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 Washington 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 preview the #17 ranked West Valley Rams. 

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High School: West Valley Rams   
Head Coach: Brooks Archer
Division: 4A
League/Conference: Columbia Basin
2025 Record (Finish): 21-3
2025 Playoff Finish: 4A state round of 16

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 4
No. of Returning Pitchers: 4
Key Players Lost: Corbin Goodlake, Brandt Kneisler, Hudson Fries, Jayden Ritch, Connor Speer, Ian Case

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Rhyse Elder, Colby Graham

Bullpen: Noah Soptic, Ryan Rhoads, Brody Vigansky, Colton Worley

Top Seniors: Colby Graham, Alex Morales, Noah Soptic, Talon Danforth, Ryker Hill

Top Juniors: Rhyse Elder, Drayden Birley, Ryan Rhoads, Colton Worley, Brody Roinestad

Underclassmen to watch: '28 Brody Vigansky

Areas to watch: Experience, pitching depth

Team Strengths: Upperclass talent, up the middle defense

Overall Summary

West Valley enters the 2026 season as an intriguing 4A side to follow. The Rams are coming off of an impressive 21-3 finish last spring, losing to the eventual 4A state champions Lake Washington in the first round of the state playoffs. Junior RHP/INF Rhyse Elder will once again be leaned upon heavily on the mound. The righty features a fastball in the mid to upper 80's with a plus breaking ball, adding physicality in his most recent Prep Baseball look last fall. Elder was dominant down the stretch last season on the bump. He may also see a larger role offensively with several graduating seniors leaving voids in the lineup. Elsewhere, senior and Whitworth commit Colby Graham returns as a two-way talent, manning the shortstop position, getting on base from the left side and providing length at times on the mound. Senior and Central Washington commit Alex Morales also returns as a corner outfield, middle of the order lefthanded bat. Junior catcher Drayden Birley is the other returning player who was a regular in the lineup a season ago. Beyond the top two arms, expect contributions from players such as Noah Soptic, Ryan Rhoads and young arm Brody Vigansky. West Valley plays in one of the lighter leagues from a competitive standpoint, but has already scheduled what should be great non-league matchups with North Creek and Kennewick early this season. Look for the Rams to be among the best teams from the eastern part of the state and once again make a push in the 4A state playoffs.

Find more information on the 2026 West Valley program below:

+ Follow them on IG: @wvhs_baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Washington Preseason Power 25 homepage

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