The 5A field is set and your eyes jump to some of the frontline starters that can handle the opposing lineups as well as some intriguing hitters scattered throughout the field.  We take a look at each team's record against the field, their journey to the State Tournament, a couple of players on each team to key in on, and an overall look at each team's resume and chances headed into the week.

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Thursday's Games (Owasso High School):

11 AM: Carl Albert vs Collinsville

1:30 PM: Midwest City vs Pryor

4 PM: Claremore vs Newcastle

6:30 PM: Bishop Kelley vs Noble

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CARL ALBERT VS COLLINSVILLE

CARL ALBERT

OVERALL RECORD - 30-10
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 5-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Titans return to the state tounament with 2 titles in three years, a 30-10 overall record, and a 13-1 mark in the highly competitive 5A-1 on their way to another district title. A district that will have three representatives at this year's State Tournament. They boast a dynamic offense as well as a highly competitive staff that saw them sweep through regionals, winning the first two games by a combined score of 38-2. The regional's final game, they once again defeated Bishop McGuiness, by a final score of 7-2 and punched their ticket to the state tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OF Jordan Hawkins (2026)
RHP Mason Avery (2026)
OF Boston Holland (2027)
UTL Beau Davis (2027)
OF Peyton Lockridge (2026; Redlands)
OF Jacson Webster (2027)
1B Joaquin Golden (2028)
INF/RHP Lane Sexton (2027)
RHP Lucas Perrymore (2028)
RHP Jaxon Richey (2028)

Coach Whiteley and the Titans return to the state tournament with a dynamic offense, proven winners on the mound, and confidence after being battle tested throughout the year with a tough schedule. They have a group of upperclassmen that have been a big part of past success as they have continued to develop throughout their game. Offensively, they are led by dynamic centerfielder Jordan Hawkins (Barton CC) with a skillset built on discipline to find his way on base and the ability to consistently pressure teams. He has the ability to drive extra base hits throughout the yard but the patience to take walks and pressure opponents on the basepaths makes him the difference maker that he is. Leadoff man Peyton Lockridge (Redlands) has shown the ability to set the table for the Titans, use the entire yard, and his athleticism shows up in all parts of his game. A potent middle of the order, junior Jacson Webster is a physical RHH with strength to drive the baseball to all fields, sophomore Joaquin Golden, and junior shorstop Lane Sexton's ability to handle the bat and execute have made Carl Albert a deep and complete offense. On the mound, Mason Avery (Barton CC) features swing and miss stuff with a fastball and breaking ball combo. The fastball gets into the upper 80s with the ability to work armside and a breaking ball that he can land in the zone or manipulate for swing and miss. Sophomore Lucas Perrymore has also utilized pitchability attacking both edges and allowing their defense to make plays. Finally, we have seen production from sophomore Jaxon Richey and junior Lane Sexton have provided valuable innings and will be a big part of the team's success this week. Carl Albert is no stranger to success this time of year and their well-rounded club appears primed for a run through the week.

COLLINSVILLE

OVERALL RECORD - 23-13
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 2-4

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Cardinals return to the state tournament in 2026 following a 23-13 campaign and an 11-3 record in the compeitive 5A-3. Just like 5A-1, Collinsville will be one of three teams representing 5A-3 in this year's State Tournament. On the road at Coweta, the Cardinals fought their way through a regional that forced them to play five games. In their opener, they defeated Glenpool 12-11 in a balanced offensive attack in which they scored in each inning of the game. In the "1-0" game, Coweta defeated Collinsville 4-3 with four defensive errors ultimately being the difference in the game. In game 3 of the week, they defeated Glenpool by a decisive 15-0 score and would have to defeat Coweta twice. On Friday, Collinsville won 14-9 as they jumped ahead 9-4 after three innings before adding on throughout the game. Finally, in a Winner Take All Game 7, the Cardinals punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a 8-2 win over Coweta behind a 3-run 2nd inning and 4-run 4th inning.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OF/RHP Cayden Cupps (2026)
INF Garrett White (2027)
RHP Isaac Seger Sprain (2027)
1B/RHP Talan Rush (2026)
OF/RHP Cal Schlomann (2026)
INF Trent Foster (2026; Allen County)
C Kris Winebarger (2026)
RHP Gavin Russell (2029)
RHP Brayden Leitka (2029)

