana University of Pennsylvania Commit. Ranked 99)
• Josh Pierson, RHP, 2025 (Northwood Commit. Ranked 231)
• Colin Locigno, 2B, 2026 (Ranked 315)
• Alex Ramon-Johnston, 3B, 2025 (Ranked 235)
• Matt Mansbery, SS, 2026 (Michigan Commit. Ranked 14 Ohio / 490 Nationally)
• Carlos Smith, LF, 2026
• Jake Brubaker, RF, 2025 (Erskine Commit. Ranked 292)
• Jagger Dalton, DH, 2025
• Andrew Holcomb, C, 2025 (Ohio Dominican Commit)
• Zach Swiderski, 1B, 2025 (Gannon Commit. Ranked 315)
• Dominic Romanini, CF, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We did a lot of team building and culture shifting activities, to become more of a cohesive unit.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: When we lost the District Semi Final in 2024 to Mayfield

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the way the guys are playing for each other and for the name on the front of the jersey!

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Elation. Those 2 games were roller coasters and to come out of that Regional as Champions and to make it back to the Final-4 felt like a dream!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I can’t even wrap my mind around it, our guys work their butts off and have absolutely earned the chance to play in the Final 4.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: Loaded. The D2 Final 4 is absolutely loaded with talent, whoever hoists that trophy in Canal Park will have earned every bit 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: I love being a Walsh Jesuit Warrior!

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Division III

Division III Tournament Bracket

• #3 Badin vs #16 Licking Valley
• #7 Wapakoneta vs #9 University School

#3 Badin vs #16 Licking Valley

#3 BADIN: Badin is making its 16th state appearance after rolling through regionals with a 12-2 win over Monroe and 10-1 triumph of top-ranked Butler. Caleb Driessen allowed four hits and Kade Bowling produced three hits in the regional finals after driving in three in the district finals and scoring three in the district semis. Outscoring the opposition 47-4 in the tournament, the third-rated Rams are hitting .417 in tourney play while posting a 0.84 ERA. Badin, which last won a state title in 1996, has 16 home runs on the year, the most in school history. Brion Treadway picked up his 300th career coaching win in the regional semis with Bowling, a Southern Wesleyan recruit, producing three hits and bringing in three. Outfielders Chandler Taylor, an Alabama commit, and Chase Luebbe, a Lincoln Trail signee, are among the standouts for Badin, which has had 70 players move on to play college baseball in the past 12 years, 28 at the Division I level. 

#16 LICKING VALLEY: This marks the first state berth for Licking Valley, which knocked off Circleville 6-2 in the regional finals behind a three-hit, nine-strikeout performance from Evan Roberts. A Silas Kyle RBI single in the first put Licking Valley on top to stay, and Kyle added a run on a suicide squeeze in a three-run sixth. Ohio University commit Evan Lichtenauer threw an eight-hit shutout at Bishop Watterson in a 2-0 semifinal victory. Brandt Lichtenauer had a run-scoring single in the fifth and Adam West hit an inside-the-park homer in the sixth for Licking Valley, which has outscored opponents 34-4 in tourney play, including a 7-1 win over Hartley in the district finals behind a four-hitter from Evan Lichtenauer for the first regional berth since 2019. The Panthers are ranked 16th in Division III.

#7 Wapakoneta vs #9 University School

#7 WAPAKONETA: Wapakoneta punched a ticket to state for the third time with a 6-5 victory over Toledo St. Francis in the regional finals. Drew Bailey took a four-run lead into the seventh before Daron Houser was needed to get the final three outs. The Redskins overcame a three-run deficit to SVSM for an 8-4 win in the regional semis. Grant Jolly, a Marshall commit, surrendered two earned runs in seven innings for the victory with Bailey and Ethan Brandt producing two hits and two RBIs. Wapakoneta did not allow a run prior to the regionals, beating Celina 1-0 and Ashland 4-0 behind the pitching of Jolly, who broke the school career strikeout record in the sectional finals. A six-hitter from Bailey sent the seventh-ranked D-III Redskins to regionals via a 3-0 win over Tiffin Columbian. Bailey also had a single, double and two RBIs. Wapak, which finished second in the Western Buckeye League this season behind Defiance, was a state runner-up in both previous appearances at state in 2012 and 2018.

#9 UNIVERSITY SCHOOL: Crew Bellon threw a no-hitter to send University School to state for the first time in school history with a 2-0 win over CVCA. Jack Nelson scored on a single by James Bucci in the second and Nelson singled in Bryce Fielding in the fifth for the ninth-ranked team in D-III, which outlasted Padua 9-5 in eight innings in the regional semis with Slater Schoaf throwing four frames of shutout ball in relief. Deacon Nelson, a junior committed to Virginia, and Tucker Greer, a Case Western recruit, had home runs in the eighth while Aaron Moss had four hits and three RBIs. University School pitched two shutouts in districts, topping Harvey 10-0 in the semis behind a one-hitter from Bellan, and Twinsburg, a Division I state finalist a year ago, 4-0 in the finals behind a three-hitter from 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, in his fifth year as head coach, recorded his 100th victory. In sectionals, Slater Schoaf and Aaron Kane combined on a no-hitter versus Glenville. The 26 wins is a school record, surpassing 23 wins in 2023, and the senior class now has 92 wins.

#3 Badin

Record: 25-6
Head Coach: Brion Treadway
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 23
• Regional Titles: 16 (1975, 1984, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025)
• State Titles: 2 (1991, 1996)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .356, Total Runs: 265
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 198, Team ERA: 1.38, Strikeouts: 171

Top Players:

• Eli Wolpert, OF, 2026
• Austin Vangen, 3B, 2026 (Ranked 340)
• Kade Bowling, 1B/RHP, 2025 (Southern Wesleyan Commit. Ranked 112)
• Chase Luebbe, OF, 2025 (Lincoln Trail Commit. Ranked 114)
• Cooper Ollis, SS, 2025
• Chandler Taylor, OF, 2026 (Alabama Commit. Ranked 4 Ohio / 136 Nationally)
• Jay Carmella, DH, 2026 (Ranked 191)
• Kyle Anderson, C, 2025 (Ohio Northern Commit)
• Cade Cummins, 2B, 2026
• Caleb Driessen, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 29)
• Max Kraemer, RHP, 2025
• Carson Lowe, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 179)
• Brooks Treadway, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 124)
• Ryan Holderbach, RHP, 2025 (Ohio Northern Commit)
• Carson Sergent, LHP, 2026
• Chase Maggard, LHP, 2025 (Ranked 336)
• Luke Campbell, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 147)
• Carson Niehaus, RHP, 2026 (Ranked 229)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We have a full time strength coach (Craig Cheek) and an assistant strength coach (John Zigmond). Our players take strength and conditioning as a class during the school day so they train every day. This has been a gamechanger for our program. Our players are stronger and healthier than ever before. We also have two certified mental performance coaches on staff (Eric Cole & Matt Marcum). Our players train in mental performance every day. 

