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2018 OHSAA Tournament Regional Preview: Division II

May 24, 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 Regionals Week. That means the 16 best teams in each division will battle it out to see who is deserving of a trip to beautiful Huntington Park in Columbus.

Below we have the 16-Team Preview for Division II.

To view the Other 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

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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 Tournament Regional Preview: Division II

Team Rankings based on the Final Team Rankings 

Division Overview: It can't get much better with the six highest-ranked teams in the state still alive in the field of 16. While defending champ Tallmadge has 11 losses. good luck playing a squad that has faced arguably the best schedule in the state for Division II schools. Top-ranked Wapakoneta has lived up to its hype and will be another tough out. 

Division II, Region 5 - Hudson

Region Overview: The defending state champions from Tallmadge have surrendered just one run in tourney play while Chardon is right behind with two runs allowed. Revere is looking to continue it's magical run while Canfield is trying to advance to state for the first time in 11 years.

For Fun Prediction: Tallmadge scheduled the way they did for this moment. The defending state champions started off the season with numerous losses in Florida and at the PBR Midwest Select. Canfield and Chardon should be a incredible game, I will agree with the fans and take Canfield. Revere has a tough task in Tallmadge but has had one heck a ride to get here and anything can happen in baseball. That said, I am taking the defending state champs to get back to Huntington Park.

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Canfield Jackson over Chardon
  • Tallmadge over Revere
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Tallmadge

Fan Vote:

  • Canfield Jackson over Chardon
  • Tallmadge over Revere
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Tallmadge


Chardon

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: Just missed the cut
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Week 2
Postseason History: 2012 District Champs & Regional Finalist, Coach Brian Long has 99 wins

Team Stats:

  • Batting over .300, 200 Runs

Top Players:

  • Joey Trivisonno, LF/LHP/RHP (2-0) (yes both hands), Sophomore, Closer - .323 AVG
  • Myles Metz, SS, Senior - .447 AVG | 6-4, 42 K, 2.10 ERA
  • Luke Callahan, CF, Senior - .325 AVG
  • Dylan Hemly, C, Senior - .354 AVG
  • Grant Goodge, 2nd, Senior - .396 AVG
  • Dakota Baldwin, P, Senior - .468 AVG | 6-2, 66 K, 2.06 ERA
  • Richie Stefancic, 1st, Junior - .295 AVG
  • Evan Fairbanks, 3rd, Junior - .286 AVG
  • Dante Perrico, RF, Junior - .350 AVG
  • Daniel Thomas, RHP, Sophomore - 2-0

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The pitching and defense. I have always preached to my teams that pitching and defense wins playoff games. We not allowed an earned run all post season (2 runs total). If we can pitch and play defense, we can compete with any team in the state. Our offense has potential to put up a big inning at any moment. This years team is a very close knit group. They not only spend a lot of time together in school and at baseball, but outside of those two as well. That's what makes us such a close family.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning districts was a great feeling for this years team. Switching from Division I to Division II this season, we knew that winning a district did not get easier. There are a lot of great teams in our DII District. Every game in a district is a one game playoff and anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Thats baseball. It was only our 2nd district championship in school history and my first district championship as a coach. Our first district championship since 2012 when that team lost in the regional finals. Our seniors have always been a winning group. The won 20 games as freshmen, 20 on JV, and now 20 wins as seniors. They have put a lot of time and dedication to this sport and team.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Exciting feeling in being in the Sweet 16. Every team we are going to face now will be a very good baseball team. It will be the biggest game that a lot of our guys have ever played in. We just need to focus on the things that got us here.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Obviously we know that Tallmadge is the team to beat in the state. They are the defending champs and rightfully so being the favorites in this years regionals. Again, In a one game playoff, anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Revere has beaten some great teams and they got hot at the right time. We are only focused on Canfield. Canfield is a great ball club and they do the little things right. We just got to execute our system and do the little things right.

