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2026 Spring High School Team Previews: Division VI

March 9, 2026
Dylan Hefflinger
Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout

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With 2025 now in the past, Prep Baseball Ohio is eagerly anticipating bringing the Buckeye state the best high school coverage that can be found anywhere in 2026. Starting in February, we began releasing team previews for squads across the state. Ahead, we will have Preseason All-State Teams as well as the Preseason State Rankings coming your way.

To view the full list of 2026 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

If you are a coach and haven't filled out your 2026 Team Preview, click here.

Interested in attending a Prep Baseball Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2026 Spring High School Team Previews: Division VI

Spring Team Preview: Allen East Mustangs

Team Name: Allen East Mustangs
Head Coach: Tyler Stevens
Division: I
2025 Record: 14-10
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to New Bremen
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 9/7

Coach Outlook: "We’re excited about the upcoming season. Finishing 14–10 last year with no seniors gave the kids in our program valuable experience that they can carry with them into this season. Our focus has been on continued development, being more consistent, more disciplined, and more competitive in every aspect of the game. If we stay healthy and keep improving day by day, we believe this team has the potential to take another step forward this season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching Depth
  • Speed
  • Defense

Top Returning Players:

  • Jackson Thompson, C/P, 2026, 5-10/205-pounds, R/R. 3 year starter, team captain, Manchester University recruit. Last Year Stats - .293 AVG, 2 2B, 2 HR, 18 RBIs, 25 R, 18 SB. 54.2 IP, 6-3, 1.15 ERA, 88 K, 41 BB
  • Levi Clum, P/1B, 2026, 6-2/255-pounds, R/R. 3 year starter, team captain. Last Year Stats - 43.2 IP, 3-3. 1.76 ERA, 32 K, 8 BB
  • Brady Brooks, 2B/SS/P, 5-9/140-pounds, R/R. 3 year starter, team captain. Last Year Stats - .250 AVG, .347 OBP, 2 2B, 12 RBI, 21 R, 18 SB. 21.0 IP, 1-1, 1.67 ERA, 8 K, 9 BB
  • Ethan Hershberger, OF/P, 2027, 5-10/180-pounds, R/R. 2 year starter. Last Year Stats - .333 AVG, 5 2B, 4 3B, 12 RBIs, 20 R, 8 SB.
  • Travis Stanley, UTL (3B, SS, 2B, C), 2027, 5-11/155-pounds, R/R. 2 year starter. Last Year Stats - .318 AVG, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBIs, 24 R, 8 SB
  • Caleb Lybarger, SS/P, 2027, 6-1/165-pounds, R/R. 2 year starter. Last Year Stats - .275 AVG, .387 OBP, 2 2B, 13 RBIs, 10 SB. 18.1 IP, 3-0, 0.38 ERA, 12 K, 11 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jackson Thompson
  • Levi Clum
  • Brady Brooks

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Ethan Hershberger
  • Travis Stanley
  • Caleb Lybarger
  • Cam Cosart
  • Colt Snyder
  • Jacob Williams

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Hayden Carter
  • Marshall Capps
  • Devin Miller

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Carson Rex

2026 Spring Team Preview: Ayersville Pilots

Team Name: Ayersville Pilots
Head Coach: Cory Adams
Division: VI
2025 Record: 10-15
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Patrick Henry
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/9

Coach Outlook: "We’re very excited about this group. We return eight players who started at some point last season, which gives us valuable experience and continuity. Our pitching and defense will be the foundation of this team. As we continue to mature and develop at the plate, that growth will ultimately define how far we can go this season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Speed
  • Leadership

Top Returning Players:

  • Dylan Brown, C, 2026, 5'10/155-pounds, R/R 2-year starter. Last Year Stats - .267 AVG, .381 OBP, 12 H, 7 RBI, 8 R, 12 BB, 1 SB
  • Owen Lloyd, OF/LHP, 2026, 5'10/165-pounds, L/L 3-year starter, Bluffton Commit. Last Year Stats - .254 AVG, .411 OBP, 17 H, 2 2B, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 19 BB, 12 SB. 1-4, 32 K, 29 BB
  • Chris Steingass, IF/RHP, 2026, 6'1/160-pounds, R/R 2-year starter. Last Year Stats - .232 AVG, .376 OBP, 17 H, 5 2B, 7 RBI, 14 R, 16 BB, 9 SB. 0-0, 3 K, 6 BB
  • Hunter Hazelton, OF/RHP, 2027, 6'4/180-pounds, R/R 2-year starter. Last Year Stats - .200 AVG, .286 OBP, 5 H, 4 RBI, 3 R, 3 BB, 1 SB. 0-1, 4 K, 3 BB
  • Jackson Stambaugh, OF/RHP, 6'0/170-pounds, R/R 2-year starter. Last Year Stats - .250 AVG, .358 OBP, 14 H, 8 2B, 8 RBI, 12 R, 10 BB, 7 SB. 1-2, 24 K, 10 BB
  • Dane Ewers, IF/RHP, 2028, 6'4/180-pounds, R/R 1-year starter. Last Year Stats. - .230 AVG, .329 OBP, 14 H, 3 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 7 BB, 7 SB. 2-1, 9 K, 4 BB
  • Alex Sigler, IF/RHP, 2028, 5'9/140-pounds, R/R 1-year starter. Last Year Stats - .264. AVG, .333 OBP, 19 H, 3 2B, 13 RBI, 10 R, 9 BB, 8 SB. 0-1, 5 K, 9 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dylan Brown
  • Owen Lloyd - Bluffton Commit
  • Chis Steingass
  • Chase Riley - Ohio Christian Commit

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Hunter Hazelton
  • Jackson Stambaugh

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dane Ewers
  • Brock Hauenstein
  • Alex Sigler

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Grady Wolfrum

2026 Spring Team Preview: Bucyrus Redmen

Team Name: Bucyrus Redmen
Head Coach: Thaddeus Hensel
Division: VI
2025 Record: 1-19
2025 Tourney Finish: lost Sectional Finals 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/3

Coach Outlook: "I'm very excited about the upcoming season, we really struggled last season. But we have returned all our players except 1. The team is still very young but looking to improve on the year bringing in a few underclassmen as well as players who didn't come out last season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Speed on the base paths 

Top Returning Players:

  • London Wade, Pitcher 1 year
  • Wyatt Makeever, SS 1 Year
  • Paten Deskins CF 1 Year
  • Lincoln Blizzard IF 1 year
  • Ben Jones OF 1 year
  • Micah Burke

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Ben Jones

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • London Wade

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Wyatt Makeever 

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Issac Makeever 

2026 Spring Team Preview: Caldwell Redskins

Team Name: Caldwell Redskins
Head Coach: Derek Sidwell
Division: VI
2025 Record: 14-4
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Semifinals to Garaway, 4-3
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/4

Coach Outlook: "I'm very excited about this season. Even though this is my first season being the official head coach I have been around the program for over 20 years. We lost 9 seniors from last years team, which is always hard to replace when you lose that many seniors, but we return some key pieces and will also be adding some new younger guys to the crop who will be seeing a lot of time on the field and I expect them to just keep getting better as the season progresses."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Defense
  • Smart (Knowledgeable of the game)
  • Some experience (3 players coming back off of a state playoff legion team over the summer)

Top Returning Players:

  • Kyler Starr, 1B/OF/LHP, 5-10/170 pounds, Senior, 3 year starter. Last Years Stats - .222 AVG, 9 1B, 1 2B, 5 RBI's, 10 R, 3 SB. 1-0, 3.93 ERA, 6K, 7 BB
  • Jacob Laswell, OF/RHP, 2027, 6-1/175 pounds, Junior. 2 year starter. Last Years Stats - .267 AVG, 8 1B, 2 RBI's, 3 R, 4 SB. 5-3, 1.826 ERA, 51 K, 11 BB
  • Cameron Sidwell, 2B/SS/RHP, 5-8/ 160 pounds, Sophomore. 1 year starter. Last Years Stats - .314 AVG, 16 1B, 8 RBI's, 16 R, 9 SB.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Kyler Starr

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jacob Laswell

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cameron Sidwell

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Lucas Baker 
  • Silas Cain

2026 Spring Team Preview: Cardington Lincoln Pirates

Team Name: Cardington Lincoln Pirates
Head Coach: Ryan Goetzman
Division: VI
2025 Record: 16-8
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in the Sectional Final
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

Coach Outlook: "We return a good core of athletes with quality varsity innings. I believe this will be a group that continues to improve and grow as the season goes."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • Leadership
  • Athletic 

Top Returning Players:

  • Wyatt Denney, OF, 2026, 5-9, 180, R/R 4- Year Starter, Last Year Stats- .440 AVG, .516 OBP, 37 H, 11 2b, 3 3b, 16 SB, 36 R
  • Abner Edgell, 1b, 2026, 6-1, 250, R/R Last Year Stats- . .361 AVG, .442 OBP, 30 H, 6 2b, 2 HR, 23 RBI
  • Fisher Schuman- C/INF/P, 2027, 5-10, 165, R/R, Last Year Stats- .362 AVG, .489 OBP, 25 H, 4 2b, 22 RBI, 26 R
  • Josh Goers, 2028
  • James Fiant, 2027
  • Rylan Fiant, 2028
  • Blake Wise, 2028
  • Evan Marquis, 2026

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Wyatt Denney
  • Abner Edgell
  • Evan Marquis

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Fisher Schuman
  • James Fiant

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Josh Goers
  • Rylan Fiant
  • Blake Wise

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Bryce Arnold
  • Zane Harper
  • Wyatt Frazier

2026 Spring Team Preview: Chippewa Chipps

Team Name: Chippewa Chipps
Head Coach: Dave Maculaitis
Division: VI
2025 Record: 20-8
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in the District to Poland Seminary 0-2
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/4

