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2018 OHSAA State Final Four Preview: Division I

May 30, 2018
Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor In Chief/Scout

Follow @PBR Ohio

Ohio Spring baseball always seems to fly by and in 2018 that is most definitely evident with the fact we are in Columbus at beautiful Huntington Park for the State Final Four. That means the four best teams in each division will battle it out to see who is the champion.

Below we have the Division I Final Four Preview.

To view the other divisions State Final Four Previews, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

To view the Regional Previews, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

To view the Final Team Rankings, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

To view the 2018 Preseason All-State Selections, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

Interested in nominating someone for the 2018 All-State Teams, please click here. All-State will be released a week after the State Finals is complete.

Interested in improving your profile with high school game video? Click here to see how.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

To view all things related to the 2018 Spring High School Baseball Season, including the Scout Blog, Team Power Rankings, Preseason All-State Teams and more, click here.

2018 OHSAA State Final Four Preview: Division I

Team Rankings based on the Final Team Rankings 

Division Overview: There is a new look to the Division I field at this year's state tournament. No Moeller. No Massillon Jackson. No. St. Ignatius. Instead, there are three teams that have never been here before and Mason, which has reached the Final Four just once that coming in 1987. It makes for a wide open battle with top-ranked Mason and sixth-rated Olentangy Liberty loaded with college recruits. But No. 43 ranked Medina Highland and No. 12 ranked Anthony Wayne can't be counted out after each knocked off a state finalist from last year in the regional finals,

For Fun Prediction: For the Division I prediction, I will go with what the fan vote showed, with #1 Mason taking the championship. That said, I will not sit here and say it's a landslide victory by mason in the semifinals as the fan vote showed as AW plays the game the right way and has an ace in Brock Nartker that could shut down any lineup if on. In the end though, the overall talent of Mason will prevail and the Comets will be raising the trophy on Saturday.

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • #6 Olentangy Liberty over #43 Medina Highland
  • #1 Mason over #12 Anthony Wayne
    • #1 Mason over #6 Olentangy Liberty

Fan Vote:

  • #6 Olentangy Liberty over #43 Medina Highland
  • #1 Mason over #12 Anthony Wayne
    • #1 Mason over #6 Olentangy Liberty

Final Four Schedule

  • #6 Olentangy Liberty vs #43 Medina Highland - Friday 10 AM
  • #1 Mason vs #12 Anthony Wayne - Friday 1 PM

Regional Recap

To view the Scout Blog from the regionals, click here. 

  • #6 Olentangy Liberty 8, #42 New Albany 1 
  • #43 Medina Highland 8, #5 Massillon Jackson - 8 innings
  • #1 Mason 3, #3 Moeller 2 
  • #12 Anthony Wayne 10, #38 Strongsville 2

Team Overview

#6 Olentangy Liberty

Record: 28-4
Coach: Ty Brenning (7 years - 150-57)
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 4 

Postseason History:

  • 1st regional championship in school history
  • 4 district titles (2005, 2014, 2015, 2018)
  • 2 elite 8 appearances (2014, 2015)

Fun Facts:

  • Most conference wins (14), overall wins (28) and runs scored
  • Mitch Milheim (most wins in school history – career 17)

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What do you and your team do this off season and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: "Every off-season we try to train in ways that make our guys feel like the most prepared team around. This year was no different."

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: "We have a mature team that plays the game the right way. Our guys are very detailed in their preparation both physically and mentally. Our senior class has provided outstanding leadership throughout their careers, and elevated the game of those around them."

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: "The tournament journey has been an extension of our regular season efforts. Our year has been full of challenges, and the guys have embraced every opportunity to compete. It's a privilege to represent the many great baseball programs of Central Ohio in the Final Four."

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: "We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete with the best teams in the state."

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the state?
Coach: "All four teams had outstanding years, and have many good players."

PBR: Anything else you would like to add.
Coach: "This Final Four is the summation 15 years of building a program from scratch. We have had tremendous support from the school district and community each step of the way. Over the years many players, coaches and parents have put in countless hours to make what we do special. This is an exciting time for this team. The 2018 run is a reflection of championship efforts both of this group, and those who have come before."

