It's that time of year again - Eight teams have earned their way into the State Tournament compete for a chance to dogpile this Saturday.  This year's field in 6A features some of the most consistent teams throughout the entire season, toughness throughout lineups, and a couple squads that have battled health throughout the season and have played their best when it matters most.  We go into each team's resume in how they got here, their record against the field, probable starters heading into tomorrow, and keys to victory for each team in their assigned matchup.  Be sure to follow along our social channels this weekend as we look to continue to bring you the most unrivaled coverage of all things Oklahoma High School baseball.

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Thursday's Schedule (At Union Freshman Academy):

11 AM - Jenks vs Mustang

1:30 PM - Piedmont vs Sapulpa

4 PM - Deer Creek vs Yukon

7:30 PM - Bixby vs Edmond Santa Fe

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MUSTANG VS JENKS

MUSTANG

OVERALL RECORD - 36-6
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 4-2

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Bryson Deaver, 2027 Johnie Gaesswitz, 2026 Kamden Mantooth

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Coach Patterson and the Broncos finished the regular season as champions of the gauntlet that was 6A-1 on their way to a 36-6 overall mark and winners of 8 of their last 9. In their regional, the Broncos beat Capitol Hill in the opener 13-1 before falling to Edmond North - a team that made its way to the state tournament as an underdog a season ago. Fighting through the loser's bracket, Mustang knocked off Westmoore 9-2 before defeating Edmond North 3-1 and forcing a Winner Take All Game 7. In game 7, Mustang jumped ahead with 8 runs in the first three innings, added four runs in the 5th, and finally extended the lead late on their way to a 14-5 decisive victory that punched their ticket to the state tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: At 36-6, the Broncos have had as impressive and consistent a year as anyone in the state. They are battle tested with the district that was 6A-1 with three teams representing in this year's state tournament. Offensively, they have consistently shown toughness that wears down opposing lineups, made adjustments the second and third time through, and have shown balance throughout. At the top, they feature big time thunder and extra base hit potential led by leadoff man Judson Gilliland (NOC Enid) and Nate Sutton (NOC Enid). Their ability to churn out extra base hits has created offense and win some close games. Further, sophomore Parker Weston, freshman Tucker Calton, and senior Wyatt Williamson (NWOSU) have each shown the ability to impact games with extra base hits to all fields and in some of the season's biggest moments. With all the thump at the top, the ability to execute throughout the lineup has been a big part of what has made Mustang successful all year. Experienced players like Kamden Mantooth, Bryson Deaver, Alex Borowski, and Cale Humphrey have each shown the ability to handle the bat and pressure opposing defenses while also playing clean defense around the diamond and add balance to a championship caliber offense. On the mound, the emergence of Bryson Deaver as the team's #1, putting together multiple quality starts against some of the state's top offenses gives them the opportunity to beat anyone. Junior Johnie Gaesswitz has also continued to showcase steady development with the ability to land multiple secondary offerings at will, often times pitching backwards through the game's middle innings. Finally, Kamden Mantooth has served in a variety of roles, a starter, finisher, or fireman out of the pen to get the Broncos out of a jam.

In what will be an exciting matchup, we see two teams that mirror each other in many ways. Junior Bryson Deaver's ability to field his position will be a major key as Jenks has shown the ability to execute in a variety of ways - such as with short game when the game calls for it. His ability to land multiple pitches will help work through the deep Jenks lineup multiple times as their discipline typically gets them into opponent's bullpens quickly. Offensively, Mustang's lineup has been one of the toughest in the state with the ability to execute at will. Regardless of who they see on the mound, the Broncos come into each game with a visible game plan. They have scored within the game's first two innings in their last 14 wins, throwing the first punch with the first trip through the lineup and punishing opposing arms for mistakes over the white. Further, they have shown the ability to adjust in the game's later innings to the opponent's bullpen, force them into the zone, and win in leverage counts. For Mustang to advance, expect a clean game defensively, Deaver consistently mixing on the mound, and a complimentary style of offense with the thump at the top of the lineup landing an early punch.

