2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division IV Regional Preview

Division IV

Home team listed first

Region 14 – Patrick Henry Regional

#3 Kalida (22-1) vs. #11 New London (24-3) at Hamler Patrick Henry H.S., Thurs., 2 p.m.
#7  Fort Recovery (19-7) vs. #16 Ayersville (18-9) at Hamler Patrick Henry H.S., Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Hamler Patrick Henry H.S., Fri., 5 p.m.

Region 15 – Lancaster Regional

Danville (18-8) vs. #1 Toronto (21-2) at Beavers Field, Thurs., 2 p.m.
#2 Newark Catholic (20-10) vs. Waterford (20-7) at Beavers Field, Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Beavers Field, Fri., 5 p.m.

Region 16 – Springfield Regional

#8 Sidney Lehman Catholic (22-4) vs. Reedsville Eastern (17-9) at Carlton Davidson Stadium, Thurs., 2 p.m.
#10  Triad (23-7) vs. #24 Tri-County North (19-10) at Carlton Davidson Stadium, Thurs., 5 p.m.
Regional Final: at Carlton Davidson Stadium, Fri., 5 pm.

Region 13 – Lorain Regional

#5 Berlin Center Western Reserve (20-6) vs. Mohawk (19-9) at Lorain Pipe Yard, Thurs., 4 p.m.
Cuyahoga Heights (13-10) vs. Fairport Harding (15-13) at Lorain Pipe Yard, Thurs., 6:30 p.m.
Regional Final: at Lorain Pipe Yard, Fri., 5 p.m.

Div. IV State Tournament at Huntington Park, Columbus

Region 14 vs. Region 15, Fri., June 3, 4 p.m.
Region 16 vs. Region 13, Fri., June 3, 7 p.m.
Div. IV State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 7 p.m.

Regional Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division IV:

• Preseason Team Rankings: 7 in top 10 / 10 in top 18
• Final Team Power Rankings: 7 in top 10 / 10 in top 24

#3 Kalida (22-1)

School Facts:

• First time back to regionals since 2007. 

Possible Lineup:

1. Trent Siebeneck, CF, 2017 - .337 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 21 R, 18 RBIs
2. Trevor Maag, LF, 2016 - .278 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 21 R, 13 RBIs
3. Austin Swift, P, 2016 - .403 BA, 5 2B, 2 3B, 21 R, 18 RBIs
4. Jeffrey Knueve, C, 2017 - .317 BA, 2 2B, 14 R, 16 RBIs
5. Brady Laudick, 1B, 2016 - 276 BA, 15 R, 14 RBIs
6. Austin Klausing, 3B, 2016 .232 BA, 1 2B, 18 R, 12 RBIs
7. Noah Lambert, SS, 2017 - .324 BA, 1 2B, 20 R, 11 RBIs
8. Trent Gerding, 2B, 2016 - .250 BA, 1 2B, 21 R, 14 RBIs
9. Derek Buss, DH, 2017 - .297 BA, 1 2B, 13 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Austin Swift, LHP, 2016 - 48.1 IP, 7-0, 2 SV, 0.14 ERA, 102 K
2. Trent Gerding, RHP, 2016 - 29.1 IP, 5-0, 0.95 ERA, 16 K
3. Brady Laudick, LHP, 2016 - 20 IP, 3-1, 1.05 ERA, 29 K
4. Trent Siebeneck, LHP, 2017 -14.2 IP, 3-0, 1.43 ERA, 6 K
5. Noah Lambert, RHP, 2017 - 20 IP, 2-0, 2.80 ERA, 15 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: Last year's early tourney exit fueled our off-season intensity.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Austin Swift is clearly the leader of this team. His work ethic at practice, in the weight room and on the field has been an excellent example for our team.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Our coaching staff took over the program three years ago. The team started 3-11, so it has been a long road. That is what makes this trip to regionals so special.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: I believe when you get to this level in the tournament that all the teams are very close talent-wise. I tell our kids to limit our mistakes and play good fundamental baseball and we will have a chance.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Austin Swift's sectional final game was unbelievable. Perfect game, struck out all 15 batters with only TWO foul balls.

#11 New London (24-3)

School Facts:

• 3rd regional appearance, 1st since 2007.

