The 4A field is absolutely loaded once again with exciting matchups on day one.  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.

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Thursday's Schedule (At Noble High School):

11 AM - Tuttle vs Lone Grove

1:30 PM - Blanchard vs Sallisaw

4 PM - Mount St. Mary vs Verdigris

7:30 PM - Berryhill vs Elgin

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TUTTLE VS LONE GROVE

TUTTLE

OVERALL RECORD - 33-4
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-1

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Tigers were dominant throughout the 2026 campaign, a perfect 14-0 in 4A-3 to earn the 1 seed in Areas after sweeping through their regional. Matched up with Broken Bow, Tuttle won 9-0 in game one behind a gem from starting pitcher Hunter Watson. The Tiger offense scored three runs in each the 1st and 2nd innings to set the tone for the day. In game 2, they would score five runs in the 1st, 5 runs in the 3rd, and finally 6 runs in the 5th to finish off a run rule victory and punch their ticket into the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RHP/1B Hunter Watson (2026; Oklahoma) 
RHP/SS Traylon Barnes (2027) 
OF/RHP Jackson Johnson (2026; NOC Enid) 
CF/RHP Jett McCoy (2026; Hutchinson CC) 
INF Andy Forrest (2026; Western Oklahoma JC) 
RHP Bronson Johns (2026; NOC Enid)
1B Hudson Heathco (2026; UCO)
OF Dallin Pratt (2028)

Coach Draper and the Tuttle Tigers are battle tested with only two games against a loaded 4A state tournament bracket but numerous games against teams that will play in the state tournament of other classes this week. They are one of the most experienced teams in the state, regardless of class, and have been consistent all season despite various injuries to important members of the team. Offensively, they have the ability to score runs in a variety of ways - and do so in a hurry. We have seen them ambush early count mistakes over the white for extra base hits as well as string together multiple QABs against tough arms to find their way on base and pressure the defense from there. It starts at the top with senior leadoff man Jett McCoy (Hutchinson CC) and his ability to get on base. His game changing, dynamic speed has been able to get seniors Jackson Johnson (NOC Enid) and Hunter Watson (Oklahoma) plenty of fastballs to drive because of the focus being on the base paths. Junior Traylon Barnes and senior Andy Forrest (Western Oklahoma JC) have each shown the ability to execute at a high level, use their athleticism, and help extend leads in the game's middle innings specifically. Finally, first baseman Hudson Heathco (UCO) is in the midst of a massive year, showing big pull side juice, and has quietly produced to lengthen the Tuttle lineup. On the mound, they have welcomed back Hunter Watson of late and both his stuff and competitiveness on the bump gives him the opportunity to beat anyone. Senior Bronson Johnson (NOC Enid) has had a steady upward trend in his development over the past two season showcasing an upper 80s fastball along with a breaking ball that he can land and attack with swing and miss. Junior Traylon Barnes athleticism has been an asset on the mound, with a steady mix that can attack both RHH and LHH alike. Finally, Jackson Johnson has been a finisher for the Tigers with the ability to extend multiple innings and shut the door when needed. The state runner up a season ago, the Tigers roster knows what it takes to finish in May and this talented, chip on their shoulder squad looks to make a run through the week on their way to a state title.

LONE GROVE

OVERALL RECORD - 32-7
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-1

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Consistent play throughout the 2026 season, Lone Grove finished 10-2 in 4A-2, won their regional and ultimately earned the opportunity to host Sulphur in the 8 vs 9 matchup a week ago. In a highly competitive game 1, Mattox Idleman was outstanding as he tossed a CG shutout for a 1-0 victory while allowing just 4 hits and striking out 10. In game 2, Sulphur struck back as they jumped out to a 7-0 lead after four innings before finally winning by a 15-4 final score. In the series rubber match, Lone Grove would jump ahead 1-0 in the 1st, but put the game away early with an 11-run 3rd inning before winning in a run rule 13-3 final score and punched their ticket to the state tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
INF Tatum Quinn (2026; Hutchinson CC)
RHP/INF Mattox Idleman (2027)
C/RHP Scout Quinn (2028)
INF/OF Zane Hale (2029)
RHP/INF Aybel Shorter (2027)
OF/LHP Cannon Schoonover (2026)