JENKS

OVERALL RECORD - 30-8
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-1

PROBABLE STARTER: 2026 Jack Tiefenthaler, 2027 Clark Cariker, 2027 Cohen Miller

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Trojans have rolled for a majority of the year on their way to the 30-win mark playing some of the most consistent and disciplined baseball in the state along the way. Steady pitching and defense with the ability to execute in each moment offensively has been their brand of baseball throughout the year and that was evident in the Sand Springs Regional. Jenks swept their way through as the 2 seed with a 2-1 win over rival Union before a pair of wins over Sand Springs by scores of 5-0 and 11-5 to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Walker and the Trojans enter postseason play playing a successful style of baseball that has withstood the test of time - disciplined, consistent, and ability to execute on both sides of the ball. On the mound, they will not blow teams away with velo but the ability to land multiple pitches, execute to both sides of the plate, and consistently force action from opposing lineups has been a recipe for success. Right hander Jack Tiefenthaler continues to impress, attacking the zone with a 3-pitch mix that keeps opposing hitters off balance. Junior Clark Cariker has been a bulldog on the mound as well, limiting free passes and showing the ability to execute at a high level over a two year period. Offensively, the engine begins with senior Blake Whittington (Southern Nazarene) in the leadoff spot - coming off an 8/12 regional tournament that included 6 RBI in the championship game. He has churned out QABs at a high clip and sets the table for a talented middle of the order. Seniors Taylor Pytlik and Kaden Tunnell (Seminole State) have been a huge part of the offense and junior Easton Selden's skillset to pressure teams at the plate and on the basepaths will create offense in low scoring games or in tight moments late in the game. The ability for junior Joe Walker and senior Carson Rackers to execute at a high level often times go unnoticed in the box score but the ball player mentality is an important facet of the Jenks offense.

In what will be a monster first game of the day, Jenks ability to play high quality defense and pressure opponents on both sides of the ball will be major key. Mustang has consistently worn down opposing teams, and the Trojans ability to play quality defense and limit free passes will a big story early. The depth of the Trojan pitching staff has been a strength and will benefit them in a run through the state tourney. Expecting the wind to be blowing in at Union, Jenks style of offense is made to travel with high OBP, speed on the bases, and the ability to execute with groundballs to the middle of the yard or to move a runner over, a skill found throughout the lineup. Projected Mustang starter Bryson Deaver will attack the zone against a lineup that typically sees a lot of pitches and forces opposing arms to execute in leverage counts. Jenks ability to get into the opposing bullpen, set up innings, and really execute and pressure defenses such as 1st and 3rd with less than 2 Out situations will be a major factor in this one.

SAPULPA VS PIEDMONT

SAPULPA

OVERALL RECORD - 23-17
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 0-3

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Tyler Sparks, 2029 Jaycob Goodman, 2027 Ryan Angell

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Chieftains were the 3-seed in the Stillwater Regional and began with a 4-2 win over 2-seed Enid. They defeated host Stillwater 5-4 in the winner's bracket 1-0 game before losing 7-5 to the Pioneers on Thursday. In the rubber game against host Stillwater, Sapulpa jumped out to a 5-0 lead after 1, 6-1 after 2, and 7-2 score after 3 Innings before winning by a final of 8-4 to punch their ticket to the 6A State Tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Irvine and the Sapulpa Chieftains come into the state tournament red hot as winners of 9 of their last 10 and have shown the ability to win in a variety of ways. They have displayed a distinct understanding of who they are and what makes them successful and that identity has helped them get hot down the stretch. The W/L vs the field is deceiving with both the health of key members of the Sapulpa squad being banged up throughout the year as well as the development of freshman LHP Jaycob Goodman - a legitimate difference maker with toughness to compete at a high level. Offensively, they are led by senior Bryson Donnell (Carl Albert), a gritty competitor that has proven to be one of the top leadoff hitters in the state over the last couple of seasons. Sophomore Colin Segroves continued his strong 2026 campaign with a 5/9 effort that included a HR in regional play. Junior Brock Copass was 5/12 with a double and senior Eli Beck added a double and 3 HR as part of a 4/10 effort to all lead a strong offensive attack in the Stillwater. On the mound, the depth and development of the Sapulpa staff is what ultimately put them over the top in a Winner Take All Game 7 over host Stillwater. Junior Tyler Sparks, a legitimate 2-way prospect, has been outstanding throughout the year and his complete game effort over Enid set the tone for the entire regional. Freshman Jaycob Goodman was fearless in his 5.1 IP effort over Stillwater in the 1-0 game, allowing 6 hits, and missing barrels consistently. Finally, junior Ryan Angell would have been amongst the frontrunners for the most valuable player in all of regional play as he logged 8.2 IP on the mound, closing the 1-0 game, and firing a CG with 8 Ks in Game 7 to send Sapulpa to state. They are relentless on both sides of the ball, and that brand of fearless, gritty baseball wins in May. 

