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 #9 ranked Eastlake Wolves. 

Click Here to view all Team Previews

High School: Eastlake Wolves   
Head Coach: Elliott Cribby
Division: 4A
League/Conference: KingCo
2025 Record (Finish): 23-9
2025 Playoff Finish: 4A state runners up

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 5
Key Players Lost: Noah Koong, Cody O'Donnell, Travis Beam, Kade Haroldsen, Preston Todd, Dom Miller, Thomas Wood

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Rodrigo Montano, Connor Maynard

Bullpen: Ethan Biddle, Gabriel Prock

Top Seniors: Rodrigo Montano, Larson Kohlmann, Jayden Matsuoka, Marcus Frantela, Mason King, Gabriel Prock, Ethan Biddle

Top Juniors: Connor Maynard, Cruz Payne, Kellen Kinney

Underclassmen to watch: '28 Ben Byeman, '28 Oliver Stiles

Areas to watch: Infield

Team Strengths: Pitching/team speed

Coaches Outlook: “We are just focused on us and what we can control. There is a lot of experience returning while also having some new faces in key positions. If we can create the ability to get to the next pitch and stay with our processes, then we can be successful this year." - Elliott Cribby, Head Coach

Overall Summary

Eastlake look to get over the hump in 2026 after falling just short in the 4A state championship game last season. The Wolves bring back several intriguing pieces, headlined by senior LHP/OF and Colorado School of Mines commit Rodrigo Montano. The lefty was a force on the mound last spring, tallying 56 innings with a 1.36 ERA and 76 strikeouts. Montano changes speeds well and throws a ton of strikes, making him one of the more sure arms in the area. The senior will likely also hit near the top of the order offensively. Senior C and Willamette commit Larson Kohlmann returns as the leading hitter from 2025, hitting .301 with 20 RBI. Senior outfielder and Olympic College commit Jayden Matsuoka is another key piece in the outfield with plus plus speed. Matsuoka was an on-base machine across multiple playoff looks down the stretch last year. Aside from Montano on the mound, look for junior Connor Maynard to be a breakout arm. The righty tallied just 5 walks in 25 innings of work last season, and features an electric fastball seen up to 90 MPH at last summer's Prep Baseball Future Games. Righthanders Ethan Biddle and Gabriel Prock are other potential contributors on the mound. The underclass group at Eastlake is headlined by sophomore first baseman Ben Byeman, a player who impressed immensely at multiple showcase looks in 2025 and figures to be a future middle of the order lefthanded power bat. Head coach Elliott Cribby is circling games against Kennedy Catholic, Gonzaga Prep and various games in the KingCo league schedule as matchups to watch. Look for Eastlake to build upon their strong 2025 and make a playoff run at the 4A level.

Find more information on the 2026 Eastlake program below:

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

RELATED CONTENT