Coach Pybas and the Longhorns have gone through a gauntlet over the last month with a highly competitive district slate and one of the tougher matchups of the teams representing the state tournament with their victory over Sulphur a week ago. The experience throughout the roster along with the toughness you would expect from a Lone Grove squad, the Longhorns are battle tested and prepared to make an impact on this year's 4A tournament in their round 1 game against Tuttle. On the mound, junior Mattox Idleman has gone toe to toe against some of the best offenses in the state, battling against Elgin for 6 innings and beating CCS in a district matchup. Idleman gives the Longhorns the opportunity to beat anyone and his fearlessness against a stout Tuttle lineup will be a key factor. Senior Tatum Quinn has been valuable on the mound as well along with junior Aybel Shorter pitching extremely well in various outings and among them the clincher over Sulphur that saw him go 5 innings and allowed just 2 ER. Offensively, they have packed a punch at the top with dynamic leadoff man and shortstop Tatum Quinn. His ability to pressure defenses on the bases can generate offense in a big way for Lone Grove. Sophomore Scout Quinn has also been a steady force near the front of the lineup. A lean framed, athletic bathstop he has shown comfort elevating balls to the pullside with authority. Finally, along with Idleman in the 3-hole, freshman Zane Hale has continued to produce out of the cleanup spot with the ability to use the entire yard, he has produced extra base hits in addition to adding speed on the bases to put opposing defenses on their heels. Lone Grove is a fearless group that are no stranger to the state tournament with years of success in 3A and have the type of team that can make a run this week.

BLANCHARD VS SALLISAW

BLANCHARD

OVERALL RECORD - 29-9
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 0-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Lions went a perfect 14-0 in 4A-4, dominating the district and winners of their last 12 in a row. After dominating their regional by a combined score of 48-3, they welcomed a well-known Chickasha squad - also a 4A-4 team. Blanchard would sweep the Chicks with a 9-4 win in game 1 and used a pair of 4-run innings in the 1st and 3rd, 5-run inning in the 4th, and finally another 4-run innings in the 5th as they would punch their ticket to the state tournament with a 20-11 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OF/RHP Camden Hall (2026; Rose State)
RHP/INF Wyatt Pendergraph (2027) 
INF Caysen Garcia (2029)
INF Kolt Ellison (2027)
OF Reston Vickrey (2026)
OF/RHP Beau Daily (2027)

Coach Raney and the Lions come into the state tournament as the defending 4A champions after winning a thriller over Tuttle a year ago. Having lost a large portion of the contributions on all sides of the ball, the Lions have developed consistently under Coach Raney and his staff and as winners of 12 in a row, they're playing their best baseball when it matters most. Offensively, they have team speeds that has made them dynamic in their ability to pressure teams and it starts at the top with junior Kolt Ellison - a toolsy athlete with the ability to drive extra base hits to all part of the yard. Freshman Caysen Garcia's ability to handle the bat, work through the middle of the yard with an efficient offensive move, and set the table for the middle of the order along with Ellison has once again made the Lions a force offensively. Seniors Reston Vickrey and Camden Hall (Rose State), along with junior Wyatt Pendergraph, have provided the thump in the middle of the Blanchard lineup. Further, junior Beau Daily is coming off a massive game against Chickasha and the 4-hit effort speaks to the depth of the lineup that has been developed throughout the spring. On the mound, junior Wyatt Pendergraph has shown the ability to beat anyone. He has shown quiet confidence on the mound with a fastball that works into the upper 80s as part of a 3-pitch mix. Beau Daily and Kolt Ellison have also been valuable members of the staff, but Camden Hall is perhaps one of the more valuable players of any team in the state. Hall has shown the ability to come on in relief, extend in his outing and attack opposing lineups in the zone. Working both games a week ago against Chickasha, Hall worked multiple innings on both days and consistently missed barrels. Blanchard is used to success in May, this time of year they typically play their best baseball and 2026 has been no different. Expect to see a well-rounded group compete at a high level as they appear primed to make a run through the state tournament and defend their 4A title.

