Prep Baseball Report

2026 OHSAA Tournament: State Final Four Preview


Dylan Hefflinger and Bruce Hefflinger
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2026 OHSAA Tournament: State Final Four Preview

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

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Division I

Division I Tournament Bracket

  • #4 Archbishop Moeller vs #10 Perrysburg
  • #3 St. Xavier vs #2 Olentangy Orange

#4 ARCHBISHOP MOELLER: Moeller’s impressive tournament run continued in regionals with back-to-back shutouts, blanking Grove City 8-0 and top-ranked Centerville 7-0. Nathan McDowell, who is 10-0 with a 1.037 ERA, threw a six-hitter with nine strikeouts to beat Grove City, and Matt Ponatoski, a two-sport commit to Kentucky, and Jake Gaerke combined on a two-hit shutout against Centerville, sending Moeller to state for the 14th time. Louisville recruit Reggie Watson and Teagan Cumberland each had two hits in the regional semis while Watson went 3-3 and scored two runs in the finals. Moeller shut out Middletown 12-0 and then topped Little Miami 5-2 to advance to regionals for the fifth year in a row. Watson had two singles and three RBIs in the district finals after hitting a triple and driving in two in the semis. McDowell, a Notre Dame recruit, threw a no-hitter against Middletown for the nine-time state champions, striking out 13 in five innings, while Connor Maupin hit a single, double and drove in two. Kent State commit Connor Cuozzo now has 103 career RBIs, breaking the previous mark of 88 set 21 years ago. The Crusaders have five shutouts during a nine-game winning streak in which pitchers have allowed just nine runs.

#10 PERRYSBURG: Andrew Charpie threw a six-hit shutout to lead Perrysburg past Massillon Jackson 1-0 and with it a third consecutive trip to state. The Yellow Jackets, winners of 11 in a row, rallied from a 6-2 deficit with one in the bottom of the sixth and three in the last of the seventh to send the regional semifinal game with Strongsville into extra innings and Perrysburg won in 11 on a two-out walkoff RBI double from Asher Lattimore that plated Taylor commit JD Zeeb, who had tied the game with a two-out run-scoring single in the seventh. Preston Faris threw 5.2 shutout innings of relief for the victory. Ryan Retting has seven hits in the tournament for Perrysburg, which used a nine-run fourth inning to get past Medina 14-12 in the district finals. Findlay commit Tyler Palmer had three hits and drove in four for the Yellow Jackets, Charpie had a single and triple and scored three times as part of a 15-hit attack by the seventh-ranked team in the state, which scored three in the bottom of the sixth to defeat Midpark 4-1 in the district semis. Charpie, a Heidelberg signee, did not permit an earned run in five three-hit innings. This marks the fifth year in a row the Northern Lakes League has had a team in the Division I Final Four, Northview winning state in 2022, Anthony Wayne losing in the semifinals in 2023 and Perrysburg, falling to Springboro 5-1 in last year’s state semifinals after losing to eventual state champion Mason 1-0 in the 2024 state semis. 

#3 ST. XAVIER: St. Xavier scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth to come from behind to beat Oak Hills 6-5 and earn a state berth for the third time in school history. Jack Ryan tossed a no-hitter in a 1-0 win over Elder in the regional semifinals to give the Bombers a 1-0 victory over a team that had beaten them two of three during the regular season. St. Xavier, which has now won 18 out of its last 19, defeated Walnut Hills 5-2 and Lakota West 8-3 in districts. Ryan had two singles and a double to lead a 12-hit attack against Lakota West and also picked up the win on the mound after the Bombers won the semifinals with just three hits. Ryan, a Boston College commit, is 6-10 with three walks, a sac fly, six RBIs and four runs in four tourney games for the third-ranked team in the state.

#2 OLENTANGY ORANGE: Jake Luling drove in five with a single, double and home run to lead Olentangy Orange to state for the first time in school history with a 12-4 win over Newark. Orange knocked off defending state champion Olentangy 3-2 in the semis, winning on a Maverick Scholvin walk-off single in the last of the seventh. The Pioneers, winners of 15 straight, did not give up a run in the tournament until regionals, beating Groveport-Madison 20-0 and Pickerington Central 5-0. Reid Hemrick, the winning pitcher against Newark, struck out 15 in a two-hitter versus Central with Nick Vicars hitting three singles and Luling a single and double for the second-ranked team in Ohio.

#4 Archbishop Moeller

Record: 24-6
Head Coach: Tim Held
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History: 

  • State Final Four: 1972, 1989, 1993, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 0
  • State Championship: 1972, 1989, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2023

Team Statistics: 

  • Offense: Team Average: .4363, Total Runs: 220
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 194.2, Team ERA: 2.19, Strikeouts: 234

Top Players: 

  • Reggie Watson, SS, 2027
  • Adam Maybury, CF, 2026
  • Conner Cuozzo, 1B, 2026
  • Matt Ponatoski, DH/P, 206
  • Donovan Glosser, C, 2027
  • Teagan Cumberland, RF, 2026
  • Ricky Maschinot, LF, 2027
  • Connor Maupin, 3B, 2027
  • Zac Wittenauer, 2B, 2027
  • Nathan McDowell, P, 2027
  • Jake Gaerke, P, 2026
  • Cooper Homoelle, P, 2027
  • Maddox Nelson, P, 2027

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: In the offseason, we really focused on strength and conditioning so we would be ready for a long season. In the regular season, we have focused on continuing to build our individual skills and team focused approach. We haven’t always been successful in all aspects but we have gotten better every week and that approach has led us to the final four.
PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
Coach: After graduating 17 seniors in 2025 I thought the process may take a little longer to put us in a championship position but our 2026 seniors quickly embraced our sophomores and juniors. The quick bonding of this group helped us start out hot out of the gate and, it was at that point, that I thought if we continued to get better we could make a deep tournament run.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how we are competing on the mound and at the plate. We are throwing a lot of strikes and then playing great defense behind that. At the plate, we have faced some tough arms and our hitters have made it really difficult for them. We have also been able to slow down the moment and get some big two out hits.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling to capture the regional title. The players have put a lot of time into preparing for that moment and to watch them take down a top team and dogpile made me really happy for them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are honored to play in the final four and have a chance to represent Moeller at the highest level of competition. It’s everyone’s dream to win a state championship and can’t wait to compete in Akron.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
Coach: The other three teams are great teams!  It’s going to be a battle this week. All are well coached and have great players. Orange ended the season ranked second in the state poll, Perrysburg has been to the final four three years in a row and St. Xavier beat us 2 out of 3 this season. It will come down to pitching, defense and timely hitting.

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: On behalf of our entire team and program, I would like to thank all the players, coaches, parents and fans who have poured so much in to our players and program to put us in to this position to try and capture our 10th state title.

#10 Perrysburg

Record: 25-6
Head Coach: Dave Hall
Final Ranking:
No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2003, 2011, 2024, 2025, 2026
  • State Runner-up: 2011
  • State Championship: none

Team Statistics:

  • Offense: Team Average: 339, Total Runs: 242
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 200, Team ERA: 2.22, Strikeouts: 237

Top Players:

    • JD Zeeb, CF, 2026
    • Ryan Rettig, 2B, 2026
    • Brayden Heitmeyer, SS, 2026
    • Asher Lattimore, C, 2026
    • Tyler Palmer, LHP, 2026
    • Lucas Graham, DH/P, 2026
    • Ben Miller, 3B, 2026
    • Andrew Charpie, LF/P, 2026
    • Masson Kessinger, RF/P, 2027
    • Preston Faris, P, 2026
    • Dexter Arbinger, OF, 2028

      Coach's Thoughts:

      PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
      Coach: Players worked extremely hard in individual sessions in fall and winter. we played a very tough schedule in the NLL and played Orange, Eau Gallie Fl, Clay 2x, Aw 2x, Northview 2X, Findlay 2X, Archbold, Wapakoneta.

      PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
      Coach: 3 years ago-felt with work and luck we had a chance to do something special.

      PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
      Coach: They play for each other and win in different ways.

      PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
      Coach: Elated for players. They were bound and determined to make it to Satte 3 years in a row. 

      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
      Coach: It is what every player and coach strives for. Would be a great way to end their careers at Perrysburg. 

      PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
      Coach: They are all very, very good. Lot of respect. Played St. X in 2003 State semi-finals. All great traditions.

      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 started coaching in 1986 as Head Coach and these players have bought into our program. Coach Mitchell on my staff was my first Captain back in 1986. Our alumni follow us and I know are behind us once again.

      #2 Olentangy Orange

      Record: 24-5
      Head Coach: Tom Marker
      Final Ranking:
      No. 2
      Preseason Ranking: No. 5
      Postseason History:

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

      Top Players:

        • Griffin Zavislak, LF, Senior
        • Jake Luling, RF, Junior
        • Maverick Scholvin, 1B, Junior
        • Xavier Aguila, 3B/P, Senior
        • Nick Vicars, CF, Junior
        • Colby Luling, C, Sophomore
        • Jackson Hoyt, SS, Junior
        • Jaxen Miller, DH, Senior
        • Zane Konczak, 2B, Senior
        • Reid Hemrick, RHP, Senior
        • Zach Wright, RHP, Senior
        • Mason Poulter, RHP, Senior
        • Josh Barnhart, LHP, Junior

          Coach's Thoughts:

          Will update when we receive their State preview.

          #3 St. Xavier

          Record: 25-5
          Head Coach: Don DiGiacomo
          Final Ranking:
          No. 3
          Preseason Ranking: No. 13
          Postseason History:

          • District Titles: 12 (1976, 1985, 1994, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2017, 2021, 2026)
          • Regional Titles: 3 (1994, 2003, 2026)
          • State Titles: 1 (2003)

          Top Players:

          • Dillon Brus, RF - Senior
          • Braden Bricking, SS - Senior
          • Jack Ryan, 1B/P - Senior
          • Jackson Sherrard, DH - Senior
          • Logan Von Holle, CF - Junior
          • Griffin Doxsey, 2B - Sophomore
          • Dom Dials, 3B - Sophomore
          • Eric Nienaber, LF - Junior
          • Sam Sprengard, C - Sophomore
          • Liam McGeady, RHP - Junior
          • Sam Vovak, RHP - Sophomore
          • Eric Nienaber, RHP - Junior
          • Ryan Krause, LHP - Junior
          • Cameron Kline, RHP - Junior

            Coach's Thoughts:

            Will update when we receive their State preview.


            Division II

            Division II State Bracket

            • #6 New Albany vs #27 Harrison
            • #4 North Canton Hoover vs #26 Walsh Jesuit

            #6 NEW ALBANY: New Albany will be back to the Final Four for the second year in a row after topping Big Walnut 5-1 in the regional finals. The Eagles edged Westerville South 2-1 in the semis with Bryson Gittins allowing three hits in six innings. Gittins threw four no-hit frames and Mason Ackermann went 2-2 with six RBIs in leading the No. 6 team in D-II by Newark Licking Valley 11-0 in the district title game. The Eagles pounded Walnut Ridge 22-0 in the semis. State champions in 2004 and 2021 in the first two state appearances by New Albany, the Eagles fell to Amherst Steele 3-2 in last year’s state semifinals.

            #27 HARRISON: A five-run fifth inning propelled Harrison to a 6-3 win over Anderson and a trip to state for the first time ever. The Wildcats scored one in the sixth and one in the seventh to rally past Loveland 2-1 in the semis, with Ryan Stigler going 4-4. Harrison, which entered tournament play with a 10-10 record, pushed across three runs in the top of the 10th to stun Edgewood 7-4 in the district finals, advancing to regionals for the initial time since 2009. Drew Baker had a two-out RBI single and David Baldock added a two-run double. Preston Flick threw six shutout innings in relief and Baldock came in for four scoreless frames to pick up the win. After Northmont scored seven in the bottom of the sixth to tie up the game, Harrison tallied seven in the top of the seventh and went on to a 14-10 semifinal victory. Stigler drove in six with two singles and a double and Kyle Davidson was 3-4 with three runs.

            #4 NORTH CANTON HOOVER: North Canton Hoover is returning to the state tournament for the first time since 1999 after knocking off Brecksville Broadview-Heights 6-4. Evan Fuller, a Youngstown State signee, threw a one-hitter at Hudson in a 4-0 regional semifinal victory. Roman Geiselman was 2-3 in both regional contests. The Vikings were at regionals for the fourth time in five years after beating Green for the third time this season, winning 3-2 in eight innings on a walk-off error. Nolan Pellegrino and Preston Lee gave up five hits in a 3-0 shutout of Valley Forge in the district semifinals. Bryce Gerstenslager, who had a triple against Green, hit a single and triple with two RBIs against Valley Forge. Jack Andes, the Federal League POY, has 120 career stolen bases to stand 13th all-time in the OHSAA. The 41 steals from the Bowling Green commit are two from tying his school record set last season, while Andes has 10 career triples and 16 career saves. Andes and Jack Ziarka have four home runs apiece. The fourth-ranked team in D-II has set school records for stolen bases (129) and home runs in the BBCOR era (11). 

            #26 WALSH JESUIT: Walsh Jesuit entered tournament play with a 10-12 record, but the Warriors are now headed to state following an 8-4 regional championship game win over Shaker Heights. Tanner Fitzwater was 3-4 to lead an 11-hit attack after beating Highland 2-0 in the semifinals behind a two-hit 11-strikeout shutout from Tennessee commit Shawn Sullivan. Matthew Mansbery was 4-4 for the Warriors, which avenged a 3-2 regular-season defeat to Mayfield with a 7-3 district final win. Sullivan had 10 Ks in 5.1 innings while Mansbery hit a single and two triples and Sean McHugh three singles. Mount Union commit Anthony D’Angelo threw a five-inning no-hitter in the semifinal 20-0 win over Euclid with 13 strikeouts. Colin Locigno drove in four and scored three runs, Mansbery had a single and double with three runs and Mount Union signee Rylan Batley hit a homer. Mansbery, a Michigan recruit, is 11-15 with 10 runs scored in the tournament, hitting three triples and two doubles while stealing three bases. Walsh Jesuit has won four state championships (2008, 2006, 2004 and 1999) and finished second twice (2010 and 2009). 

            #6 New Albany

            Record: 24-7
            Head Coach: Michael Sandman
            Final Ranking:
            No. 6
            Preseason Ranking: No. 11
            Postseason History:

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

            Top Players:

            • ???

              Coach's Thoughts:

              Will update when we receive their State preview.