Coach Outlook: "This year's team should be a much more balanced team top to bottom that does not look to one or two guys to carry us offensively. We played a lot of young guys last year, and that experience playing in big games in a very difficult league should benefit us this season. We have one of our most athletic and versatile lineups in the past several years and that should help us do more of the things we want to do from game to game."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching Depth
  • Athleticism
  • Team Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Joe Hegarty, P/OF, 2026, 3-Year
  • Luke Blaz P/1B, 2026 3-Year
  • Braden Youngblood INF/P, 2026, 2-Year
  • Giancarlo Acevedo C/OF, 2026 1-Year
  • William Hegarty P/Util, 2027 1-Year
  • Ayden Eby P/OF, 2027 1-Year
  • Brody Conyers P/OF, 2028 1-Year
  • Titus Klotzle SS, 2028 1-Year
  • Kaeden Croft C/INF, 2028 1-Year

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Charlie Johnston P/INF, 2026
  • Talon Foster P/OF, 2026

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brady Sedlacko, P/3B
  • Brayden Hershberger OF

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Calvin Gasser 2B
  • Carson Heaps OF/P
  • Gavin Earnest P/1B/3B
  • Hayden Krieger P/OF
  • Dylan Easterling P/SS

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Damian Mullet C/INF
  • Mason Caron Util
  • David King Util
  • Griffin Hershberger OF

2026 Spring Team Preview: Columbia Raiders

Team Name: Columbia Raiders
Head Coach: Dan Durante
Division: VI
2025 Record: 13-11
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss to Rootstown
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/3

Coach Outlook: "Columbia looks for more consistency throughout the season. There were several weeks in which the Raiders played their best baseball but it wasn’t consistent enough to be able to accomplish what they set out to do."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Effort 

Top Returning Players:

  • Logan Menge
  • Carter Duley
  • Jose Rivera 

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Carter Duley
  • Jose Rivera

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Logan Menge

2026 Spring Team Preview: Columbiana Clippers

Team Name: Columbiana Clippers
Head Coach: Bryce Franken
Division: VI
2025 Record: 11-16
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Mineral Ridge
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/6

Coach Outlook: "After dropping a 10-inning heavyweight bout with United in the final EOAC game of the 2025 season, we missed out on a league championship for the first time since 2022. Now, as we head into the 2026 season, we will look to get that bitter taste out of our mouths. We will also be looking to perform much better outside of the EOAC and in the tournament. With 5 returning position starters and 6 returning pitchers, we have less holes to fill than we did last season. And, we have several players who may not have been starters last year, but they still got a lot of valuable experience at the varsity level. Two of the our returning starters, junior Avery Young and senior Hunter Davanzo, each earned multiple high-level postseason awards. Young was even named to Prep Baseball Report's All-Ohio Honorable Mention team. Young also broke Columbiana's single season stolen bases record in 2025, and speed is something that I would say is going to be a huge strength across the board in 2026. We will look to get guys on and then wreak havoc on the base paths, from top to bottom. Pitching depth is another strength of the 2026 team. Six guys that gave us significant innings last year will be returning, and we also have several newcomers that will help us out on the mound this season. Whether or not we make it happen on the base paths AND on the mound will be the biggest determiners of our success-level in 2026."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Speed
  • Pitching Depth

Top Returning Players:

  • Avery Young, SS/RHP, 2027, 5-7/160 pounds, R/R. 2-year starter, uncommitted. Last Year Stats - .388 AVG, 9 2B, 10 RBIs, 31 R, 35 SB (school record). 2 W, 41.1 IP, 4.57 ERA, 44 K... PBR All-Ohio Honorable Mention, NEOBCA All-District 1st Team, EOAC All-League 1st Team.
  • Hunter Davanzo, CF, 2026, 6-1/200 pounds, R/R. 2-year starter, uncommitted. Last Year Stats - .312 AVG, 4 2B, 1 HR, 17 RBIs, 15 R, 14 SB. NEOBCA All-District Honorable Mention, EOAC All-League 1st Team.
  • Liam McElwain, C, 2028, 5-8/160 pounds, R/R. 1-year starter, uncommitted. Last Year Stats - .254 AVG, 1 2B, 16 RBIs, 16 R, 11 SB.
  • Sam Inboden, IF/RHP, 2026, 5-10/170 pounds, R/R. 1-year starter, uncommitted. Last Year Stats - .235 AVG, 4 2B, 1 3B, 18 RBIs, 18 R, 10 SB. 3 W, 39.1 IP, 3.38 ERA, 47 K.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Hunter Davanzo
  • Sam Inboden

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Avery Young
  • Drennen Bosela - Made 7 appearances on the mound in 2025, logging 12 strikeouts in 9.1 innings.
  • Nick Klindworth - Was third on the team in appearances in 2025, while logging the best ERA (3.00) on the team.
  • Rocco Mediate - Scored 8 runs and stole 4 bases in 2025.

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Liam McElwain
  • Ethan Lehnerd - Saw significant time with the varsity in 2025, in all three facets. Most notably, his 19 strikeouts as a pitcher were good for fourth most on the squad.
  • Thatcher Smith - Struck out 32 batters in 22 innings of JV work in 2025.
  • Beckett Wilson - Had the best ERA for the JV squad in 2025 and saw several innings of game action behind the plate at the varsity level.

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jackson Davis
  • Stephen Varkony

2026 Spring Team Preview: Columbus Grove Bulldogs

Team Name: Columbus Grove Bulldogs
Head Coach: Brayden Sautter
Division: VI
2025 Record: 16-11
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost 6-5 in the District Semifinal to Marion Local
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/6

Coach Outlook: "We are still relatively young, but we do have a lot of experience. We only have two seniors, both of which will start, but we have several underclassmen with at least one year of starting experience at the varsity level. We bring back a lot of pitching, which is huge, especially for us playing in two leagues. Defensively and offensively, we have a couple holes to fill at premium positions. Ultimately, our success will boil down to how we are able to fill those spots. I think we are a team that will get better as the year goes and hopefully we peak at the right time."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting pitching 
  • Leadership

Top Returning Players:

  • Brady Basinger, 1B/LHP, 2027, 6'2/215lbs, R/L, 2-year starter, Captain. 2025 Stats: .330 AVG, .452 OBP, .505 SLG, 1 HR, 1 3B, 11 2B, 27 RBI, 21 R, 10/13 SB. 46.2 IP, 6-2, 70 K, 20 BB, 2.10 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 1 No-Hitter (Sect. Final)
  • Carter Flores: 3B/RHP, 2027, 5'8/190lbs, R/R, 2-year starter. 2025 Stats: .246 AVG, .388 OBP, .323 SLG, 5 2B, 2/2 SB. 41.2 IP, 4-0, 32 K, 24 BB, 1.85 ERA, 1.51 WHIP
  • Gage Sautter: OF/RHP, 2027, 6'3/170lbs, R/R, 1-year starter, Captain. 2025 Stats: .224 AVG, .340 OBP, .235 SLG, 1 2B, 11 RBI, 12 R, 10/11 SB. 31.1 IP, 4-2, 22 K, 6 BB, 1.78 ERA, 0.95 WHIP.
  • Alex Meyer, SS/RHP, 2028, 5'9/155lbs, R/R, 1-year starter. 2025 Stats: .390 AVG, 545 OBP, .439 SLG, 4 2B, 11 RBI, 35 R, 28/28 SB. 14.1 IP, 1-1, 14 K, 2 BB, 3.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP.

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brady Basinger, 1B/LHP
  • Gage Sautter, OF/RHP
  • Carter Flores, 3B/RHP

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Alex Meyer, SS/RHP
  • Jack Siefker, OF/RHP

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Caleb Ricker, OF/LHP

2026 Spring Team Preview: Covington Buccs

Team Name: Covington Buccs
Head Coach: David Heffelfinger
Division: VI
2025 Record: 14-12
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Final to Summit Country Day
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/2

Coach Outlook: "We are going to be a young squad this season with only 1 senior on the roster. We return many young players from last year's team that are eager to compete. We will be looking to replace some arms on the mound with young inexperienced arms. We are excited to compete and put the work in to keep improving each day. We have a team slogan of Board the B.O.A.T. (brotherhood, ownership, attitude, toughness) that we build around and have a great culture in our program."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Culture
  • Defense
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Brairen Denson, SS/RHP, 2027, 3-year starter. Last year stats: 0.449 AVG, 6 2B, 14 RBI, 19 R, 3-4 W/L, 3.119 ERA, 30 K, 13 BB
  • Caiden Hollingsworth, INF, 2027 Last year stats: .282 AVG., 1 2B, 9 RBI, 18 R
  • Tyler Palsgrove, OF, 2027 Last year stats: .292 AVG, 1 2B, 12 RBI, 18 SB
  • Hunter McMillion, INF/RHP 2028 Last year stats: .353 AVG. 1 2B, 7 RBI, 2 R, 17 AB

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brairen Denson
  • Caiden Hollingsworth
  • Tyler Palsgrove

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Hunter McMillion

2026 Spring Team Preview: Crestview Cougars (Ashland)

Team Name: Crestview Cougars (Ashland)
Head Coach: Don Keener
Division: VI
2025 Record: 12-14
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss to Colonel Crawford
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/3

Coach Outlook: "Our success will be determined on our pitching and defense."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Hardworking
  • Quality Teammates 

Top Returning Players:

  • Landen Fulk, OF (2026), Sr. 2-year starter .433 7 RBIs 12 Runs
  • Drew Spoerr LHP/1B (2026), Sr. 2 year starter 3-2 31 IPs 4.24 ERA
  • Kayn Patton C (2027) Jr. 3 year starter .393 16 RBIs 23 Runs 
  • Carson Keener Inf./P (2027) Jr. 3 year starter .289 16 RBIs 17 Runs 29 SBs 1-1 8 IPs 2.62 ERA
  • Brayden Parrigan OF/C (2027) Jr. 2 year starter .300 14 RBIs 21 Runs 