SALLISAW

OVERALL RECORD - 30-2
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 0-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: With a 30-2 overall mark that included a perfect 12-0 in 4A-8, Sallisaw has been a force throughout 2026. After sweeping their way through the regional, the Black Diamonds matched up with Ada last week. As host, Sallisaw fell in game 1 to Ada by a score of 4-1. With their backs against the wall, we saw Sallisaw win game 2 by a score of 3-1 behind a gem from Rylan Eagle and set up a Winner Take All Game 3. In game 3, the Black Diamonds jumped ahead with a pair of runs in the game's first two innings before an 8-run 3rd inning ultimately put the game away. Easton Wolfe's three hit effort paced the offense as they punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a 12-2 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS/CF Luke Pack (2026)
OF/LHP Rylan Eagle (2026)
RHP/1B Dagan Grizzle (2027)
INF/RHP Easton Wolfe (2027)
INF Kase Adams (2027)
OF Logan Bethel (2027)
C Landon Clawson (2027)
LHP Keaton Brant (2028)

Coach Wartchow and the Sallisaw Black Diamonds return to the 4A state tournament after falling in the quarterfinals a year ago. They have been on a mission throughout 2026, using their experience from years past and development of a talented now junior class to take another step (or two) this season. At the top, they are led offensively by senior Luke Pack with his ability to pressure opposing defenses and use his athleticism and defensive versatility to ultimately impact games in a variety of ways. Junior Easton Wolfe is also in the midst of a strong junior season, working near the top of the lineup, the sure handed infielder has shown the ability to handle the bat and drive the baseball from alley to alley. Senior Rylan Eagle and junior Dagan Grizzle have each impacted games similarly as the thunder in the middle of the order and on the mound. Their ability to drive in runs, along with juniors Logan Bethel and Kase Adams, have  helped Sallisaw drive in runs in bunches at times this season. The impact on the mound and ability to shut down opposing offenses consistently has been the biggest difference maker in 2026 for Sallisaw. Grizzle has been relentless, attacking the zone with a 4-pitch mix and overwhelming opposing offenses with his size and ability to create tilt and difficult angles. Eagle has also attacked the zone consistently, beating Ada's in Game 2 last week with a CG effort and allowing just 1 run. Finally, for the Black Diamonds to make a run this week, expect production from guys like freshman Keaton Brant or Levi Scavo in their ability to log quality innings and keep opposing hitters off balance. The experience of the Sallisaw roster could be the difference in their success this week, the development of the group as a whole, and the ability to play quality defense behind front line starting pitching could lead to a deep run in this week's State Tournament.

MOUNT ST. MARY VS VERDIGRIS

MOUNT ST. MARY

OVERALL RECORD - 30-7
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Rockets rolled to 30 wins in 2026 and a perfect 12-0 record in 4A-1 and the opportunity to host both a regional and areas. Welcoming visiting Grove a week ago, Mount St. Mary fell behind as Grove scored four runs in the 2nd and led 4-1 after 3. A 5-run 3rd inning followed by a single run in the 4th, and 2 runs in the 6th and 7th powered the Rockets to an 11-4 Game 1 win. In Game 2, MSM would jump out in front in the 2nd before adding on with runs in the 3rd through 6th inning and ultimately winning by a final of 9-1 and punching their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Miles Stanley (2027) 
OF Jefferson Hodge (2027)
OF Wade Webb (2027; Oral Roberts)
C Rylan Kuklinski (2027)
RHP/INF Will Grayson Jr (2026; Barton County CC)
LHP/1B Parker Hayes (2026; Johnson County)
OF TJ Williams (2027)
INF Sam Grayson (2027)