An exciting matchup of starting pitchers we will expect to see a pair of juniors - Pryce McClure for Piedmont facing off with Tyler Sparks. On the mound, expect Sparks to keep an experienced Piedmont lineup off balance with good feel for both his breaking ball and changeup to attack both RHH and LHH alike. His ability to land and utilize his entire mix against a heavily RHH Piedmont lineup will be a key to watch on Thursday. They defend at a high level on the infield, and the Wildcats love to execute short game - the Chieftains ability to play catch will be a key factor in the game and handle 1st and 3rd defense with a clear understanding of what they are trying to do. Offensively, they set up innings and cashed in with some big extra base hits throughout regional play. However, arguably the most fun aspect of the Sapulpa offense is the complimentary nature - both Donnell and Segroves can run early and often and that pressure often leads to fastballs for Sparks, Angell, Barber, Beck, and Copass. Their ability to punish fastballs over the white along with Donnell and Segroves getting on base and pressuring the opposing defense will be a big story in the gritty Chieftains continuing their heater through the State Tournament this week.

PIEDMONT

OVERALL RECORD - 29-11
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-2

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Pryce McClure, 2026 Drake May (Hutchinson CC), 2027 Tucker Kipf

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Finishing 29-11, Piedmont finished with authority as winners of their last 10, by a combined score of 82-21, and sweeping their way through as regional hosts. They did so with authority, going a perfect 3-0 with a 12-0 win over Eisenhower, 1-0 pitcher's duel victory over Edmond Memorial, and finally an 8-3 win over Memorial to punch their ticket to the state tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Skokowski and the Wildcats return to the state tournament after a semifinal finish a season ago as they once again have played quality baseball with an experienced and talented roster. Offensively, they feature one of the deepest lineups in the state with bats on the bench that can come through in big moments as well. At the top of the order, senior Zane Pruitt (Southern Nazarene) has quietly been one of the most impactful leadoff men in the state. He has consistently churned out QABs and has had big hits in different moments for Piedmont this spring. Sophomore Blaine Hollingshead has also continued his big 2026 campaign throughout the postseason with a pair of extra base hits in the regional's deciding game as part of a 2/4, 2 Runs scored effort. Finally, anchoring the heart of the order is senior Reid Smith (Eastern Oklahoma) who has served in a variety of roles throughout his Piedmont career and showcases his ability to get on base as well as drive in runs if the situation calls for it. On the mound, the Wildcats have once again been dynamic - as seen in back to back CG efforts by junior Pryce McClure and senior Drake May over Edmond Memorial to close out the regional. Junior Tucker Kipf did not need to throw in regional play but his development cannot be understated as the armside sinking fastball works into the mid 80s with a changeup to work off of it and a breaking ball to complete a 3-pitch mix. He will be a big part of a Piedmont run through the state tournament.

An exciting projected matchup of a pair of juniors, Tyler Sparks from Sapulpa will face off against projected starter Pryce McClure of Piedmont. McClure's athleticism on the mound (Wildcat shorstop when not pitching) will be a key factor in moments that Donnell and Segroves find their way to first base. His ability to hold runners, vary timing to the plate, and field his position could limit the Chieftains opportunities with runners in scoring position. He features a legitimate 3-pitch mix that included feel for a true breaking ball that is becoming much more seldom in today's amateur game. The changeup will attack LHHs with the fastball armspeed that makes it deceptive and misses barrels. Further, the fastball velo continues to tick up and the ability to climb the ladder with 2K is a true weapon. Offensively, the Wildcat offense can execute in a variety of ways and short game is one they take pride in. In their 1-0 victory over Edmond Memorial, Piedmont scored due to a leadoff walk, advanced on wild pitch, bunt hit, and a safety squeeze in the 1st and 3rd situation. Their ability to set up innings, execute in those moments, and pressure the Chieftain defense will be a key factor in deciding this first round game.