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Landen Fulk
  • Drew Spoerr

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Kayn Patton
  • Carson Keener
  • Brayden Parrigan

2026 Spring Team Preview: Crestview Knights (Convoy)

Team Name: Crestview Knights (Convoy)
Head Coach: Kole Rolsten
Division: VI
2025 Record: 7-12
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Lincolnview
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "We return 7 guys who have contributed in major roles at the varsity level a year ago. We have had a good offseason and are looking to hit the ground running."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Defense
  • Pitching 

Top Returning Players:

  • Zaine Cereghin, C/P/Util, 2027, 5-8/165 pounds, R/R, 2 year starter. Last Year Stats: .431 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR
  • Owen Heckler, P/1B, 2026, 6'4/190 pounds, R/R, 2 year starter. Last Year Stats: 42IP, 2-1 record, 1-1 SV, 1.654 ERA, 34 K, 17 BB, .192 BAA
  • Denver McDougal, 1B/P, 2027, 6-4/190 pounds, L/R, 1 year starter. Last Year Stats: .289 AVG
  • Luke Sawmiller, P/INF, 2028, 5-11/160-pounds, R/R. 1 year starter.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Owen Heckler

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Zaine Cereghin
  • Denver McDougal

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Luke Sawmiller

2026 Spring Team Preview: Dixie Greyhounds

Team Name: Dixie Greyhounds
Head Coach: Austin Schaar
Division: VI
2025 Record: 10-11
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in First Round to Carlisle
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "Dixie is going to rely on our two main starting pitchers coming back to lead our team. We have some young guys that I plan will step up to help lead our team. Our strengths are going to be in starting pitching and defense this year."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Defense
  • Leadership

Top Returning Players:

  • Sean Tabler, C (Video Below)

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dillon Phillips, SS/RHP, 2026 Last Year Stats- .224 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBI, 20 R, 10 SB. 4-2, 1.12 ERA, 46 K, 16 BB, 2 SHO
  • Brayden Puckett, OF/RHP, 2026 Last Year Stats- .323 AVG, 6 2B, 9 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB. 5-0, 4.28 ERA, 48 K, 22 BB, 1 SHO
  • Garrett Williams, OF/RHP, 2027 Last Year Stats-.310 AVG, 4 2B, 13 RBI, 25 R, 20 SB
  • Landry Broyles, UTL/RHP, 2027 Last Year Stats- .324 AVG, 4 2B, 10 RBI, 11 R, 6 SB
  • Noah Thompson, MIF/RHP, 2028 Last Year Stats- .294 AVG, 6 RBI, 4 SB

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dillon Phillips
  • Brayden Puckett
  • Wyatt Kettler
  • Joe Velazquez

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Garrett Williams
  • Landry Broyles

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Noah Thompson
  • Colt Himan

2026 Spring Team Preview: Elmwood Royals

Team Name: Elmwood Royals
Head Coach: Matt Malecha
Division: VI
2025 Record: 22-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in State Semifinal to Lake Center Christian
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/3

Coach Outlook: "We return seven letter winners from last year's state final four team that we will lean on for bigger roles. In addition, we have players in each class that have the opportunity to make an impact for us this year. There is a lot of excitement in our program to build upon last year's success, and we have been hard at work all off-season to elevate our program."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Athleticism
  • Pitching Depth
  • Leadership
  • Offense 

Top Returning Players:

  • Marshal Taft, 2B, 2026, 1-year starter. Last Year Stats- .262 AVG, 22 H, 24 RBIs, 12 R
  • Ryken Zeigler, C/OF, 2027, 1-yeat starter. Last Year Stats- 315 AVG, 23 H, 2 2B, 2 3B, 14 RBIs, 26 R, 22 SB
  • Kason Hammer, OF, 2027, 1-year starter. Last Year Stats- .200 AVG, 13 H, 2 2B, 14 RBIs, 13 R, 11 SB
  • Gabe Schafer, RHP/1B, 2027, 1-year stater. Last Year Stats- 15 IP, 4.66 ERA, 2-0, 18 K, 7 BB
  • Nico Allen, 1B/OF/RHP, 2028, 1-year stater. Last Year Stats- .312 AVG, 20 H, 1 2B, 15 RBIs, 23 R, 11 SB
  • Carter Goetz, INF/RHP, 2028, 1-year starter. Last Year Stats- 1.23 ERA, 1 SV, 6 K, 1 BB
  • Abraham Keiffer, RHP/INF, 2028, 1-year starter. Last Year Stats- 18.1 IP, 3.43 ERA, 1-1, 1 SV, 15 K

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Gabe Schafer
  • Ryken Zeigler
  • Kason Hammer

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Nico Allen
  • Carter Goetz
  • Abraham Keiffer
  • Case Mareches

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Ta'Mareon Wiseman
  • Cooper Plouck

2026 Spring Team Preview: Emmanuel Christian Warriors

Team Name: Emmanuel Christian Warriors
Head Coach: Nathan Vitale
Division: VI
2025 Record: 9-14
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/10

Coach Outlook: "We have a veteran team with many talented players. We look forward to playing together, for each other, and ultimately for the glory of God."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Depth
  • Pitching 

Top Returning Players:

  • Sam Kutz, Senior P/ Utl, 6/ 160 pounds, R/R, team captain 4 years, last yr stats- .414 AVG, 6 2B, 14 RBI, 14 R, 13 SB, 3-4, 1.95 ERA 48 K, 16 BB, 46.2 IP
  • Brandon Woodward C 5-11 200 lbs, R/R 2 year varsity letter winner, last year stats- .317 AVG, 5 2B, 15 RBI, 5 SB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Sam Kutz

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brandon Woodward
  • Titus Shepherd

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Angel Cintron 

2026 Spring Team Preview: Fort Frye Cadets

Team Name: Fort Frye Cadets
Head Coach: Trey Engle
Division: VI
2025 Record: 17-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in sectional final to Newcomberstown 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/6

Coach Outlook: "We have an experienced team with a lot of depth. 7 seniors. With 8 returning starters. All of our pitching is back."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Leadership

Top Returning Players:

  • Kainin Bradford P/3b, 2026,6'3/220 2 year starter. .404 AVG, 9 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 2 SB. 2-0, 0.56 ERA, 15 K, 3 BB
  • Grady Hesson P/UTL, 2027, 5'10/165 2 year starter. .231 AVG, 5 2B, 13 RBI, 6 SB. 7-3, 1.42 ERA, 72 K, 18 BB
  • Jack Mccurdy P/CF, 2026, 5'9/155 3 year starter. .286 AVG, 2 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 8 SB. 5-2, 2.50 ERA, 26 K, 27 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Kainin Bradford 
  • Jack Mccurdy 

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Grady Hesson
  • Grady Shuster (transfer)

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Wade Duskey

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cade Hoskinson

2026 Spring Team Preview: Fort Recovery Indians

Team Name: Fort Recovery Indians
Head Coach: Kevin Eyink
Division: VI
2025 Record: 19-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Regional final to Fairview
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/4

Coach Outlook: "We have a strong group of seniors back that will lead the team. We need to replace a couple spots but really have a strong core back and some solid new players to fill in. We want to be more competitive in the MAC. We feel like we have a solid schedule put together that will prepare us for tournament time and hopefully be ready to make a tournament run. Looking forward to a fun season with this group."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Good Pitching
  • Strong Lineup

Top Returning Players:

  • Alex Gaerke, P/INF, Senior, R/R
  • Caden Homan P/INF, Senior, R/R
  • Brodie Hart C, Senior, R/R, committed to Wright State Lake Campus
  • Reece Wendel CF, Senior, R/R
  • Dylan Klenke P/OF, Senior, L/L
  • Colson Post P/INF, Senior, L/R

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Alex Gaerke
  • Caden Homan
  • Reece Wendel

2026 Spring Team Preview: Grand Valley Mustangs

Team Name: Grand Valley Mustangs
Head Coach: Zach Sirrine
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-8
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Oberlin
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/5

Coach Outlook: "Following a heartbreaking exit in the second round of last year's playoffs and falling just short of a conference championship, we enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of urgency. We return eight letter winners, six of whom gained their first true varsity experience with us last spring, leaving us with far fewer holes to fill in the lineup. Our depth is anchored by a pitching staff that posted a collective 3.00 ERA last year and returns entirely intact. We will lean heavily on our three battle-tested seniors to lead the way, while expecting our four returning sophomore starters to continue their development as staples of this program. Additionally, several players who saw limited to no action last year are poised to become vital contributors this spring. While our pitching kept us in games a year ago, our success in 2026 will hinge on making strides at the plate and creating chaos on the basepaths. I believe this team will only get stronger as we become more battle-tested, and our season will ultimately be dictated by our approach at the dish and our defensive support behind our pitchers."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Athleticism
  • Depth

Top Returning Players:

  • Payton Plizga, SS/RHP, 2026, 6-1/180-pounds, R/R. 3-year starter, Dubuque recruit. Last Year Stats - .485 AVG, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 18 RBIs, 29 R, 41 SB. 62.0 IP, 7-3, 0.57 ERA, 88 K, 4 BB.
  • Eli Souders, OF, 2026, 6-0/185-pounds, R/R. 2-year starter. Last Year Stats - .385 AVG, 4 2B, 15 RBIs, 16 R, 8 SB.
  • Carter Turk, SS/RHP, 2027, 6-5/175-pounds, R/R. 1-year starter, Last Year Stats - .292 AVG, 6 2B, 19 RBIs, 21 R, 10 SB. 26 IP, 4-2, 4.84 ERA, 34 K, 17 BB.
  • Carl Krieg, UTL, 2028, 6-1/175-pounds, R/R. 1-year starter. Last Year Stats - .270 AVG, 6 2B, 17 RBIs, 25 R, 12 SB. 10 IP, 1-0, 1.40 ERA, 15 K, 4 BB.
  • Nick Barbieri, MIF, 2028 5-10/170-pounds, L/R. 1-year starter. Last Year Stats - .320 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 12 RBIs, 11 R, 1 SB.
  • Ryan Began, OF/ RHP, 2028, 5-11/195-pounds, R/R. 1 Year Starter. Last Year Stats - 25IP, 2-2, 1 SV 4.480 ERA, 30 K, 14 BB.
  • Cooper Plizga, UTL, 2028, 6-0/170-pounds, R/R. 1-year starter. Last Year Stats - 20Ip, 0-1, 2 SV, 4.55 ERA, 17 K, 10 BB.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Payton Plizga
  • Eli Souders

