The 4A field is absolutely loaded once again with arguably the most exciting day one of a State Tournament that we have seen in awhile.  Not only are there multiple teams that are capable of dogpiling on Saturday in the 4A field, multiple programs could compete as true title contenders in both 5A and 6A.  We take a look at a few players to keep your eye on this week as well as look into what each team has to do to continue playing on to the weekend.

BLANCHARD VS NORTH ROCK CREEK

BLANCHARD

OVERALL RECORD - 32-1
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 2-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Blanchard Lions hav been dominant and their 14-0 mark in 4A-1 hammers that point home. In regional play, they opened up with a 16-1 win over Purcell before defeating Plainview in a couple tight ball games that saw their pitching and defense shine. Game 2 resulted in a 3-0 win and regional's deciding game was a tight 1-0 win that saw the game's only run come across the plate in the bottom of the 8th as the Lions completed an 8-Inning No Hitter. Advancing to Super Regionals, Blanchard would sweep Wagoner showing the offensive output that they have displayed all year by winning 9-5 and 19-5 in the game's deciding game to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
CF Brayson Carter (2025)
C Vaughn McIntyre (2025; Cowley College)
1B/P Hudson Perriman (2025, Cowley College)
OF/P Jaxon Heard (2025; Rose State)
SS/P Coric Pierce (2025)
2B Kobe Madron (2025)
DH/1B Braxton Milligan (2025)
3B/P Gage Ellison (2025)
OF/P Camden Hall (2026)
P Wyatt Pendergraph (2027) 

Coach Raney and the Lions are once again contenders for the 4A title but could contend in any class in the state. Riding a 32-1 record, they have shown the ability to win in a variety of ways whether it be with their offensive attack or superior starting pitching and depth on the mound. The Lions attack starts with the leadoff man Brayson Carter and his ability to change games with his legs on the bases and in the outfield. When he consistently gets on base, his teammates follow suit in bunches. Vaughn McIntyre has also consistently performed at a high level as the LHH catcher has shown the ability to use the entire field. There's also plenty of thunder in the middle of the Lions lineup led by Hudson Perriman and Jaxon Heard. On the mound, Blanchard has simply been dominant and are led by Jaxon Heard, Hudson Perriman, Gage Ellison, and developing sophomore Wyatt Pendergraph. One of the most experienced teams in the state, the Lions have been on a mission all year and look for an opportunity to dogpile on Saturday.

NORTH ROCK CREEK

OVERALL RECORD - 26-5
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 0-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: A 13-1 record in District 4A-5 gave North Rock Creek the opportunity to play at home in regional play. In game 1, the Cougars defeated Muldrow handedly, 10-0, setting up a tight game with Victory Christian. Down 2-1 entering the 5th, North Rock Creek would score in both the 5th and 6th to take the lead and eventually win by a final score of 3-2.  They would win again the next day, beating Victory Christian a second time, to advance to the super regional. The Cougars saved arguably their best baseball of the year for the super against Hilldale as they won game 1 5-0 behind stellar starting pitching from Cason Coomer and a steady offensive attack. Game 2, and what would be the deciding game, was a 0-0 game until the Bottom of the 7th when Hasten Conley broke th tie with a line drive single to LF punching the NRC State Tournament ticket.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
INF Hasten Conley (2026)
OF Mavrick Wingo (2027)
SS Hunter Bertram (2027)
1B/LHP Jace Plumb (2026)
RHP Cason Coomer (2025; East Central)
RHP Caleb Looper (2025)

Coach Hernandez and the Cougars had an impressive showing in their super regional matchup with Hilldale last week, sweeping the series, and making them winners of 18 of their last 19 games. Consistently developing through the year, their 26-5 is a product of the fundamental baseball they play as a group that give them an opportunity to win each time they step on the yard. Offensively, a huge part of their punch comes near the top of the order. They are led by leadoff man Hasten Conley and his ability to get on base and set the table for the 2-4 in the Cougar lineup. Talented sophomores Mavrick Wingo and Hunter Bertram have continued to grow and develop under Coach Hernandez and staff and have produced at a high level in this postseason. Finally, cleanup man Jace Plumb has been an important piece as a run producer showcasing extra base hit power driving in the speed at the top of the lineup. On the mound, Cason Coomer has continued to produce his best baseball down the stretch which included his complete game 2-hitter over Hilldale a week ago. The long-limbed right hander is a different look for opposing hitters and one that is come to make adjustments with at times. Finally, senior Caleb Looper has also been extremely productive as he fired 6 innings of 1-hit baseball his last time out. Quiet confidence surrounds this North Rock Creek squad and their winning formula of quality pitching and defense will be a tough out for anyone that faces them.

