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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 IV.

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

Interested in nominating someone for the 2018 All-State Teams, please click here.

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 Tournament Regional Preview: Division IV

Team Rankings based on the Final Team Rankings 

Division Overview: Let's get right to it in Division IV. The top two teams in the last Power Rankings - Toronto and Whiteoak - will meet in the regional semifinals. It just adds to the excitement in a division that still has a dozen of the top 25 teams left in the field, including three of last year's state participants. In fact, the 2017 state final teams - Minster and Russia - could meet again but this time in the regional finals. Nobody can be happier to still be alive than defending state champ Minster, which scored seven runs in the bottom of the seventh to stun Crestview 14-13 in the district finals after the Knights tallied nine in the top of the frame..

Division IV, Region 13 - Lorain

Region Overview: It was nearly a battle of four number one seeds, with second-seeded Ottawa Hills knocking off top-seeded Norwalk St. Paul to spoil that idea. Trinity has yet to give up a run in the tournament while New Middletown Springfield has permitted but two. With the exception of Cuyahoga Heights, the others have all been in Division III in recent years.

For Fun Prediction: Cuyahoga Heights has been here before while the other three have typically been Division III clubs in the past. Ottawa Hills, Springfield and Trinity all have had success in D-III and will prove difficult outs for the D-IV traditional power in NE Ohio Cuyahoga Heights. I am going to take New Middletown Springfield in this one.

Dylan Hefflinger:

• Cuyahoga Heights over Ottawa Hills
• New Middletown Springfield over Trinity
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - New Middletown Springfield

Fan Vote:

• Cuyahoga Heights over Ottawa Hills
• Trinity over New Middletown Springfield
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Cuyahoga Heights

Ottawa Hills

Record: 14-12
Final Ranking: Unranked
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: Never ranked
Postseason History: Eight-time state participant trying to win regionals for first time since 2010. Fifteen District Championships, seven Regional Championships, been State Runner-ups three times, and won a State Championship in 1986

Top Players:

• Ben Werner, 1B, Sr.  .456
• Vincenzo Adduci, 2B,  Sr.  .357
• Michael Helgren, C, Sr.  .386
• Tim Reiter, 3B, Sr.  .413  25 RBI
• Jack Bassett, CF, Sr.  .286
• Jack Werner, P, Sr.  .260  4-4 3.29 ERA
• Andrew Helgren, DH, Fr.  .400
• Hunter Hesse, SS, Jr. 
• Michael McGee, RF, Jr.  .167
• John Aiken, LF, Sr.  .274
• Nolan Freeman, OF, Sr.  .256

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We play a very competitive non-league schedule, which I believe, helps us in league and tournament play.  We have eight seniors who have had all of the baseball experiences growing up. They are a high-character group that has been a pleasure to coach.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our District final win was exciting, as we scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh to win. It took a little luck, good pitching and defense, and some timely hitting!

Cuyahoga Heights

Record: 13-7
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: Just missed the cut
Highest Ranking: No. 23 - Final
Postseason History:

• 7 Regional appearances in last 10 years
• State Runner-up 2012 
• State Finalist 2016
• Coach Lowther recorded 300th victory

Team Stats:

• .325 AVG, 165 runs
• 4.07 ERA, 106 K

Top Players:

• LF  Jr. Brayden DiSanza - .364 AVG
• 2B  Sr. Alex Dean - .397 AVG
• 1B  Sr. Tyler Hughes - .433 AVG
• P  Jr. Richie Allison - .463 AVG | 4-2, 3.43 ERA, 42 K
• SS/P  Sr. Austin McDonald - .312 AVG | 5-1, 2.86 ERA
• CF  Sr. Louie Bacci - .311 AVG
• RF  Jr. Alex Stuniarz - .255 AVG
• 3B  Sr. Sammy Kiriazis
• C    Sr. Matt Zemko
• P   Sr. Kyle Nemeth - 2-0, 3.54 ERA, 25 K