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Carter Turk 
  • Luke Giddings

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Carl Krieg
  • Cooper Plizga
  • Ryan Began
  • Nick Barbieri

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Easton Wilkinson
  • Parker Zupancic
  • Caden Rowland

2026 Spring Team Preview: Hicksville Aces

Team Name: Hicksville Aces
Head Coach: Ryan Miser
Division: VI
2025 Record: 8-11
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Fairview 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "We bring back a fair amount of guys that have played some varsity baseball at some point in their high school career. Now some of them are being asked to be a consistent everyday player for us. At any point in time we could have a lineup with 3 seniors, 2 juniors, and 4 sophomores in it. The thing I feel good about is we bring back 4 of our top 5 pitchers from last year along with some other guys that could give us some innings. A couple things we have been preaching in the off season is cutting down on our strikeouts at the plate and being more sound on defense. We are looking to cut down on our average of over 3 errors a game last year. Putting the ball in play more and making plays in the field more consistently is what I am looking to see us do this season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Experience

Top Returning Players:

  • Eli Lawrence, C/P/IF, 2026, 5-9 135 pounds, R/R, 3 year starter, Last Year stats-.309 AVG, 17 HITS, 2 3B, 10 RBI, 16 R, 2-5, 3.71 ERA, 28 K, 17 BB, 34 innings
  • Easton Adams, P/SS/2nd, 2028, 6-0, 150 pounds, R/R, 1 year starter, Last year stats- 0-1, 2.77 ERA, 18 innings, 22 K, 13 BB
  • Wyatt Bell, 1st/3rd, 2027, 6'1 215 pounds, R/R, 1 year starter, Last year stats- .328 AVG, 19 HITS, 2 2B, 14 RBI
  • Jayden Beverly- P/OF, 2028, 5'10, 115 pounds, R/R, 1 year starter, Last year stats- .289 AVG, 11 HITS, 6 RBI, 10 R, .429 OBP
  • Cole Yeaser- P/SS/2nd, 6'0 150 pounds, R/R, 1 year starter

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Eli Lawrence 

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Wyatt Bell

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Easton Adams
  • Jayden Beverly
  • Cole Yeaser

2026 Spring Team Preview: Hiland Hawks

Team Name: Hiland Hawks
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Division: VI
2025 Record: 31-1
2025 Tourney Finish: Won D-VI State Title
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 3/3

Coach Outlook: "We are losing a lot of talented players from the 2025 squad but we have a lot of guys working hard to prepare for the spring and fill in those holes. Our defense and pitching depth will be the key to winning games this spring."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Pitching
  • Defense

Top Returning Players:

  • Grady Monigold, 1B/RHP, 2026, Malone University, 3-year starter, Last Year Stats - .378 AVG, 9 2B, 6 HR, 47 RBIs, 29 R, 2 SB. 25 IP, 4-0, 1.38 ERA, 24 K, 15 BB
  • Mike Miller, OF/LHP, 2026, Last Year Stats - .358 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 13 RBIs, 25 R, 4 SB. 23 IP, 3-0, 2 SV, 1.21 ERA, 43 K, 11 BB
  • Logan Miller, 3B/RHP, 2026, Last Year Stats - .341 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 22 RBIs, 21 R, 3 SB. 17 IP, 2-0, 1.59 ERA, 17 K, 7 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Isaiah Wagler, 2026, SS/RHP
  • Andre Yoder, 2026, 3B/RHP
  • Gerut Monigold, 2026, OF/LHP

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Christian Mullet, 2027, OF/LHP
  • Paxton Alarcon, 2027, C

2026 Spring Team Preview: Hopewell-Loudon Chieftains

Team Name: Hopewell-Loudon Chieftains
Head Coach: Brock Bell
Division: VI
2025 Record: 22-7
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss to Elmwood
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/4

Coach Outlook: "We have a ton of potential with the younger guys but we also graduated a lot of starters."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Jack Colatruglio, CF/RHP, 2026 3 year starter, last year .286 AVG, 42 R, 26 BB, 41 SB
  • Kellen Frankart, C/RHP 2027, 2 year starter, last year .440 AVG, 40 H, 5 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 16 BB, 14 SB. 71.2 IP, 7-2 22 ER, 81 K, 25 BB
  • Brody Brickman, utility, 2027, 2 year starter last year .257 AVG, 4 2B, 13 RBI, 14 R, 16 SB
  • Reiyc Hoover, utility, 2027, 2 year letterman last year, .381 AVG, 8 H, 3 RBI, 10 R
  • Austin Smith M-INF, 2028 1 year starter last year .309 AVG, 3 2B, 9 RBI, 10 R, 4 SB. 25 IP, 3-0, 5 ER, 8 BB, 19 K
  • Asher Smith 20.1 IP, 1-1, 2ER, 8K, 0.68 ERA

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jack Colatruglio 

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Kellen Frankart
  • Brody Brickman
  • Reiyc Hoover
  • Jacoby Ellis- coming off a knee injury that sidelined him all year last year

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Asher Smith
  • Austin Smith

2026 Spring Team Preview: Independence Blue Devils

Team Name: Independence Blue Devils
Head Coach: Jim Crooks
Division: VI
2025 Record: 19-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Regional Semi Final to Kirtland
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/7

Coach Outlook: "The talent, experience, grit, and mindset of our Independence Baseball program will be a potent recipe for success for the upcoming spring. The program has set high standards the last several years, and 2026 will be no different. Our juniors and seniors have the unmatchable experience of winning and performing together on a big stage and going deep into playoff baseball. A single year of personal growth translates into a quantum leap of baseball development, and we expect to see positive success in 2026. The entire program is excited to keep winning with key returning starters in the most important positions on the diamond."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • The Will to Win
  • A Desire to see teammates succeed
  • Pitching

Top Returning Players:

  • Anthony Sobonya, SS/P, 2026, 6’1”/175lbs., R/R, 3-year starter. Last year’s stats: .397 AVG., three 2Bs, 21 RBI, 20 R, 6 SB
  • Anderson Jolliffe, CF/P, 2027, 6’5” 210lbs., R/R, 2-year starter. Last year’s stats: .500 AVG., 35H, 8 2Bs, 4 HR, 30RBI, 29R, 10 SB, 38IP, 6 – 1record, 59Ks
  • Owen Jenks, OF/P, 2026, 6’ 190lbs., R/R, 3-year starter. Last year’s stats: .327 AVG., 7 2Bs, 4 3Bs, 1HR, 16RBI, 25R, 8 SB
  • Vinny Carriero, 2B, 2026, 5’6”, 150lbs., R/R, 3-year starter. Last year’s stats: .354 AVG., 5 2Bs, 15 RBI, 26 R, 7 SB
  • David Crooks, 1B/P, 2027, 6’1”, 155lbs., R/R, 2-year starter. Last year’s stats: .323 AVG., 20H, 16RBI, 20R
  • Josh Peters, INF/OF, 2026, 5’11”, 175lbs., R/R, 2-year starter. Last year’s stats: .298 AVG, 2 2B, 16RBI, 13 R
  • Kaden Schuette, INF/P, 2027, 6’, 160lbs., R/R, Last year’s stats: 24.2IP, 17/3 K/BB ratio, 1.70 ERA
  • Ryan Suhy, OF/P, 2027, 6’ 160lbs., L/L, Last year’s stats: 9IP, 3-1 record, 3.11 ERA

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Anthony Sobonya
  • Owen Jenks
  • Vinny Carriero

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Anderson Jolliffe
  • David Crooks
  • Kaden Schuette
  • Ryan Suhy

2026 Spring Team Preview: Kirtland Hornets

Team Name: Kirtland Hornets
Head Coach: Luke Smrdel
Division: VI
2025 Record: 19-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost Regional Final to Lake Center Christian 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/3

Coach Outlook: "We have a lot of returning starters this year who have experience of playing deep in the postseason, but we also had some injuries in the off season of guys who we thought were going to have key roles for us. We will not have much depth, but we should be very competitive again this year, and hopefully we can set ourselves up for another deep postseason run."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • Offense
  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Ben DiFranco: 1B,SR,6'4,185,R/R, 2 year starter, All-Ohio in 2025, 
  • Lucci Cantini: C,JR,6'1",195,R/R, 3 year starter
  • Xavier Lasecki: 2B/P, SR, 5'10, 175, R/R, 3 year starter
  • Nate Chuko: SS/P, SR, 6", 180, 3 year starter 
  • Sebastian Becker: P/OF, JR, 5'9", 180, R/R, 1 year starter 
  • Carson Kalous: OF, 6'3", 185, S/R, 2 year starter
  • Jack Turk: 3B/P/DH, 6'2", 280, R/R, 3 year starter

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Ben DiFranco
  • Nate Chuko
  • Xavier Lasecki

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Lucci Cantini
  • Sebastian Becker 
  • Carson Kalous 
  • Jack Turk 

2026 Spring Team Preview: Labrae Vikings

Team Name: Labrae Vikings
Head Coach: Edward Anthony
Division: VI
2025 Record: 17-7
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District final
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/3