              #27 Harrison

              Record: 14-10
              Head Coach: Ben Toerner
              Final Ranking:
              No. 27
              Preseason Ranking: N10
              Postseason History:

              • District Titles: 5 ('82, '93, '04, '09, '26)

              Top Players:

                • Mitchell Mercurio, SR, LF
                • Tucker Ward, SR, 3B
                • Drew Baker, JR, DH
                • Cameron Enneking, SR, C
                • David Baldock, JR, 1B/LHP
                • Kyle Davidson, JR, CF
                • Derek Stigler, JR, 2B
                • Ryan Stigler, JR, SS/P
                • Aaron Davis, SO, RF
                • Xander Loos, SR, RHP
                • Preston Flick, SR, LHP
                • Cole Metzger, SO, LHP

                  Coach's Thoughts:

                  Will update when we receive their State preview.

                  #4 North Canton Hoover

                  Record: 25-4
                  Head Coach: Bryan Ashby
                  Final Ranking: No. 10
                  Preseason Ranking: No. 11
                  Postseason History: 

                  • Won District Championship 4 of past 5 yrs (2022, 2024, 2025, 2026)

                  Top Players: 

                  • Evan Fuller, P, 2026
                  • Mason Groninger, P, 2028
                  • Grady Jurica, C, 2028
                  • Jack Ziarko, 1B, 2026
                  • JR Cook, 2B, 2026
                  • Carter Lukens, 3B, 2026
                  • Ryan Cervenak, SS, 2027
                  • Brady Hassen, LF, 2027
                  • Jack Andes, CF/P, 2026
                  • Roman Geiselman, RF/P, 2027
                  • Bryce Gerstenslager, DH, 2027

                  Coach's Thoughts:

                  Will update when we receive their State preview.

                  #26 Walsh Jesuit

                  Record: 15-12
                  Head Coach: Joe Bowers
                  Final Ranking: No. 26
                  Preseason Ranking: No. 3
                  Postseason History: 

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

                  Top Players: 

                  • ???

                  Coach's Thoughts:

                  Will update when we receive their State preview.


                  Division III

                  Division III State Bracket

                  • #1 Badin vs #3 Padua
                  • #17 Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy vs #2 Bishop Watterson

                   #1 BADIN: This will be state tournament appearance number 17 for Badin, which has outscored the opposition 55-1 in the tournament to date. A three-hit shutout with nine strikeouts from Caleb Driessen gave the Rams the regional crown with a 5-0 blanking of Butler. Alabama commit Chandler Taylor was 3-4 for the top-ranked team in Ohio, which run-ruled Tippecanoe 10-0 in the regional semis with Brooks Treadway throwing a no-hitter, Derek Ogden going 4-4 and Thomas More recruit Eli Wolpert 3-3. It was the fourth run-rule of the tournament for Badin, which defeated Mt Healthy 18-0, Talawanda 10-0 and Chaminade-Julienne 12-1. Badin pitchers (the top six are all seniors) have given up seven total hits in 28 innings, with Driessen, a Miami Ohio signee, going the distance in the district finals with eight Ks. Taylor is 9-15 with eight RBIs in the tourney.

                  #3 PADUA FRANCISCAN: Padua scored four runs in the top of the sixth to rally from a 4-0 deficit, then scored two in the seventh after University School had gone in front 5-4 and the Bruins held on for a 6-5 victory. The University School had eliminated Padua 8-5 in eight innings in last year’s regional semifinal. Ben Thomas was the winning pitcher for the third-ranked team in D-III, throwing 1.2 innings of shutout relief, getting out of a two-on and two-out jam in the last of the seventh. Reed Cervenka drove in Patrick Loftus with what proved to be the winning run after Jacob Rhivalsky had brought home Chase Martin to tie the game. Rhivalsky had three hits and three RBIs for the third-ranked team in the state, which beat Southview 3-2 in the regional semifinals. Martin fanned 11 in five innings of four-hit, one-run pitching while driving in two runs. Prior to regionals, Padua had not been scored on in the tournament, beating Cleveland JFK 19-0, Copley 10-0 and Alliance 5-0. Chase Bart and Brandon Tillman did not allow a hit in the JFK game, Martin surrendered one versus Copley and Jack DeGetter had a five-hitter against Alliance. The lineup for the Bruins features eight starting underclassmen. Sophomore Braylon Benson is batting .402, freshman Michael Cangelosi Jr. .395 and junior Bryden Spellacy .353 to lead the attack, with DeGetter, a senior LHP committed to Otterbein, 7-0, and Martin, a sophomore RHP, 7-1 on the hill. This is the fifth state appearance for Padua, which has never won a championship, reaching the finals once, losing to Cincinnati Western Hills 11-4 in the 1977 AAA finals. The last state appearance came two years ago when the Bruins fell to Badin 5-0 in the Division II semifinals.

                  #17 CUYAHOGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: Jacob Lancy scored on a walk-off single by Alex Mammone sending CVCA to the state tournament with a 3-2 win over Hoban. Mammone was the winning pitcher with two innings of shutout relief of Peyton Drabick, who had two hits and an RBI. Connor McGough had a home run for CVCA. Mammone also got the final out in a 2-0 win over Chardon in the regional semis, coming in for Kyle Shaw with two on and two away in the top of the seventh. Shaw, a Baldwin-Wallace signee, gave up one hit and four walks in 6.1 innings. Three unearned runs in the top of the 10th lifted CVCA past Uniontown Lake 7-4 in the district finals with Drabick producing four hits for the Royals, which won its two previous tourney games by a combined 29-0. Lancy had three RBIs versus Youngstown East and Drabick four against Northwest. This will be the first trip to state for CVCA, which has been to regionals three consecutive seasons.

                  #2 BISHOP WATTERSON: Ben Burleson tossed a two-hit shutout to lead Watterson to the state tournament with a 5-0 blanking of London. Burleson and Michael Mulligan drove in two runs each for the second-ranked Eagles, which used a five-run sixth to outlast Warren 9-5 in the regional semis. Caden Mangini had a single and triple with four RBIs. Burleson threw a six-hitter to send Watterson back to regionals for the 17th time with a 6-1 victory over Bloom Carroll in the districts. Mulligan, a Toledo commit, has six hits in the tournament for the Eagles, which broke a 3-3 tie with a four-run sixth to beat Bexley 7-3 in the district semis. Watterson, which starts seven seniors, has won 23 of its last 24 games. This will be the eighth state appearance and the first since 2015, with the Eagles winning it all in 1997, 1991 and 1988.

                  #1 Badin

                  Record: 27-3
                  Head Coach: Brion Treadway
                  Final Ranking: No. 1
                  Preseason Ranking: No. 1

                  Postseason History: 

                  • State Final Four: 1975, 1984, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, 2026
                  • State Runner-up: 1975, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2024
                  • State Championship: 1991, 1996

                  Team Statistics: 

                  • Offense: Team Average: .370, Total Runs: 255, Total Stolen Bases: 109
                  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 189, Team ERA: 1.78, Strikeouts: 206

                  Top Players: 

                  • Derek Ogden, SS, 2028
                  • Chandler Taylor, CF, 2026
                  • Keegan Sawyer, C, 2028
                  • Vinny Laugle, 1B, 2026
                  • Colt Emerson, DH, 2026
                  • Austin Vangen, 3B, 2026
                  • Cooper Clay, RF, 2028
                  • Eli Wolpert, LF, 2026
                  • Cade Cummins, 2B, 2026
                  • Caleb Driessen, RHP, 2026
                  • Brooks Treadway, RHP, 2026
                  • Beau Chaney, RHP, 2026
                  • Lule Campbell, RHP, 2026
                  • Carson Lowe, RHP, 2026
                  • Nick Vess, 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: This offseason was great. Our guys lift with Coach Cheek in his strength class 5 days a week. We also did YOGA with Mrs. Davis. Our mental performance training with Coach Cole and Coach Marcum was enhanced as well from previous years. Our coaches do a great job with hitting and pitching development as well as our guys working with private instructors. 

