Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2026 spring season. Team previews touch on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team Previews are generated through a mixture of coaches' responses gathered through our perennial coaches questionnaires, as well as insight from Prep Baseball Staff. Stay tuned the next several weeks for the unveiling of Team Previews and the complete Power 25.

Today, we spotlight the #2 ranked West Linn Lions. 

Click Here to view all Team Previews

High School: West Linn Lions   
Head Coach: Joe Monahan
Division: 6A
League/Conference: Three Rivers
2025 Record (Finish): 23-6
2025 Playoff Finish: 6A state round of 16

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 2
Key Players Lost: Danny Wideman, Carson Boyer, Maverick Harper, Cole Hawkins

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Caden Klouda, Carson Doblie, Jack Frishman, Ryan Hemsley

Bullpen: Henry Teague, Ethan Chan, Tristan Singh

Top Seniors: Ryan Hemsley, Caden Klouda, Hank Curdy, Carson Doblie, Kai Sugiuchi

Top Juniors: Gavin Thaut, Sloan Baker, Jack Frishman, Henry Teague, Bennett Weinheimer

Underclassmen to watch: '28 Cohen Bissell, '28 Tyler Holmes, '28 Hudson Reed, '28 Anders Doblie

Areas to watch: Defense

Team Strengths: Speed, contact ability, pitching

Coaches Outlook: “We have the potential to once again compete for the league and state title but we will have to do the little things very well to beat some of the other top teams in the state." - Joe Monahan, Head Coach

Overall Summary

West Linn enters the 2026 season in a familiar spot as one of the best teams in Oregon's baseball landscape. The lions lose multiple D-1 players but are once again fortified by a strong core, anchored by an exceptional pitching rotation. Senior RHP and Seattle U commit Caden Klouda leads the way on the mound, earning All-State honors last spring. Klouda is an electric arm into the upper 80's on the bump, and should provide a middle of the order bat in the outfield as well. Senior shortstop Ryan Hemsley is another exceptional two-way talent. The Portland commit is another high velocity arm, slotting in near the top of the order with plenty of contact ability. Senior Carson Doblie and junior Jack Frishman round out the potential starters group, while junior Henry Teague is a breakout candidate after a great showcase bullpen look this winter. The offense features talent as well. Senior Hank Curdy earned All-State honors last spring, followed by a strong look at PNW State Games last summer. Junior Gavin Thaut is one of the top catchers in the junior class, while fellow junior Sloan Baker offers speed and a quality bat in centerfield. West Linn will face plenty of great teams this spring, including South Salem, Grant, Sunset and Tualatin. Look for the Lions to once again be right in the mix for a 6A state title.

Find more information on the 2026 West Linn program below:

+ Follow them on IG: @westlinnbsb
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 homepage

RELATED CONTENT