Coach Winterrowd and the Rockets have been impressive throughout the 2026 season and have one of the most balanced attacks, on both sides of the ball, as anyone else in the 4A field. They have played a competitive schedule and are winners of 9 of their last 10 with at least six runs scored in each of those 9. Offensively, the collection of juniors have all grown and deveoped together over the past couple of seasons, and have shown the ability to score runs in bunches. Leadoff man Miles Stanley has shown the ability to handle the bat as well as drive the baseball for extra base hits when earning his way into plus counts. Outfielder Jefferson Hodge has arguably been one of the most under the radar, strong performers of the 2026 season utilizing his athleticism both in the box and in the outfield, delivering barrels for extra base hits and consistently producing out of the MSM 2-hole. Junior Wade Webb (Oral Roberts) has been planted in the middle of the MSM order for the past couple seasons and can truly do everything asked as part of a dynamic offensive skillset that includes extra base hits to all parts of the yard and speed to pressure opposing defenses on the bases. Finally, the power hitting of cleanup man Rylan Kuklinski, athleticism of TJ Williams, and the ability to execute with both Will and Sam Grayson has made for a very complete offense. On the mound, we have seen a dynamic two headed monster at the top with a pair of seniors in Parker Hayes (Johnson County) and Will Grayson (Barton County). Hayes surpassed 250 punchouts earlier this year in his MSM career and has been a tough matchup for opposing offenses form a low 3/4 left handed slot. Grayson's athleticism has consistently shown up on the bump, featuring a tough fastball/slider mix with the ability to get swing and miss late in games. Both Hayes and Grayson have shown the ability to match up against some of the top offenses in the state. The Rockets are on schedule with a steady line of development throughout their roster, the frontline starters to match up with anyone in the state, and as winners of 9 of their last 10 are playing the best baseball they have played all season as they are primed for a deep run this week.

VERDIGRIS

OVERALL RECORD - 29-9
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-0

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Verdigris enters the state tournament following a district title in 4A-7 with a 13-1 mark and 29-9 overall record. Matched up with Heritage Hall in last week's areas, Verdigris quickly found themselves behind 4-0 after just 1/2 an inning of play. However, they would respond with their own 4-run 1st run in the 2nd, and a 5-spot in the 3rd. Eventually, they would score five runs combined in the 5th and 6th with a run rule 15-5 victory. In Game 2, Heritage Hall would respond with a quality 4-2 win, thanks in part to a pair of Verdigris errors. Finally, in a Winner Take All Game 3, Heritage Hall would strike first yet again. However, just as they have all season, Verdigris responded in the bottom half of the frame with three runs of their own before adding a single run in the 2nd. That would be all the offense necessary as Ethan Hushbeck's CG punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a 4-2 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
C Barrett Marlow (2026; Oklahoma Christian)
SS Ian Lane (2028)
RHP/INF Ethan Hushbeck (2027)
LHP/OF McGwire West (2026; Fort Scott CC)
OF/LHP Boston Acosta (2026; Eastern Oklahoma State JC)

Coach Keith and the Verdigris Cardinals come into the state tournament as winners of 6 of their last 7 and have responded to any type of adversity they have faced throughout the spring. Offensively, they have been led by a combination of youth and experience working at the top of the lineup. Senior backstop Barrett Marlow (Oklahoma Christian) has consistently found his way on base, hitting his way on as well as showing the discipline to take freebies and set the table from the middle of the Cardinal offense. Sophomore shorstop Ian Lane's ability to handle the bat and execute offensively has also been a key factor with strong production coming from the middle of the lineup. Junior Ethan Hushbeck along with senior McGwire West (Fort Scott CC) have provided the thunder and driven in runs at a high level. On the mound, the experience of both West and fellow senior Boston Acosta (Eastern Oklahoma State JC) have given the Cards a pair of left handers with pitchability and the ability to attack opposing lineups in a variety of ways. Finally, Hushbeck's ability to continue developing has helped Verdigris take another step forward as illustrated in his effort in the deciding game against Heritage Hall with a CG effort allowing just 2 ER. The Cardinals have the experience on the roster to impact the state tournament and make a run this week offering balance on both sides of the ball.

BERRYHILL VS ELGIN

BERRYHILL

OVERALL RECORD - 34-6
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 0-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Chiefs have battled throughout 2026, going 34-6 on the season and a perfect 14-0 as winners of 4A-6. Last week, they welcomed a solid Byng squad in and defeated them 4-1 in game 1 despite just a single hit coming from Collin Brafford. The Chiefs were able to pressure the Byng defense and those four errors were ultimately the difference in the game. In Game 2, Berryhill had consecutive 4-run innings in the 2nd and 3rd which led to a 10-1 final punching their ticket to the state tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Zay Jarvis (2028)
RHP Luke Rudick (2028)
LHP/OF Ian Malicott (2026)
OF Jarrett Norman (2028)
LHP/OF Collin Brafford (2028)
3B/RHP Dawson Hedge (2028)
RHP Britton Martin (2028)