Possible Lineup:

1. Nathan Tomas, 2B, 2016 - .509 BA, 7 2B, 4 3B, 38 R, 20 RBIs, 27 SB
2. Jake Gerlak, CF, 2017 - .421 BA, 1 2B, 1 3B, 26 R, 20 RBIs, 14 SB
3. Ryan Lane, SS/P, 2017 - .404 BA, 6 2B, 38 R, 36 RBIs, 12 SB
4. D.J. Yates, SS/3B, 2016 - .417 BA, 11 2B, 2 HR, 20 R, 37 RBIs
5. Brad Weber, RF/C/P/1B, 2016 - .376 BA, 9 2B, 31 R, 22 RBIs, 11 SB
6. Daedrick Matthews, C/P, 2016 - .360 BA, 13 R, 24 RBIs
7. Justin Chaffins, P/1B, 2016
8. Derek Smith, LF, 2018
9. Dane Mathews, DH, 2018

The Arms:

1. Ryan Lane, 2017 - 62 IP, 9-0, 0.56 ERA, 89 K
2. Justin Chaffins, 2016 - 39 IP, 6-2, 1.65 ERA, 46 K
3. Brad Weber, 2016 - 37 IP, 4-0, 2.46 ERA, 35 K
4. Daedrick Matthews, 2016 - 26 IP, 5-0, 2.15 ERA, 16 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: The team started the season with several injuries to key players, D.J. Yates recovering from ACL surgery from an injury during football season, Nate Thomas (our catcher for two years), Jacob Molnar (a projected starter) and Ryan Lane (arm trouble). Many adjustments needed to be made, moving players to different positions and bringing up JV players. The players knew they would have to face adversity at the beginning of the season. They also felt if they persevered they would be a tournament-ready team by the end of the season.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach:The team leaders are my seniors and junior Ryan Lane. These young men led by example by encouraging one another and remaining calm under pressure. All these young men made key plays and had clutch hits all season.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: This is a team that has worked hard and is very grateful to make it this far. We thank God, our parents, and community for making so many good ballplayers. We have had several good teams the past few years that fell short, so each player knows how special this is. The players play for each other and that's what makes this special. Each player and coach has sacrificed for the team and have been blessed.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: All the teams that make it this far are great teams. They are all well coached and loaded with talent. These are the best teams in the state. Each game should be a highly competitive game.

#7 Fort Recovery (19-7)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state twice (2015, 1953)
  

Possible Lineup:

1. Nick Thwaits, OF/P, 2018
2. Cade Wendel, IF/P, 2018
3. Jackson Hobbs, 1B/P, 2016
4. Jacob Homan, SS/P, 2016
5. Ben Homan, 2B/P, 2018
6. Kyle Schroer, OF, 2016
7. Chase Bruns, C/P, 2016
8. Ross Homan, OF, 2016
9. Will Homan, OF, 2018
10. Hunter Boughman, 1B/P, 2017
11. Davis Will, OF, 2017
12. Reece Rogers, 1B, 2018

Rotation:

1. Jackson Hobbs, RHP, 2016
2. Nick Thwaits, RHP, 2018
3. Cade Wendel, RHP, 2018
4. Hunter Boughman, LHP, 2017
5. Jacob Homan, RHP, 2016
6. Chase Bruns, RHP, 2016
7. Reece Rogers, RHP, 2018

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: Our team came into the off-season with high expectations after the school's first state appearance a year ago and many returning key players. With us losing 5 starters to graduation, we had several new varsity players. It took us a while to find out where all the pieces would fit.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: The seniors have really stepped up as the season has progressed. Our team is a tight group and we have gelled into a team with great chemistry. We have several sophomores who have stepped up as well and help form leadership.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: This is the second year in a row we have advanced to regionals. Our sectional and district were very tough to get out of with New Bremen, St. Henry and Minster. We are very happy to represent the MAC.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: We are happy to advance to regionals, but we know it doesn't get any easier. Every team is here for a reason ... They are very good and do a lot of the things very well.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Every year is a different journey. Pitching and defense is what has gotten us here. Our pitching staff hasn't allowed an earned run in the tournament.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We look forward to competing against some of the best teams in the state of Ohio at Patrick Henry High School this week. Our community has been great and has supported us all the way. We will represent Fort Recovery and look forward to seeing a sea of purple in the stands.