BETHANY VS ELK CITY

BETHANY

OVERALL RECORD - 28-5
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 2-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Bronchos have battled throughout the yearl, finishing 2nd to Elk City in 4A-4, and their regional and super regional were no different. Before a 14-4 win over Seminole, Bethany matched up with Mount St Mary and tied the game in the 7th to send the game to extra innings before ultimately walking off in the 9th for a 4-3 win. In the regional's final game, the Bronchos used a balanced attack to ultimately win 8-2. In their super regional, a 3-run 4th Inning was the difference in a 3-1 game 1 win before a much more comfortable 15-5 offensive outburst punched their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
C Judson Gilliland (2026)
RHP/OF Charlie Tolle (2025; Seminole State)
SS Karter Thomas (2026)
RHP Layton Reither (2025; Southern Nazarene)
CF/LHP Brock Cross (2025)
RHP/OF Andrew Taber (2025; Seminole State)

Coach Lee and the Bronchos have won 12 of their last 13 and those include wins over both Tuttle and Elk City who are also in the field this week. They continue to play their best baseball here down the stretch when it matters the most excelling in all facets. Offensively, they are led by junior catcher Judson Gilliland in the leadoff spot. Consistently churning out productive ABs, he's shown the ability to work deep in counts but will also attack over the white if pitchers leave a mistake thigh high. Senior Charlie Tolle and junior shortstop Karter Thomas have also been reliable near the top of the order showing the ability to hit and also handle the bat and execute. A difference maker for Bethany, however, is the length in their lineup and the ability to produce 1-9. In the super regional's deciding game, senior Andrew Taber went 5/5 out of the 8-hole while senior Brock Cross went 2/2 in the 9-spot thus emphasizing the depth and length that they have on the squad. On the mound, there is more depth as they're led by Charlie Tolle and his relentless attacking of the strike zone while showing the ability to miss bats and rack up punchouts. Senior Layton Reither has also emerged with valuable innings with competitiveness on the mound against some of the state's toughest lineups. Both Andrew Taber and Brock Cross have been valuable pieces in a variety of roles whether it is starting or out of the pen the finish a game. A familiar opponent in Elk City, the Bronchos are a tough out with so many ways to beat opposing teams and the ability to play clean baseball at a high level.

ELK CITY

OVERALL RECORD - 26-4
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Champions of 4A-4 with a record of 11-1, the Big Elks worked quickly in their regional by sweeping through Harding Charter and Sulphur by a combined score of 30-1. However, things got much tougher in their Super Regional against the Verdigris Cardinals. After winning game 1 by a score 6-0 but fell in game 2 3-2. In game 3, Elk City was able to show their toughness and resolve as they fell behind 4-0 in the top of the 1st, but would score 2 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th to take the lead before adding insurance runs late in route to a 7-4 win and ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
C Jaxon McArthur (2026)
INF/RHP Collin Church (2025)
OF Wyatt McConnell (2025)
CF/RHP Cole Buie (2025)
RHP/OF Bryce Mouse (2025)
LHP Cameron Carlile (2025)

Coach McClure and the Elks have quietly put together yet another impressive year throughout the 2025 season as seen in their district title. Offensively, they're led by junior catcher Jaxon McArthur in the leadoff spot as the strong right handed hitter has put up big numbers in some of the season's biggest spots. Seniors Cole Buie, Collin Church, and Wyatt McConnell supply plenty of thunder in the middle of the lineup and more than enough depth to make plenty of noise this week. On the mound, senior Bryce Mouse has stepped in this year as the #1 and used his physicality and arm strength to continue developing into a pitcher with advanced stuff racking up punchouts at a high rate throughout the season. However, it takes more than one guy to win this week and Elk City has the depth and experience to dogpile with the likes of guys like Cameron Carlile, Cole Buie, and Krew Keyes also throwing extremely valuable innings throughout the season. With the depth and experience Coach McClure's squad posseses, Elk City is a team to watch this week as it would not be a surprise to see them dogpiling on Saturday.