                  PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
                  Coach: I knew when we left the field in Akron last year that we would be back this year. 

                  PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                  Coach: I love that our guys have bought into our hitting approach and our pitching philosophy. I dugout energy has been electric. 

                  PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
                  Coach: It was such a relief to know we were going back to Akron and still in the fight for a state championship. It was so joyful seeing our players celebrating. 

                  PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
                  Coach: This is what it is all about! Our goal is always to be together as long as possible and take our season to the brink. 

                  PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
                  Coach: We played Padua two years ago in the final four. I have a lot of respect for Coach McSweeney and how hard his kids play. I have gotten to know Coach Boulware, from Watterson, at the Catholic Athletes for Christ Showcase the last few years. He's a great guy and his teams are always very competitive. CVCA seems to always be at the top of the state rankings every year and Coach Herblet always plays a tough schedule. 

                  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 regional games at Miami University were packed. Our fans were awesome cheering us on. Go Rams!

                  #3 Padua Franciscan

                  Record: 25-4
                  Head Coach: Ryan McSweeney
                  Final Ranking:
                  No. 3
                  Preseason Ranking: No. 14
                  Postseason History:

                  • State Final Four: 1977, 1984, 2005, 2024, 2026
                  • State Runner-up: 1977
                  • State Championship: n/a

                  Team Statistics: 

                  • Offense: Team Average: .303, Total Runs: 193
                  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 191, Team ERA: 1.86, Strikeouts: 251

                  Top Players:

                    • Bryden Spellacy, C, 2027
                    • Michael Reis, SS, 2027
                    • Braylon Benson, 1B, 2028
                    • Michael Cangelosi Jr, 3B, 2029
                    • Chase Martin, RHP/INF, 2028
                    • Brendan Reilly, 2B, 2026
                    • John Park, DH, 2027
                    • Jacob Rhivalsky, LF, 2027
                    • Reed Cervenka, CF, 2028
                    • Ben Thomas, RF, 2026
                    • Jack DeGeeter, LHP, 2026
                    • Brandon Tillman, RHP, 2027
                    • Chase Bart, LHP, 2026
                    • Ben Thomas, LHP, 2026
                    • Jose Caban, RHP, 2027
                    • Carter Palange, LHP, 2028

                      Coach's Thoughts:

                      PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
                      Coach: We spent a lot of time in the weight room getting ready for the spring season. We knew we needed to be prepared physically. The offseason work that this team put in on and off the field has spoken for itself. They kept their heads down and worked extremely hard from the start of our offseason program in the fall. Then into the season we were challenged with a tough schedule that prepared us for where we are now.

                      PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
                      Coach: It was certainly a goal we set as a team before the season started. As the season started and went on and we were stringing together a lot of quality wins in games we were challenged against good opponents, I think that is when we believed we had a real shot. But you never truly know until you get into the tournament and find a way to get to a regional.

                      PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                      Coach: I really like the energy and focus we have as a team. This is a really close group that has been challenged quite a bit all year long and been in some tough games. This is a hungry team.

                      PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
                      Coach: It was an unbelievable feeling. Having to find a way to beat a very good University School team and having to come back from down 4 in the 6th was incredible. Extremely proud of the guys.

                      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
                      Coach: We are excited to be back in the final four. It was a goal that we set as a team to be here and have a chance to win the whole thing and here we are. We are excited and ready to go in hopes of bringing Padua its first baseball state title.

                      PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
                      Coach: We have a ton of respect for the other three teams. CVCA, Badin and Bishop Watterson are great programs with great coaches and players. They have been great all year and earned their way here as well. We know that it is going to be a lot of good baseball for two days to see who comes out on top.

                      PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
                      Coach: We are very excited to be back at State. The support throughout the season and postseason has been phenomenal from the Padua community. This team has worked extremely hard to get to this point after a long season and earned their way here and we are hoping to finish the right way.

                      #17 Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy

                      Record: 23-9
                      Head Coach: Jason Herblet
                      Final Ranking: No. 17
                      Preseason Ranking: No. 11
                      Postseason History: 

                      • First Final Four appearance for the baseball program

                      Team Statistics:

                      • Offense: Team Average: .303, Total Runs: 228
                      • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 214.2, Team ERA: 2.641, Strikeouts: 229

                      Top Players: 

                      • Layne Davis, OF, Junior
                      • Connor McGough, SS, Senior
                      • Jacob Lancy, 3B, Senior
                      • Jonah Gaudio, LF, Junior
                      • Peyton Drabick, 2B/P, Sophomore
                      • Alex Mammone, 1B/P, Junior
                      • Zac Anderson, CF, Junior
                      • Logan Kish, DH, Senior
                      • Evan Wensel, C, Senior
                      • Jackson Crews, DH, Sophomore
                      • Bo Lanzilotta, DH, Sophomore
                      • Kyle Shaw, LHP, Senior 
                      • Ben Pittner, RHP, Junior

                      Coach's Thoughts:

                      PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
                      Coach: This was a group of young men that were determined to go "one step further" in our season this year. They were dedicated to the weight room, getting work in on their own, and putting in the time needed to get better. It truly has been a joy watching them grow and come together as a team. 

                      PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
                      Coach: Coming off of last years season, we knew we had the guys in place to make another run. We had a few hiccups along the way this season, but this is a group that never quits and never stops working. They are a group that truly love one another and do not care about who gets the credit day in and day out. They play for one purpose, and that is to honor and glorify Jesus, which is evident by how they carry themselves both on and off the field. 

                      PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                      Coach: I love their grit. I love that they never give up, they are constantly encouraging and lifting each other up. On any given night, any one of these guys can step up and shine. They are truly a joy to coach! They play with no fear. Does not matter who our opponent is, they are going to go out and give everything they have.

                      PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
                      Coach: Winning the Regionals against one of the best teams in the area, in Akron Hoban was truly special. I absolutely love this for our guys. They have put in so much work and trust each other to get the job done. This is our first Regional championship in the history of CVCA baseball, so it was truly a very special night for the players, coaches, and CVCA community. I love how our guys continue to give all the credit to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! 

                      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
                      Coach: This is truly an amazing opportunity for our guys. We are going to savor every moment as we go into next week. Our group of 8 seniors is a special group and I cannot think of a group that is more deserving than they are. They are the glue, the leaders, and encouragers of this ball team. They set the tone and carry on the culture that we created here at CVCA. We are excited and ready! Looking forward to a great week ahead. 

                      PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
                      Coach: Padua is in our conference and one of the most complete teams we have played all season. They have a really good pitching staff and top to bottom great lineup and are really well coached. The scary part is, they are really young and will be a top tier team for awhile. I have been saying all year that Bishop Watterson is one of the best teams in the state. They are loaded with talent and it will take us playing our best baseball game of the year to come out on top. There is a reason Badin has been one of the top ranked teams throughout the season. They are well coached, have a ton of talent and play a really tough schedule and may be one of the best teams across all divisions. 

                      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: Super proud of our group we have this year. Just a bunch of guys who love the game of baseball, but more importantly love playing for Jesus! Our kids play the game the right way. This is a testament to the way they are being brought up by their parents and the CVCA community as a whole. We are super blessed to be a part of a community that supports our guys. What an amazing ride it has been. Looking forward to a great state tournament. 