#16 Ayersville (18-9)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state once (1997, winning state title)
  

Possible Lineup: 

1. Jacob Kahle, LHP, 2016 - .355 BA, 7 2B, 4 HR, 31 R, 19 RBIs
2. Jacob Miller, SS, 2017 - .393 BA, 6 2B, 27 R, 18 RBIs
3. Jack Goonan, 3B, 2016 - .337 BA, 8 2B, 18 R, 25 RBIs
4. Kasey Williams, CF, 2017 - .375 BA, 8 2B, 19 R, 19 RBIs
5. Dauson Dales, C, 2017 - .276 BA, 2 2B, 1 HR, 16 R, 19 RBIs
6. Tyler Brown, 1B, 2016 - .307 BA, 6 2B, 12 R, 18 RBIs
7. Jaylon Martinez, RF, 2017 - .284 BA, 1 2B, 15 R, 10 RBIs
8. Eric Engel, LF, 2016 - .293 BA, 3 2B, 11 R, 9 RBIs
9. Austin Willitzer, DH, 2017 - .302 BA, 1 2B, 9 R, 9 RBIs for Kyle Nicel, 2B, 2018

Rotation: 

1. Jacob Kahle, LHP, 2016 - 43 IP, 4-2, 6 SV, 1.63 ERA, 40 K
2. Jack Goonan, RHP, 2016 - 35 IP, 4-0, 1 SV, 1.20 ERA, 43 K
3. Eric Engel, LHP, 2016 - 48.2 IP, 8-3, 1.58 ERA, 69 K
4. Dauson Dales, RHP, 2017 - 15.2 IP, 1-1, 21 K
5. Kasey Williams, RHP, 2017 - 17.1 IP, 1-0, 21 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: The development of consistency in team play has taken a little longer then I thought it would.  With a veteran team, I was not expecting us to be as inconsistent as we were during the regular season. We have found that consistency that had eluded us all season and are beginning to play really well. 

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: The 5 seniors that I have on my roster have been tremendous leaders throughout the season. I have asked a few of them to change roles on the team and though it was initially met with some concerns, they have found that those moves have made us a better team. The bottom 4 in my lineup, which consists of 3 seniors and 1 junior, have been the driving force in our offense lately. They are the ones that get the rallies started for the guys at the top of the order to drive in. Their leadership in the district tournament is the reason we are playing in the regionals. I have a group of juniors that has been very instrumental in our success this year and that is a carry-over from the success the junior class has had on the football field and on the basketball court. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Having been to the district tournament the last 6 years and in 3 of those years losing to a team that eventually made it to the final four, and with how this year's district final game was progressing, I was beginning to think that I would never be able to deliver a trip to the regionals. Our D-IV district has traditionally been a very strong district and it was no different this year. We are advancing to the regionals for the first time since 2007 and by doing so, it removes a big monkey off of our backs. It validates all the hard work that these players have put in during the off-season and it continues the success that the athletic teams have had this year at Ayersville.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: A first-class field.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: In the district final game, we were down to our last strike before we were able to produce 4 straight hits to win the game. Down 6 to 4 entering the bottom of the 7th, we had a guy at second base with 2 outs and a 3-and-2 count on my hitter and then had 4 straight hits to win the game. This all occurred after the left fielder for Edon had taken an RBI double away from us on a diving catch in the 4th inning and the center fielder from Edon took away what would have been a for-sure double and possible triple in the top of the 7th with a diving catch in right-center field. It was a crazy turn of events. It also occurred after our best hitter was struck out with the tying runs on base in scoring position in the bottom of the 6th to end the inning. Getting to the regionals in that fashion shows just how tough this team is to beat right now.

Danville (18-8)

School Facts:

• First time ever in the regionals, twice in the district finals, lost in 1977.
• Won the MBC (league) for the first time since 1988.

Possible Lineup:

1. Brandon Holt, CF - .459 BA, 5 2B, 33 R, 16 RBIs
2. Dylan James, 2B - .308 BA, 4 2B, 14 R, 15 RBIs
3. Kenton Mickley, P - .512 BA, 9 2B, 7 3B, 33 R, 31 RBIs
4. Ridge Durbin, 3B - .329 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 22 R, 16 RBIs
5. Tyler Mickley, SS - .275 BA, 2 2B, 22 R, 20 RBIs
6. Anthony McClain, 1B - .394 BA, 6 2B, 14 R, 16 RBIs
7. Skyler Durbin, LF - .291 BA, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 24 R, 17 RBIs
8. Drew Printz, DH - .327 BA, 2 2B, 10 R, 6 RBIs for Jordan Stimpert, RF
9. Colton Boone, C - .244 BA, 4 2B, 14 R, 6 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Kenton Mickley - 32 IP, 3-0, 0.87 ERA, 35 K
2. Skyler Durbin - 29 IP, 3-1, 1.69 ERA, 30 K
3. Tyler Mickley - 24 IP, 3-0, 3.20 ERA, 26 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: Danville has been a dominate football school for years. This year they we were in the Final 4 while also advancing to the district finals in basketball. The kids have done a great job of jumping right into baseball. We started out really slow with a 2-6 record, but after getting into league play and going 11-0 in the league, it really helped building confidence. Our senior class has played very well this season, with breakout performances from CF Brandon Holt and Anthony McClain. Kenton Mickley has carried his outstanding career in high school, only striking out 5 times in his high school career, while hitting over .450 in his 4 years. This year he is hitting .520.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have a great good of 5 seniors on the team, Brandon Holt, Colton Boone, Kenton Mickley, Anthony McClain and Ridge Durbin. They have done a great job of helping out with the underclassmen, including the 3 sophomores and freshman that start. Each bring a different type of leadership to the table and helps balance everything out. This senior class has worked so hard the last 4 years in helping the baseball program grow and becoming a team with competitive abilities. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: When we started the season we had three goals, a 20-win season, a league title and a district final game. We have meet 2 or 3, only winning 18 games is nothing to be sad about. It is another great season, coming off our 19-win season last year,. we lost in the district semifinals to Fisher, so it was great to get a win against them. Being in the regional is something new for us. I look at it as playing with house money. Our kids where not picked to be there and nobody knows them. Our regional has the number 1 and 2 teams in the state, Toronto and Newark Catholic. It will be a hard road for us but the good news is that our kids have taken the last 7 days to get ready and have really worked hard. Should be a great time for everyone involved.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Kenton Mickley threw a 1-hit shutout in the district finals. Skyler Durbin had a 3-hit shutout in the district semi which we won in 5 innings.

#1 Toronto (21-2)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state two times (1998, 1987).
  

Top Players:

1. Blaze Glenn
2. Nolan Clegg
3. Nathan Karaffa
4. Daniel Zdinak
5. Jake Keenan

#2 Newark Catholic (20-10)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state 15 times (2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1980).
  

Top Players:

1. Mitch Lohr
2. Jon Erhard
3. Tanner Lake
4. Jody Mummey

Waterford (20-7)

School Facts:

• Has never advanced to state.

Possible Lineup: 

1. Isaac Huffman, C, 2017 - .310 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 32 R, 9 RBIs, 15 SB
2. Bryce Hilverding, RF, 2018 - .278 BA, 7 2B, 16 R, 17 RBIs
3. Riley Burns, 1B, 2017 - .329 BA, 2 2B, 1 HR, 19 R, 24 RBIs
4. Clay Hayes, P/SS, 2017 - .443 BA, 15 2B, 1 HR, 17 R, 22 RBIs
5. Braden Bellville, CF, 2019 - .419 BA, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 22 R, 13 RBIs, 20 SB
6. Cameron Bosner, 3B, 2016 - .320 BA, 5 2B, 20 R, 15 RBIs, 11 SB
7. Devyn Farley, P/SS, 2016 - .253 BA, 2 2B, 15 R, 16 RBIs, 17 SB
8. Noah Huffman, LF, 2018 - .226 BA, 2 2B, 2 3B, 12 R, 7 RBIs
9. Montana Brooker, 2B, 2016 - .232 BA, 2 2B, 15 R, 14 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Clay Hayes, RHP, 2017 - 39 IP, 4-2, 1.30 ERA, 43 K
2. Devyn Farley, RHP, 2016 - 49 IP, 6-1, 2.76 ERA, 49 K
3. Braden Bellville, RHP, 2019 - 16.1 IP, 20 K
4. Isaac Wagner, RHP , 2018 - 20.1 IP, 14 K
5. Noah Huffman, RHP, 2018 - 12.2 IP, 14 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We had great participation in open gym workouts in early February, several key players played on the basketball team that reached the district final, which was played March 5. I also like to see our kids play deep into the tournament, whether it be basketball, football, golf, wrestling, track, or cross country. The experience they gain playing the tougher competition in other sports is valuable to their baseball season. So in other words, many people would say we got a late start to the baseball season (Feb. 22nd official start), but I tend to look at it a little differently.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: Devyn Farley and Clay Hayes are big leaders on this team, they were  instrumental in driving our open gym sessions and they built the foundation for our team unity. Isaac Huffman, our catcher, is our field general and does a nice job controlling a game from behind the plate. He means so much to our defensive schemes, and does a nice job with the pitchers.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: This being my first year as the head coach, we set goals: win TVC (Tri Valley Conference Hocking Division, win sectional title, win district title, win regional title, and win state title. You might say we set the bar high, but I say you have to set goals and put the work in and compete to achieve them.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Looks like a very strong regional. Newark Catholic is coming in as the defending Division IV state champions, Toronto is ranked #1 in Division IV, and Danville, who defeated Lancaster Fisher Catholic, a #1 seed in their district.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I would like to thank the Waterford Community for all the support. This started last August 4th with approximately $30,000.00 donated to renovate and upgrade our baseball field. This was completely volunteer work with local businesses, fans, and parents coming together to enhance the experience of our baseball student/athletes.