TUTTLE VS CHICKASHA

TUTTLE

OVERALL RECORD - 32-7
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 4-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Tigers won district 4A-2 by going 11-1 and setting up a familiar date with district foe Chickasha. In the regional, Tuttle got off to a big start with a 15-1 win over Douglass before setting them up with a matchup with Harrah. Harrah jumped ahead in the 1st before Tuttle score a run in both the 5th and the 6th on a Brady McAdoo sac fly and Tyson Kennedy single to give them a 2-1 win. In game 3, The Tigers once again fell behind early before battling back as part of a 9-3 win. In their super regional, they won with two dominant performances by scores of 10-0 and 13-3 and punching their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Brady McAdoo (2025) 
CF/LHP Easton Green (2025; Cowley College) 
RHP/1B/C Hunter Watson (2026; Oklahoma) 
RHP Hogan Streber (2025; Cowley College) 
RHP/OF Nate Henn (2025; Rose State JC)
RHP/MIF Traylon Barnes (2027) 
CF/RF/RHP Jackson Johnson (2026) 
3B/1B/RHP Jett McCoy (2026) 
INF/RHP Andy Forrest (2026) 
C/OF Tyson Kennedy (2026)
RHP Bronson Johns (2026)

Coach Draper and the Tigers once again found themselves at the top of the district standings in the 2025 campaign playing their traditionally tough schedule while preparing themselves for this time of year. Loaded with experience on both sides of the ball, they have the depth necessary to get themselves over the top this time of year. Offensively, they have been one of the most versatile squads in the state with a few different guys stepping into different roles as needed due to injuries. Senior Brady McAdoo is one of the most athletic players in the state and can pressure defenses at a high level both in the box and on the bases. Senior Easton Green has also been a steady producer from the middle of the lineup flashing an advanced hit tool in route to a huge senior season. Junior Andy Forrest has also been productive wherever needed as the switch hitter has produced all over the  Tuttle lineup leading off, hitting 2nd, etc. as needed and hasn't missed a beat. On the mound, the depth of the group is telling as they're led by Oklahoma commit Hunter Watson. His big fastball and ability to land a big breaking ball make for a tough matchup - exemplified in a no hitter with 21 strikeouts earlier this year. However, we have also seen JJ Johnson produce in valuable roles often times finishing ballgames, Bronson Johns and his pitchability providing length from a starting role, and Hogan Streber missing bats out of the pen. Not far removed from their state title two years ago, much of the roster knows exactly what it takes to win this time of year and the Tigers are talented and hungry enough to find themselves dogpiling on Saturday.

CHICKASHA

OVERALL RECORD - 27-11
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-3 

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Fightin Chicks finished 2nd in a competitive 4A-2 with a record of 10-2. In the regional, they jumped ahead of Madill and Ada by a combined score of 19-1. However, in game 3, they fell to Ada in game 3 setting up a winner take all matchup that saw Chickasha walk off 5-4 with both Lane Jay and Nol Myrko delivering RBI singles. In the super regional, the Chicks once again had their backs against the wall with a game 1 loss to Berryhill 5-2. Game 2 saw them bounce back in a big way, jumping ahead 5-0 in the 2nd, 8-0 after 4, and finally winning by a final score of 13-0. In the deciding game, Chickasha once again found a way to battle back winning a 2-1 ballgame in 9 Innings.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS/RHP Layton Bryan (2025; Cowley College)
3B/RHP Lane Jay (2027)
OF/RHP Lane Johnson (2025)
P Brody Ross (2026)
P Nolan Myrko (2025)
INF/RHP Cason Ledford (2025)
RHP Tyson Owens (2027)

Coach James and the Fighting Chicks come into this year's State Tournament winners of 9 of their last 11 games which includes losses in both the regional and super regional showing the toughness and resiliency this Chickasha squad has as a whole. Led by senior Layton Bryan, he has produced for them from the top of the lineup with the ability to get on base via the hit or the freebie. While he's their leader in the lineup, Bryan is also the guy that the Chicks give the ball to in big spots on the mound. He has been their go-to guy for good reason giving them the ability to compete against anyone on any given day. However, due to a couple losses during this postseason run, we have also seen the valuable depth that comes with teams of this caliber. Junior Brody Ross continues to develop into a potential high-end arm with loads of projectability and a frame to continue adding to and a solid foundation in his ability and pitchability righ tnow. Senior Cason Ledford, Nolan Myrko, sophomore Tyson Owens has emerged as a valuable contributor on the mound with lengthened outings as the year has gone on. Offensively, a balanced attack after leadoff man Layton Bryan has been the formula with guys like Cooper McKinney, Myrko, Ledford, and senior Lane Johnson all providing offense as the season has progressed. The Fighting Chicks are battle tested and shown to have the resilience that it takes to win this time of year. They should come into the state tournament as confident as anyone and could be a team that makes some noise as part of a deep run this week.