Canfield

Record: 19-8
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Preseason
Postseason History: The last regional title came in 2007, the third ever for the school. The program has 799 total victories

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I think they are playing well at the right time. At one point this year, we were 2-4, then 6-6, to our record now, so they have kept everything in perspective and pushed through the bad weather and early distractions to get through our district.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling, especially winning back to back championships was special. Ian McGraw was able to pitch in 3 district championship games. He won as a senior and junior, and was a reliever as a freshman when we lost to Poland.  It is always special to get out of our district to see how we can stack up against the rest of the state.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Hudson is a really nice place to play and since we were here last year, it won’t be as new to us, but it is always great to play in the atmosphere that Hudson provides.  We return many of the players from last year’s team as well.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: I think everyone knows that Tallmadge is the favorite since they are the defending state champions in Div II, so until someone knocks them off, Canfield, Revere, and Chardon will be playing the underdog role. With that being said, it takes a lot of talent, focus, and luck to move on once the regional tournament begins and all four teams will be doing everything we can to limit the mistakes.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I hope the boys, parents, and fans enjoy every minute of this tournament because it is really something special to be a part of.  Baseball games are so awesome when the crowd rumbles and screams on every strike or ball. And it is also very satisfying when the players make a play that gets the crowd going to jumpstart their team. The tournament is such a special time of the year and you see the pile ons and the heartbreak with every tournament game.  It is a great time of the year.

Revere

Record: 14-14
Final Ranking: Unranked
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: Never Ranked
Postseason History: First district title in school history

Team Stats:

  • .297 AVG, 159 Runs
  • 5.12 ERA, 122 K

Top Players:

  • Paul Liccardi, C, Senior .254
  • Audric Wertz, SS, Senior .291
  • Matt Buser, RF, Junior .447
  • Bryce Holt, LF, Junior .302
  • Jake Land, 3B, Junior .245
  • Eden Wertz, 2B, Soph .342
  • Ian Ash, 1B, Soph .349
  • Nate Klonowski, DH/P/C, Soph .275 | 6-1
  • Gavin Williams, CF, Soph .283
  • Charlie Fink, RHP, Senior (1-4)
  • Nic Perrott, RHP, Junior,  (4-2) 4 saves Closer
  • Michael Amentini, RHP, Senior, Relief

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are peaking at the right moment. Our difficult league schedule has prepared us for this moment.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Absolutely amazing.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is a great opportunity that this group of guys have created for themselves by playing together and sticking to the game plan.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: At this point, all the teams you will face are good and you have to bring your best effort.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am really proud of the way this group has come together and has competed over these last 2 weeks. They have put themselves in a position to keep writing program history with each game they play.

Tallmadge

Record: 17-11
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Champion 2017 and 2002
  • Played in 7 out of 8 District Championship Games since 2011, winning 3 out of last 4 years
  • Won 5 of them since 2011 finishing District Runner ups 2013 and 2014

Team Stats:

  • .345 AVG, 233 Runs
  • 4.69 ERA, 152 K

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We started the season 3-8 playing against 2 Nationally Ranked teams in Ft. Laud and than 3 State Ranked Teams in Best of Midwest, We have won 14 out of last 17 games w wins against many very good programs in which many are still playing this weekend.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We played 2 quality programs in Marlington we beat 6-1 in Dist Semi and Louisville who had won 22 games 1-0 in a Great District Champ Game. We played outstanding defensively and pushed a run across in the bot of 6th against Shearer who was 6-0. It is always an exciting feeling to win the District and get into the Sweet 16.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: I am very proud of our players and coaching staff to work as hard as we do to get to play this weekend.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Playing Revere for a 3rd time let alone for the Regional Semifinal is going to be a challenge. We both have a lot of information on each other.  We need to play good baseball to advance. The other side has 2 really good teams w Canfield back in the Regional again only losing a couple players off the team from last year and a very good Chardon team that they are matched up with at 2pm before our game. We are excited to be back in Hudson and hope to be able to make it out of there and return to Huntington Park! I like the way we are playing!

Division II, Region 6 - Bowling Green

Region Overview: Ontario has scored 39 runs in four tournament games while Hebron Lakewood has shut out two of three foes, so something has to give in their semifinal matchup. Firelands has survived with two one-run wins (one in eight innings) and a two-run victory while Wapakoneta has relied on pitching depth and very strong hitting. 

For Fun Prediction: Both of these games are true toss-ups with each playing well all year. Wapak is banged up on the mound, so that could prove difficult to overcome. But they have a stable of arms left and one of the top lineups in the state. Firelands has talent throughout the lineup and some arms of their own. I will go with the top-ranked team in the state in that great matchup. Ontario has, I believe, 24 wins in a row while Lakewood got through the always difficult Columbus District ... Tough call but I will go opposite of the fans and take Ontario. Wapak is my pick here overall.