                      #2 Bishop Watterson

                      Record: 26-3
                      Head Coach: Jeff Boulware
                      Final Ranking:
                      No. 2
                      Preseason Ranking: No. 9
                      Postseason History:

                      • District Titles: 17
                      • Regional Titles: 7
                      • State Titles: 3

                      Top Players:

                        • Caden Mangini, CF, JR
                        • Michael Wozniak, LF, SR
                        • Michael Mulligan, 1B, SR
                        • Luke Fivecoat, DH/P, SR
                        • Ben Uhlenhake, C, JR
                        • Brady McAninch, 2B, SR
                        • Ben Burleson, 3B/P, SR
                        • Caiden Holcomb, RF, SR
                        • Connor Adkins-Davidson, SS/P, SR
                        • Max Steinbrunner, RHP, Soph

                          Coach's Thoughts:

                          Will update when we receive their State preview.


                          Division IV

                          Division IV State Bracket

                          • #5 Perkins vs #2 Cardinal Mooney
                          • #11 Fairfield Union vs #14 Bishop Fenwick

                          #5 PERKINS: Carter Koch led off the eighth with a double and came home with what proved to be the winning run on a Braxden Martin sacrifice fly to send Perkins back to state with a 6-5 win over Highland. Trailing 5-4, Perkins tied the game on a Talon Walton triple and Koch sac fly in the top of the fifth. Quentin Binette went 4-4 and Martin threw three shutout innings of relief in the win for the fifth-ranked D-IV Pirates, which blanked Van Wert 3-0 in the regional semis on a Walton five-hitter. Bryce Davie hit a single and double for Perkins, which shut out Clyde 8-0 and St. Mary’s 6-0 in districts. Kash Koch threw a no-hitter at St. Mary’s, while Walton and Josh Cummings teamed up on a two-hitter versus Clyde. Walton is 7-18 with seven runs and four RBIs in the tournament for the Pirates, which lost to Licking Valley 2-1 in the 2025 state finals. This will be the fourth state appearance for a school that has produced five MLB draft picks.

                          #2 CARDINAL MOONEY: Mooney scored four runs in the fourth and held on to beat Canton Central Catholic 5-4 in the regional finals, avenging a 10-9 loss three weeks prior. It has the second-rated team in D-IV heading to state for the first time. Johnny Brenner was 3-3 and winning pitcher Ford Stacy 2-2 with two RBIs for the Cardinals, which advanced to the finals with a 2-0 win over London on a four-hit, 10-strikeout performance from Ben Oddis. Mooney won a pair of 3-1 games in the districts against Holy Name and Field. Oddis threw a three-hitter versus Holy Name and Stacy a two-hitter against Field. Stacy and Will Petty teamed up for a no-hitter in the sectional 14-1 win over Niles McKinley. Kaden Reese, one of six starting juniors, has set the school record for stolen bases for the Cardinals. 

                          #11 FAIRFIELD UNION: A pair of 5-2 regional victories has Fairfield Union off to state for the first time. The Falcons tallied two in the top of the seventh against Richmond Edison to even the game, then scored four in the 10th highlighted by a Dylan Chilcote two-run double. Elli Wolfe went the first nine innings on the mound for Fairfield Union, which got past Logan Elm in the semifinals with Cameron Silcott not allowing an earned run in 6.2 innings. Chilcote came through with a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth of a 2-1 district final victory over Gallia Academy. Joe Blankenship, who closed out both regional games, and Cameron Silcott combined to limit Gallia to four hits. Wolfe and Silcott pitched the Falcons by Circleville 3-2 in the semis. 

                          #14 BISHOP FENWICK: Fenwick came back from a 4-3 deficit to edge Roger Bacon 5-4 in the regional title game, scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh on RBI singles from Jude McCullough and Boyd Westerfield. Carter Shouse went 3-3 and scored two runs for the 14th-ranked Falcons, which rolled over Newark Licking Valley 16-6 in the regional semis with Shouse going 2-4 with four RBIs and Jackson Kaufman 2-2 with three runs and three RBIs. The Falcons tallied five runs in the top of the seventh to shock Urbana 5-2 in the district finals, giving Fenwick its first 20-win season since 2018. Kauffman had a one-out two-run double to put the Falcons on top. Shouse, the second-ranked sophomore in the state, fanned 16 and permitted two hits in helping Fenwick reach the regionals for the second year in a row. Anthony Snyder pitched a two-hit shutout in a 10-0 win over Clinton-Massie in the district semis.  

                          #5 Perkins

                          Record: 23-5-1
                          Head Coach: TJ Blanton
                          Final Ranking: No. 5
                          Preseason Ranking: No. 3
                          Postseason History: 

                          • ???

                          Top Players: 

                          • Bryce Davie, CF, Junior
                          • Talon Walton SS/P, Senior
                          • Carter Koch, C, Sophomore
                          • Kash Koch, P/DH, Senior
                          • Sam Schweinfurth, 2B/SS, Senior
                          • Braxden Martin, 3B/P, Senior
                          • Quinten Binette, DH/1B, Senior
                          • Dante Shipp, LF, Sophomore
                          • Grant Parker, RF, Sophomore
                          • Grant Kuhnle, 1B, Junior
                          • Mason Souter, 2B, Junior
                          • Josh Cummings, P, Junior

                          Coach's Thoughts:

                          Will update when we receive their State preview.

                          #2 Cardinal Mooney

                          Record: 24-3
                          Head Coach: Eddie Reese
                          Final Ranking:
                          No. 2
                          Preseason Ranking: No. 1
                          Postseason History:

                          • District Titles: 11

                          Top Players:

                          • Kaden Reese, CF, Junior
                          • Andrew Bushey, SS, Junior
                          • Johnny Brenner, RF, Senior
                          • Ben Oddis, 1B/P, Junior
                          • Vince Gentile, DH, Junior
                          • Ryan Reese, 2B, Senior
                          • Taco Verroco, 3B, Junior
                          • Ford Stacy, P/1B, Junior
                          • Luke Kollar, LF, Senior
                          • Jacob Gugliotta, RHP, Senior
                          • Will Petty, RHP, Senior

                          Coach's Thoughts:

                          Will update when we receive their State preview.

                          #11 Fairfield Union

                          Record: 24-6
                          Head Coach: Scott Burke
                          Final Ranking:
                          No. 11
                          Preseason Ranking: NR
                          Postseason History:

                          • ???

                          Top Players:

                            • ???

                              Coach's Thoughts:

                              Will update when we receive their State preview.

                              #14 Bishop Fenwick

                              Record: 22-8
                              Head Coach: Doc Wieland
                              Final Ranking:
                              No. 14
                              Preseason Ranking: No. 15
                              Postseason History:

                              • ???

                              Top Players:

                                • Carter Shouse, P/CF, Soph
                                • Jude McCullough, C, Sr.
                                • Jackson Kaufmann, SS, Sr.
                                • Isaac Barker, 2B, Jr.
                                • Anthony Snyder, P, JR.
                                • Caleb McMonigle, P, Sr.

                                  Coach's Thoughts:

                                  Will update when we receive their State preview.