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We traveled to Tampa, FL for spring break this year and played four incredibly talented teams (North Christian, Tampa Jesuit, Tampa Catholic and IMG Grey). We were in every game. We all stayed in the same house for a week and really bonded quickly as a team. When we left Florida, our coaching staff knew we had a shot at getting back to state. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This group is very close and also very determined. They do not like days off so we practice every day. They trust one another and understand their roles and they play very loose. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Vandalia Butler is the #1 team in the state and is very well coached. It was incredible to be victorious against such a talented opponent. Seeing our guys celebrate was very enjoyable. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: The journey of a season is the most rewarding thing of coaching. Taking a team on day one and learning from all of the failures throughout the season and continually trying to get better is why our coaches do what we do. We are just happy to continue on the journey. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: Division III is loaded with talented teams. Whoever wins their last game is definitely going to have to earn 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: Badin has turned into an athletic powerhouse across all sports teams both boys and girls. We are just happy to contribute to the excellent athletic tradition at Badin High School. 

#16 Licking Valley

Record: 25-6
Head Coach: Adam Arcuri
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 4 (1986, 2003, 2019, 2025) 
• Regional Titles: 1 (2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .267, Total Runs: 197
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 204.2, Team ERA: 1.33, Strikeouts: 235

Top Players:

• Brody Rodgers, SS, 2027
• Brandt Lichtenauer, LF, 2027
• Adam West, 3B, 2026
• Zane Hancock, 2B, 2026
• Silas Kyle, CF, 2026
• Carter Sopher, 1B/RHP, 2025
• Evan Lichtenauer, LHP/DH, 2025 (Ohio U Commit. Ranked 80)
• Cameron Sopher, C, 2025
• Evan Lohr, RF, 2026
• Evan Roberts, RHP, 2025
• Grayson Snow, LHP, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We trained harder and more efficiently than we ever had. Played a competitive schedule that allowed us to be more comfortable in bigger games/situations.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We have felt comfortable with our top two arms and defense throughout the season, and knew it was a matter of the guys putting together quality at-bats and finding a way to score runs in big moments. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I enjoy getting the opportunity to go to the baseball field every day with these guys for as long as we can. We have a great group of seniors and underclassmen who are playing for each other, and it’s great to be a part of the ride.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was kind of surreal. We have always had aspirations of making it to the State Final Four and always kind of knew we could do it, but we finally put it all together. It was a great moment for our program and community as it was the first time our baseball program had won a regional game.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It is a great feeling to still be playing High School baseball in the middle of June. Not many teams get the opportunity to represent their school/community at the highest level. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: We were not surprised to see the other schools that are here. They are some of the best baseball programs that the state has to offer. It is a great feeling to see our school up there with the likes of them as well. It means that we are doing something right and hope to become as recognizable as some of them are.

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 thank the players, parents, coaching staff, community members, and school administrators for being supportive of these young men and the baseball program. Licking Valley is a special place that has a great past and a promising future. We look forward to representing our school and community at the highest level this upcoming week!

#7 Wapakoneta

Record: 22-5
Head Coach: Jason Brandt
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 8
• Regional Titles: 3 (2012, 2018, 2025)
• State Runner Up: (2012, 2018)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .300, Total Runs: 178
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 183, Team ERA: 1.76, Strikeouts: 211

Top Players:

• Grant Jolly, P/SS, 2025 (Marshall Commit. Ranked 20)
• Drew Bailey, SS/P, 2026 (Ranked 351)
• Griffin Mericle, C, 2026 (Ranked 339)
• 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 did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Once our regular season was complete last year we started with our summer weight program like we have for the previous few years. We workout 3x each week through June and July with the basketball team. Once school starts back up we continue with our weight training and add open hitting and throwing throughout the fall. Once winter begins, we add some new kids from fall sports and continue with weight training but incorporate much more throwing and hitting to get ready.  

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: Quite Honestly after the last out in the Regional Game. This team coming into the season was very raw and truly young.  We returned 6 lettermen, but only two of them had any experience on the mound.  We started off the season by winning 10 in a row and were feeling pretty good about ourselves. Then we proceeded to lose 3 of our next 4 by only giving up 2 earned runs. This could have been demoralizing but the kids stayed the course. We then won 6 in a row to end the season. After our first tournament game we scheduled Dublin Jerome and fellow final 4 competitor Perrysburg for games. While they did not end up in our favor, it gave our boys a glimpse at what it will take to make a run. I guess they say the rest is history.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: These kids play for each other. I am not sure we have ever had a team here that have not worried about their own individual accomplishments, but more importantly the team accomplishments. This has been so true throughout our playoff run. We have had different players step up each and every game to give us an important AB.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: A sense of relief. I know how hard it is to make the regionals and then to win it makes it all worthwhile. We had to play back to back days in Avon which is a 3 hour bus ride one way for us. This was not easy spending 12+ hours each day on the road and playing a game. The boys handled it better than anyone could have expected. But like I said, relief was the true feeling that I had. I was also happy for our players, fans and community for another chance to compete at the State Baseball Tournament.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Every program has a goal of winning a state championship and just to be able to compete this weekend for a chance is awesome. This is our program's third time making the final four since 2012 and we will continue to do what we have done all season long. We preach to play for the guy beside you and for your school. If we can do this and play good defense and get some timely hitting anything can happen.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: I may be biased but when the divisions came out, I felt like D3 was the toughest division in the state. I know how tough our district and region was, I can only imagine how tough the other 3 regions were. So whoever comes out as the champion will definitely deserve the title of State Champion. All of the teams remaining are very deserving of being 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: As a coach, a program, a school community, this is what every team strives for. With this being said, this one is not any different. These boys were too young to remember our first state appearance in 2012, but most of them were in the crowd during our 2018 run.  So they were all able to see the success of our previous teams and know how cool of an environment there will be on Friday. I also think it’s pretty cool that I get to coach my youngest son who is our starting 2nd baseman. 

#9 University School

Record: 26-6
Head Coach: Rob McNerney
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Postseason History:

• District Championships: 3 (2022, 2023, 2025, in McNerney's 5 seasons)
• Regional Titles: 1 (2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .355, Total Runs: 246
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 208, Team ERA: 2.35, Strikeouts: 170

Top Players:

• Aaron Moss, RHP, 2025 (Kenyon Commit)
• Crew Bellan, RHP, 2026
• Bryce Fielding, LF, 2025
• Deacon Nelson, 2B, 2026 (Virginia Commit. Ranked 6 Ohio / 141 Nationally)
• Jack Nelson, CF, 2027 (Ranked 48)
• Tucker Greer, 1B, 2025 (Case Western Commit. Ranked 194)
• Bobby Berglund, C, 2027
• James Bucci, SS, 2026
• Cayden Zelenak, DH, 2026
• Miles Wolf, 3B, 2028
• Slater Schoaf, P, 2025, Closer
• Lucas Clavijo, P, 2025, Relief
• Cameron Ryan, P, 2026, Relief

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: In terms of preparation, I am certainly biased, but you'd be hard pressed to find a coaching staff as committed as my guys are. None of our coaches work on campus. We have always told our players that this program is driven by them. Whatever they want out of their baseball experience here at U.S., we will do all we can to make it happen. So, from fall 6-man workouts, winter captains practices, strength and conditioning, 6:00am workouts after the teams have been selected, to 1-2 training sessions per week, we consistently challenge our guys. We create very difficult training environments so that by the time games come around, our guys are ready. Once gameplay begins, we seek out the very best competition we can. Being able to play teams like Walsh Jesuit, Grove City, Marysville, St. Ed's, Mentor and Medina really helped the guys get ready for the D3 playoff gauntlet (we had additional games against Lake Catholic, St. Ignatius and Vandalia Butler get rained out).