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Ontario over Lakewood
  • Wapakoneta over Firelands
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Wapakoneta

Fan Vote:

  • Lakewood over Ontario
  • Wapakoneta over Firelands
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Wapakoneta


Ontario

Record: 24-3
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: Next 10
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Final
Postseason History: The only regional championship was won in 1994 

Team Stats:

  • .345 AVG, 243 Runs
  • 2.91 ERA, 162 K
  • 9 guys have either recorded a win or save this season.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach:  We are on a 24-game win streak after starting the season 0-3 down at Myrtle Beach. Our getaway game and comeback win over Marysville at Ripken really set the tone for our successful season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Over 1,000 fans turned out to watch our district championship game.  I was pleased how our guys responded in that electric environment.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: I will be a privilege to play at Carter Park which is home to the legendary Black Swamp summer tournament; so many great players, coaches, & scouts have shared this facility. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Wapak—Loaded; Lakewood—Legendary; Firelands—Battle-tested; Ontario---Streaking

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: This is Ontario's first regional appearance since moving to the D2 level.

Hebron Lakewood

Record: 22-6
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: Just missed the cut
Highest Ranking: No. 23 - Final
Postseason History: Regional crown would be the 10th for Lakewood, the last coming in 2010  

LOOKING TO GET MORE INFO ON PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT. THANKS!

Firelands

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Final
Postseason History: 1st district championship in schools 64 years of baseball

Fun Facts: Broke school record for most wins in a season, previous was 22 in 2015

Team Stats:

  • .332 AVG, 217 Runs
  • 2.31 ERA, 225 K

Top Players:

  • Evan Lacey, Sr, RHP
  • Colin Ransom, Sr, C
  • Calvin Stull, Sr, DH
  • Aaron Myers, Sr, RF
  • Alex Brill, Jr, LF
  • Austin Urban, Jr, SS
  • Riley Bayus, Jr, 2B
  • Jacob Newman, Jr, LHP
  • Adam Lacey, Jr, RHP
  • Grant Price, So, 3B
  • Jacob Mullins, So, CF
  • Aaron Urban, Fr, 1st

WAPAKONETA

Record: 21-1
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2
Postseason History: This is the program's seventh trip to regionals -1987, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2018. We were regional runner-ups in 2010 and Regional Champs in 2012 in which we were state runners-up. 

Fun Facts: Highest Team Batting Average in School History. Multiple players with or nearing single-season records.

Team Stats:

  • .387 AVG, 192 Runs
  • 1.07 ERA, 217 K

Top Players:

  • Don Goodes - CF - .608 AVG - VMI Commit
  • Manny Vorhees - 2B - .448 AVG | 4-0, 0.90 ERA, 52 K - ODU Commit
  • Joel Roediger - RHP/DH - 5-0, 0.00 ERA, 59 K | .400 AVG - ODU Commit
  • Gage Schenk - P - 7-0, 0.95 ERA, 52 K | .356 AVG
  • Wyatt Moyler - 3B - .279 AVG
  • Mitch Apple - SS - .418 AVG
  • Bubba Miller - RF - .235 AVG
  • AJ Campos - LF - .263 AVG
  • Jett Makar - C - .395 AVG
  • Brady Erb - 1B - .400 AVG

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love our resiliency. We never feel like we are down and out at anytime. We have a great group of kids who come to play the game each and every night. They will do anything for each other which is cool.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We were honestly a bit on edge. We had a six-run lead but as the seventh began, it began to rain and our pitcher had a hard time with his grip. We persevered and when the last out was made the kids were ecstatic. It has been four years since our last District Championship so none of these kids have ever experienced the joy.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is something that we shoot for on a yearly basis at Wapak. We all know that anything can happen once you get to the regionals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: As loaded as they come. Firelands is a really good program who is 24-3 with a good 1-2 punch. Ontario has two very good players who are as good as anyone in the state. Lakewood is Lakewood - Coach Thorp has done a tremendous job over the past few decades with multiple state titles.

Division II, Region 7 - Athens 

Region Overview: Three of the four teams in the field advanced with one-run wins in the district finals. The only team that didn't, Unioto, needed a one-run win in the district semis. It adds up to what appears to be an even field. 