#43 Medina Highland

Record: 19-9
Coach: Jay Grissom
Final Ranking: No. 43
Preseason Ranking: No. 48
Highest Ranking: No. 43 - Final

Postseason History:

  • First regional championship in school history
  • District Championships: ’07, ’08, ’16, ‘18

Fun Facts:

  • First State Final Four in school history

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .317 AVG, 151 R, 35 2B, 6 3B, 38 SB
  • Pitching: 187.1 IP, 3.51 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 170 K

Top Players:

  • Tyler Savron, CF, Junior - 34-94, .362, 2 2B, 1 3B, 16 R, 9 RBI, 7 SB
  • Sam Zeleznik, C, 33-73, .452, 7 2B, 16 R, 23 RBI, 6 SB
  • Jonathan Ambro, 1B, Senior - 28-89, .315, 4 2B, 1 3B, 12 R, 17 RBI, 3 SB
  • Gavin Noble, SS, Senior - 33-81, .407, 4 2B, 1 3B, 27 R, 12 RBI, 6 SB
  • Bryce Budzinski, P, Senior - 27-72, .375, 8 2B, 2 3B, 20 R, 16 RBI
  • Jackson Miller, 3B, Senior - 24-73, .329, 3 2B, 1 3B, 18 R, 15 RBI
  • Billy Keller, 2B, Senior - 17-76, .224, 1 2B, 12 R, 8 RBI
  • Andrew Shaw, LF, Senior - 16-67, .239, 3 2B, 11 R, 9 RBI
  • Ryan Chema, RF, Junior - 16-53, .302, 1 2B, 6 R, 9 RBI
  • Brenden Meikle, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What do you and your team do this off season and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Work. We have a group of kids that work their tails off. From fall open fields to practices today, these kids work as hard as any group we have ever had.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Confidence and attitude. This team never feels like it’s out of a game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I couldn’t be more proud of this team. Down 6-0 in the 6th inning to the defending state champions. We score 2 in the 6th, 5 in the 7th, and 1 in the 8th to earn a spot in the final four. It was an incredible way to get here.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It’s an honor to be here. We know there is a lot of work to be done but this is a hungry group of kids.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the state?
Coach: This is a very talented, tough field. Olentangy Liberty, Mason, Anthony Wayne are all top 12 teams that are well coached and have had great seasons.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I’d like to thank our athletic department, staff, students, and parents for making this run so special to all of us!

#1 Mason

Record: 26-5
Coach: Curt Bly (114-35)
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2

Postseason History: 

  • 11 District Titles (77, 84, 85, 87, 90, 06, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18)
  • Regional Championship 1987
  • State Runner Up 1987

Fun Facts:

  • 2018 marks the 1st Division 1 Regional Championship
  • Nick Northcut broke Mason’s All Time Hit Record this season
  • Will Pfennig recorded just the 4th 100K season in Mason’s History

Team Stats:

  • .345 AVG, 43 2B, 13 3B, 11 HR, 239 Runs
  • 2.28 ERA, 278 K

Top Players:

  • Nick Northcut, 2018 - 34-91, .374 AVG, 10 2B, 3 HR, 34 R, 24 RBIs | 27 IP, 2-1, 4 SV, 1.04 ERA, 34 K - Vanderbilt commit
  • Will Pfennig, 2018 - 60.2 IP, 9-0, 1.15 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 109 K - Ohio State commit
  • JP Sponseller, 2019 - 36-89, .404 AVG, 7 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 33 R, 33 RBIs - Elon commit
  • Joseph Powell, 2019 - 38-93, .409 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 37 R, 17 RBIs - Cincinnati commit
  • Rollie Sheriff, 2018 - 42.1 IP, 8-1, 1.32 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 60 K - Miami (OH) - Hamilton commit
  • Cole Harting, 2020 - 32-83, .386 AVG, 5 2B, 5 3B, 23 R, 29 RBIs, 15 SB
  • Harrison Johnson, 2020 - 23-73, .315 AVG, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 20 R, 13 RBIs
  • Evan Haas, 2018 - 28-82, .341 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 15 R, 30 RBIs
  • Mason Holloway, 2019 - 31-85, .365 AVG, 1 2B, 20 R, 24 RBIs, 17 SB
  • Ben Kraus, 2018, 25-79, .316 AVG, 2 2B, 9 R, 11 RBIs
  • Patrick Lantry, 2018, 31.1 IP, 4-0, 1.56 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 32 K