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a lot of confidence right now. We're hitting the ball well. Our one through five has gotten hot when the coach wants you to get hot. We have a couple kids that are just on fire hitting the ball. I also really like how we're playing defense (one error total in three tourney games). 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was gratifying, especially for the seniors returning from last year when we lost in the district semis which is not expected at Cuyahoga Heights. Plus, it was redemption beating Dalton, who knocked us out in the district semis last year.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is an exciting time of year. When you get to this point, as a coach you appreciate the hard work and dedication the kids have put in. It's been somewhat of a habit for our baseball program making regionals six of the last seven years, but it's still so exciting for the kids and the school. It was a combination of the conference we play in and the non-league schedule that's helped us. And when May gets around, the kids really get amped up.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: New Middletown Springfield is down from D3 and has always had a good program. Trinity is only four miles away from us and they're up from D3 last year. Ottawa Hills I don't know much about. I had a coach that thought he could get us some information with someone he went to Denison with but he got back and said he couldn't help us out because his dad is the head coach.

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: The success we've had is helped out by the parents, the school and the administration always being behind us. We're excited to be back after a year's absence.

Trinity

Record: 20-3
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Week 2
Postseason History: The year was 1984 when Trinity won its only regional crown

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

New Middletown Springfield

Record: 19-4
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 12 - Final
Postseason History: Attempting to advance to state for fourth time in past decade

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

Division IV, Region 14 - Hamler

Region Overview: Lima Central Catholic and Hicksville come in as the favorites in the region, but match up in the semifinals. Top seeds entering the tourney, Hicksville has given up just one run and LCC two in reaching regionals. Meanwhile, North Baltimore and Plymouth picked up victories over number one seeds in the districts to move on.

For Fun Prediction: I personally will be at this region, which often means my picks will be wrong ... I will take the 1-2 punch of Hicksville to claim the regional championship. The first game against an outstanding LCC team will be difficult as they swing it 1-9 and have three quality arms. In the other matchup, Plymouth looks to have talent while North Baltimore has an ace. Should be an outstanding matchup. In the end, it's all Aces.

Dylan Hefflinger:

• North Baltimore over Plymouth
• Hicksville over Lima Central Catholic
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Hicksville

Fan Vote:

• Plymouth over North Baltimore (Coin flip as both had 12%)
• Lima Central Catholic over Hicksville
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lima Central Catholic

North baltimore

Record: 17-9
Final Ranking: Next 10
Preseason Ranking: Next 10
Highest Ranking: No. 24 - Week 1
Postseason History: A regional title would be the first in school history 

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

Plymouth

Record: 18-10
Final Ranking: Unranked
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: Never ranked
Postseason History: First trip to regionals in 34 years. 4th regional appearance, never advanced past regional semis   

Team Stats:

• Hitting over .300 as a team
• Top three pitchers are 12-4 with upper 1 ERA combined

Top Players:

• Walker Elliott, 2B, Sophomore - .385 AVG
• Marcus Adams, 3B, Sophomore - .301 AVG | 2-2, 2.12 ERA, 23 K
• Seth Bailey, SS, Senior - .477 AVG | 2-0 , 27 K
• Treven Lane, P, Junior - .383 AVG | 4-0, 1.45 ERA, 42 K
• Jarrett Miller, C, Senior - .338 AVG | 3-2, 2.60 ERA, 70 K - IPFW commit
• Avery Horne, DH, Junior - .380 AVG
• A.J. Hamman, LF, Senior - .345 AVG
• Anthony Montgomery, CF, Junior - .262 AVG
• Camden Welch, RF, Freshman - .262 AVG
• Draven Kelley, 1B, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: My guys are focused as ever and they are having fun. They’re loose and they’re relaxed, they’ve battled all year long and they are ready to roll.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: First one in 34 years is always nice, especially as a 21 year old coach in my first year. I was happy for the kids as they’ve been knocking on the door in recent years and they kind of knocked that down. I’m happy for the kids and excited for the community.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s exciting. There’s 16 teams playing baseball this week in Division IV and we are one, that’s pretty neat. The community is fully embracing it and we are having fun, it’s a good time around Plymouth High.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: At this point in the tournament you’re going to get everybody’s best shot. You’ve got to come out and play darn near a flawless baseball game or you’re going to get beat. There’s a reason that each team is here and it’s going to be a dog fight.