For Fun Prediction: As with most years, information is hard to find for this region. Steubenville has always seemed to be the team that comes out on top down there the majority of the time, so I will take them. Circleville and John Glenn have never won a regional title, so those would be fun stories. Unioto has been to state a couple times and the Sherman could be the team to beat in the region.

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Steubenville over John Glenn
  • Unioto over Circleville
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Steubenville

Fan Vote:

  • Steubenville over John Glenn
  • Centerville over Unioto
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Circleville

Steubenville

Record: 16-6
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Week 1
Postseason History: Big Red looking to capture third consecutive regional crown and eighth ever at the school 

LOOKING TO GET MORE INFO ON PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT. THANKS!

John Glenn

Record: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 19 - Final

Postseason History: First regional appearance since 1981. Trip to state would be first for John Glenn

Team Stats:

  • .312 AVG, 160 Runs
  • 2.05 ERA, 126 K

Top Players:

  • Brady Emerson
  • Gavin Thompson
  • Paul Szalay
  • Justin Heacock
  • Eric Stillion
  • Alex Kridelbaugh
  • Scott Perkins
  • Brady Vincent
  • Ethan Hix
  • Colton Neptune
  • Chase Karling
  • Alex Kridelbaugh

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Their resilience, they keep grinding.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Everyone was really excited, they knew the history.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: New experience for all of us.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Every team at this point is good, and anyone can win this and move on.

Circleville

Record: 17-10
Final Ranking: Unranked
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: Never ranked
Postseason History: District title - 1962, 1981, 1998, 2008, 2018 … Brian Bigam (94-44) … No Regional or State title in history of Circleville

Top Players:

  • Andrew Barnhart, SS/P, 2018
  • Brad Henry, LF, 2018
  • Garret Gray, C/P, 2019
  • Jake Mancini, 1B/P, 2018
  • John Burns, DH, 2018
  • Seth Risner, RF, 2018
  • Ethan Wolfe, 3B/SS/P, 2019
  • Cory Cline, 2B/1B, 2018
  • Garrott Kennedy, 2B/3B, 2019
  • Mason Downs, CF, 2018

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: My pitching staff - Team ERA of 2.47 ... Have won 13 of our last 16 ... We are gritty ... Have come-from-behind wins in all three of our tournament games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Was special ... Fifth District Title in school history (I've been fortunate to be a part of three of them - One as a player ('98) and two as a head coach (2008 and 2018) ... It was nice to see all the hard work my players had put in pay off, especially after a 4-8 start ... Being my first year back as the head coach in almost a decade, it took some time to change the culture and mindset of these kids, but now they are starting to get it and it is paying off.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We don't want to be satisfied with a District Championship ... Two of the five district championship teams at Circleville made it to the regional finals ... No Circleville team has ever won a regional title ... We look at the regionals as a two-game tournament ... We will take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Unioto can pitch the baseball ... Great 1-2 in Patterson and Blevins ... Steubenville is one of the more storied programs in all of Division II ... Knocked us out of regionals back in 2008 in Zanesville ... Do not know much about this year's team ... Do not know much about John Glenn ... At this point in the tournament, everybody is good and a challenging opponent.

Unioto

Record: 24-5
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Final
Postseason History: The lone regional success came in 1983 and 1994 with trips to state 

LOOKING TO GET MORE INFO ON PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] IF YOU CAN HELP US OUT. THANKS!

Division II, Region 8 - Mason 

Region Overview: Only a six seed, Hartley has been impressive with shutouts in all three tourney games making the matchup with last year's state runner-up Chaminade interesting. It took until Monday due to weather, but Ross stunned fourth-rated Tippecanoe to earn a semifinal tilt with fifth-ranked CHCA.

For Fun Prediction: Stop me if you've heard this before, the Cincinnati area is good at baseball... This year down in Mason we have four outstanding teams with each having a chance of winning the region and state next week. I will take the team that is the highest ranked PBR for both games and go with Chaminade Julienne to take on CHCA in the regional final with the Eagles of Chaminade Julienne soaring the highest in the end.