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What do you and your team do this off season and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Guys just fully committed to the process. Our guys focused on the concept that uncommon commitment yields uncommon results. Our plyers are reaping the benefits of that level of commitment right now.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love our resiliency. Our guys stay in the moment well and don’t panic if things don’t go as planned. They grind each inning, each at bat and find ways to put pressure on the opponent through that relentless approach.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I was just so proud of our guys and excited for them to be able to celebrate that win. I couldn’t help also to think about the players that have come before this team that brought us to this point and how winning this regional title really belonged to all of those guys as well.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I’m just so excited for our guys to get that chance. So many things have to go well for you throughout the year and certainly the tournament to make it happen and to get to a point where we have the opportunity is truly a blessing.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the state?
Coach: I think it’s a really balanced group of teams. There are a lot of wins among the teams and obviously everyone is playing well to get to this point. I think each game is going to be tough and the team that minimizes mistakes and produces in the key moments will win. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are just so excited about the opportunity to play at Huntington Park and compete against the best teams in the state. We’ve enjoyed great support all year and we can’t wait to see all the Kelly Green in the seats come game time!

#12 Anthony Wayne

Record: 23-4
Coach: Mark Nell (493-177 Overall, 376-141 at AW)
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Highest Ranking: No. 12 - Week 5

Postseason History:

  • Sectional Champs - 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
  • District Champs - 1998, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2018
  • Regional Champs - 2018
  • Northern Lakes league Champs - 2006, 2007, 2012, 2014, 2018

Top Players:

  • Brock Nartker, RHP/2B, 2018 - 9-2, 1.97 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 99 K
  • Andrew Murphy, RHP/SS, 2018 - 8-0, 1.87 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 43 K | 34-88, .386 AVG, 4 2B, 20 R, 28 RBIs
  • Steve Haugh, 3B/RHP, 2018 - 33-87, .379 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 20 R, 31 RBIs, 15 BB
  • Braden Theis - 36-84, .387 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 13 R, 16 RBIs
  • Carter Holck - 31-87, .356 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 33 R, 26 RBIs, 10 BB
  • Nick Schneider - 40-97, .412 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 38 R, 12 RBIs, 13 BB, 26 SB
  • Connor Judy - 23-80, .287 AVG, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 24 R, 13 RBIs, 17 BB, 15 SB

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What do you and your team do this off season and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We have a Fall throwing program and a core strength program, we also have a strength training and open hitting during the Winter.

PBR: What has been the most memorable part about your tournament ride to date?
Coach: The most memorable moment is just being around a group of kids with great chemistry that have fun playing the game with a high level of effort

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Chemistry, culture, effort

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I was extremely happy for the players, parents, our schools and the entire Anthony Wayne Community. Personally, it was a very emotional time, I thought of all the sacrifices that my family has made for me to coach this great game, I thought of every player who has ever put on a Generals baseball uniform. Lastly I thought about my father who passed 2 plus years ago, my father was a long time baseball coach, I was glad my son Jordan who is one of my assistant coaches. I grabbed Jordan and hugged him, it was a very emotional time for me.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It is an opportunity to play more baseball against some great competition at a high level. We see it as chance to do something special.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the state?
Coach: If you are playing in the final 4 against some of the best teams in the state of Ohio, and believe that Ohio has outstanding high school baseball

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: There has been a ton of work put into this process from the players, coaching staff, administration, teachers, grounds workers, custodians, parents, bus drivers, siblings, wives, children and the entire Anthony Wayne Community.

A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

To view the 2017 All-State Teams, click below.

To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Teams, click below.