Coach Reeder and the Collinsville Cardinals lost a talented core of seniors from a season ago and the development of the 2026 team through the current campaign has been obvious. In a season with plenty of adversity, they are winners of 7 of their last 8 and are in familiar territory at the state tournament as a title contender. Offensively, they have shown to be a balanced squad with production coming from all portions of the order. Senior leadoff man Cayden Cupps will be a huge part of Collinsville's success this week, as he has all year, attacking opposing pitchers and pressuring opposing defenses with his athleticism. Junior shortstop Garrett White, senior Talan Rush, and senior catcher Kris Winebarger will each be a big part of the week's success with each producing throughout regional play along with senior Cal Schlomann and Trent Foster (Allen County). On the mound, the emergence of junior Isaac Seger Sprain as a true ace that can beat anyone has made the Cardinals as dangerous as anyone. His ability to attack opposing offenses with multiple pitches and miss bats with an 11 strike out game in the regional. Seniors Cal Schlomann and Cayden Cupps have used their experience to be difference makers in some of the season's biggest moments, starting games in the regional and letting their competitiveness show through. Finally, a pair of freshmen in Gavin Russell and Brayden Leitka each through very well in regional play with Russell firing 4 shutout innings, allowed 1 hit, and punched out 7 in the deciding game. The Cardinals are no stranger to success in May and are currently playing their best baseball when it matters most.

MIDWEST CITY VS PRYOR

MIDWEST CITY

OVERALL RECORD - 21-17
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-4

HOW THEY GOT HERE: In what has been an up and down 2026, the Bombers have caught fire at the right time and are winners of 4 of their last 5. A 21-17 mark that included a third place finish in 5A-1, Midwest City went on the road to defending 5A State Champion Duncan for regional play. In game 1, they defeated Del City 11-1 and set up a meeting with Duncan in the "1-0" game. They won 2-1 behind a pair of runs in the first inning and a gem from Kayden Fixico. On the cusp of a state tourney berth, Duncan responded with authority and Midwest City fell 14-0 and set up a Winner Take All Game 7. The Bombers fell behind 2-0 through three innings, but jumped ahead with a 3-spot in the fourth, 4-spot in the 5th, and 3-spot in the 6th in route to a decisive 10-4 victory to punch their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
LHP/1B Kayden Fixico (2026; Rose State JC)
OF Terrance Rideau (2027)
OF/LHP Lincoln King (2026)
INF James Washburn (2026; Dodge City CC)
RHP Noah Polston (2026; Rose State JC)
RHP Aedan Smith (2027)

Coach Vodka and the Bombers come into the state tournament a resilient group that has overcome adversity in each opportunity throughout the season. Most recently, they entered regional play having lost 5 of their last 6, but immediately put that behind them and got back to playing disciplined, clean baseball and have outscored opponents 33-20 in their last 5 (that includes a 14-0 loss to Duncan). A collection of upperclassmen, they can pressure opponents like few can at the top of the order. Junior leadoff man Terrance Rideau comes into the state tourney with a .489 OBP and 37 stolen bases in 2026 - showcasing a skillset designed to get on base and compliment a middle of the order to get them pitches to hit as he pressures defenses and opposing pitchers. Senior Lincoln King has logged 28 stolen bases on the season, consistently finding his way on base and setting hte table for seniors James Washburn (Dodge City CC) and Kayden Fixico (Rose State JC). Washburn leads the team with 35 RBI and 4 HR while Fixico's 29 RBI are second on the team. The balance and complimentary nature of the Bomber offense will make them a scary squad this week. On the mound, senior Noah Polston's 62.2 IP lead the team, allowing just 46 hits and punching out nearly a hitter an inning. His 2.21 ERA will give them the opportunity to beat anyone in the state. As part of a deep staff, Fixico's 2.57 ERA in 49 IP speak to his 2-way ability to be a difference maker and Aedan Smith's 47.1 IP with a 2.81 ERA round out the three headed monster atop the mound for Midwest City. The Bombers have responded to adversity in each opportunity throughout the season and Coach Vodka's squad will be prepared to once again rise to the occassion at Owasso this week.