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Chaminade Julienne over Bishop Hartley
  • CHCA over Hamilton Ross
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Chaminade Julienne

Fan Vote:

  • Bishop Hartley over Chaminade Julienne
  • CHCA over Hamilton Ross
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - CHCA

Chaminade Julienne

Record: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Final
Postseason History: 

  • 1970 State Champs
  • 1975 State Runner-up, 2017 State Runner-up
  • 3rd District Championship in 5 years. (2014, 2017, 2018)

Team Stats:

  • .307 AVG, 182 Runs
  • 2.21 ERA, 165 K

Top Players: (For stats, visit here)

  • Andrew Simones CF Junior
  • Ryan Peltier P/SS  Senior
  • Nick Wissman P/2B/SS  Junior
  • Sebastian Gongora P/LF  Sophomore
  • AJ Solomon 2B/LF Freshman
  • David Ernst 1B Senior
  • Jack Huffman  DH Sophomore
  • Ben Thomas C  Senior
  • Cameron Benoit 3B Junior
  • Joey Greene RF Senior
  • Zach Scott Utility Senior
  • Elliot Seelig P  Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how we are hitting. Pitching and defense has been our bread and butter, but our bats have been doing very well lately.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great accomplishment. It’s really tough to win district, and even harder to repeat. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We’re really excited to be back for Regionals again. We just need to stay focused and play one game at a time.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: It’s a really tough field. Every team is pretty evenly matched.  It should be a great regional with close games. It comes down to who executes, and sometimes a little luck helps.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We are eager to try and take another shot at State this year. We were so close last year, and our guys are hungry for another chance.


Bishop Hartley

Record: 19-7
Final Ranking: Just missed the cut
Preseason Ranking: Just missed the cut
Highest Ranking: No. 36 - Week 2
Postseason History: First time winning district in Division II. Regional title was last won by Hartley in 1996. Won State in 1995

Team Stats:

  • .329 AVG, 156 Runs
  • 2.94 ERA, 156 K

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team chemistry is great

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Excited and happy for the players

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Every team has great talent and good coaching

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: Our team defense has been great. Our team mindset is great. The kids have really embraced their roles. There are no egos. We go out and really play for each other

CHCA

Record: 24-5
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Final
Postseason History: First year in D-II; 15th consecutive league (MVC) championship 

Team Stats:

  • .452 AVG, 246 Runs
  • 1.83 ERA, 179 K

Top Players: (For stats, visit here)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing solid, fundamental defense right now, and have also made some exceptional plays in big, clutch moments. We get a fantastic effort from our catcher every single game. He does a great job shutting down the running game, as well as managing our pitching staff.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Joy for our players and this Senior class. They have put a tremendous amount of work in, and I am just so happy to see it paying off for them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s an honor. There are so many really tough teams in this region, especially in Division 2. We feel fortunate to get to this point and we’re going to do everything we can to take advantage of this opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: What a field. Any has the talent and coaching to win the state tournament, so it’s certainly going to be a tall order. Whoever comes out of this region will have most definitely earned it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am really proud of our team and coaching staff, and grateful to the CHCA community for their tremendous support. I am looking forward to that Sea of Purple on Thursday!

Hamilton Ross

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: Just missed the cut
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Week 3
Postseason History: Regional Appearances/District Titles 1995, 2001, 2017, 2018 ... Coaches Record:  Jason Rettinger:  250-129 (14 years)

Team Stats:

  • .341 AVG, 214 Runs
  • 3.02 ERA, 195 K

Top Players: (For stats, visit here)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Tough, gritty group. We graduated 14 seniors and all 9 offensive player from 2017 Regional team as well as our top 2 arms. Kids have really developed and put in the work. We believe we can win every game and that’s important.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Shocked. But our schedule has prepared us. We have played 16 D1 teams and gone 11-5 in those games. Kids believe we are always in the game. We are 11-2 in close games. We just scratch and claw. We have played in a lot of close games and responded very well.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in Regionals is a great experience. We travel well so it’s always great to see our community rally around our team. Mason is a great venue and we are just very excited for the opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: CHCA is a very good team. Well coached solid everywhere. In the other semi I don’t know much about Hartley but I know CJ went to State last year. At this point, everyone is good.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am just so proud of this team and especially this Senior group. They have worked so hard to get here, our leadership is outstanding. These guys sat the bench and cheered last year in Regionals and never complained. Now, it’s their turn. Our community is awesome!  It cool to see all the maroon and gold in the stands at our games. This is my last year and I am very fortunate to get to go out coaching this great group of young men.

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.