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We started to think about the possibility of making a deep run in the playoffs after our trip to Columbus on Friday, May 16th, and Saturday, May 17th. Although we lost both games (7-6 to Marysville and 11-9 to Grove City) our guys showed incredible fight in two really tough environments.  Baseball in Columbus is different.  Both of our opponents were intense, very well-coached with deep, talented rosters. They were two excellent late-season tests for our guys. Losing those games reminded our guys we still had some work to do, and I was impressed by how they responded in the weeks following.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like our offense right now. We have 300 hits as a team, with 6 guys over 30 hits (with two closing in on 40). 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 regionals?
Coach: The regional championship game was surreal. Our fans packed the stands in Hudson on both Wednesday and Thursday. Having their support was amazing. We had so many alums from the classes of 2021-2024 in attendance. To clinch our first final four berth in front of them was really special for us. Knowing all of the work they put into laying the foundation and turning this program around made it so much more satisfying. As soon as the game ended, I took a knee, and so many emotions hit me. Like all programs, we have dealt with a lot of adversity. I thought about the support we get from our wives and children, most of our parents, and all of the work our guys have put in to get here, and I could not help but cry. It was an amazing experience.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Heading to Akron for the final four, for the 1st time, is mind-blowing!  It still does not feel real to me. I am so thankful to be able to have another week with this team. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: I do not know a ton yet about the other three teams, but obviously, to make it this far, you have to have a special group of coaches and players. I applaud them for their success this season, and we look forward to competing against them. 

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 92 games, three district titles and now one regional title over the last four years. This coaching staff has now been together for five seasons (111 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. We hope their success will continue to open up eyes across the area.

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Division IV

Division IV Tournament Bracket

• #2 Lake Catholic (Mentor) vs #7 Unioto
• #19 Perkins vs #14 Indian Hill

#2 Lake Catholic (Mentor) vs #7 Unioto

#2 Lake Catholic (Mentor): No earned runs allowed in the tournament has Mentor Lake Catholic headed to state for the third time in school history, the first since 2012. Patrick Radigan, an Ashland signee, tossed a one-hit shutout with 10 Ks in a 1-0 win over Girard in the regional semifinals and Shea Sievers went the distance in a 10-0 three-hit blanking of Canfield in the finals. A.J. Trobenter had two hits in both games, while Radigan produced three hits and three RBIs versus Canfield. Brayden Mann and Micah Nyetrae each drove in two runs. The second-ranked Cougars, which finished third in the North Coast Conference won by CVCA, have outscored opponents 51-1 in the tournament, including a 3-0 triumph over Holy Name for the first regional berth in 14 years. 

#7 Unioto: Blake Sanders scattered eight hits in a 2-0 regional final win over Indian Creek, a Final Four team a year ago, sending Unioto to state for the third time ever and first since 1994. KB Perkins struck out 10 and allowed six hits in beating London 1-0 in the semis, with Perkins also producing an RBI single after a Keegan Snyder triple in the fourth for the lone run of the game. Both Perkins and Snyder are Findlay commits. The No. 7 D-IV squad, which won the Scioto Valley Conference, beat Westfall for the third time this season to win districts for the first time since 2018. Perkins, the SVC Player of the Year who missed part 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. 

#19 Perkins vs #14 Indian Hill

#19 Perkins: Dylan Crabtree, the lone senior on the team, had three hits and stole five bases in leading Sandusky Perkins past Benedictine 10-4 in the regional finals. The third trip to state in school history was made possible by a nine-run third inning. Perkins, which pounded out 15 hits to outlast Upper Sandusky 10-8 in the regional semis, have scored at least nine runs in every tournament game. Kash Koch was 4-5 and scored three runs, Blake Parker hit a single, double and triple and Quentin Binette drove in four runs. The 19th-ranked team in D-IV run-ruled Clear Fork in six innings 11-1 in the district finals after beating Shelby 9-1 in the district semis. Koch threw a one-hitter versus Shelby and Talon Walton allowed four hits in the finals, while also scoring three runs. Crabtree is the stolen base leader at the school for a season (45) and career (88). The Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division champs have 154 steals as a team on the season, including 13 in regionals. There have been five MLB draft picks out of Perkins, including current Bowling Green State University head coach Kyle Hallock as well as Brian Bixler, who played four seasons in the majors.

#14 Indian Hill: Jim Liebel did not permit an earned run in six innings of three-hit pitching to lead Indian Hill to its first appearance at the state tournament with an 8-1 victory over top-ranked Jonathan Alder. Luke Egnaczyk and Brady Drost had three RBIs apiece for Indian Hill, which beat Bishop Fenwick 6-5 in the regional semis. Devlan Daniel, the 16th-rated sophomore outfielder in the nation who has set school season records for hits (52), triples (8) and runs (46), belted an inside-the-park home run to break a 4-4 deadlock in the 10th and left fielder Noah Coffman threw a runner out at the plate in the bottom of the inning. Ashton Graham had four hits for Indian Hill, which ended a 31-year regional appearance drought a year ago. The 14th-ranked Braves beat Brookville 9-3 in the district finals after Coffman hit a bases-loaded RBI single to beat New Richmond 3-2 in eight innings in the district semis. Liebel did not allow an earned run in a five-hit, 10-strikeout performance and Dylan Hartman scored two runs.

#2 Lake Catholic (Mentor)

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

• Regional Titles: 3 (1987, 2012, 2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .322, Total Runs: 186
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 188, Team ERA: 1.30, Strikeouts: 226

Top Players:

• Caden Boyes, RF, 2025 (Ranked 213)
• Aj Trobenter, C, 2025 (Ranked 126)
• Brayden Mann, 3B, 2026
• Micah Nyetrae, 1B, 2026 (Ranked 321)
• Patrick Radigan, P/SS, 2025 (Ashland Commit. Ranked 54)
• Danny Locker, DH, 2026
• Tyler Rhibar, 2B/P, 2026
• Sena Walsh, LF, 2025
• Pete Malchesky, CF, 2026
• Frankie Trinetti, SS/P, 2025
• Shea Sievers, RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point? 
Coach: A senior led group had worked the entire offseason to prepare for a difficult schedule where we played mostly Division 1, 2, 3 teams to prepare for a long postseason run.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: This winter, when I saw the control and leadership of our Seniors.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have played many close games this year and our team believes we are prepared to win those types of games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Great Joy for the Seniors and all the boys who have worked tirelessly this year.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Baseball is a funny game, you never know if you will make it back so you have to take advantage of your shot.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: All the teams we have played and could play are extremely talented and 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: Thanks to all the families and my coaching staff for the incredible support this year.

#7 Unioto

Record: 24-6
Head Coach: Tony Taylor
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• ???

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: ???, Total Runs: ???
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: ???, Team ERA: ???, Strikeouts: ???