YUKON VS DEER CREEK

YUKON

OVERALL RECORD - 31-8
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-4

PROBABLE STARTER: 2026 Brayden Trogdon (Youngstown State), 2026 Gentry Hoke (Cowley County), 2027 Wyatt Jones, 2027 Clayton Strange

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Millers have been one of the more consistent teams in the state on their way to a 31-8 mark and the opportunity to be a regional host. They swept their way through regional play with a 15-0 victory of Northwest Classen, and a 4-2 win over Choctaw in the regional's "1-0" game.  Finally, Yukon held on for a 7-6 win over Choctaw and punching their ticket to the State Tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Phillips and the Millers have been as consistent as anyone in the state, an 11-3 mark in the gauntlet that was 6A-1, and their well rounded squad gives them the opportunity to win games in a variety of ways. Offensively, the emergence of Cade Geiger at the top has set the tone for the Yukon offense - playing with a chip on his shoulder and consistently finding a way to first base. A talented middle of the order for Yukon, junior Drake Pace has been one of the most impressive hitters in the state with extra base hits and feel for elevating pull side. We have seen the depth of their lineup pay off throughout 2026 as Eddie Fish (Louisana Tech), junior Wyatt Jones, junior Clayton Strange, and sophomore Zayden Khalil have all had big moments including multi-hit efforts from Strange and Khalil in the regional's clinching game. Further, the 3-RBI double from junior Clayton Schneider was ultimately the decider and speaks to the length of the lineup. On the mound, the development has been evident as senior Brayden Trogdon (Youngstown State) has taken another step forward and senior Gentry Hoke (Cowley County) has shown the ability to beat some of the top offenses in 6A this season. Finally, juniors Wyatt Jones, Clayton Strange, and Jayden Henderson have been valuable in a variety of roles with Strange and Henderson serving as finishers out of the pen that can throw multiple days - an extremely valuable trait, especially in the postseason.

A pair of opponents that know each other well, this will be our only matchup featuring teams from the same side of the state. Whether the Millers go with Trogdon or Hoke, they are no stranger to the Deer Creek lineup and the experience found throughout. Both Yukon right handers feature a fastball/breaking ball combo that can get swing and miss late in the count with fastballs that approach 90 mph. The Deer Creek offense executes at a high level, utilizes short game, and consistently gets into opposing bullpens. That bullpen being a key factor in this game as both Clayton Strange and Jayden Henderon's effectiveness could be the difference maker in keeping th Antlers off the scoreboard. Offensively, they will see junior Grant Adams, a strike thrower that changes speeds and consistently keeps opposing lineups off balance with advanced pitchability. The talented LHH duo of Cade Geiger and Drake Pace will be challenged by the changeup of Grant Adams and his ability to pitch backwards and steal early count strikes from a tough over the top slot. Both Geiger and Pace's ability to win pitches at the bottom of the zone, get into positive counts, and do damage on pitches thigh high will be a key matchup to watch in this first round game.

DEER CREEK

OVERALL RECORD - 26-13
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 3-5

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Grant Adams, 2027 Hudson Hedrick, 2026 Aidyn Roderick, 2028 Keagan Skluzacek

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Winners of 6A-4 with a 12-2 record, the Antlers come into the state tournament at 26-13 after hosting a regional at home. They defeated Putnam City in game 1 with a 12-0 victory and set up a matchup with 2025 state tournament team Broken Arrow. Deer Creek beat BA 2-0 on the back of a Grant Adams CG shutout and a Walker Edwards 2 RBI single in the 6th, lost 5-0 to Broken Arrow to force a Winner Take All Game 7, and Deer Creek punched their ticket to the state tournament with a 6-2 win.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Throughout 2026, Deer Creek has responded to each moment of adversity and that toughness carried through the regional and earned them a berth into the state tournament. Beginning the season 0-3, the Antlers consistently play a disciplined brand of baseball and have put minor setbacks in their rearview mirror quickly while moving forward and making adjustments. Offensively, their contributions have come from all parts of the lineup with extra base hits, the ability to execute, and long ABs that ultimately get into opposing team's bullpens. Sophomore Kai Horne's game continues to blossom with the ability to impact games at a high level - a home run to straight away centerfield along with a 2-out straight steal of home in the deciding game of last week's regional as just a couple of examples. Further, senior Walker Edwards has consistently shown a simple and efficient offensive move along with discipline to work through the middle of the yard and with simplicity we often times see that valuable aforementioned consitency. Junior shorstop Mason Phillips has also put together a massive 2026 campaign, including a 3-hit effort in the regional's final game as he has been a force in the middle of the Antler lineup. A complete squad, there have been contributions from numerous players like junior Tristan Tomlin's defense in centerfield, senior Grant Richards on base ability, sophomore Mason Mayhew's heater of a regional that included multiple mult-hit efforts. On the mound, disciplined strike throwers have been difference makers for Deer Creek with juniors Grant Adams and Hudson Hedrick successfully navigating district play attacking opposing lineups. Both working into the mid 80s, their pitchability and competitiveness, along with the ability to land secondary offerings in the zone, has forced opposing lineups to beat them while limiting freebies.