Coach Outlook: "We have several key returners back, with three starting pitchers and we are hoping to contend and win the league for the fourth straight year."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Experience
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Austin Rowe SS/RHP 2026 6-2 185 pounds SR 4 year starter, team captain .314 AVG 22 Hits 15 RBIs, (6-2) 0.28 ERA 51K.
  • Landon Brunstetter SS/P 2026 6-0 190 pounds SR 4 year starter, Team Captain .340 AVG 6 2B 1 3B 15 RBIs 10 SB. (4-2) 2.29 ERA 56K.
  • Lucas Glaser 1B 2026 6-0 230 pounds 4 year starter .320 AVG 15 Hits 4 2B 11 RBIs

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Easton Armstrong
  • Jacob Simpson
  • Colton Hall
  • Brett Marsh

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brendon Pumphrey

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Gavin Gee
  • John Kincaid
  • Noah Majersky
  • Mason Lutz
  • Nathan Morris

2026 Spring Team Preview: Lake Center Christian Tigers

Team Name: Lake Center Christian Tigers
Head Coach: Shane Byler
Division: VI
2025 Record: 28-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in State Final to Hiland
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/8

Coach Outlook: "2026 will be the culmination of many years of hard work and it will firmly set the program standard for years to come."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Culture
  • Experience
  • Pitching
  • Hitting
  • Defense
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Nathan Bryant, 3B/RHP, 2026, R/R. 3-year starter, OSU commit. .416 AVG, .483 OBP, .614 SLG, 9 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 34 R, 7 SB. 6-3, 43.1 IP, 3.55 ERA, 22 ER, 78 K, 46 BB
  • Luke Heckert, CF/LHP, 2026, L/L. 3-year starter, Arizona Western commit. .378 AVG, .454 OBP, .604 SLG, 6 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 44 R, 31 SB
  • Brayden Myers, 3B/RHP, 2026, R/R. 3-year letterman, Malone University commit. 12-1, 69 IP, 1.42 ERA, 14 ER, 103 K, 27 BB
  • Caleb Shelly, SS/RHP, 2027, R/R. 2-year starter. .457 AVG, .557 OBP, .755 SLG, 14 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 39 RBI, 39 R, 11 SB. 6-0, 51.2 IP, 0.81 ERA, 6 ER, 67 K, 17 BB
  • Grant Coblentz, LF/LHP, 2027, L/L. 2-year starter. .483 AVG, .588 OBP, .621 SLG, 6 2B, 3 3B, 21 RBI, 44 R, 30 SB
  • Colton Smilek, C/UTL/RHP, 2027, R/R. 2-year letterman. .381 AVG, .445 OBP, .571 SLG, 13 2B, 2 3B, HR, 33 RBI, 31 R, 23 SB
  • Jacob Rainieri, 1B/LHP, 2027, L/L.
  • Benson Bryant, 1B/UTL/RHP, 2028, R/R.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brayden Myers
  • Nathan Bryant
  • Luke Heckert

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Caleb Shelly
  • Grant Coblentz
  • Colton Smilek
  • Jacob Rainieri

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Bo Ross (transfer)
  • Benson Bryant
  • Paul Dussel
  • Josh Bittaker
  • Ben Brown
  • Joel Stafinsky
  • Gabe Donatelli
  • Harland Kisamore

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Nolan Rush
  • Aaron Zietlow

2026 Spring Team Preview: Lakota Raiders

Team Name: Lakota Raiders
Head Coach: Drew Linder
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-11
2025 Tourney Finish: District Finals loss to Elmwood
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/5

Coach Outlook: "We return a lot of key players from last years team. Someone will have to fill the empty role as the starting catcher."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Returning 8 starting players

Top Returning Players:

  • Hunter Sweeny, OF/P, 2026, 5-11, .246 AVG
  • Jack Widman, P/INF, 2026, 6-1, .333 AVG
  • Grant Sherger, P/OF, 2026, 5-10, .390 AVG

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Sweeny
  • Widman
  • Sherger

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Harmon
  • Kern
  • Gosche

2026 Spring Team Preview: Liberty Union Lions

Team Name: Liberty Union Lions
Head Coach: Justin Miller
Division: VI
2025 Record: 13-11
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in district semifinal 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 5/4

Coach Outlook: "Return top 4 arms and both catchers, 2 of which were freshman last year."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Leadership

Top Returning Players:

  • Tanner Farmer, UTIL, 2026, 6'3" 200, R/R. 3 year starter. 2025 stats- .338/.420/.914/ 16 RBI/19 R. 5-2, 2SV, 2.01 ERA, 45K, 12BB. 1st Team MSL- 1st Team All District
  • Owen Thomas, UTIL, 2028, 6'2" 170, R/R, 1 Year starter. 2025 stats- .319/.410/.743/11 RBI/13R. 4-0, 1.28 ERA, 20K, 4BB. 1st Team All District
  • Cole Thomas, UTIL, 2028, 6'2" 170, R/R, 1 Year starter. 2025 stats- .348/.456/.847/7 RBI/7R

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Tanner Farmer

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Chase Swayne
  • Reece Chaney

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Owen Thomas
  • Cole Thomas

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Holdyn Burnette
  • Nolan Adkins
  • Quinn Chaney

2026 Spring Team Preview: Lima Perry Commodores

Team Name: Lima Perry Commodores
Head Coach: Daniel Scott
Division: VI
2025 Record: 14-10
2025 Tourney Finish: Sectional loss to Columbus Grove 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "Lima Perry has the ability offensively to put up big numbers this year. We are returning a lot of experience on both offense and defense. The Commodores will continue to play aggressively at the plate and on the basepath. The Coaching staff is excited to see how this season plays out."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • Pitching Depth
  • Offense
  • Speed 

Top Returning Players:

  • Sylas Johnson 3B/OF Terra State recruit
  • Brodey Douce CF/P
  • Wyatt Taviano C/3B
  • Tate Essex OF
  • Colten Scott Utility
  • Wesley Woods P/OF
  • Landon Cockerell SS/P
  • Sucarious Doughty 2B

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Sylas Johnson
  • Brodey Douce

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  •  Sucarious Doughty
  • Wyatt Taviano

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Colten Scott
  • Wesley Woods
  • Landon Cockerell
  • Marshall Capps

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jonah Cox
  • Darrell Gilbert
  • Dakari Boroff 

2026 Spring Team Preview: Lincolnview Lancers

Team Name: Lincolnview Lancers
Head Coach: Eric Fishpaw
Division: VI
2025 Record: 22-8
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss to Ontario
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/7

Coach Outlook: "With 1 lone senior departing from the 2025 team we return 8 starters to the field and all of our innings on the mound return. This years senior class features 9 guys with many being 3 or 4 year starters when they graduate. We are lead by Chayse Overholt and Holden Price at the top of our order along with a core nucleus of hitters 3-8 who had starting experience in 2025."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Team Speed
  • Starting Pitching

Top Returning Players:

  • Holden Price, OF, 5'9, 160, 4 Year starter. .432 BA, .518 OBP, 41 H, 24 RBI, 32 R.
  • Chayse Overholt RHP/SS, 5'11, 160, 4 Year starter. Last Years Stats: Last Years Stats: 8-0 Pitching Record, 55.1 Inn, .886 ERA, 56 K, 14 BB, 7 ER. Offensive Stats: 365 BA, 35 H, 21 RBI, 30 R
  • Case Young, OF, 5'9, 175, 2 Year starter. Last Years Stats: .311 BA, 28 H, 15 RBI, 10 R

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Chayse Overholt
  • Holden Price
  • Gavin Evans
  • Case Young

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Seth Brant
  • Maxwell Hammons

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Zavier Kemler
  • Evan Rahrig

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Marshall Hammons

2026 Spring Team Preview: Madison Plains Golden Eagles

Team Name: Madison Plains Golden Eagles
Head Coach: Travis Rinehart
Division: VI
2025 Record: 16-7
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost Sectional Finals to Mechanicsburg 5-1
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "We are looking forward to getting back out there and competing for a conference title and district title in a tough D6 central district."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Defense
  • Speed
  • Discipline

Top Returning Players:

  • Paul Madden INF/P 2026 4 year starter
  • Xaiden Sharpe INF/P 2026 2 year starter, Clark State Commit
  • Ben Rolfe OF/P/C 2026 2 year starter
  • Gavin Rhoades INF/P 2027 2 year starter

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Paul Madden
  • Xaiden Sharpe
  • Ben Rolfe

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Gavin Rhoades

2026 Spring Team Preview: Manchester Greyhounds

Team Name: Manchester Greyhounds
Head Coach: Trey Meade
Division: VI
2025 Record: 14-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Semis to Huntington Ross
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/4

Coach Outlook: "We bring back a good group of guys off last year's team. 8 guys on the roster with multiple years of starting experience, but lost 4 and 5 hole, along with top three arms in innings pitched from last year. Going to need guys to step into those roles."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • Athleticism
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Luke Applegate, SS/RHP/OF, 2026, 5-10/200LBS, R/R, 3-year starter, Shawnee State commit. Last year stats- .431/.548/.724, 12 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 29 R, 12 SB. 17 IP, 2-0, 4.11 ERA, 25 K, 22 BB
  • Traevyn Hilderbrand, MIF/RHP, 2026, 5'8/145LBS, R/R, 3-year starter. Last year: .309/.480/.327, 1 2B, 17 RBI, 25 R, 15 SB. 15 IP, 2-0, 4.67 ERA, 14 K, 11 BB
  • Clayton Colvin, OF/LHP, 2027, L/L, 2027, 2-year starter. Last year: .386/.456/.474, 4 2B, 1 3B, 22 RBI, 25 R, 12 SB
  • Carson Inman, 1B/3B, 2027, 6'/200LBS, L/R, 2-year starter. Last year: .302/.415/.415, 4 2B, 1 3B, 12 RBI, 14 R, 3 SB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Traevyn Hilderbrand
  • Luke Applegate

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Clayton Colvin
  • Carson Inman

2026 Spring Team Preview: Marion Local Flyers

Team Name: Marion Local Flyers
Head Coach: Mitch Hays
Division: VI
2025 Record: 17-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Regional Semi to Elmwood
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 0/0

Coach Outlook: "This team will need to really play as a team to be successful."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Hard working group of young men.