PRYOR

OVERALL RECORD - 31-7
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 4-2 

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Earning the opportunity to host after finishing at 12-2 in 5A-3, Pryor dominated their regional by a combined score of 42-11 in three games. In game 1, they defeated Durant 9-3 before jumping all over Edison by a final score of 23-3. Finally, the Tigers punched their ticket to the state tournament with a decisive 10-5 victory thanks in part to a 5-run 4th inning and 3-run 6th.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
INF Gavin Roberts (2026; Connors State)
OF/P Jaron Bailey (2026)
INF Eli Swarer (2026; Seminole State)
LHP/1B Daniel Harrington (Connors State)
INF/P Clinton Stohler (2026)
UTL/P Hunter Vivion (2029)

Coach Osborne and the Tigers are no strangers to the state tournament with this being their 9th trip in 10 years and an impressive 4-2 mark against this year's field. They have shown the ability to beat teams in a variety of ways, high level pitching and strong defense, and an offense that has shown the ability to score runs in bunches. The ability to win both high and low scoring games alike will give them an opportunity to beat anyone this week. Offensively, the top of the Pryor lineup has packed a punch with seniors Eli Swarer (Seminole State) and Gavin Roberts (Connors State) in the middle of the offensive output. The left side of the infield has also been steady atop the Tiger order and found their way on base consistently to set the table for senior Daniel Harrington (Connors State) and senior Clinton Stohler. Each of which have shown the ability to drive in runs throughout the 2026 campaign and will be a big part of a potential Pryor run this week. On the mound, they have been especially tough with senior Daniel Harrington leading the charge and beating some of the top opponents in 5A. This year alone, Harrington has beaten state tournament teams Collinsville and Claremore. Further, Stohler has continued to develop thoughout the year, beating Midwest City and pitching effectively in relief against both Bishop Kelley and Collinsville. Battle tested throughout the year and led by senior leadership, Pryor is primed to make a run at a state title this week.

CLAREMORE VS NEWCASTLE

CLAREMORE

OVERALL RECORD - 25-12
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 2-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Zebras earned the opportunity to host with a 12-2 mark in 5A-3 on their way to a 25-12 overall record. Having lost a talented core from a season ago, it was a tough start beginning the year 0-5 but Coach Gelnar and Claremore righted the ship quickly. They immediately won 10 in a row and ultimately swept their way through the regional. In game 1, they defeated Tulsa Memorial 21-1 and set up a game against a talented McAlester squad. The Zebras jumped out to a 5-0 lead before McAlester tied it up 6-6 in the 6th. Claremore walked it off in the 7th with a pair of doubles from Brayden Floyd and Luke Roberts. Finally, they punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a decisive 11-1 run rule victory thanks in large part to an 8-run 1st Inning.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
C/INF Jax Van Valkenburg (2027; Arizona State)
LHP Kellen Gaede (2027)
C Tyler Osgood (2026; Eastern Oklahoma State JC)
1B/RHP Saxton Pickup (2026; USAO)
INF/RHP Brayden Floyd (2027)
OF/LHP Johnny Tedesco (2029)
INF Evan Jameson (2028)