Top Players:

• ???

Coach's Thoughts:

Will be updated when we receive coach's thoughts.

#19 Perkins

Record: 21-9
Head Coach: TJ Blanton
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 10
• Regional Titles: 3

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .303, Total Runs: 245
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 198, Team ERA: 3.35, Strikeouts: 177

Top Players:

• Bryce Davie, CF, 2027
• Dylan Crabtree, RF/LF, 2025
• Braxden Martin, 3B/P, 2026
• Talon Walton, SS/P, 2026
• Kash Koch, OF/P, 2026
• Blake Parker, 1B, 2026
• Quentin Binette, DH, 2026
• Carter Koch, C, 2028
• Sam Schweinfurth, 2B/P, 2026
• Kaden Kroeger, OF/P, 2026
• Mason Souter, INF, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: starts with our strength and conditioning program in the offseason, winter hitting and schedule a competitive schedule to prepare for this. Picked up very competitive games the final 2 weeks of season 

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: Midway through season our top 3 arms put us in a spot to be very competitive come tournament times 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: we are playing team baseball, we are not selfish hitters and finding ways to get on base anyway we can. Our pitching is getting the job and and the defense is playing well. As other teams have noted- we cause havoc on the bases 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Excitement! The boys have put in the extra hours and this is a moment we have talked about since I took over 4 years ago. Extra special as a coach as our team was able to win the last game played on dirt at BGSU where I played 4 years 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: about 3% of Ohio high school baseball teams remain in 2025. We are excited to get another week together and knowing exactly when the last practice on your home field is going to be is a great feeling. Many of our players came 1 play short of a state football title this season and a third place team finish in state wrestling. To get a chance 3-6 months later to compete at the state level is something that doesn’t happen often. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: The 4 teams in D4 come from all corners of the state. To make the final 4 you have to be playing your best baseball and none of the 4 teams have made it by mistake. The other 3 teams have very talented players and rich traditions of baseball and we expect them to be very competitive. 

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 staff and team want to thank our school administration, our families, the boosters and everyone who has supported us this 2025 Spring season. Go Pirates! 

#14 Indian Hill

Record: 23-8
Head Coach: Cary Daniel
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• Regional Titles: 2 (2025, 1993)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .331, Total Runs: 289
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 193, Team ERA: 3.11, Strikeouts: 215

Top Players:

• Devlan Daniel, RHP/OF, 2027 (Ranked 1 Ohio / 64 Nationally)
• Ashton Graham, CF, 2026
• Jim Liebel, DH/P, 2026 (Ranked 125)
• Luke Egnaczyk, 1B/RHP, 2026
• Dylan Hartman, C, 2027 (Ranked 79)
• Brady Drost, LF, 2027
• Derek Zee, RF, 2026
• Andrew Copfer, SS, 2028
• Ben Sichel, 3B, 2026
• Sam Vigran, P, 2026
• Noah Coffman, P, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We train hard in the weight room. We have an excellent strength and conditioning Coach in Logan Neff who has really implemented a very successful training program that our baseball guys have completely bought into.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: I always knew that we had the talent to play with anyone. We just needed to find those role players that were ready to step up and do the little things right, and that has been the difference. This year was supposed to be a development year, but these guys have really taken the baton and run with it!

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are battle tested! Our non conference schedule is set up to help us for this type of run. We play good teams with really good pitchers and we feel like we have seen it all. Playing the Elders, Turpins and Ryles of the world are great opportunities for our guys to really learn how to be competitors.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling! This program has not won a regional since 1993.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I never made it here as a player or as a coach, so I am very excited. I was fortunate enough to experience as a parent when my son played for Moeller and won it. It was a great feeling from the stands, I can only imagine the feelings being down on the field.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: No one is in this final four because they are just lucky. These teams are very good and we know we have to play a great game on our end just to have a chance to win.

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 want to thank our community for their support and we just want to go out there and do our best.

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Division V

Division V Tournament Bracket

• #1 Waynedale vs #3 Coldwater
• #5 Lynchburg-Clay vs #24 Graham

#1 Waynedale vs #3 Coldwater

#1 WAYNEDALE: Make it four years in a row to state for Apple Creek Wayndale. The Golden Bears, which won state in Division III in 2022 and 2023 before losing in eight innings in the semifinals to eventual state champ Heath a year ago, knocked off Canton Central Catholic 6-3 in the regional finals after a 10-4 semifinal triumph over Cardinal Mooney. Shane Coblentz had four hits and scored three runs while Jayden Schlabach hit two singles and a double in the semis. Brayden Steiner pitched two shutout innings of relief in the finals and also hit a single and home run, scoring twice. The top-ranked D-V team in Ohio had two-run rule wins in claiming a fourth straight district championship, 11-0 (Columbiana Crestview) and 13-0 (Wickliffe) after winning on a forfeit in sectionals. Coblentz struck out 10 in a one-hitter versus Wickliffe and combined on a one-hitter in the semis with three other pitchers. Lucas Daugherty has a coaching record of 128-33.

#3 COLDWATER: Mason Welsch hit a walk-off RBI double to cap a two-run seventh inning in helping Coldwater to the Final Four with a 4-3 victory over #2 Ottawa Hills. Welsch finished with three RBIs, Braxton Taylor scored two runs and Bennett Spriggs had two hits for the Cavaliers, ranked third in the state in Division V. Aaron Kaup tossed five innings of two-hit shutout ball in a 7-0 blanking of Centerburg in the semis. Spriggs belted a two-run double in a six-run seventh and scored a pair of runs. In the district title game, Welsch hit a triple, drove in two runs and gave up two earned runs in 4.2 innings to lead Coldwater past Liberty-Benton. Cody Depweg and Miles Potkotter each had two hits for the Midwest Athletic Conference champions, which had eight players with at least one hit.

#5 Lynchburg-Clay vs #24 Graham

#5 LYNCHBURG-CLAY: Elam Foust hit a one-out single, went to third on a double by Josiah Burns and came home on a Braeden West sacrifice fly in the bottom of  the ninth to give Lynchburg-Clay a 5-4 win over St. Clairsville and the first regional championship in school history. West went all nine innings for the win, a school record 23rd of the season for the sixth ranked team in D-V. Burns finished 3-4 and Cody Bell 2-5 for the Mustangs, which used a four-run first inning to beat Lucasville Valley 4-3 in the regional semis behind a complete game from Cole Wells, the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Player of Year who is 10-0 pitching while batting .574 on the season with five home runs. A Thomas More commit and one of nine seniors on the squad, Wells fanned 12 in a 3-2 district finals win over Portsmouth, avenging a loss in the district finals a year ago and giving the Mustangs their second district title ever. West had a two-hit 11-strikeout performance in a 6-0 victory over Piketon in the district semis. Bell had two-out, two-run singles in both district games for second-year head coach James Flowers. Lynchburg-Clay has a .373 team batting average while limiting the opposition to a .184 mark.