Lima Central Catholic

Record: 17-7
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 3
Postseason History: District championships 1997, 1999, 2012, 2013, 2018; regional championships 1997, 2012; State runner-up 2012; Head Coach John Schnieders 16th season 222-172

Team Stats:

• Hitting over .300 as a team
• Top three pitchers are 12-4 with upper 1 ERA combined

Top Players:

• Shaun Thomas, Fr. SS
• Derek Jennings, Sr. 1B
• Matthew Heider, Sr. LF
• Brendan Stolly, Sr. CF
• Derek Pignataro, Jr. 2B
• Sam Santaguida, Sr. C
• Dominic Riepenhoff, Jr. 3B
• Nevan Stolly, So. DH

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have pitched it very well in the past two weeks. Our guys are rested and have been on point throughout the tournament. Our top three pitchers are both three-year varsity players, so their experience has allowed them to be poised in the big moments thus far. It has certainly helped our younger players play with more confidence.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I am very happy for the kids and proud that their work was rewarded with a district title. I'm especially happy for our seniors who have put a lot into our baseball program.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s a great honor and a tremendous opportunity for our team to represent Lima Central Catholic High School and our community at the regional tournament.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: I have never had the opportunity to play any of these three schools, but no one advances to this level by accident. I know that all four teams are playing well and are capable of winning two and heading to Columbus.

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: Through Christ we Lead, Serve, and Excel. Our Lady, Queen of Victory, pray for us. GO T-BIRDS!!

Hicksville

Record: 18-5
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 8
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Week 1
Postseason History: Fourth appearance in the regional, second in the last four years. Won the state title in ’78 and state appearances in ’82 and ’15. Tim Shock - 6 seasons, 80 wins 

Team Stats:

• .319 AVG, 173 runs
• 2.69 ERA, 179 K

Top Players:

• Jake Greer, P, Senior
• Parker Thiel, SS, Junior
• Lukas Yoder, C, Senior
• Zac Brickel, CF, Junior
• Braden Langham, 1B, Soph
• Eric Chapman, LF, Soph
• Ethan Wilhelm, 3B, Senior
• Gage Yoder, 2B, Senior
• Jonah Gipple, RF, Soph

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Right now we are getting solid pitching and playing well defensively. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Great feeling but it is what we expected. We talked all year about taking care of our district and the regional is up for grabs.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: After last year's disappointing loss in the district, we made getting back to regionals our top priority. Once you get there anything can happen.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Don’t know much about any of them. We are just going to focus on fundamentals and go play some ball.

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 going to go out and have some fun and we expect a large support group from our community. They have shown up for all our games and we expect the same on Thursday.

Division IV, Region 15 - Lancaster 

Region Overview: While the winner of Toronto and Whiteoak will be the favorite in the region to get to Huntington Park, Centerburg and Reedsville Eastern are hoping to make it to state for the first time. Eastern has a pair of shutouts and a run-rule win while Centerburg has totaled 42 runs in four tourney contests.

For Fun Prediction: Toronto has been my pick in Division IV all year and I will not be going away from that despite how incredible difficult the region is this season. All four teams are ranked and all four have outstanding talent. I will take the team with multiple next-level talent in Toronto to get through this region.

Dylan Hefflinger:

• Centerburg over Eastern
• Toronto over Whiteoak
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Toronto

Fan Vote:

• Centerburg over Eastern
• Toronto over Whiteoak
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Toronto

Centerburg

Record: 18-8
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Highest Ranking: No. 15 - Preseason
Postseason History: First ever regional appearance 

Team Stats:

• Won 10 games in a row at one point.
• 183 RBIs

Top Players:

1. JJ Davis, OF, Senior
2. Jackson Goulter, OF/P, Junior
3. Trey Purdy, 3B, Senior
4. Cody Wright, 2B/SS, Senior
5. Dallas Scott, C, Senior
6. Joseph Hibbits, 1B, Senior
7. Brenden Christy, SS/P, Junior
8. Ethan Hibner, OF, Junior
9. Joel Rings, OF, Junior
10. Brock Hurtt, DH, Freshmen

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have great leadership. Our upperclassmen have expectations and hold everyone accountable, yet they still approach the game in a positive, fun way!

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Incredible!!! Just very proud of our guys!!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Thankful to our guys for putting in the time, setting expectations/goals and working hard to achieve those goals. This is a great experience for them that I hope they cherish for the rest of their lives.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Tough! These are the some of the best teams in the state. Being able to compete with them is an awesome opportunity.