Top Returning Players:

  • Luke Everman, RHP/Utility, 6-3/170, Jr., 1-0, 2.625 ERA, 9 K, 5 BB
  • Derek Knapke 1st, 5-10/165, Sr., .273 BA, 2 2B, 12 RBI
  • Kamden Eifert, OF/Catcher, 5-9/175, Sr., .300 BA, 2 2B, 7 RBI

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Luke Everman

2026 Spring Team Preview: Mechanicsburg Indians

Team Name: Mechanicsburg Indians
Head Coach: Bryan Eyink
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-6
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost to Fairfield Christian in District Semi's 2-1
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/3

Coach Outlook: "We are looking forward to competing in a tough OHC conference. We understand that we have to play clean baseball to come out on top in conference play. We have a couple big arms back that we will lean on throughout the course of the season. I feel we have a good balance of veteran players and young guys that are ready to compete."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Starting Pitching
  • Defense

Top Returning Players:

  • Conner Eyink, C/RHP, 2026, 5-11/175 Pounds, 4 year starter, Shawnee State Recruit, Last Year Stats- .516 avg, 10 2B, 2 3B, 26 RBI, 22 Runs, 18 SB- 7-2, 0.88 ERA, 91 K. Conner was ist team all conference, 1st team all area, 1st team All- State.
  • Crew Lafary, SS/RHP, 2027, 3 Year Starter, Last Year Stats- .381 avg, 25 RBI, 21 Runs, 8 SB- 4-2, 2.02 ERA, 43 K. Crew was 1st team all conference, 2nd team all area.
  • Eli Wilson, 1B/DH 2026, Last year Stats- .364 avg, 2 2B, 11 RBI, 14 Runs, 11 SB. Eli was 2nd team all conference and Honorable Mention all area.

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Conner Eyink
  • Eli Wilson

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Crew Lafary

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Matthew Davis- SS/RHP, .297 avg, 3 2B, 9 RBI, 18 Runs 6 SB (Hit Leadoff)
  • Hank Huffman- INF/RHP

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Bodee Delong
  • Avery Foss

2026 Spring Team Preview: Mineral Ridge Rams

Team Name: Mineral Ridge Rams
Head Coach: Anthony Ragozine
Division: VI
2025 Record: 18-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Semifinal to Dalton
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

Coach Outlook: "We bring back a talented team who is hungry to get back to districts."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Pitching
  • Experience 

Top Returning Players:

  • Xavier Klamer SS/RHP 3 year starter 
  • Jackson Geddes 1B/C/RHP 3 year starter
  • Andrew Gillie 2B/RHP/SS 3 year starter
  • Ethan Vestorksy C 3 year starter
  • Justin Dailey CF 2 year starter
  • Nick Anderson RHP/3B/ RF 2 year starter 
  • Gavin Harding RHP/3B 2 year starter 
  • Preston Kline RHP/1B/3B 1 year starter
  • Dom Balestrino RF/LF 1 year starter 

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Xavier Klamer 
  • Jackson Geddes
  • Ethan’s Vestorksy 
  • Andrew Gillie 
  • Justin Dailey 

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Nick Anderson
  • Gavin Harding

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Dom Balestrino
  • Preston Kline 

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cannon Conway
  • Cam Klamer

2026 Spring Team Preview: National Trail Blazers

Team Name: National Trail Blazers
Head Coach: Tyler Luce
Division: VI
2025 Record: 9-16
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in first round to Twin Valley South 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/5

Coach Outlook: "NT will look to rebuild after a nine win season last season. We graduated one started and return eight and all of our starting pitchers. We look to stay healthy this year and hope the gained experience from out younger starters will pay off this season when you mix it with the veteran seniors that are returning. We have four seniors who have played or been starters in 3 or 4 seasons"

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Athleticism
  • Starting Pitching
  • Senior Leadership 

Top Returning Players:

  • Mason Leal- SS/P, 2026, 3 year starter, 2nd team all conference, 39.2 IP, 51 K
  • Grady Ott- C/3B 2028, Honorable mention all- conference, 278 AVG, 22 H, 5 2B, 3B, 18 RBI, 11 SB, 15 R

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Mason Leal
  • Braylon Coffey- .289 AVG, 3 2B, 3B, 7 SB, 8 R(arm injury limited innings on mound) 
  • Andrew Hamm- 14.2 IP, 17 K (arm injuries limited innings on mound)
  • Kellen Laird- .224 AVG, 15 H, 2 2B, 11 RBI, 9 SB, 15 R

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Nick Clark- 37 IP, 44 Ks 

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Grady Ott
  • Mason Cordle- 265 AVG, 2 2B, 18 H, 7 SB, 14 R. 22 IP, 3-3 29 K 
  • Westin Lipps- 4 2B, 11 RBI 
  • Carson Laubenstein 

2026 Spring Team Preview: New Bremen Cardinals

Team Name: New Bremen Cardinals
Head Coach: Chad Wells
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-10
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Final to Marion Local 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/3

Coach Outlook: "The expectations for this year’s team center around continued growth, competitiveness, and representing our program the right way. We have a group of players who have put in a great deal of work in the offseason, and our goal is to translate that preparation into consistent play on the field. We expect to compete every day, play fundamentally sound baseball, and approach each game with energy and focus. A key emphasis for this team will be pitching and defense, along with situational hitting. If we can limit mistakes, execute the small things, and put pressure on opponents, we believe we can put ourselves in position to be successful throughout the season. Just as important is the leadership within our roster. Our returning players have done a great job setting the tone and helping the younger players understand the standard of our program. Ultimately, our goals are to compete for championships, continue to develop our players, and represent our school and community with pride. If we stay committed to the process, play unselfish baseball, and support one another, we believe this team can accomplish some things this season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Defense
  • Pitching 

Top Returning Players:

  • Gavin Quellhorst CF/LHP 2026, 6-0/170-pounds, L/L 4-year starter, 1st Team MAC / 1st Team DVI All District, HM PBR All State, Last Year Stats - .364 AVG, 4 2B, 17 RBI, 25 R, 18 SB. 6-1, 1.50 ERA, 96 K, 32 BB
  • Caleb Keller SS 2026 5-9/150 pounds, R/R 4-year letterwinner, HM MAC / 2nd Team DVI All District. Last Year Stats - .313 AVG, 2 2B, 12 RBI, 17 R, 11 SB
  • Owen Bornhorst LF 2026 5-7/150 pounds, R/R 3-year letterwinner, HM DVI All District. Last Year Stats: .288 AVE, 4 2B, 13 RBI , 18 R, 13 SB
  • Dylan Wente 1B/DH 2026 6-1 195 pounds, R/R HM All MAC, HM DVI All District. Last Year Stats: .273 AVE, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 12 R, 7 SB
  • AJ Rismiller C 2028 5-11/175 pounds, R/R Last Year Stats: .333 AVE, 1 2B, 6 RBI, 5 Runs
  • Brady Pape RHP 2027 6-0/165 pounds, R/R Last Year Stats: 2-2, 2.73 ERA, 20 K, 17 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Gavin Quellhorst
  • Caleb Keller
  • Owen Bornhorst
  • Dylan Wente

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brady Pape
  • Eli Cathcart - 3B/1B/RHP
  • Bennett Tinnerman
  • Grayson Tinnerman

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • AJ Rismiller
  • Levi Grevenkamp

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • August Garman
  • Tyce Quellhorst
  • Isaac Heitkamp 
  • DJ Ross
  • Jenson Wells
  • Logan Heitkamp

2026 Spring Team Preview: Newton Falls Tigers

Team Name: Newton Falls Tigers
Head Coach: Chad Rankin
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectionals to Dalton
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/2

Coach Outlook: "As we approach the 2026 season, our program is entering a phase defined by both transition and significant opportunity. We graduated a deeply impactful senior class, including three four year starters who were the backbone of our roster. Losing that level of experience, particularly with two of those young men performing at an all district caliber, naturally creates a void in our lineup and our dugout leadership. However, I want to be clear that we do not view this as a rebuilding year. At Newton Falls, the expectation for competitive excellence remains the standard regardless of who graduated. Instead, this is a season of "reloading" and internal growth. We are looking for our younger players to embrace the challenge of increased responsibility and to prove they are ready for the speed of varsity baseball. Our primary focus throughout the preseason has been the development of our pitching staff. With the departure of veteran arms, we need our incoming hurlers to step up and demonstrate command and composure on the mound. Defensive consistency and opportunistic hitting will be our hallmarks, but our success will ultimately be dictated by our ability to develop depth in the rotation. I am confident in the work ethic of this group, and I look forward to seeing which of our underclassmen will seize these available roles and write the next chapter of our program’s history."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Defense
  • Speed
  • Leadership
  • Hitting
  • Pitching

Top Returning Players:

  • Leland Vargo, SS/RHP, 2027, [5'11/170]. Last Year Stats: .383 AVG, 14 2B, 1 3B, 21 RBIs, 31 R, 8 SB. Pitching: 12 APP, 3-4, 3.09 ERA, 72 K, 21 BB.
  • Hunter Persin, INF, 2027, [6'1/185]. Last Year Stats: .260 AVG, 11 2B, 3 3B, 0 HR, 13 R, 3 SB.
  • Georgie Phillips, INF/RHP, 2027, [6'2/260]. Last Year Stats: .246 AVG, 1 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR, 5 RBIs, 7 R. Pitching: 3 APP, 1-0, 7.64 ERA, 10 K, 11 BB.
  • Wyatt Wheeler, OF,C 2028, [5'10/170]. Last Year Stats: .220 AVG, 0 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 11 RBIs, 14 R, 5 SB.
  • Zayne Shelton, OF/RHP, 2028, [5'9/165], R/R. Last Year Stats: .214 AVG, 0 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 6 R. Pitching: 4 APP, 2-1, 8.20 ERA, 17 K, 11 BB.