#24 GRAHAM: A four-run fourth inning put Graham up for good in a 5-1 victory over Ironton in the regional finals. Adam Levy fanned eight and walked one in a five-hitter for the 24th-ranked Division V team in Ohio. A Findlay commit, Levy, the 14th-rated senior shortstop in Ohio, tossed a two-hitter to beat Mariemont 8-1 in the district finals, giving the Central Buckeye Conference Mad River Division champions their first district crown since 2003. Junior southpaw Hayden VanHoose fired a one-hitter in the regional semifinal 7-0 blanking of MVCA. This marks the first state appearance for Graham since finishing as state runners-up in 1995. The lone state championship for the school came in 1973.

#1 Waynedale

Record: 28-4
Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 12
• Regional Titles: 5
• State Titles: 2

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .326, Total Runs: 235
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 200.2, Team ERA: 1.46, Strikeouts: 248

Top Players:

• Shane Coblentz, RHP/SS, 2025 (Malone Commit. Ranked 176)
• Tristan Franks, C, 2025
• Cameron Miller, LF/RHP, 2027 (Ranked 93)
• Jordan Miller, SS/2B, 2026
• Jayden Schlabach, DH, 2025
• Brayden Steiner, 3B/RHP, 2026
• Josh Yoder, CF/LHP, 2025
• Logan Troyer, 1B, 2027
• Hudson Barkman, RF, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: A lot of hours in the weight room, batting cages, and on the baseball field. Since the end of last season, we have been working hard to get back to the state tournament. 

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We made it to the State Semifinals last year with a young team. We returned a lot of starters from that team and got some upperclassmen back that missed last year with injuries. Getting back to the state tournament has been a goal that we have believed in all year. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a team that is playing together and doing whatever it takes to win the game we are in. We have needed our offense and defense to come through at different points and they have done so. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling to get a win against a very tough Canton Central Catholic team. We are excited to keep our season going! 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It is always a challenge to get to this point in the season. We are glad to be playing meaningful baseball and we are ready to face a strong opponent. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: All of the teams have had incredible seasons! I am looking forward to some good baseball against some of the best teams in the state. 

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 proud of my upperclassmen this season. They have done a great job leading the team throughout the season. I am also thankful for my coaching staff that puts in many extra hours to help the players and the program. We have incredible support from our families and fans in the Waynedale community. 

#3 Coldwater

Record: 28-2
Head Coach: Cory Klenke
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 29
• Regional Titles: 22
• State Runners-up: 4
• State Titles: 7

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .327, Total Runs: 242
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 204, Team ERA: 1.44, Strikeouts: 163

Top Players:

• Aaron Kaup, RHP, 2025
• Owen Kunk, RHP, 2025
• Braxton Taylor, CF, 2027
• Karsyn Homan, SS, 2027
• Mason Welsch, 2B/RHP, 2025
• Baylen Blockberger, 1B, 2025
• Mason Smith, DH/RHP, 2025
• Cody Depweg, RF, 2025
• Brady Lefeld, LF, 2025
• Bennett Spriggs, C, 2027
• Miles PottKotter, 3B/RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We continued to stay committed to our preparation process that has been implemented in prior years, as we feel we have a very good routine for both of these time periods.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: When we were able to go undefeated and win our league title (MAC) outright, we knew we had the team to be able to make a long tournament run like this.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the team leadership and chemistry that this team has created throughout the season. This team has dealt with a lot of adversity through this school year and season with injuries, but they have never used them as excuses. I like how mature this team is as a whole, along with the effort and attitude they bring each day.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Since the win was a come from behind, walk-off fashion there was a lot of excitement and emotion. The feeling was a sense of accomplishment that we are doing things the right way and this team continues to overcome the adversity thrown their way.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We have been blessed to be a part of Final Four games in recent years, but the feeling of making it back this year is another goal that we were able to accomplish this season.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: All three of the teams at this level are great teams, playing their best baseball to end the season. We look forward to competing with them and representing our Division.

#5 Lynchburg-Clay

Record: 23-3
Head Coach: James Flowers
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 28
Postseason History: 

• District Titles: 2 (1997, 2025)
• Regional Titles: 1 (2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .373, Total Runs: 272, Total Hits: 239, SB: 130
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 163, Team ERA: 1.24, Strikeouts: 231

Top Players: 

• Josiah Burns, CF, 2025
• Braedon West, SS/P, 2025
• Cole Wells, RHP, 2025 (Thomas More Commit. Ranked 303)
• Christian Flowers, 1B/RHP, 2025
• Quin Wells, 3B/P, 2028
• Trevor Niehaus, RF, 2027
• Cody Bell, LF, 2025
• Tanner Roberts, DH, 2028
• Elam Faust, C, 2026
• Asher Faust, 2B, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We focused a lot on conditioning and getting stronger, both physically and mentally. We made it a point to work on the fundamentals, whether it was refining our skills or building team chemistry through workouts. Every practice, every game was a step toward building the habits we knew we’d need at this point. We made sure to hold each other accountable and stayed locked in on our goals. It wasn’t always easy, but I think the consistency, the trust, and the work ethic we developed as a group are what got us here.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We believed we had a special group in the making at the age of 9 years old; we just knew they were special.

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 regionals?
Coach: It was unbelievable, just an incredible moment. All the hard work and practices—it all led to that one moment. Just pure joy! Very emotional hugging, cheering, and tears in our eyes. We will remember this moment for the rest of our lives.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Reaching the Final Four and having a shot at the state championship is a monumental achievement that brings a mix of emotions, pride, excitement, and a deep sense of accomplishment. For these kids, it's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: We don’t know much about the other teams in the Final 4, but all 3 have to be solid; there’s a reason they made it this far. You don’t get to the Final Four without being disciplined, talented, and well-coached. We respect every team, but at the same time, we’re focused on what we do best and staying locked in.

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 continue to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, assistant coaches, LC staff, parents, Lynchburg community, the surrounding communities, but most importantly, these kids.  It has been a blessing to coach this great group of young men.

#24 Graham

Record: 19-10
Head Coach: Spencer Mitchell
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: No. 23
Postseason History:

• 1973 State Champion
• 1995 State Runner-Up

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .288, Total Runs: 175
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 195, Team ERA: 2.80, Strikeouts: 188

Top Players:

• Owen Powell, 2025
• Zach Wheeland, 2025
• Holden Dunham, 2025
• Adam Levy, SS/P, 2025 (Findlay Commit. Ranked 92)
• Breyton Reisinger, P, 2025
• Jack Traylor, 2026
• Dylan LaFollette, 2025  
• Brody Jenkins, 2027
• Hayden Van Hoose, P, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Alot of the kids at Graham are multi-sport athletes. We continue to advocate for kids to maximize their high school experience as a student-athlete. Our offseason training consisted of weightlifting and strength training, especially for some of our kids who don't play a winter sport.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: When we beat Arcanum in the sectionals, there was a sense of excitement. The confidence has just grown from that point on.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They are agressive. They are confident. They are noticeably having fun with their teammates.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was surreal. Seeing these kids, their families and our community members embrace on the field, is a sight that I'll never forget. That is what makes this special. It's about family.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are excited to represent our community, our school and our families. This is an experience that these kids will never forget.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: These are all high- quality teams that are having magical seasons. We have played Coldwater during the regular season. Their program is no stranger to the post season. Coldwater continues to be a powerhouse in our region.