                                  Division V

                                  Division V State Bracket

                                  • #10 Liberty-Benton vs Columbus Academy
                                  • #7 Lucasville Valley vs #1 Waynedale

                                  #10 LIBERTY-BENTON: The first trip to state is in the books for Liberty-Benton after two 3-1 wins at regionals. Kooper Leatherman threw a two-hitter against Amanda-Clearcreek in the finals after Jackson Knepper pitched a four-hitter versus Sherwood Fairview in the semifinal tilt. Reid Irwin went 3-4 in the finals while Leatherman was 3-3 in the semis. Leatherman ripped a bases-clearing three-run double in a four-run second and Liberty-Benton went on to beat Swanton 5-1 to earn its first trip to regionals since 1997. Knepper threw a five-hitter for the victory. Zach Elchert hit an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth to give the Eagles a 3-2 win over Paulding in the district semis. Leatherman struck out eight in five innings for the win, with Knepper earning the save with two no-hit frames. Knepper went four innings and Leatherman one in an 18-0 sectional triumph over Bluffton, with Leatherman driving in three and Connor Barbara going 2-2 with three runs. Knepper has established the school record for wins in a season with 11, Leatherman has set the mark for doubles in a campaign with 19 and Elchert has set career records for runs (97) and HBP (40). 

                                  COLUMBUS ACADEMY: A six-game winning streak has Columbus Academy at 16-16 on the season and headed to state after defeating Versailles 3-2 in the regional finals. The Vikings scored three in the first inning and held on, getting out of a first-and-third jams in the sixth and seventh innings. Dominic Dunkle, a Dennison commit, was the winning pitcher with Kevin Klingerman earning the save for Academy, which used an eight-run fourth to beat Arcanum 11-3 in the regional semis. Otterbein signee Cooper Leibus went the distance fanning 12 while Klingerman hit three singles. The Vikings beat three higher-seeded teams en route to its ninth trip to regionals, capped off with an 8-5 victory over Northridge. Dunkle, who is 12-17 in the tournament, had two singles, a double and three runs scored after producing a single, double and three runs in an 11-4 victory versus Fairbanks in the semis. Leibas was 3-5 and drove in three in the district semifinals while Dunkle was 4-4 with two runs and two RBIs in the sectionals versus Mt. Gilead. 

                                  #7 LUCASVILLE VALLEY: Lucasville Valley will be going to state for the sixth time following a 17-6 pounding of Harrison Central in the regional finals. Caysen Zieber was 3-3 to lead a 13-hit attack for the seventh-rated D-V team. Nolan Barnett, who drove in four and scored three against Harrison Central, went all nine innings of a 6-3 win over Minford in the semis. Valley trailed 3-0 before scoring two in the fifth and one in the sixth on a Mark Napier RBI single. Three runs came across in the ninth for the win by the Indians, which avenged a 4-3 regional semifinal loss to Lynchburg-Clay a year ago with a 9-3 district final victory, giving the Indians their fifth district title in a row. Nick Queen was 3-3 with three runs scored and Barnett went the distance for Valley, which have just three senior starters. Barnett struck out 13 in 10 innings of the sectional finals and Gabe McNeil had the game-winning hit in the 11th to beat Dawson-Bryant 3-2. Carson Powell, a Mount Vernon Nazarene commit who threw a no-hitter in the district finals last year, had three hits against D-B while McNeil produced three in a 6-1 win over Northwest in the district semis. McNeil tossed a complete game, not allowing an earned run.   

                                  #1 WAYNEDALE: Waynedale will be in search of its four state crown in a five-year period after winning regionals with a 5-1 victory over Poland Seminary. Brayden Steiner fanned 10 while not giving up an earned run. Jordan Miller struck out 13 in a three-hit shutout of Chagrin Falls in the semifinals, a 3-0 win fueled by two hits from Hudson Barkman. Getting to regionals was far from easy for Waynedale, which did the unthinkable with a four-run bottom of the seventh to stun Keystone 8-7 in the district finals. Steiner hit a two-run one-out double to send the defending D-V state champions, which also won state in 2022 and 2023, back to regionals. Miller struck out 11 in beating Northwestern 5-1 in the district semis, allowing three hits and no earned runs. Logan Troyer was 2-2 and Steiner scored two runs. Lucas Daugherty has a coaching record of 157-36.

                                  #10 Liberty-Benton

                                  Record: 22-5
                                  Head Coach: Matt Rader
                                  Final Ranking:
                                  No. 10
                                  Preseason Ranking: No. 14
                                  Postseason History:

                                  • District Titles: 3

                                  Top Players:

                                    • Connor Barbara CF, JR
                                    • Reid Irwin LF, SR
                                    • Zach Elchert 3B, SR
                                    • Kooper Leatherman C/P, SOPH
                                    • Isaac Schworm 1B, SR
                                    • Taden Troyer SS, SOPH
                                    • Corbin Schworm DH, SOPH
                                    • Jackson Knepper RHP, JR
                                    • Grady Latta RF, SOPH
                                    • Mack Smith 2B, SR
                                    • Griffin Austermiller, RHP, SOPH
                                    • Boston Clum, RHP, SOPH 

                                      Coach's Thoughts:

                                      Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                      Columbus Academy

                                      Record: 16-16
                                      Head Coach: Todd Dunkle
                                      Final Ranking: NR
                                      Preseason Ranking: N10
                                      Postseason History: 

                                      District Titles: 9

                                      Top Players: 

                                      • Dominic Dunkle OF 2026
                                      • Cooper Leibas C/P 2026
                                      • Will Donohue P/C/1B 2027
                                      • Anthony Penney MIF 2027
                                      • Trey Ransom MIF 2027
                                      • Thomas Rubey IF/OF/P 2027
                                      • Kevin Klingerman P/IF/OF 2029
                                      • Ethan Parish P/OF 2029

                                      Coach's Thoughts:

                                      Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                      #7 Lucasville Valley

                                      Record: 22-6
                                      Head Coach: Nolan Crabtree
                                      Final Ranking:
                                      No. 7
                                      Preseason Ranking: No. 23
                                      Postseason History:

                                      • District Titles: 20
                                      • Regional Titles: 6
                                      • State Titles: 1

                                      Top Players:

                                        • Carson Powell, 1B, Senior 
                                        • Nick Queen, RF, Junior
                                        • Nolan Barnett, P, Senior
                                        • Collin Greene, DH, Junior
                                        • Gabe McNeil, 3B/P, Senior
                                        • Hunter Cunningham, 2B, Junior
                                        • Thad Lansing, SS, Junior
                                        • Caysen Zieber, CF/P, Junior
                                        • Gavin Hannah, LF, Sophomore

                                          Coach's Thoughts:

                                          Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                          #1 Waynedale

                                          Record: 29-3
                                          Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
                                          Final Ranking: No. 1
                                          Preseason Ranking: No. 1
                                          Postseason History: 

                                          • ???

                                          Top Players: 

                                          ???

                                          Coach's Thoughts:

                                          Will update when we receive their State preview.


                                          Division VI

                                          Division VI State Bracket

                                          • #4 Lake Center Christian vs #7 Northmor
                                          • #2 Hiland vs #3 St. Henry

                                          #4 LAKE CENTER CHRISTIAN: A four-hit shutout from Grant Coblentz has Lake Center Christian back at the state tournament. Coblentz struck out 15 and also hit a single and double in the 4-0 win by the fourth-ranked team in D-VI, state runners-up last season. The Tigers, which have outscored opponents 52-6 in the tournament, jumped to a 9-1 lead over LaBrae in the regional semifinals and held on for a 9-6 triumph. Nathan Bryant and Colton Smilek were both 3-4 for the Indians, which reached regionals for the fourth year in a row and fifth overall. Caleb Shelly fanned all 15 batters he faced in the sectionals and threw a two-hit shutout with eight Ks against Mogadore while Coblentz fired a two-hitter with nine strikeouts versus Grand Valley. Shelly had three hits, scored four runs and drove in seven against Campbell Memorial while Luke Heckert was 2-3 with three runs versus Mogadore and 3-4 in the district finals with Grand Valley. Heckert and Nathan Bryant are the lone senior starters for Lake Center, Heckert an Arizona Western JC commit and Bryant an Ohio State signee.  