SALLISAW VS NEWCASTLE

SALLISAW

OVERALL RECORD - 25-6
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: After finishing 2nd in 4A-8 with a district record of 10-2, they beat Mannford and Oologah to put themselves in the driver's seat. They lost a close 1-0 game to Oologah before finally defeating them for a second time in the regional and advancing to the supers. Sallisaw had a battle in their super regionalas they battled it out with Cushing. In a Friday doubleheader, they won game 1 handedly by a final score of 9-2 before dropping game 2 4-3. In the deciding game, a 3-3 tie was broken in the Bottom of the 8th when Kase Adams singled to LF to punch the Black Diamonds ticket to the State Tournament with a 4-3 win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Luke Pack (2026)
C Connor Green (2025)
RHP/INF Creed Nelson (2025; OKWU)
OF/P Rylan Eagle (2026)
RHP Brodie Cameron (2025)
1B/RHP Dagan Grizzle (2027)

Coach Wartchow and the Black Diamonds have an interesting mix of youth and experience scattered amongst their roster. They've been battle tested throughou the year and have found themselves playing their best baseball when it matters the most. Offensively, they are led by junior shortstop Luke Pack at the top of the lineup. He has been a major key for Sallisaw as they score runs when he's able to find himself on base. Senior backstop Connor Green and senior Creed Nelson work out fo the middle of the lineup and supply extra base hit potential along with junior Rylan Eagle. On the mound, their depth has been tested, especially in a super regional that went to three games against Cushing, but they were up to the task. Led by Creed Nelson, the strike thrower is going to give his defense an opportunity to make plays while staying off the barrel. Creed Nelson will do much of the same, attacking the zone, with the ability to punch out opposing hitters while not allowing freebies. Finally, guys like Rylan Eagle make a state tourney run like this possible providing length as  starting pitcher in important spots. Sophomore Dagan Grizzle is an imporant piece in the pen as well firing four innings over the course of two games last week in their super regional win. A mixed roster of youth and experience, the Black Diamonds have the depth and toughness gained throughout the year in route to their 25-6 mark to make some noise and go on a deep run this week.

NEWCASTLE

OVERALL RECORD - 35-4
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-1

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Winners of 4A-3 after going 13-1, the Racers swept their way through the regional without allowing a run. They beat Bishop McGuinness 4-0, Tecumseh 14-0, and advanced to the Super Regional after defeating Bishop McGuiness a second time 8-0. In their Super Regional, they once again held their opponent scoreless in game 1, beating Weatherford 8-0. In game 2, Newcastle jumped ahead 6-0 before holding on for a final for a 6-3 and punched their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RHP/OF Tyler Frazier (2026; Oklahoma State)
RHP/C Kaden Longman (2026)
SS Lane Seaton (2026)
1B/RHP Jackson Schanuel (2026; Hutchinson CC)
UTL Taj Smith (2025; Redlands)
RHP/C Ryder Gibson (2026)
INF Austin Gibson (2025)

Coach King and the Racers have been one of the best teams in the state the entire season once again blowing past the 30 win mark and currently riding a 13 game win streak. Their resume is robust as they've racked up wins against some of the state's top teams - a few of which competing for a 6A state title this week. On the mound, Tyler Frazier has once again been a premier frontline arm that gives them an opportunity to beat anyone in the state on any given day with off the charts competitiveness and advanced pitchability. Their depth is almost unrivaled as they've seen Kaden Longman really emerge and continue to develop his mix and ability to attack the zone, Ryder Gibson log valuable innings, and senior Jackson Schanuel working in the mid 80s with the ability to land his breaking ball. Offensively, they have once again produced and are led by Tyler Frazier in the leadoff spot. The lineup gets lengthy with Lane Seaton and his extra base hit production in the 2-hole, physical 3-hole Jackson Schanuel, and cleanup hitter Taj Smith also driving in runs at a high clip. Playing the tough schedule that they did throughout the year, the Racers are a team that has prepared for this stretch run and seem to be playing their best baseball when it matters most.