2026 OSSAA 6A Regional Preview: Sand Springs Regional

May 5, 2026
Bret Schwartz
Oklahoma Scouting Director

OSSAA 6A Regional Preview: Sand Springs Regional

The Sand Springs Regional gets underway on Wednesday, May 6th featuring Sand Springs, Jenks, Union, and Ponca City. We break down each team’s record, players to watch, and a deeper look at each team as they head into this week’s regional and look to make a state tournament run.

Wednesday's Schedule:

Sand Springs vs Ponca City at 11:00 AM

Jenks vs Union at 1:30 PM

Winner's Bracket game at 4:00 pm

Loser's Bracket game at 6:30 pm

Sand Springs Sandites

Overall Record: 19-16
District Record: 10-4

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Alex Dudley (2026)
OF Tatum Wells (2026)
RHP/OF Landon Joice (2027)
UTL Boston Kissee (2027)
INF Kaden Pope (2027)
C Jayden Bussell (2028)

Coach Watkins and the Sandites enter the postseason having earned the opportunity to host on the back of a 10-4 mark in district play with contributors throughout the lineup. A steady and consistent group, they overcome adversity throughout the year and earned the opportunity to host this week. On the mound, junior Landon Joice is a true #1, as the 2-way standout also competes in centerfield, and pushes him to Tuesday as he has shown the ability to beat anyone with a live arm and electric mix. Freshman right hander Gus Clark has also continued to develop throughout the 2026 campaign from a towering frame at 6'5" and pitchability with the ability to land multiple pitches. The fastball works from the low to mid 80s but a projectable frame to dream on and plenty of upside as he gets better with each start. Offensively, the Sandites are a competitive group that makes for a tough matchup, especially working through the lineup multiple times. Their ability to get to the bullpen has been a huge key to their success this spring. Senior shortstop Alex Dudley consistently pressures opposing defenses driving the baseball into each gap from atop the Sand Springs order. A pair of left handed hitters, junior Boston Kissee and senior Tatum Wells, have provided valuable offense through the middle of the order as they have driven in runs and found ways on base at a high clip. Sand Springs has the experience in the postseason, consistency in the rotation, and the ability to execute at a high level to win in May.

Jenks Trojans

Overall Record: 27-8
District Record: 9-5

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
INF/RHP Clark Cariker (2027)
OF Blake Whittington (2026; Southern Nazarene)
C Carson Rackers (2026)
INF Joe Walker (2027)
1B Kaden Tunnell (2026; Seminole State)
OF/RHP Jack Tiefenthaler (2026; Southern Nazarene)
OF Easton Selden (2027)
RHP Cohen Miller (2027)

Coach Walker and the Jenks Trojans enter the postseason playing a brand of baseball that is proven to win in the postseason and that identity could take lead them to a state tournament run. On the mound, they have limited freebies and attacked opposing lineups over the white forcing them put the ball in play. They have depth with contributions from a variety of guys such as senior Jack Tiefenthaler (Southern Nazarene), 2-way player Clark Cariker, and junior Cohen Miller. Their ability to change speeds, execute at a high clip, and limit freebies has made them successful throughout the year. Offensively, they play a complimentary style to the other side of the ball with disciplined ABs, have shown the ability to execute consistently, and can pressure opposing defenses. Senior Blake Whittington (Southern Nazarene) has set the tone throughout the year with his ability to get on base and showcase a true hit tool with the ability to use the entire yard. Senior Kaden Tunnell (Seminole State) has been a run producer from the middle of the lineup and will be a big part of this regional if Jenks is going to advance. As they pressure opponents, often times the skillset of junior Easton Selden is a big part of that with the speed to impact games both in centerfield and on the basepaths. The Trojans have played a disciplined style of baseball throughout the year, consistently taken what the game give them, and if they continue to do so this week they will be a tough team to beat.

Union Redhawks

Overall Record: 11-25
District Record: 6-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
OF Asher Fowler (2026)
RHP/C Carson Brooks (2026)
INF Zack Oliver (2026)
OF/LHP Gavin Wilhelm (2028)
OF Aiden Leathers (2028)

Coach Newkirk and the Redhawks enter the postseason as a dangerous 3-seed with the potential to play spoiler. A Coach Newkirk coached team is discipline, plays high quality defense, and does not beat themselves which shines this time of year. Despite an overall record that does not reflect the traditional power of Union, they have shown the ability to compete with anyone and split with host Sand Springs just a week ago to close out the regular season. Sophomores Gavin Wilhelm and Aiden Leathers have each impacted games in a variety of ways with Wilhelm starting on the bump on Mondays and flashed the ability to keep opposing hitters of balance. Leathers works at the top of the lineup and understanding of his skillset and ability to get on base can set the table for the middle of the Redhawk order. A pair of seniors, outfielder Asher Fowler and shortstop Zack Oliver, work in the middle of the order and their ability to drive in runs and pressure opposing defenses will be a big part of the team's success this week. Finally, RHP Carson Brooks and RHP Brandon Chaney have each had success against talented lineups and will need to do so once again this week. If Union plays the disciplined style we are accustom to from the Redhawks, it would not be a surprise to see them shake things up in Sand Springs and make some noise this week.

Ponca City Wildcats

Overall Record: 14-22
District Record: 2-12

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
SS Kalon Covey (2026; NOC Enid)
1B/RHP Isaiah Branstetter (2026; Westminster College)
3B/RHP Lance Arbona (2026)
INF Juan Chavez (2027)

Coach Middlebrooks and the Wildcats enter the postseason as arguably the most dangerous 4-seed in the state. Senior Kalon Covey (NOC Enid) has been a difference maker for the Wildcats on both sides of the ball as a steady force at shorstop and atop the lineup. His ability to get on base and pressure defenses has set the tone for the group as a whole and has started consectutive Thursdays lining him up to be an impact arm this week. Senior Isaiah Branstetter (Westminster College) will be a big part of Ponca City's upset efforts this week both on the mound and at the plate. He has served as the team's Monday starter while also working out of the 3-Hole as the left handed hitter can drive the baseball from alley to alley. Finally, senior Lance Arbona and junior Juan Chavez will need to add depth on the mound and at the plate with Chavez hitting near the top of the Wildcat order as well. Do not be surprised to see Ponca City embrace their underdog role as a dangerous 4-seed that has the talent at the top of the roster to make some noise in regional play.