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Leland Vargo
  • Hunter Persin

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Zayne Shelton
  • Wyatt Wheeler

2026 Spring Team Preview: Northmor Golden Knights

Team Name: Northmor Golden Knights
Head Coach: Buck Workman
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-9
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost Sectional Final to Madison Plains
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/6

Coach Outlook: "We were young last year and gained a lot of varsity experience. We're hoping to compete each time we step on the field."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • We will lean on our pitching as we have everyone back this year from a staff that had a 2.87 ERA last year.

Top Returning Players:

  • Brooksten Beck, 3B/C 2026, 2 letters, .281 AVG
  • Billy Bowlin, OF/P 2026, 2 letters
  • Cayden Bush, OF 2026, 1 letter
  • Trevor Brubaker, SS/C/P 2026, 6-0/170, R/R, 3-year starter, team captain, .417 AVG, 4-2, .066 ERA, 32 IP, 32 K - 7 BB, 1st Team Central District, only played 12 games (injured), HM All-Ohio in '24
  • Brady Carr, 2B 2026, 2 letters .231 AVG
  • Jack Bowdre, 1B/P 2027, 6-3/200, L/L, 2-year starter, .403 AVG, 3-2, 3 Saves, 3.00 ERA, 2nd Team All-Ohio
  • Ethan Hinton, C/P 2027, 6-2/200, R/R, 2 letters, 5-2, 3.31 ERA, HM KMAC
  • Brendan Barber, Util/P 2028, 5-11/170, 1 letter, 1-0, 1.45 ERA
  • Brody Beck, Util/P 2028, 6-2/190, 1 letter, 1-3, 3.97 ERA
  • Brad Bowlin, Util/P 2028, 6-0/170, 1 letter
  • Brady Chapman, CF 2028, 6-0/150, 1 letter, .258 AVG
  • Lane May, 3B/P 2028, 1 letter, 1-0

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jack Bowdre
  • Ethan Hinton

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brendan Barber
  • Brody Beck
  • Brad Bowlin
  • Brady Chapman
  • Lane May
  • Evan McCoy
  • Brennan Payne

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Xander Allen
  • Madden Binnix
  • Finn Fesler
  • Brody Gray
  • Jackson Wright

2026 Spring Team Preview: Patrick Henry Patriots

Team Name: Patrick Henry Patriots
Head Coach: Christian Petersen
Division: VI
2025 Record: 10-15
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in District Semifinal to Lincolnview
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/5

Coach Outlook: "We feature some key returning players, especially in our infield and pitching staff. We're led by a senior class with quite a bit of varsity experience, who had some early success as freshmen & sophomores but faced some struggles as juniors. We're expecting them to bounce back and be leaders for us, both on and off the field to compliment our younger guys who will be stepping into bigger roles this spring."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Experience
  • Defense
  • Pitching

Top Returning Players:

  • Mack Hieber, INF/P, 2026, 3 year starter, OSU recruit. Last year stats - .319 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 15 RBI. 5-2, 52 IP, 89 K, 5 BB, 1.07 ERA
  • Mason Jardine, SS, 2026, 2 year starter. Last year stats - .313 AVG, 26 H, 5 2B, 21 RBI, 11 SB
  • Cal Schroeder, OF/P, 2026, 2 year starter. Last year stats - 22 H, 3 2B, 22 R, 10 BB, 5 K, 10 SB, 1-2, 21.2 IP, 20 K, 4.86 ERA
  • Lane Biederstedt, C, 2026, 3 year starter. Missed most of 2025. 2024 stats - .425 OBP, 16 H, 3 2B, 10 RBI, 12 R. 1 Error, 9 Caught Stealing. 
  • Jackson Meienburg, 3B/P, 2028, 1 year starter. Last year stats - .303 AVG, 20 H, 4 2B, 10 R. 1-2, 12.1 IP

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Mack Hieber
  • Mason Jardine
  • Cal Schroeder
  • Lane Biederstedt

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jackson Meienburg

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Aden Biedertet, P/INF

2026 Spring Team Preview: Rittman Indians

Team Name: Rittman Indians
Head Coach: Joe Staley
Division: VI
2025 Record: 14-16
2025 Tourney Finish: District runner up lost to Lake Center Christian 4-3
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

Coach Outlook: "We are a veteran team that will be led by 4 returning Seniors and 7 returning starters overall with all of our pitching back. We were a very competitive youthful team last year, we just need to finish games this year, of our loses, all but 3 were by 3 runs or less with many by 1 run. We have a good freshman class coming in with a few guys looking to contribute early for us."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Pitching
  • Returning players with experience
  • Versatility

Top Returning Players:

  • Spencer Welch, INF/P, 2026 6'0 190, R/R 4 year starter, Last Years Stats- .377, 29 hits, 8 doubles, 40 runs scored, 19 BB and 17 HBP, 18 SB, 36.2 innings pitched 4.5 ERA 4-6 record 1 Save
  • Odin Weirick, INF/P, 2026 5'9 180, R/R 4 year starter, last years stats .333 avg, 31 hits, 7 XBH, 34 RBI, 26 Runs, 14 SB, 47 innings pitched 5-2 record 1 Save 3.12 ERA 50 SO to 5 BB
  • Carson SMith, C, 2027, 5'10 160, R/R 3 year starter, .308 Avg, 28 hits, 34 runs scored 3 triples, 9 HBP 15 BB, 23 SB
  • Christian DuBiel, INF/OF/P, 2026, R/R, 6'3 215, 4 year starter, *College Football recruit, .267 avg. 20 hits 26 BB, 10 SB, 17 R 14 RBI, 41.1 innings, 4-2 43 K's 2.50 ERA
  • Tito Brumfield, OF/P, 2027, 6'2 185, R/R 2 year starter, last years stats 41.1 innings 35 K's 2.7 ERA Pitched in our biggest games hit .261

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Spencer Welch
    Odin Weirick
    Christian DuBiel

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Carson Smith
    Tito Brumfield
    Joey Schimpf

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Chase Hartzler, 6'0 165, SS
  • Colton DuBiel
  • CJ Reese
  • Shane Lance

2026 Spring Team Preview: St. Henry Redskins

Team Name: St. Henry Redskins
Head Coach: Mike Gast
Division: VI
2025 Record: 11-13
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Parkway
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

Coach Outlook: "We return a lot of experience from last year's team that battled through injuries and dropped nine games by two runs or less. These young men went on to get hot in the summer to win the 2025 ACME State Championship, and we hope to continue the confidence and team rapport developed through last summer. There is a lot of depth on the pitching staff; we look forward to several guys stepping up to become top of the rotation pitchers for us as the spring gets going. Offensively, seven full or part-time returners are back from last year's team along with several others looking to compete for starting roles and/or rotational time. We look forward to the competition to come and look for our guys to compete with confidence on a daily basis."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership & Character
  • Pitching Depth
  • Experience

Top Returning Players:

  • Jake Schwieterman, 1B/DH/RHP, 2026, 6-2/220-pounds, R/R. 3-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - .329 AVG/.368 OBP, 4 2B, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 15 R, 2 SB. 0-1, .000 ERA/1.875 WHIP, 4 K, 2 BB
  • Owen Zimmerman, 3B/1B/RHP, 2026, 6-4/215-pounds, R/R. 4-year letterwinner. Indiana Tech Commit. Last Year Stats - .296 AVG/.383 OBP, 7 2B, 12 RBI, 15 R, 3 SB
  • Drew Langenkamp, 2027, C, 6-2/195-pounds, R/R. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - .324 AVG/.430 OBP, 7 2B, 12 RBI, 20 R, 12 SB
  • Austin Kunk, 2027, 2B, 5-11/160-pounds, R/R. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - .270 AVG/.382 OBP, 2 2B, 1 3B, 12 RBI, 13 R, 1 SB
  • Jack Huelsman, 2026, OF, 6-0/180-pounds, R/R. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - .289 AVG/.365 OBP, 3 2B, 8 RBI, 8 R, 7 SB
  • Tate Boeckman, 2027, OF/LHP, 6-6/175-pounds, L/L. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - .256 AVG/.293 OBP, 3 2B, 8 RBI, 6 R, 3 SB. 0-0, 3.000 ERA/1.857 WHIP, 8 K, 9 BB
  • Max Delzeith, RHP, 2026, 6-4/190-pounds, R/R. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - 3-2, 2.973 ERA/1.301 WHIP, 36 K, 20 BB
  • Hudson Schmitz, RHP, 2026, 6-0/150-pounds, R/R. 2-year letterwinner. Last Year Stats - 1-4, 4.742 ERA/1.516 WHIP, 20 K, 13 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jake Schwieterman
  • Owen Zimmerman
  • Jack Huelsman
  • Max Delzeith
  • Hudson Schmitz

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Drew Langenkamp
  • Austin Kunk
  • Tate Boeckman

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cooper LaGuire - OF/LHP
  • Landon Schwartz - UT/RHP
  • Austin Zimmerman - IF/RHP

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Lucas Schmackers - RHP

2026 Spring Team Preview: Toronto Red Knights

Team Name: Toronto Red Knights
Head Coach: Brian Perkins
Division: VI
2025 Record: 24-6
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/7

Coach Outlook: "We return a lot of players from last years 24-6 team. The guys have put in a lot of work this off season and we are very excited about the upcoming season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Experience
  • Defense

Top Returning Players:

  • Drake Bouscher OF/1B/P 2027 3 year starter : .455 BA, 14 2B, 3 3B, 29 RBI, 21SB
  • Michael Henry INF/C/P 2026 4 year starter ( West Liberty University commit) : .388 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 14 SB
  • Caden McGrath C/SS/P 2026 4 year starter: .455 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 5 SB
  • Lucas Wiseman 1B/P 2026 2 year starter ( West Liberty University commit ): .270 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 5 SB
  • Chase Heckathorn INF/P 2026 2 year starter: .339 BA, 7 2B, 3 3B, 20 RBI, 17 SB
  • Tanner Newbold OF 2026 2 year starter: .231 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBI, 11 SB
  • Heath Thomas INF/P 2026 2 year starter: .370 BA, 5 2B, 1 HR 16 RBI, 2 SB
  • Gunnar Newbold INF/P 2027 2 year starter: .186 BA, 2 2B, 13 RBI, 6 SB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Michael Henry
  • Caden McGrath
  • Lucas Wiseman
  • Chase Heckathorn
  • Heath Thomas
  • Tanner Newbold

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Drake Bouscher
  • Gunner Newbold

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Max Rebich
  • Jacob Parissi

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Colton Wiseman
  • Jett Wertjes
  • Braxton Humphrey
  • Griffin McCauley

2026 Spring Team Preview: Tree of Life Christian Trojans

Team Name: Tree of Life Christian Trojans
Head Coach: John Brainard
Division: VI
2025 Record: 11-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost First Game
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/4

Coach Outlook: "I am very excited about the potential of this year's squad. We will rely heavily on our defense and the development of our offense. We are looking to, Eli Vascura and Sam Jackson to carry us with their pitching. We have upped our schedule to challenge our guys and to see where we stand as a program."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Defense, Leadership from Seniors, Offense

Top Returning Players:

  • Eli Vascura, SS/P, R/R, JR.
  • Sam Jackson ,3B, R/R, SR.
  • Meshach Bishara, CF, L/L, JR.
  • Bishoy Bishara, 2B/SS/P, R/R, JR.
  • Shep Cradic
  • Andrew Jackson 

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Sam Jackson

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Eli Vascura
  • Meshach Bishara
  • Bishoy Bishara

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Andrew Jackson

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Lincoln Evans - will be our starting catcher

2026 Spring Team Preview: Troy Christian Eagles

Team Name: Troy Christian Eagles
Head Coach: Tony Ferraro
Division: VI
2025 Record: 13-10
2025 Tourney Finish: District Finals
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/1

Coach Outlook: "We will be competitive against a very difficult schedule."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Defense

Top Returning Players:

  • Landon Day
  • Will Twiss
  • Jake Grossnickle

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Landon Day

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Will Twiss
  • Jake Grossnickle 

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Grady Stillwell
  • Logan Cool
  • Logan Broomhall

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Charlie Byrer
  • Noah Deeds

2026 Spring Team Preview: Van Buren Black Knights

Team Name: Van Buren Black Knights
Head Coach: Brooks Lance
Division: VI
2025 Record: 25-3
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss to Lakota
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 4/1

Coach Outlook: "Van Buren will be led by experience. Seven returning letter winners, including three 4-year veterans, bring leadership, speed, and the know-how to lead from the start."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Leadership
  • Speed
  • Overall Experience

Top Returning Players:

  • Brady Lance, Catcher, 2026, 5'9", 170 pounds, R/R. 4 year starter, team captain, Owens CC recruit, Last year Stats - .450 AVG, 10 2B, 1 3B, 25 RBI's, 31 R, 6 SB. 
  • Will Rampe, SS/2B, 2026, 6'4", 190 pounds, L/R 4 year starter, team captain, United States Army, Last year Stats - .416 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 20 RBI's, 34 R, 20 SB.
  • Alex Homan, OF, 2026, 5'10", 165 pounds, R/R. 4 year starter. Last year Stats - .296 AVG, 2 2B, 18 RBI's, 24 R, 9 SB.
  • Finn Martin, OF/DH, 2026 6'0", 195 pounds, R/R 3 year starter. Last year Stats - .319 AVG, 1 2B, 18 RBI's, 21 R, 10 SB.
  • Brayden Gitls, RHP/Util. 5'9", 155 pounds R/R. Uncommitted. Last year's Stats 1-0, 1.40 ERA, 10K, 6 BB, 48 BF, 5 H

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brady Lance
  • Brayden Gilts

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Isaac Bowen, C/1B. 6'0", 215

2026 Spring Team Preview: West Jefferson Roughriders 

Team Name: West Jefferson Roughriders 
Head Coach: Jason Bogenrife 
Division: VI
2025 Record: 23-5
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost to Berlin Hiland Regional semi 
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 7/5

Coach Outlook: "We expect 2026 to be another competitive season. We return 7 starters and 5 arms on the mound. Our mission is always to compete for a league title, district championship and win a regional with a shot at playing for a state championship."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Senior and junior leadership
  • Pitching and depth on the mound
  • Athletic group hungry to compete

Top Returning Players:

  • Blake Bogenrife, 2026, C/OF/P, 6-0, 195, L/R, POY Ohio Heritage Conference, POY Central District D6, 1st Team All Ohio D6. Clark State College Commit
  • Brody York, 2026, MIF, 5-10, 180, R/R, 1st team Ohio Heritage Conference, 1st team All Central District, 2nd Team All Ohio D6. Muskegum University Commit.
  • Brett Bogenrife, 2026, 1B/LHP, 6-1 205, 1st team Ohio Heritage Conference, 1st team All Central District. Clark State College Commit
  • Colt Kincade, 2027, OF/RHP, 6-1, 185, HM All Central District
  • Owen Anderson, 2027, OF/LHP, 6-1, 175, HM Ohio Heritage Conference, 1st Team all Central District
  • Cohan Hesson, 2027, INF/RHP, 6-1, 170 2nd team All Central District 

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Blake Bogenrife
  • Brody York
  • Brett Bogenrife
  • Brayden Hesson - 6-0, 190, INF/C
  • Brent Heiser - 5-9, 165, INF,
  • Ayden Cordle - 5-10- 215, C/DH 

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Colt Kincade
  • Owner Anderson
  • Cohan Hesson 

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Lincoln Parsons, 2028, 6-1, 170, INF/RHP
  • Jaxon Bare, 2028, 5-9, 150, INF/RHP

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cooper Mathias, 2029, 5-9, 150, MIF/RHP

2026 Spring Team Preview: Woodmore Wildcats

Team Name: Woodmore Wildcats
Head Coach: Mason Beachler
Division: VI
2025 Record: 15-13
2025 Tourney Finish: Lost in Sectional final to Huron
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 6/3

Coach Outlook: "We have a core group of returners who got to experience some success and heartbreak to end last year. They have been working together this offseason and I am excited to see them put their best foot forward this season."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Defense
  • Leadership
  • Speed

Top Returning Players:

  • Michael Seeger, CF/RHP, 2026, 6-0/195lbs, R/R, 3 year starter. Last Year Stats- .320 AVG, 25 RBIs, 25 R, 20 SB. 5 SV
  • Cole Potridge, C, 2027, 6-0 210lbs, R/R, 2 year starter. Last year stats- .310 AVG, 30RBIs 28 R, 15 SB
  • Blane Overmyer, RHP, 2026, 6-0 150lbs. Last year stats- 40 IP, 2.0 ERA, 30 K, 10 BB

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Michael Seeger
  • Blane Overmyer

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Cole Potridge
  • Calvin Lipstraw
  • Keil Almroth 

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Collin Perkins
  • Robert Seeger

2026 Spring Team Preview: Wynford Royals

Team Name: Wynford Royals
Head Coach: Tom Smith
Division: VI
2025 Record: 11-13
2025 Tourney Finish: District Semifinals loss
Returning Starters/Pitchers: 8/3

Coach Outlook: "Last year we had multiple injuries that forced inexperience into the lineup. As a result, we have 8 returning starters and more depth than usual. If we use that experience and take another step forward, we should be competitive against everyone we face."

2026 Team Strengths:

  • Depth. I feel like we have guys ready to step up if needed due to an injury or slump.

Top Returning Players:

  • Brayden Campbell, RHP, 2026, W-L 5-2, 0.62 ERA, 67K in 45IP, 1.0 WHIP, All-District player
  • Landon Miller, OF/IF, 2027, .400 Avg, .513 OBP, All-District player
  • Collin Hulsmeyer, C/2B, 2026, .263 Avg, .394 OBP
  • Reed Johnson, RHP/IF, 2028, .228 Avg, .395 OBP
  • Gage Massey, C/OF, 2028, .270 Avg
  • Clay Rogers, 1B/DH, 2028, .300 Avg, 13 RBI

Class of 2026 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Brayden Campbell

Class of 2027 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Landon Miller

Class of 2028 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Reed Johnson
  • Gage Massey
  • Clay Rogers

Class of 2029 Prospects To Keep Eye On:

  • Jaxon Tate
  • Braylon Wells

A Look Back At The 2025 Season:

To view the 2025 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

A Look Back At The 2024 Season:

To view the 2024 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

A Look Back At The 2023 Season:

To view the 2023 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

A Look Back At The 2022 Season:

To view the 2022 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

A Look Back At The 2021 Season:

To view the 2021 Ohio Spring HS Report, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

          A Look Back At What Would've Been The 2020 Season:

          To view each of the parts to the No 'Last Dance' Series, click below:

          To view the 2020 Team Previews, click here.

          To view the 2020 Preseason All-State Teams, click here.

          To view the 2020 Virtual Ohio High School State Tournament/Preseason Team Rankings, click here.

          A Look Back At The Last Decade:

          To view the Ohio High School All-Decade Team 2010-2019, click here.

          A Look Back At The 2019 Season:

          To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

          To view the 2019 All-State Teams, click below.

          To view the 2019 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

          A Look Back At The 2018 Season:

          To view the 2018 Team Previews, click here.

          To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

          To view the 2018 All-State Teams, click below.

          To view the 2018 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

          A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

          To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

          To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

          To view the 2017 All-State Teams, click below.

          To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.

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