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 have a great school and community. Having the opportunity to bring home a District title is a wonderful accomplishment for our guys. I have been fortunate over the years to have great kids, great parents and great coaches that have helped get us to this point. All of the previous classes laid the foundation for our expectations and this group has built a great season upon that. They play the game the right way and have fun. I am very, very proud of them!!

Reedsville Eastern

Record: 26-2
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: No. 13 - Final
Postseason History: Trip to state has never happened for Eastern

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

Toronto

Record: 20-4-1
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History: Three-time regional champs looking to reach state second straight season 

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

Whiteoak

Record: 26-1
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: Next 10
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Final
Postseason History: Hoping to capture regional title number one in school history

Team Stats:

• Outscored our opponents 243-64
• Team ERA - 1.44
• Team batting average - .336
• Stolen bases - 207

Top Players:

1. Traeten Hamilton, 2B, Junior - .402 AVG | 5-2, 1.48 ERA
2. Chase Carraher, SS, Senior - .386 AVG
3. Caleb West, LF, Senior - .397 AVG
4. Evan Brill, P, Junior - 8-0, 0.44 ERA | .429 AVG
5. Mason Lehr, 3B, Soph - 3-0, 1.29 ERA. | .429 AVG
6. Trever Yeager, CF, Senior - 6 Saves, 0.00 ERA | .306 AVG
7. Casey Nace, DH, Senior - .262 AVG
8. Billy Oliver, C, soph
9. Chase Butler ,RF, Junior - 7-0, 2.35 ERA | .216 AVG
10. Ryan Roberts,1B,  Junior - .325 AVG

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team speed, pitching depth, offensive balance, defensive stability.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Perspective. All year this team has been able to celebrate certain steps on the “accomplishment ladder” and quietly move on to the next step.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: An honor and a privilege being able to spend more time with this group of seniors, while continuing to develop the underclassmen.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Year in, year out, the toughest regional in the State. This year is no different.

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: From the development of these young men since February, to the support of the community, and school administration, our journey has been special. Through their work ethic, belief, and dedication to “the process” the kids have set the standard high.

Division IV, Region 16 - Springfield 

Region Overview: Minster edged Russia 2-1 in last year's state championship game, but the two teams could resume that rivalry with wins in the regional semis. But that task will not be easy, with Minster playing the highest-ranked team in the region in number 10 Fort Loramie in one semifinal game and Russia facing a top-seeded Cincinnati Christian squad that has scored 32 runs in three tournament games so far.

For Fun Prediction: The defending state champion, Minster, from the mighty MAC is in this field and the pick of the fans. .... However, I am actually picking against them (nobody ever said I was smart) and going with junior-laden Fort Loramie to come through this region. Russia is looking to advance to state for the second year in a row while Cincinnati Christian seeks its first regional championship in school history.

Dylan Hefflinger:

• Fort Loramie over Minster
• Cincinnati Christian over Russia
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Fort Loramie

Fan Vote:

• Minster over Fort Loramie
• Cincinnati Christian over Russia
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Minster

Minster

Record: 21-7
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Preseason
Postseason History: Trying to bring home regional championship for fourth time in an eight-year stretch

Team Stats:

• .323 AVG, 233 Runs
• 3.42 ERA, 187 K

Top Players:

• Alex Lehmkuhl, INF, 2018 - .435 AVG
• Austin Brown, LHP, 2020 - 1.31 ERA, 62 K
• Jack Heitbrink, LHP/OF, 2019 - .366 AVG | 2.18 ERA, 45 K
• Jared Huelsman - .410 AVG
• Austin Shinabery, C, 2018 - .357 AVG
• Jack Olberding, 2020 - .318 AVG
• Isaac Schmiesing - .337 AVG
• Noah Enneking - 3.35 ERA, 33 K

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our resilience in certain situations. Experience helps that I guess. Just how we typically don't get too flustered as games get further down the road.  A lot of that comes from senior-leadership.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Weird feeling. Over 22 BBs in the game and 16 runs scored in the seventh inning. When you thought you'd seen it all .....