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 wish to recognize the contributions that Donzil Hall has made to the Graham Baseball program. Coach Hall is a pillar in our community and is revered by all who know him. Coach Hall epitimizes what it means to be a Falcon. It has been wonderful to see him around our program, meet some of his former players, some of who still work and live in our community. Coach Hall's baseball team won the state championship in 1973. In 1995, Graham reached the state finals in baseball too. That team was lead by Matt Middleton, Brook Cupps and Brent Parke. Those guys also played a crucial role in contributing to the rich history here at Graham. I was fortunate enough to have my dad pull me out of school to go watch that game in '95. I was 10 and I still have the baseball that I took to the game. Before the game, I asked Coach Ray Cupps if I could get an autograph. Coach Cupps did better than that. Coach saw to it that every member of that team signed my ball. Talk about surreal! That was the moment that I fell in love with Graham Baseball. To now have a chance to lead this program in the pursuit of another championship is an honor, but it wouldn't be possible without the efforts of those that came before us. This is a season we will never forget. That's what it's about. Creating memories that will last a lifetime. These kids have provided plenty for us this season. We couldn't be prouder. 

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Division VI

D-VI Schedule

Division VI Tournament Bracket

• #1 Hiland (Berlin) vs #4 Fairview (Sherwood)
• #2 Lake Center Christian vs #12 Elmwood

#1 Hiland (Berlin) vs #4 Fairview (Sherwood)

#1 HILAND: A third consecutive state title is within reach for No. 1 Hiland after a 10-run fifth inning broke a scoreless game in a 10-0 shutout of Southeastern in the regional finals. Colin Coblentz has a .667 average in the tournament with two home runs and 12 RBIs while Grady Monigold is batting .447 while upping his season total for home runs to six. Caden Coblentz, the Inter-Valley Conference South Division Player of the Year, fanned 13 in six innings of a 3-0 district title win over Garaway. Both Colin and Caden Coblentz are Malone commits for the Hawks, which have five starters back from last year’s D-IV state champs. Monigold, who broke the school record for RBIs in a season this year with 44, hit a two-out two-run double in the sixth inning to give Hiland a 3-2 win over Fort Recovery in last year’s D-IV championship game.

#4 FAIRVIEW: A five-run sixth inning rallied Fairview past Cincinnati Country Day 6-4 in the regional semifinals, the first regional victory in school history, and the Apaches went on to earn a state berth with a 7-1 win over Fort Recovery, last year’s Division IV state runners-up. 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 after the fourth-ranked team in the state avenged a regular-season loss to Wayne Trace in the semis 10-1 behind a combined five-hitter from Arend and freshman Anthony Singer. Arend has established a school mark for hits in a season with 54. Fairview has set school records for wins (28), run-rules (10), runs in a game (33), hits in a game (31), HBP in a season (40), hits in a season (330), singles (254), doubles (59), runs in a season (298), RBIs in a season (246), sacrifices (25), OBP (.531) and double plays (19). Head coach Andy Singer has a career coaching record of 371-176. While this is the first trip to state for Fairview, Ney (which is part of the school system) was a Class B state runners-up in 1943.

#2 Lake Center Christian vs #12 Elmwood

#2 LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN: A 9-4 win over Kirtland has No. 2 Lake Center Christian becoming the first team in any sport to make it to state at the school. Caleb Shelly threw 4.1 innings of scoreless relief to improve to 6-0 on the season. Luke Heckert produced three hits to pace an 11-hit attack and drove in three runs. Grant Coblentz, Colton Smilek and Brayden Myers added two hits each. Myers threw a two-hitter in the regional semifinal 10-0 blanking of Rootstown, with Shelby hitting a double and triple while driving in three. It was just the second regional appearance ever for Lake Center Christian, the other in 2009 when 12th-year head coach Shane Byler was a player. Nathan Bryant, an Ohio State commit, and Shelly combined to strike out 18 and 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. Myers and 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 Byler picked up his 200th win.

#12 ELMWOOD: A Zack Gross two-hitter gave Elmwood its second regional championship ever with an 8-1 victory over Evergreen. Gross also went 3-3 with two runs and two RBIs while Ryken Zeigler and Cayden Stewart had two hits and an RBI apiece for the 12th-rated Royals, whose only previous state appearance came in 2007 when Elmwood was state runners-up. Landon Snow fired a no-hitter with 10 Ks in the regional semifinals against Marion Local. Colton Bradford had a single and double while scoring two runs in the 8-0 victory, with Marshal Taft and Aidan Marsh producing two hits each. Elmwood, which came in third in the Blanchard Valley Conference that was won by Liberty-Benton, made it to regionals for the first time since 2016 after beating Lakota 7-3. 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. 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 Taft had three RBIs in beating Riverdale 11-4 for the first sectional title since 2016. Gross has 31 stolen bases, surpassing the previous high of 26 at Elmwood.

#1 Hiland

Record: 29-1
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 15
• Regional Titles: 8
• State Titles: 3

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .361, Total Runs: 230
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 195, Team ERA: 0.86, Strikeouts: 256

Top Players:

• Caden Coblentz, 1B/RHP, 2025 (Malone Commit. Ranked 206)
• Mike Miller, RF/LHP, 2026 (Ranked 361)
• Colin Coblentz, CF/LHP, 2025 (Malone Commit. Ranked 227)
• Grady Monigold, 1B, 2026 (Ranked 200)
• Danny Hostetler, C, 2025
• Logan Yoder, 3B, 2026
• Keith Hershberger, SS, 2025
• Cade Beachy, LF, 2025
• Kaden Kandel, 2B/RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: This team has been preparing for this opportunity since last summer. They have put in a lot of time in the weight room and working in our facility, pitching and hitting, to prepare themselves to compete for another state title. We played a strong schedule during the regular season to prepare ourselves for the tournament. 

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: The way these guys played during the regular season, against some strong programs, I knew they had the ability to reach this level. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The guys are playing with a lot of confidence right now and never feel out of a game. They are playing really well at all levels of the game right now. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Winning a regional is never something you take for granted. It is a very difficult level to achieve and the players have worked extremely hard to get here. I couldn't be happier for the players to have this experience. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Winning a state championship has been our goal from the start of the season and these guys are focused on making it happen. We know how fortunate we are to be playing at this point in the year, it is something we do not take for granted. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: Fairveiw is a very good team with a potent lineup. We will have to play clean ball and not give them any free bases, they are more than capable to make a team pay. At this point the other two teams are not set but whoever it is, they will be a solid ball team. These are going to be some good games in division six

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: A big thank you to the players and coaches (Richie, Kevin, Jordan) for all the time and work they've put into this season. The players have worked extremely hard all year and deserve all the credit in the world. Also a huge thank you to the parents, community and school staff for supporting the team throughout the season. A special thanks to those that contributed to our turf project. The players and coaches are beyond grateful for your generosity. 