                                          #7 NORTHMOR: Northmor scored six runs on six hits in the top of the seventh to get by Fort Recovery 8-2 in the regional finals and with it the second trip to state in school history. Brody Beck went all the way for the seventh-ranked D-VI team, not allowing an earned run while fanning seven. Jack Bowdre, Brady Chapman and Billy Bowlin had two hits apiece for the Knights, which scored eight in the top of the seventh in the regional semis en route to a 13-4 victory over Dayton Christian. Brady Carr had a pair of singles and a double while Ethan Hinton, Champman, Bowling and Beck produced two hits each. Beck threw a complete game and Northmor knocked off top-ranked West Jefferson 5-4 for a district championship after defeating Grandview Heights by an identical score in the district semis behind the strong pitching of senior Trevor Brubaker, who was also the winner against Dayton Christian. Brubaker now has 27 career pitching wins, 282 Ks and a career ERA of 0.96. The only other trip to state for Northmor came in 1995. 

                                          #2 HILAND: Defending Division VI state champion Hiland will be making its fourth consecutive trip to state after a pair of 12-0 wins in regionals. Mike Miller threw five two-hit innings of a regional final win over Mechanicsburg, with Jonah Yoder going 3-4 and Gerut Monigold driving home four. Andre Yoder tossed a two-hitter in the semifinals versus Waterford with Gerut Monigold 4-4 with two doubles, a triple and five RBIs. The Hawks trailed 2-0 before rolling past Fort Frye 11-2 in the district finals for a trip to regionals for the 16th time. Andre Yoder hit a single and double, drove in two while also pitching three shutout innings of relief. Grady Monigold was 2-2 with a home run and two RBIs and Griffin Monigold had a double and three RBIs in beating Buckeye Trail 6-1. Miller threw a four-hitter with 13 Ks after tossing a no-hitter in the sectionals in an 11-1 victory over Bridgeport. Grady Monigold, a Malone recruit, has set season records at the school for home runs with 11 and RBIs with 49 and career marks for homers with 20 and RBIs with 134. 

                                          #3 ST. HENRY: This will mark the seventh state appearance for St. Henry after the third-ranked team in D-VI rolled past Seneca East 11-6 in the regional finals. Drew Langenkamp was 3-5 for the Redskins, which produced 10 hits in beating Patrick Henry 6-5 in the semifinals, with Jake Schwieterman going 3-4. St. Henry advanced to regionals for the 26th time in school history by beating Colonel Crawford 7-4 with Schwieterman and Austin Kunk going 3-4. Max Delzeith fanned a dozen in an 8-0 two-hit blanking of Parkway in the district semis. Langenkamp went 3-3 while scoring four runs. Indiana Tech commit Owen Zimmerman had three base knocks as did Kunk and Hudson Schmitz in a 21-0 beatdown of Ada in sectionals. St. Henry, 26-3 this season, is 1,428-596 all-time in baseball.  

                                          #4 Lake Center Christian

                                          Record: 23-4-1
                                          Head Coach: Shane Byler
                                          Final Ranking:
                                          No. 4
                                          Preseason Ranking: No. 2
                                          Postseason History:

                                          • District Titles: 5
                                          • Regional Titles: 2

                                          Top Players:

                                            • Grant Coblentz, LF/P, 2027
                                            • Luke Heckert, CF/P, 2026
                                            • Caleb Shelly, SS/P, 2027
                                            • Nathan Bryant, 3B/P, 2026
                                            • Colton Smilek, C/UTL/P, 2027
                                            • Jacob Rainieri, 1B/P, 2027
                                            • Paul Dussel, UTL, 2028
                                            • Nolan Rush, UTL, 2029
                                            • Aaron Zietlow, UTL, 2029
                                            • Benson Bryant, UTL, 2028
                                            • Josh Bittaker, UTL, 2028
                                            • Joel Stafinsky, UTL, 2028

                                              Coach's Thoughts:

                                              Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                              #7 Northmor

                                              Record: 25-5
                                              Head Coach: Buck Workman
                                              Final Ranking: No. 7
                                              Preseason Ranking: No. 21

                                              Postseason History: 

                                              • State Final Four: 1995

                                              Team Statistics: 

                                              • Offense: Team Average: 342, Total Runs: 241
                                              • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 196, Team ERA: 2.21, Strikeouts: 260

                                              Top Players: 

                                              • Jack Bowdre, 1B/LHP, 2027
                                              • Trevor Brubaker, RHP/SS, 2026
                                              • Brady Chapman, CF, 2028
                                              • Billy Bowlin, RF/LHP, 2026
                                              • Ethan Hinton, C, 2027
                                              • Brody Beck, RHP/LF/DH/3B, 2028
                                              • Brooksten Beck, DH/3B, 2026
                                              • Brendan Barber, SS/3B, 2028
                                              • Brady Carr, 2B, 2026
                                              • Brad Bowlin, LF, 2028
                                              • Finn Fesler, 3B, 2029

                                              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 our guys play together in the summer and that has helped.

                                              PBR: When did you begin to believe this team had a shot at reaching state?
                                              Coach: We've always believed we can compete with anyone on our schedule. After beating West Jeff, I think our confidence went up tremendously.

                                              PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                              Coach: It's a close knit group that plays for each other and they don't seem to get rattled by the magnitude of the situation.

                                              PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
                                              Coach: I was just really happy for them and our community, who always shows up in masses to support our guys.

                                              PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the Final Four with a chance at winning a state championship?
                                              Coach: This is what every kid and coach strives to achieve. We're just going to give it our all and see what happens.

                                              PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams in your division at state?
                                              Coach: Lake Center, Hiland and St. Henry are all outstanding teams loaded with talent. We're going to have to play a complete and clean 7 innings to compete with 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: Thank you to our community for all their support! Our fans, sponsors, administration and everyone involved just make it an even better experience for our boys.

                                              #2 Hiland

                                              Record: 24-4
                                              Head Coach: Chris Dages
                                              Final Ranking: No. 2
                                              Preseason Ranking: No. 1
                                              Postseason History: 

                                              • District Titles: 16
                                              • Regional Titles: 8
                                              • State Titles: 4

                                              Top Players: 

                                              • Christian Mullet, CF, Jr
                                              • Gerut Monigold, LF, Sr
                                              • Grady Monigold, 1B/RHP, Sr
                                              • Griffin Monigold, C, Sr
                                              • Jonah Yoder, 1B/DH, Jr
                                              • Mike Miller, LF/LHP, Sr
                                              • Andre Yoder, 3B/RHP, Sr
                                              • Logan Yoder, 2B, Sr
                                              • Isaiah Wagler, SS, Sr
                                              • Damon Troyer, RHP, Jr

                                              Coach's Thoughts:

                                              Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                              #3 St. Henry

                                              Record: 26-3
                                              Head Coach: Mike Gast
                                              Final Ranking:
                                              No. 3
                                              Preseason Ranking: No. 25
                                              Postseason History:

                                              • District Titles: 26
                                              • Regional Titles: 7
                                              • State Titles: 3

                                              Top Players:

                                                • Tate Boeckman (RF/P - Junior)
                                                • Drew Langenkamp (C - Junior)
                                                • Owen Zimmerman (3B/P - Senior)
                                                • Jake Schwieterman (1B - Senior)
                                                • Carter LaGuire (DH - Senior)
                                                • Austin Zimmerman (SS - Sophomore)
                                                • Austin Kunk (2B - Junior)
                                                • Hudson Schmitz (LF/P - Senior)
                                                • Jack Huelsman (CF - Senior)
                                                • Max Delzeith (P - Senior)
                                                • Jack Buschur (P - Senior)

                                                  Coach's Thoughts:

                                                  Will update when we receive their State preview.