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Sweet 16 baseball - when playing baseball after school is out - great stuff. This is Minster's eighth Regional trip in my tenure and eighth in school history. Never gets old. Happy for the kids that put the time in and love the game. Making baseball important to them and Minster's youth programs that look up to these guys. Really important in getting better.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Fort Loramie is really good this year. Russia has a lot returning from last year's state final.  Know nothing about Fairfield Christian.

Fort Loramie

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 19
Highest Ranking: No. 8 - Week 1
Postseason History: After reaching state three times in four years (2007-2010), Fort Loramie has not won regionals in seven season

Team Stats:

• .367 AVG, 180 Runs

Top Players:

• Carter Mescher, LF, Junior - .525, 1HR, 17 SBs
• Dylan Albers, CF, Senior - .470, 3HR, 19 SBs
• CJ Billing , P/3B, Junior - .370, 25 RBIs | 4-2, 2.91 ERA
• Jared Middendorf, P/1B, Junior - .381, 2 HR  20 RBIs | 6-2, 51 Ks, 2.75 ERA
• Nathan Raterman,  P/1B, Junior - .393 
• Eli Rosengarten, SS, Junior - .375
• Mike Hoying, 3B,  Senior - .350
• Devin Wehrman, RF,  Junior - .400
• Shane Hilgefort, 2B, Junior - .333
• Mason Kemper, RHP,  Junior - 4-1, 3.25 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like that we’ve fixed weaknesses from earlier in the season and that we are playing good baseball right now. We’ve persevered through a tournament schedule that has featured very tough opponents.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It’s gratifying to see this team get a District title. With all the hard work through the winter and spring, it’s a well-earned and well deserved accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be returning to the regionals again this year. It’s a great honor for our team. We hope to continue playing good baseball and compete with 3 other exceptionally talented teams.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Minster and Russia were in the state title game last year. They are both outstanding teams. Cincinnati Christian is young, but with a solid offense and athleticism.

Russia

Record: 19-8
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: Next 10
Highest Ranking: No. 10 - Week 3
Postseason History: Ended 42-year regional title drought a year ago

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

Cincinnati Christian

Record: 15-7
Final Ranking: Next 10
Preseason Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking: Next 10 - Week 5
Postseason History: Regional championship trophy number one is the goal after winning first district championship

Team Stats:

• .295 AVG, 206 Runs
• 4.38 ERA, 161 K

Top Players: (To view stats, click here)

• Mitchell Smith-Jr
• Alex Bertram-Fr
• Alex Johnson-So
• Jacob Carroll-Jr
• Winston Spencer-So
• Cody Anderson-Fr
• Connor Ploetz-Fr
• Bryce Jungkunz-Fr
• Tim Carnagi-Fr

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a “gritty” team. The boys have a saying…”all for one” and they have been that way all year. Our younger guys are maturing at the right time, and that has been huge for us.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We won on a walk off bunt…it was an incredible feeling, I knew they would fight till the end and they would never give up. We were the home team and we were down one run going into the bottom of the 7th….they found a way to win. Again, their “never give up” attitude pushed them to victory.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is great for our school and our community. Our AD is driving a “fan bus” to our game on Thursday….the school is really excited. Our program will build off of this year’s success.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We have the 2017 runner-up and winner in our bracket, so we know we have to bring our A game. These teams have a lot more experience in these situations. But our boys will be ready to play. They have played hard every game all year, and I’m sure they will do it again.

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 can’t say enough about my coaching staff. Coach Gunter and Coach Castator have been a huge help this year. They have been along on this journey, and they deserve the recognition as well. When we started this year, I didn’t know what to expect. I had two seniors and 6 freshman! But….the freshman have learned how to play varsity baseball from the upperclassmen, and as I said earlier, their contributions have been critical to our success down the stretch and in the tournament. I know my team will give everything they have every inning…as a coach, that is all you can ask for.

A Look Back At The 2017 Season:

To view the 2017 Team Previews, click here.

To view the OHSAA Baseball Tournament Roundup, click below.

• State Final Four Roundup
• State Final Four Scouting Notebook
  • News, notes and numbers from each of the top prospects at state
• ABC's of the OHSAA State Tournament
• 6th Annual Top 22 All-Tournament Team

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

• Elite 25
• Division I
• Division II
• Division III
• Division IV

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

• Division I
• Division II
• Division III
• Division IV