#4 Fairview (Sherwood)

Record: 28-3
Head Coach: Andy Singer
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 5
• Regional Titles: 1

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: 373, Total Runs: 298
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 207, Team ERA: 2.00, Strikeouts: 183

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 (Ranked 350)
• Jesse Coolman, C, Senior
• Logan Olinger, SS, 2027
• Gavin Garza, CF, 2027
• Jonah Shininger, RHP, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Going into this season we knew that we had something special. These guys have played together for a long time and were the young group that won the 2021 Jr. ACME State championship. All through the season we knew that we had the depth on the mound with 4 true starters, 2 middle relievers and a closer. It was the true combination of what big programs can have. That has proven to lead to our success.  

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: Right from the beginning of the tournament, we felt that we were playing some of our best baseball at the right time.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: These guys have each others back and will pick each other up to make sure that they believe in the next pitch mentality.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: These guys have each others back and will pick each other up to make sure that they believe in the next pitch mentality. There have been many great programs in the past come through Fairview and to see all that these guys have accomplished has been amazing. Proud of them is an understatement. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Making it to the Final Four is a crazy feeling as all season we have been rated high in the state but now we can say that we truly deserved that ranking.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: The other teams at state are there for a reason. They are good. It is exciting though that we could have two NW Ohio teams in the State Finals. We know that we will have to hit the baseball, minimize mistakes, and don't give up free bases.

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 community outreach has been such a great part of this ride. We have had teams do extremely well in other sports so to have the baseball program reach this level has been fantastic. We have 6 seniors that have given a huge part of their lives to Fairview Baseball and I can not say thank you enough. Out of Coach Tony and I's 371 wins at Fairview the King family (Zach Batt, Kody King, Curtis King, Cash King) have been part of over 160 of those wins. Coach Tony (my dad) has coached baseball and softball in our school district for almost 75 seasons. We are so blessed to have had him here to be a part of so many lives. He is a role model as a coach, father, family member and friend. Coach Ralph Ruffer, coached basketball for Fairview for many years, told me to enjoy every minute of coaching as the time you spend with these young men are helping mold them into the people we want them to become. He always said that we need to remember to - PLAY HARD, PLAY SMART, AND ENJOY WHAT YOU ARE DOING. He also said that one day I was going to coach my son and that it will be one of the highlights of my coaching career. He was so correct. Getting to spend more time with Anthony and seeing him grow into the great young man he has become has truly been a blessing. This also to share with his Grandpa (Coach Tony), his Dad (Coach Andy - me) and him gives us three generations on the field at one time.

#2 Lake Center Christian

Record: 27-4
Head Coach: Shane Byler
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• Program est. 2005
• District Titles: 4 (2009, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• Regional Title: (2025)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .366, Total Runs: 287
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 193, Team ERA: 1.77, Strikeouts: 296

Top Players:

• Grant Coblentz, LF/LHP, 2027
• Colton Smilek, C/UTL/P, 2027
• Luke Heckert, CF/P, 2026 (Ranked 64)
• Caleb Shelly, SS/RHP, 2027
• Nathan Bryant, 3B/RHP, 2026 (Ohio State Commit. Ranked 15)
• Jacob Rainieri, 1B/P, 2027
• Brayden Myers, 2B/RHP, 2026
• Wyatt Caudle, DH, 2025
• Chance Klingelhofer, UTL, 2025
• Nathan Miller, RF, 2025
• Chris Moyer, UTL.
• Benson Bryant, UTL.
• Ben Brown, UTL.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our kids took it upon themselves to work extremely hard in the offseason. We also approach all team events with great enthusiasm, focus and effort, knowing that it would lead to continued improvement and prepare us for our ultimate team goal.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: We've been talking for a long time about becoming the team we want to be and along with that, we've believed for a long time that we had what it takes to go to States. It's nice to see it come to fruition.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We've been firing on all cylinders and just continue to build on everything each day.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was an incredible milestone and a tremendous accomplishment becoming the first team at Lake Center Christian, in any sport, to advance to the Final Four. Every member of our Baseball Program (coaches, parents, supporters and MOST importantly the players, past and present) is part of this.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Our eyes remain fixed on the top prize...continuing to thrive and advance, running until we run out of road.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: We have great respect for all of our opponents and we're excited for the opportunity to play all of them.

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're thrilled and honored to represent our school in the Final-4, and greatly appreciate our community's support throughout the season. We will give them our best and we will continue to aim to glorify God in the way we play the game.

#12 Elmwood

Record: 22-8
Head Coach: Matt Malecha
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 6
• Regional Titles: 2

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .292, Total Runs: 216
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 194, Team ERA: 2.56, Strikeouts: 235

Top Players:

• Zack Gross, LF/P, 2025
• Colton Bradord, C, 2025
• Aden Alva, DH, 2025
• Landon Snow, SS/P, 2025
• Nico Allen, 1B, 2028
• Marshal Taft, 2B, 2026
• Aidan Marsh, 3B/SS, 2025
• Cadyn Stewart, RF/P, 2025
• Kason Hammer, CF, 2027
• Carter Goetz, 3B/P, 2028
• Ryken Zeigler, C, 2027
• Abe Keiffer, RHP, 2028
• Gabe Schafer, RHP, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We put a big emphasis on ACME last summer and that set the tone. In the fall and winter our guys really dedicated themselves to getting better. We also met as a team once a month during the offseason for team unity and leadership. In the regular season we played a challenging schedule and faced some strong pitching. Whether it was an offseason lift, preseason practice or regular season game, our guys have just focused on getting better that day. 

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: About half way through the season we became a player lead team. Our leaders set the standard and we started playing a consistent brand of baseball. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our guys have stayed very consistent throughout the tournament. They have enjoyed the run, stayed calm in big moments and played our style of baseball. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I was just so happy for our players. They have done everything that has been asked of them and bought into the standards of our program. It was also awesome to see our community support us and get to enjoy that moment with them. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Our goal will remain the same. Focus on the present moment and play our style of baseball. We are obviously excited and eager for the opportunity but our main focus will be to win every pitch.  

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: All three teams are very talented and well coached. We know we have to play our best baseball in order to keep 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: Our community continues to show up and we can't thank them enough. Elmwood takes pride in their baseball and we are excited to play Country Hardball this weekend. 

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Division VII

Division VII Tournament Bracket

• #1 Calvert vs #5 Newark Catholic
• #2 Minster vs #8 Russia

#1 Calvert vs #5 Newark Catholic

#1 CALVERT: A two-out RBI single by AJ Shoemaker in the top of the seventh rallied top-ranked Tiffin Calvert past Warren JFK 4-3 in the regional finals. Logan Ritzler threw a complete game and had two hits for Calvert, which trailed 3-0 after one inning. The No. 1 team in the state in D-VII run-ruled McDonald 14-4 in the regional semis. Cameron Moyer was 7-7 in the regionals with a home run and five RBIs. The Senecas claimed a fifth-straight district crown with a 10-0 blanking of St. Paul. 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. Ritzler and Cameron Moyer teamed up on a two-hit shutout for the Sandusky Bay Conference River Division champions. Blake Coleman now holds the school record for pitching wins (27) and hits (120). This marks the third state trip in four years for Calvert, which lost in the semifinals the previous two appearances.