In an exciting matchup, both Deer Creek and Yukon know each other well. The Antlers have played a distinct, disciplined style throughout the 2026 season with a foundation of attacking the zone on the mound, playing above average defense all around the yard, and executing at a high level offensively to get a lead, add on, and ultimately land a knock out punch and put a team away. Anticipating to see Grant Adams on the mound, his ability to consistently work ahead and utilize his advanced feel for a changeup to attack a potent LHH duo in the Yukon lineup will be an interesting key to keep an eye on. His ability to get opposing hitters to expand the zone and limit freebies as he has done all year will be a key. In their wins, they have typically jumped out to early leads and thrown the first punch whereas in losses they have often times found themselves playing from behind. The Deer Creek offense has won in a variety of ways, both high and low scoring games at different moments throughout 2026, and their versatility will be an important factor this week. To advance and make a run this week, look for the Antlers to jump ahead, play quality defense, and get it to valuable sophomore Keagan Skluzacek as a finisher in the pen.

EDMOND SANTA FE VS BIXBY

EDMOND SANTA FE

OVERALL RECORD - 29-11
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 7-2

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Eli Parkhurst (Oklahoma), 2026 Josh Parkhurst (Butler CC), 2026 Jax Gordon

HOW THEY GOT HERE: At 29-11, the defending 6A State Champion Edmond Santa Fe Wolves have consistently developed as a team throughout the 2026 season. Sweeping their way through the Moore Regional, the Wolves had a thrilling day one of the tournament with a come from behind win over Norman with a four spot in the 7th and walkoff hit from Brady Morgeson to win 8-7. In the "1-0" game, Morgeson once again provided the fireworks with a walkoff homerun leading off the bottom of the 7th to beat host Moore 4-3. They put an exclamation point on the week with a 10-0, run rule victory over Norman to punch their ticket to the State Tournament.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Webb and the Edmond Santa Fe Wolves have earned their opportunity to defend their 6A State Title working through the highly competitive 6A-1 district and going on the road as a 2-seed to capture the Moore Regional title. As mentioned in the past, the Wolves came into the 2026 season light on varsity experience as a whole, but steady development on both sides of the ball has made that an issue of the past. One of the more exciting facets of the Edmond Santa Fe season is the roster's makeup - a combination of youth and upperclassmen that have grown together with production coming from numerous playes over the course of the season. Offensively, a pair of returners that were contributors a season ago have once again made their impact felt in 2026. Senior leadoff man Brady Morgeson (Blinn) has paced the attack with his hit tool showing up throughout the season - especially in the Moore Regional with a pair of walk off knocks. Junior Eli Parkhurst (Oklahoma) has continued to add to his frame and shown the ability to drive the baseball from alley to alley and added a tape measure home run in the regional's title game win over Norman. Apart from the two upperclassmen, there have been various contributors to the Santa Fe offensive attack such as freshman Cam Brumbaugh, hitting in 2-hole has shown competitiveness, an advanced ability to make in-game and in-AB adjustments, and extra base hit ability to all fields. Junior Kike Anderson, senior Cole Britton, senior Zak Tucker (Southern Nazarene), and freshman Alec Arredondo have all contributed to a balanced attack that can pressure opposing defenses and punish mistakes over the white. On the mound, junior Eli Parkhurst has been a force against some of the state's top offenses with the ability to pitch deep into games and attack both sides of the dish. Senior Josh Parkhurst (Butler CC) continues to get better with each opportunity out - highlighted with a 6 IP, 3 hit, shutout effort over Norman to clinch the Regional Title. Finally, senior Jax Gordon has shown a bulldog mentality on multiple occassions, fearlessly attacking the zone, and forcing contact to allow his defense to make play behind him. Edmond Santa Fe returns to the State Tournament as defending champions with a never-say-die mentality, a string of come-from-behind wins, and the resilience to overcome all adversity and silence detractors — consistently showing the ability in 2026 to Prove Them Wrong.