Coach Gelnar and Claremore has been resilient in adversity throughout 2026, getting off to a tough start but ultimately hosting and sweeping their way through regional play. Led by a combination of youth and experienced upperclassmen, the Zebras have continued to develop thoughout the year and grown together while playing their best baseball down the stretch. Offensively, the emergence of a pair of underclassmen in sophomore leadoff man Evan Jameson and freshman Johnny Tedesco have paced the offense down the stretch with each showing the ability to get on base at a high clip and pressure opposing defenses. Their ability to develop throughout the year and make adjustments has paid off for the Zebra offense as a whole. Further, juniors Kellen Gaede and Brayden Floyd have been run producers, churning out extra base hits, and provided the thunder in the middle of the order. Junior Jax Van Valkenburg has battled injury throughout the 2026 campaign but when in the lineup, he is one of the most disciplined and complete hittes in the state. On the mound, Kaede has shown the ability to beat anyone with stuff that continues to tick up and increased pitchability. Freshman Johnny Tedesco has also shown legitimate arm talent both in the outfield and on the mound, and his fearlessness and maturity despite being just a freshman gives Claremore the opportunity to make a deep run at a state title this week. Finally, junior Brayden Floyd has been extremely valuable out of the pen, putting out fires and shown the ability to finish games coming in from third base. The Zebras have battled throughout 2026, developed as a group, and are playing their best baseball when it matters most.

NEWCASTLE

OVERALL RECORD - 32-7
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 2-1

HOW THEY GOT HERE: At 32-7 and 13-1 in 5A-2, the Newcastle Racers earned the opportunity to be regional hosts. They defeated Southeast 18-1 before fallng to Guthrie in the regional's "1-0" game. Forced to fight their way through the loser's bracket, the Racers beat Altus 10-0 a rematch with Guthrie and 8-2 win. In a Winner Take All game, Newcastle beat Guthrie 6-1 thanks in large part to a 4-run 1st Inning and punched their ticket to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
RHP/OF Tyler Frazier (2026; Oklahoma State)
RHP/OF Kaden Longman (2026; Hutchinson CC)
SS Lane Seaton (2026; NOC Enid)
RHP/C Ryder Gibson (2026; Murray State JC)
OF Dax King (2028)
INF Baylor Blakey (2026)
C/RHP Christian Deloera (2026; Seminole State)

Coachin King and the Racers have been one of the top teams in the state from the season's jump, regardless of class. They have once again surpassed the 30-win mark and with numerous returners off a 4A state semifinal team from a season ago, they have competed like they have unfinished business as they hunt the state tournament and a run through the week. Offensively, they have been throughout the year by senior Tyler Frazier (Oklahoms State) and his .538 average to go along with 11 HR and 57 total hits. Frazier has shown to be one of the most fiercely competitve players in the region, both in the box and on the bump, and is contagious throughout the team and lineup. Senior Kaden Longman (Hutchinson CC) has reached 50 RBI on the season, proving to be a legitimate run producer with 8 HR and a .429 average. Sophomore Dax King has emerged with his hit tool that has worked to a .407 clip in 2026 with the ability to drive the baseball to all fields. Senior Christian Deloera (Seminole State) has added 9 HR from the middle of the order and Lane Seaton's (NOC Enid) polished hit tool has added 8 HR on the season. Finally, seniors Baylor Blakey and Ryder Gibson (Murray State JC) have contributed in a big way with Blakey logging a .404 average and 4 HR and Gibson add a .402 avg and 5 HR. On the mound, Longman and Gibson have been one of the top two headed monsters atop any rotation - Longman punching out 101 in 51.2 IP with a .95 ERA with Gibson pitching to a 1.35 ERA and 84 K in 52 IP. A deep offense that can pressure defenses in a variety of ways as well as strong front line starters, Newcastle marches into the State Tournament primed to make a deep run through the week.

NOBLE VS BISHOP KELLEY

NOBLE

OVERALL RECORD - 24-15
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-4

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Bears finished 2nd in highly compeitive 5A-1, earning the opportunity to host and are one of three teams from 5A-1 to compete in this week's state tournament. As regional host, Noble played their typical disciplined, hard nosed style with a dominant 10-0 first round win over Lawton after jumping out to a 9-0 lead after two innings. They then defeated MacArthur 7-3 behind a complete game effort from Trent Shortes and punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a 3-0 shutout victory with Weston Randolph comvvering 6.1 IP.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS/RHP Weston Randolph (2026; Hutchinson CC)
UTL/RHP Jackson Steely (2026; Western Oklahoma JC)
1B/RHP Trent Shortes (2026)
RHP Isaac Ethridge (2027)
INF Hayden Clement (2027)
OF Dierks Wente (2026)