                                                  Division VII

                                                  Division VII State Bracket

                                                  • #1 Calvert vs #7 Delphos St. John's
                                                  • #27 Leipsic vs #18 South Webster

                                                  #1 CALVERT (TIFFIN): Top-ranked Tiffin Calvert has dominated in tournament play, outscoring opponents 63-6. Calvert won regional games over Maplewood 16-5 in the semifinals and Central Christian 10-0 in the finals after beating Cardinal Stritch 17-0, Lakeside Danbury 11-0 and South Central 9-1 in the first three tourney contests. Logan Ritzler pitched a two-hit shutout versus Central Christian with Charlie Palm driving in three runs and scoring twice. Vincenzo Lyons was 3-3 with three runs and two RBIs versus Maplewood and AJ Shoemaker 2-2 with two runs and two RBIs. Lyons was also 3-3 in the district finals and Ritzler 2-2 with two runs and two RBIs versus Danbury. Lyons and Tucker King went 2-2 against Stritch. Ritzler has thrown 16 innings with 24 Ks while not permitting an earned run in the tourney. AJ Shoemaker, a Lorain County CC commit, now has 131 career hits to pass the record held by Nick Palm. Charlie Palm has tied the school mark of 14 doubles in a season held by Nick Palm and now has 30 stolen bases to pass the single-season stolen base record held previously by Eric Lee. This marks the fourth state trip in five years for Calvert, which lost in the semifinals the previous three appearances, including 6-4 to Newark Catholic last year. 

                                                  #7 DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S: Delphos St. John’s is two wins from duplicating the accomplishment of a state championship by the basketball team back in March. Andrew Elwer fired a six-hit shutout to beat Newton 3-0 after Cam Elwer, a Furman basketball commit, did not permit an earned run in an 8-1 victory over Fort Loramie in the regional semis. Cam Elwer was 3-4 and drove in two against Newton while Andrew Elwer had two doubles and scored three runs versus Fort Loramie. Andrew Elwer and Braden Lindeman teamed up for a two-hit shutout in a 9-0 blanking of Mohawk in the district title game. The Blue Jays have outscored the opposition 60-4 in the tournament, including wins over Lima Temple Christian 23-0 and Delphos Jefferson 17-3. 

                                                  #27 LEIPSIC: Leipsic came through with two runs in the bottom of the sixth and three in the seventh to shock Montpelier 6-5 in the regional finals, earning a state berth for the second time ever. A two-run single from Colin Niese tied the game and John Dewar capped off the comeback by driving in Niese with the game-winning run. Leipsic trailed New Riegel 3-1 heading to the fifth before coming back to win 6-3 in the semis. Niese was 3-3 while Aaron Hazelton threw four innings of one-hit shutout relief for the victory. The Vikings beat state-ranked Putnam County League rival Kalida for the second time this year in the district semifinals and then romped over Edgerton 10-0 for a trip to regionals. Niese drove in two runs in the 4-3 win over Kalida while Hazelton threw a three-hit shutout and went 3-4 with two RBIs versus Edgerton. Dewar fanned 15 in a three-hitter to beat North Baltimore 7-1 in sectionals. Leipsic’s lone previous state appearance came in 1976 when the Vikings beat Cuyahoga Heights 6-5 in the Class A championship game.

                                                  #18 SOUTH WEBSTER: South Webster pushed across the lone run of the game in the bottom of the 12th with consecutive two-out singles from Cole Bennett, Sam Murphy and Brayden Barnard to beat Strasburg-Franklin 1-0 in the regional finals. Freshman Easton Large struck out 11 in 11.1 innings. The Jeeps, in their fourth regional appearance since 2017 and third in the last four years, did not have a hit until the fifth inning but came back from a 2-0 hole to stun perennial state power Newark Catholic 4-2 in the regional semifinals. In winning districts with a 15-9 victory over Portsmouth Clay, Benaiah Andrews, Large, Pierce Kreischer and Bennett all had three hits for the Jeeps, which scored 11 runs in the fifth to capture back-to-back district titles for the first time ever. One of four schools in the country with the "Jeep" mascot, South Webster defeated Whiteoak 8-1 in the district semifinals with Hunter Barnard producing three hits and Andrews throwing a three-hitter.

                                                  #1 Calvert (Tiffin)

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

                                                  • District Titles: 11
                                                  • Regional Titles: 3

                                                  Top Players:

                                                    • Vincenzo Lyons, LF/P, Junior
                                                    • AJ Shoemaker, RF, Senior
                                                    • Charlie Palm, SS/P, Sophomore
                                                    • Connor Moyer, C, Senior
                                                    • Cameron Moyer, 1B/P, Senior
                                                    • Tucker Coleman, P/OF, Sophomore
                                                    • Landon King, DH/P, Sophomore
                                                    • Branyan Coleman, CF, Sophomore
                                                    • Logan RItzler, 3B/P, Senior
                                                    • Braxton Shoemaker, 2B/P, Sophomore 
                                                    • Cohen Stull, RHP, Senior

                                                      Coach's Thoughts:

                                                      Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                                      #7 Delphos St. John's

                                                      Record: 19-7
                                                      Head Coach: Jerry Jackson
                                                      Final Ranking: No. 7
                                                      Preseason Ranking: N10
                                                      Postseason History: 

                                                      • ???

                                                      Top Players: 

                                                      ???

                                                      Coach's Thoughts:

                                                      Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                                      Leipsic

                                                      Record: 17-9
                                                      Head Coach: Darren Henry
                                                      Final Ranking:
                                                      N10
                                                      Preseason Ranking: N10
                                                      Postseason History:

                                                      • ???

                                                      Top Players:

                                                        • ???

                                                          Coach's Thoughts:

                                                          Will update when we receive their State preview.

                                                          #18 South Webster

                                                          Record: 22-10
                                                          Head Coach: Ryan McClintic
                                                          Final Ranking:
                                                          No. 18
                                                          Preseason Ranking: No. 7
                                                          Postseason History:

                                                          • District Titles: ('17, '23, '25, & '26)

                                                          Top Players:

                                                            • Hunter Barnard, SS/P, SR
                                                            • Benaiah Andrews, P/1B, SR
                                                            • Brycin McClintic, 2B, SR
                                                            • Easton Large, P/1B, FR
                                                            • Jacob McGraw, P/RF, SR
                                                            • Pierce Kreischer, DH, FR
                                                            • Cole Bennett, 3B, JR
                                                            • Sam Murphy, C, SR
                                                            • Brayden Barnard, LF, SO
                                                            • Beau Stephens, CF, SR

                                                              Coach's Thoughts:

                                                              Will update when we receive their State preview.

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