#8 Sidney Lehman Catholic (22-4)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state three times (1998, 1991, 1986).
  

Top Hitters:

1. Nate Bosway, 2016 - .486 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 36 R, 38 RBIs
2. Brandon Barhorst, 2018 - .405 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 43 R, 19 RBIs, 20 SB
3. Max Schutt, 2016 - .380 BA, 9 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 24 R, 33 RBIs
4. Stephen Monnin, 2016 - .368 BA, 6 2B, 21 R, 21 RBIs, 15 SB
5. Parker Riley, 2017 - .366 BA, 3 2B, 32 R, 19 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Parker Riley, 2017 - 57 IP, 12-0, 1.47 ERA, 49 K
2. Stephen Monnin, 2016 - 39.1 IP, 3-2, 2.31 ERA, 24 K
3. Jared Rourke, 2017 - 19 IP, 3-1, 1.84 ERA, 25 K
4. Nate Bosway, 2016 - 18 IP, 2-0, 0.78 ERA, 25 K

Reedsville Eastern (17-9)

School Facts:

• Has never advanced to state.
  

#10 Triad (23-7)

School Facts:

• 5th regional appearance since 2004. 
  

Top Hitters:

1. Dalton Holycross, 2016 - .350 BA, 19 RBIs, 22 BB
2. Keaton McEldowney, CF, 2018 - .397 BA, 5 2B, 1 HR, 17 R, 22 RBIs
3. Trent McIntyre, 2016 - .398 BA, 5 2B, 4 3B, 20 RBIs
4. Timmy Marsalis, 2016 - .412 BA, 7 2B, 20 RBIs
5. Briley Harlan, 2018 - .321 BA, 23 RBIs
6. Isaiah Bruce, 2019 - .309 BA, 18 RBIs
7. Alec Ober, 2017 - .444 BA

The Arms:

1. Shane Ford, 2017 - 56 IP, 7-0, 0.50 ERA, 55 K
2. Trent McIntyre, 2016 - 4-2, 1.60 ERA

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts on the season?
Coach: We played a tough/competitive schedule that I believe got us where we are today. We did go through a week where we were in somewhat of a rut and lost three in a row. This cost us the league title but we have recovered since with an eight-game win streak..

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Advancing to the regionals is such an awesome experience and am just thrilled the kids get to experience it. Teams raise their level of play and it is just exciting baseball.

#24 Tri-County North (19-10)

School Facts:

•  3rd time in school history to make a regional (1982 & 2013).

Possible Lineup:

1. Garrett Woodyard, LF, 2016 - .355 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 18 R, 9 RBIs
2. Zach Edgin, SS, 2017 - .350 BA, 3 2B, 2 3B, 29 R, 16 RBIs, 12 SB
3. Logan Elmore, CF, 2016 - .323 BA, 7 2B, 3 3B, 26 R, 22 RBIs, 23 SB
4. Chandler Sproles, 1B, 2018 - .342 BA, 2 2B, 17 R, 20 RBIs
5. Tanner Booth, P, 2017 - .286 BA, 7 2B, 25 R, 13 RBIs
6. Jordan Overcash, 2B, 2016 - .326 BA, 9 2B, 24 R, 21 RBIs
7. Bo Hendrickson, RF, 2017 - .293 BA, 5 2B, 1 3B, 19 R, 17 RBIs
8. Bailey Lairson, DH, 2017 - .256 BA, 6 R, 9 RBIs for Colin Whipp, 3B, 2019
9. Liam Downing, C, 2019 - .274 BA, 1 2B, 16 R, 10 RBIs

The Arms:

1. Tanner Booth, RHP, 2017 - 52 IP, 6-2, 2.69 ERA, 42 K
2. Chandler Sproles, RHP, 2018 - 51.1 IP, 0.82 ERA, 52 K
3. Logan Elmore, RHP, 2016 - 8.1 IP, 9 K
4. Bo Hendrickson, RHP, 2017 - 19.2 IP, 3.20 ERA
5. Colin Whipp, RHP, 2019 - 17.2 IP, 3.17 ERA, 10 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We lost 7 seniors after last year's 20-8 season. We had a leadership void that we didn’t know who would fill in that role. It's taken some time through the year but I really feel like our leaders are coming out of their shells and taking control of this team. We have played a tough non-league schedule as we always do. We feel like the kids need to see and play vs the best to become the best. We have taken some hits but also had some close games vs some of the top teams around including Anna, Versailles, Union County Ind., and Minster. All have prepared us for this tournament run.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: My seniors (only 4 of them) are more leaders by example. They come in and get their work done but not the vocal guys you sometimes need. Our junior class has really grown up over the last couple months and have become the vocal guys. We preach the mental game day in and day out. They kids are buying in and that really has made a difference for us.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: It’s a great accomplishment for the program, the school, and community. This is the 3rd ever trip for us and the 2nd in 4 years. I try and tell the kids to enjoy the moment because this doesn’t happen all the time. We have had good teams in the 4 years that I've been on staff (2 as an assistant) and it doesn’t always work out the way you want it. The best team never wins, it’s the team that plays the best.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: We have 3 PBR top 25 teams in this thing, 2 in the top 10. It's going to take 2 very good games by whatever team makes it out of here. 

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Our pitching staff hasn’t given up an earned run (in the tournament) yet. I think that is pretty impressive no matter who you have played. If we play defense and pitch like that then we have a chance to compete. That’s all you can ask for.

#5 Berlin Center Western Reserve (20-6)

School Facts:

• Has advanced to state two times (2015, 2014).
  

Top Players:

1. Wyatt Larimer
2. Walker Marlowe
3. Jacob Clark
4. Jeep Di Cioccio

Mohawk (19-9)

School Facts:

• First time back to regionals since 2003. 

Top Hitters:

1. Austin Harper, SS/P, 2017 - .489 BA, 2 2B, 4 HR, 36 R, 22 RBIs
2. Austin Shock, P/CF/SS, 2016 - .322 BA, 7 2B, 33 R
3. Derrick Sowers, 3B, 2016 - .319 BA, 2 HR, 31 RBIs
4. David Dietrich, OF, 2017 - .304 BA

The Arms:

1. Austin Shock, RHP, 2016 - 64 IP, 7-2, 0.77 ERA
2. Austin Harper, RHP, 2017
3. Wyatt Cook, RHP, 2017
4. Rico Lopez, LHP, 2018

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We had a lot of returning players, but also had some holes to fill. We were very inconsistent at the beginning of the season, but have played much better over the last month as we got people in the right positions to be successful.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: The leaders have been outstanding this year. They hold each other accountable and have really come together as a team.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?
Coach: Any time you can advance this far it is good for the program. In a small community like ours it can help to build excitement for the program.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Pipe Yard, so I’m excited for the opportunity to play there.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far?
Coach: Won the district final on a walk-off suicide squeeze in the bottom of the 7th.

Cuyahoga Heights (13-10)

Season Facts:

• 6th Regional since 2010, lost state final in 2012.

Possible Lineup: 

1. Matt Harris, OF, 2017
2. Dalton Skerlec, OF, 2016
3. Brett Lowther, SS, 2017
4. Aaron Kucia, SP, 2016
5. Tyler Selig, 3B, 2017
6. Austin McDonald, DH, 2018
7. Tyler Hughes, 1B, 2018
8. R J Dean, 2B, 2017
9. Nick Frye, C, 2017

The Arms:

1. Aaron Kucia, LHP, 2016
2. Michael Hartman, RHP, 2016
3. R J Dean, RHP, 2017
4. Tyler Selig, RHP, 2017
5. John Pesta, LHP, 2016

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Coach: We have made steady improvement from the beginning of the season until now, in all aspects of the game.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Coach: We have players who are quiet and say and do as I do, and then we have vocal leaders who are always talking to everyone.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals?

Coach: I am happy for the players and hope they are ready and focused to advance further.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Coach: Tough, Fairport has tradition, Western Reserve has been here and advanced in recent years, and Mohawk has a good team.

Fairport Harding (15-13)

Season Facts:

• Has advanced to state two times (1993, 1953).