Coach Hughes and the Noble Bears have competed through a tough schedule, and responded to adversity throughout the year with a tough schedule that has them primed for success when it matters most. The returning experience in their roster has shown through throughout the 2026 campaign and the visible toughness can be felt througout the squad. Seniors Weston Randolph (Hutchinson CC) and Jackson Steely (Western Oklahoma JC) have consistently produced in the middle of the Bears lineup for years and 2026 is no different.  Their ability to work in the middle of the order has only further helped the development of junior Hayden Clement and senior Dierks Wente. Clement has thrived out of the leadoff spot, finding his way on base and setting the table for the middle of the order. For the offense as a whole, one of keys to their success has been the understanding of their identity and what makes them successful. You will not find them overswinging, trying to slug, but instead consistent disciplined approaches through the middle of the yard as an offense that will execute and not beat themselves. On the mound, senior Trent Shortes has been a force at the front of the rotation, attacking the zone and allowing their defense to make plays behind him. Typically, he will not log lofty strikeout numbers but his ability to miss barrels has been a key for Noble this spring. Jackson Steely has also been effective on the mound, along with fellow senior Weston Randolph, and each will have a been part of the Bears success this week. Noble's style of baseball travels - hard nosed, competitive, and fundamental as a team that will not beat themselves. Do not be surprised to see the Bears make a run this week.

BISHOP KELLEY

OVERALL RECORD - 30-11
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 4-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Bishop Kelley finished the year atop 5A-4 and earned the opportunity to host with a perfect 12-0 district record on their way to a 30-11 overall mark. In their regional, they jumped out to a quick 15-0 victory over Will Rogers in the first game before blanking Tahlequah 10-0 in the regional's "1-0" game. However, the Comets would fall to Tahlequah 10-3 and force a Winner Take All Game 7. In game 7, BK responded to a single Tahlequah run in the 1st with a 3-spot in the bottom half. From there, they would add on and ultimately win 6-2 on the back of a CJ VanBuskirk complete game effort.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OF Isaac Anderson (2026; Eastern Oklahoma State JC) 
INF Bradley Hastings (2028) 
OF Cooper Courtney (2026)
INF Macade Manning (2027)
INF/RHP CJ VanBuskirk (2027)
RHP/OF Max Gipson (2027) 
OF Tommy Lord (2027)
INF Max Treat (2028)
RHP Mack Conroy (2026)
C Andrew Nix (2026; Eastern Oklahoma State JC)
RHP Joseph McKean (2026)

Coach Postoak and the Bishop Kelley Comets played a heavily competitve schedule, including multiple 6A state tournament teams since May 1 alone, and are looking for that to show through in a deep state tournament run this week. Offensively, they have had senior Cooper Courtney attack from the leadoff spot throughout the year, continuing to develop over the course of the season, and visible present strength out of the leadoff spot. Switch hitting sophomore Bradley Hastings has showcased a disciplined approach with a long and lean frmae, feel for backspinning balls from alley to alley, and power that continues to develop to match teh frame and long levers. The consisent growth of a pair of juniors, Macade Manning and CJ VanBuskirk has paid off down the stretch as well with each contibuting in regional play while being steady defenders in the middle of the infield. On the mound, senior Mack Conroy has shown the ability to beat anyone, fearlessly attacking the zone thanks in part to the top offenses he has faced over the past two seasons. Conroy's 5 IP CG shutout while allowing just 2 hits over Tahlequah speaks to his ability to execute in postseason play. Senior Joseph McKean will be an important member of the staff this week with his ability to stay at the bottom of the zone and allow his defense to make plays behind him. Finally, the aforementioned CJ VanBuskirk's athleticism on the mound translating from the middle infield and his ability to consistently execute and keep opposing team's off balance has made him successful and will be a key to BK's success this week. A battle tested offense against some of the toughest teams in the state, Bishop Kelley has prepared themselves to make a run at a state title this week.

 

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