#5 NEWARK CATHOLIC: Nine-time state champion Newark Catholic will be making its 18th trip to state after Owen Przymierski had four hits and tossed a four-hitter in a 9-3 win over South Webster in the regional championship. Przmierski, who threw a three-hitter with 11 Ks in an 8-1 victory over Danville in the district finals, struck out 10 while Alex Nagel had three hits in the 11th straight win for the fifth-ranked Division VII Green Wave. Miller Hutchison had a four-hitter with 11 strikeouts in beating Franklin Furnace Green 7-1 in the regional semis. Nagel hit a three-run triple in a six-run fifth inning against Danville. This will be the first appearance at state since 2022 for Newark Catholic, owners of four second-place finishes in addition to the nine state titles.

#2 Minster vs #8 Russia

#2 MINSTER: Louis Magoto threw a no-hitter to lead No. 2 Minster past Montpelier 3-0, sending the Wildcats to the Final Four for the first time since 2019. Magoto got the final out of a 9-8 regional semifinal win over New Riegel, a game in which Minster overcame 11 walks and 10 LOB. Magoto and Ian Homan each had three hits for the second-ranked team in D-VII. Magoto, the Midwest Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, 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 for its 10th district title. 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 for Minster, which came in third place in the MAC behind first place Coldwater and second place Versailles.

#8 RUSSIA: It will be four straight appearances at state for Russia, which has not allowed a run in its past three tournament games including an 11-0 shutout of Cedarville in the regional finals. Maddox Goubeaux fired a one-hitter, a two-out single in the fourth, for Russia, which blanked Mohawk 9-0 in the semis behind a two-hitter from Braylon Cordonnier after winning districts with a 10-0 whitewash of Tri-County North when Cordonnier, a Marshall commit, tossed a four-hitter. Ben York hit a home run to pace a 12-hit attack in the district finals for the eighth-ranked Raiders, which lost to Hiland 2-0 in the D-IV state semis a year ago. Russia, which came in third place this season in the Shelby County Athletic League behind champion Fort Loramie and second place Anna, has won two state crowns (2022, 1971) and placed second three times (2023, 2017, 1975).

#1 Calvert

Record: 27-3
Head Coach: Matt Coleman
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• District Titles: 7
• Regional Titles: 3

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .340, Total Runs: 264
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 189.2, Team ERA: 1.70, Strikeouts: 234

Top Players:

• Blake Coleman, RHP, 2025 (Findlay Commit. Ranked 200)
• Vincenzo Lyons, LF, 2027
• AJ Shoemaker, RF, 2026
• Connor Moyer, C, 2026
• Cameron Moyer, 2026
• Charlie Palm, SS, 2028
• Jake Kidwell, 2B, 2026
• Cash Lee, CF, 2026
• Logan Ritzler, 3B, 2026
• Tucker Coleman, RHP, 2028

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Focus on the process and execution with special attention to situational hitting. We also created depth in pitching which was needed.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: There were always targets and expectations, but they began to believe in themselves more in my opinion when we play 2/3 of an inning against Bishop Watterson in rough weather and jumped out to a league. I think that day they developed a bit more of a toughness to them even though we didn't finish the game.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: For the most part, our demeanor and trust in the process over the result is better. In general, we are slowing things down and a bit more patient.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Very satisfying to come through against a solid team which we have become very familiar with over the last 5 years in Warren JFK. We were able to breakthrough against a good pitcher for multiple runs after being held to 1 in 10 innings last year.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Again, it is special, but we will continue to focus on the process and breaking down the execution more than the result. We know we will be judge on the result, but at the end of the day, we will compete to our highest of abilities and see where things fall this week. It is always special to play June High School Baseball!

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: 3 pretty storied programs that have had a lot of success and have strong fan bases. The sense of community in all 4 schools will be felt and I think each team has solid pitching and a lineup that knows how to play the 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: We are so thankful once again for the talents that God has given us to enjoy playing the game we love in front of fans and a community that supports us!

#5 Newark Catholic

Record: 20-9
Head Coach: Ron Graves
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• Regional Titles: 18 (2025, '22, '16, '15, '14, '13, '11, '10, '09, '07, '06, '04, '03, '02, 1989, '88, '87, '80)
• State Titles: 9 (2015, '13, '12, '06, '04, '03, '02, 1989, '88)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .313, Total Runs: 232
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 189.1, Team ERA: 1.89, Strikeouts: 241

Top Players:

• Mikey Hess, CF/RHP, 2025
• Alex Nagel, 2B/RHP, 2027
• Miller Hutchison, SS/RHP, 2025 (Ranked 117)
• Malone Hutchison, C, 2027
• Owen Przymierski, LHP, 2026
• Hal Gillespie, RF, 2027
• Max Moore, 3B/RHP, 2027
• Andy Gossett, 1B, 2026
• Jaxon Holman, LF, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

Will be updated when we receive coach's thoughts.

#2 Minster

Record: 24-6
Head Coach: Mike Wiss
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• Sectional Titles: 24 (‘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 Titles: 10 (‘96, ‘03, ‘04, ‘07, ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19, 25)
• Regional Titles: 6 (‘03, ‘11, ‘12, ‘17, ‘19, '25)
• State runner-up: 2 ('03, ‘19)
• State Champions: 3 (‘11, ‘12, ‘17)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: .314, Total Runs: 231
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: 193.1, Team ERA: 2.35, Strikeouts: 238

Top Players:

• Dylan Heitkamp, C, 2025
• Reese Beair, 2B/DH, 2026
• Louis Magoto, 2B/RHP, 2025
• James Niemeyer, 3B/P, 2025
• Ian Homan, 1B, 2025
• Rylan Edwards, LF, 2025
• Jace Hemmelgarn, RF/DH, 2026
• Andrew Wiss, SS/RHP, 2026
• Connor Schmiesing, CF, 2025
• Caleb Couse, LHP, 2025
• Andrew Ketner, RHP, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: A big part of what we did last summer was to take our annual TEAM trip to Tennessee in June as well as winning the State ACME Championship.

PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: Good kids. Have a rich history of being succussful. Love baseball.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how we compete. We talk about it each day. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Played 2 really good teams in New Riegel and Montpelier. Coming from behind in the regional Semi and Louis Magoto's no-hitter in the Regional Final.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Happy these guys. As I am sure all coaches are of their team. Speical group.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: Excellent baseball teams in Division VII. Gonna have to pitch, hit and play defense very well. AS Bobby Knight said years ago, "Victory favors the team making the fewest mistakes." Have to play and get a little luck I'm sure. 

#8 Russia

Record: 18-11
Head Coach: Kevin Phlipot
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• Regional Titles: 7 (1971, 1975, 2017, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025)
• State Titles: 2 (1971, 2022)

Team Statistics:

• Offense: Team Average: ???, Total Runs: ???
• Pitching: Innings Pitched: ???, Team ERA: ???, Strikeouts: ???

Top Players:

• Braylon Cordonnier, RHP/INF, 2025 (Marshall Commit. Ranked 67)
• Vince Borchers, CF, 2025
• Zeb Schulze, 3B, 2025
• Cooper Unverferth, C, 2026
• Micah Grieshop, LF, 2025
• Zeb Borchers, SS, 2025
• Benjamin York, RF, 2025
• Grant Bergman, DH, 2028
• Quinn Hoying, 2B, 2028
• Maddox Goubeaux, P, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

No answer's were returned

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