A pair of teams that come into the State Tournament playing the best baseball they have all season. Edmond Santa Fe has scored 7 or more runs in 9 of their last 10 wins and swept through regional play averaging 7.33 runs per game. Over the last month, the Wolves have three losses and in those games they have averaged just 2 runs per game. To be successful offensively, look for there to be consistent production from the lineup - specifically looking into the freebie war. Since April 2, they are 18-4 and the freebie war has been a major factor. In their losses they have had an average of 8.25K/3.75BB whereas the ratios are much friendlier in wins at 4.67K/6.61BB. Their ability to pressure defenses with 2K will be a key to watch. By the same token, the Wolves will make errors at times and give opposing teams extra outs. The margins get significantly smaller in May with the ability to handle the baseball and play catch becoming more magnified in postseason play. Look for resiliency to show through with the defending champs showcasing the often underestimated heart of a champion.

BIXBY

OVERALL RECORD - 24-12
RECORD AGAINST THE FIELD - 1-3

PROBABLE STARTER: 2027 Cash Woods, 2026 Jackson Turney, 2026 Max Stephens, 2026 Nate Gonzalez

HOW THEY GOT HERE: On their way to a 24-12 regular season mark, the Spartans finished 3rd in 6A-4 at 10-4 and were the 2-seed in the Owasso Regional. After an inconsistent year at times, Bixby has caught fire at the right time. They are winners of six in a row including a quick 3-0 sweep through the Owasso Regional by a combined score of 44-11.  They opened play with a 16-0 run rule victory over Norman North, walked off host Owasso 6-5 afer erasing a 5-0 deficit, and advanced to the State Tournament with a 22-6 run rule victory over Owasso.

KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach Wilson and the Spartans welcomed plenty of new faces from a state semifinal team a season ago. Only a couple of returners off of that team, they have had numerous players grow into their new roles in 2026, young players visibily develop over the course of the season, and a talented core has caught fire. There may not be a hotter hitter in the state than senior Graham Knight (Cowley County) as he racked up 9 hits in three regional games including three doubles and 2 HRs. Further, switch hitting shortstop Cody Young (Cowley County), junior athletic third baseman and leadoff man John Crosby, and power hitting middle of the order force in senior Jackson Turney have each done damage throughout the season as well as in regional play. Junior second baseman Dax Sullivan alsohad a monster week that included a pair of multi-hit games, one of which being the walkoff hit over Owasso in the "1-0" game. On the mound, junior Cash Woods has caught fire and turned in a string of quality starts with a clear understanding of his mix and how to attack opposing hitters. Consistently attacking the bottom of the zone with his armside, sinking fastball, Woods has mixed both a changeup and breaking ball while showing the ability to miss barrels. Further, he has shown immense toughness - blanking the Rams for the final four innings on Wednesday when it seemed he was on the edge of being knocked out of the game. A trio of seniors, Jackson Turney as the team's Tuesday starter, Max Stephens, and Nate Gonzalez have all thrown valuable innings and will need to continue to do so this week for the Spartants to make a run through the State Tournament.

Bixby has one of the most dyanmic offenses in the entire state and arguably the hghest offensive ceiling of the 8 remaining teams in 6A. There is speed throughout a majority of the group and extra base hit potential in abundance. That offensive attack was evident throughout regional play with 16 XBH and 10 of those coming in the deciding game. The runs can come in bunches and the numbers are staggering. The wind will not necessarily be helpful to offensive production as it was late last week, and the Spartans will rely on the legs of players like Crosby, Knight, and Young to generate runs and pressure opposing teams. Junior outfielder Barrett Standley (Louisana Monroe), freshman Braxton Bacon, sophomore Brodie Stockard, and senior Ben Rogalski can each handle the bat, execute, and drive the baseball when given opportunity as well. Their ability to pressure opposing defenses could be a key factor in this first round game. On the mound, Cash Woods will consistently attack the zone and limit freebies. His fearlessness over the white while allowing the Spartan defense to make plays behind him will also be something to watchs a deciding factor in what is expected to be a tight, highly competitive game. Lastly, the work of Nate Gonzalez out of the bullpen, firing 5 innings and allowing just 2 ER against Owasso, will be something to watch as he can offer both length and put out a possible fire to limit opposing offenses.

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