Coach Jarvis and the Berryhill Chiefs have played with consistency throughout the 2026 season with a easily the youngest roster at this year's 4A State Tournament. However, do not mistake the youth for inexperience as the group has been fearless throughout a gauntlet of a schedule to prepare them for this week specifically. As a team, they have shown consistent and steady development throughout the season and that growth is paying dividends down the stretch. At the top of the lineup, the Chiefs are led by senior Ian Malicott and his ability to pressure opposing defenses with his legs but also driving the ball into gaps for extra base hits. A group of sophomores have provided a majority of the offense after Malicott, with outfielder Jarrett Norman and shortstop Zay Jarvis handling the bat and providing more thump as they add to their frames. Third baseman Dawson Hedge has driven the baseball with authority, and had the discipline to take walks when necessary as well. Finally, both Collin Brafford and Luke Rudick's athleticism has shown up in the box as they have done plenty of damage on the mound this spring. With that, the lefty Brafford's pitchability gives him the opportunity to beat anyone, often times using opponent's aggressiveness against them landing early count secondary offerings and working ahead. Rudick's physicality gives him more of a power mix with the velo continuing to rise from a strong frame, he has advanced feel for a changeup and can attack both edges with the fastball before mixing an overhand breaking ball. Last, sophomore Britton Martin will work into the mid 80s and pitched Berryhill into the state tournament with a CG 3 hitter with 0 ER and 9 punchouts. Berryhill has played a competitive schedule throughout 2026 with opponents scattered amongst various state tournaments in the state, and that experience will make them a dangerous group that can make a run throughout the State Tournament this week.

ELGIN

OVERALL RECORD - 34-4
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-1

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Owls have been dominant for a majority of the 2026 season with an experienced roster on their way to a 34-4 overall record and 11-1 record in 4A-2. Hosting North Rock Creek last week, Elgin won Game 1 by a final score of 3-2. In a tight game, they scored a run in the 2nd, two runs in the 4th, and held on as NRC scored once in the 7th to nearly tie the game. In game 2, the Owls offense jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 3rd before adding on with a pair of runs in the 3rd, single run in the 6th, and put the game away in the visiting half of the 7th with two more runs. Elgin punched their ticket to the 4A State Tournament with a 9-2 win over NRC, a team that was a state participant a season ago.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RHP/OF Ritson Meyer (2026; Abilene Christian Football)
RHP/SS Mason Thornton (2026; Redlands)
RHP Jaxon Southerland (2027)
UTL Brody Morrison (2026)
1B/RHP Lucas Young (2026)
OF/LHP Kade Hilliary (2026; Redlands)
UTL Kason Meyer (2027)
INF Graeson Nichols (2027)

Coach Garrett and the Owls come to 4A after falling in the 5A State Title Game to Duncan a seasona go. With a bulk of the roster back from a season ago, they have been as consistent as any team in the state and showcased one of the more complete offenses in the state. At the top, leadoff man Mason Thornton's (Redlands) dynamic ability to get on base, pressure opposing defenses, and ultimately set the table for some of the top power hitters in the state in the middle of the order. Senior Brody Morrison's hit tool with pull side power along with senior Ritson Meyer's ability to drive the baseball to all fields, with legitimate power, helps the Owl offense put up runs in bunches. Senior Kade Hilliary (Redlands) has shown the ability to hand the bat and execute, such as using the hole with a runner on 1B, or drive teh baseball to all fields and collect extra base hits. The ability for guys like junior Kason Meyer, senior Lucas Young, and junior Graeson Nichols to execute and further supplement the offense speaks to the massive depth the Owls have and the reason they are so difficult to hold down for an extended period of time. On the mound, the experience of the group has also been a significant portion of their success. Junior Jaxon Southerland features one of the top breaking balls in the state, a high spin offering that he can land and execute in any count, can attack opposing lineups in a variety of ways. Ritson Meyer is fearless in his ability to attack opposing offenses over the white and pitched Elgin to the state tournament over North Rock Creek with a CG, 3 hit effort allowing just 1 ER, and punching out 8. Expect senior to be a big part of an Elgin title run with the left hander working the fastball into the mid 80s while mixing in a breaking ball to keep offenses off balance. Elgin is a tough squad, battle tested throughou the year, and can beat teams in multiple ways which will be extremely valuable as they look to navigate the 4A State tournament and end the week with a dogpile.

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