Prep Baseball Report

2024 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division IV


Dylan Hefflinger and PBR Ohio Staff
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/Advanced Scout

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2024 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division IV

Division IV State and Regional Tournament Bracket

Division IV Preview

Region 13 - Louisville

Region Overview: Lake Center Christian jumped to a 12-0 lead and held off Dalton 12-7 for its second straight regional berth and third in school history. Nathan Bryant did not give up an earned run in 6-plus innings and was 3-3 at the plate. Matt Warder also had three hits for Lake Center, which had outpointed the opposition 39-0 before the six-run sixth by Dalton. … Hillsdale rallied past  Mapleton 9-6 in the district semifinals and then rolled over Ashtabula St. John 15-1 in the district finals. … Freddie Bolchalk fanned nine in a 2-0 shutout of Mineral Ridge to give Warren JFK its fourth consecutive district title. Santino Ciambotti had an RBI single and scored a run for JFK. who has lost two games this season to fellow regional participant Lake Center Christian. Jaden Rishel, one of five players still around from the 2021 state championship game, struck out eight in a 6-1 win over Maplewood in the district semis. … Like JFK, Tiffin Calvert is also at regionals for the fourth year in a row. Caden Otterbacher went five innings in an 8-1 win over Gibsonburg in the district title game with Jacob Kidwell tossing two scoreless innings in relief for Calvert, a state semifinalist a year ago after beating Lake Center Christian 4-2 in the regional semis last year and JFK 4-2 in the finals. Blake Coleman, who has set the Calvert all-time record with 45 hits this season, went the distance in the semifinal 8-3 victory over Norwalk St. Paul to tie the school mark with 22 career wins. 

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Lake Center Christian over Hillsdale
  • Tiffin Calvert over Warren JFK
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Tiffin Calvert

Fan Vote:

  • Lake Center Christian over Hillsdale
  • Tiffin Calvert over Warren JFK
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lake Center Christian

#1 Lake Center Christian

Record: 26-1
Head Coach: Shane Byler
Final Ranking:
No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

  • 3rd district title in school history

Top Players:

    • Grant Coblentz, RF/LHP, 2027
    • Matt Warder, CF, 2024
    • Harrison Coblentz, 2B, 2024
    • Nathan Bryant, P/DH, 2026
    • Dylan Maninga, C/P, 2024
    • Caleb Shelly, 3B/RHP, 2027
    • Braidon Miller, 1B, 2025
    • Tanner Norman, SS, 2024
    • Luke Heckert, LF, 2026
    • Colton Smilek, C, 2027
    • Brayden Myers, RHP, 2026

      Coach's Thoughts:

      PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
      Coach: We've played good baseball all year, but we're truly peaking at the right time.

      PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
      Coach: We enjoyed it, but our guys are now excited for what's most important...the next one. That's the approach we've had all year.

      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
      Coach: We're grateful for the opportunity and man are we excited!

      PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
      Coach: Quality teams with quality players and coaches that we really look forward to competing against.

      #27 Hillsdale

      Record: 17-10
      Head Coach: Jay Snow
      Final Ranking:
      No. 27
      Preseason Ranking: No. 33
      Postseason History:

      • ?

      Top Players:

        • Jack Fickes, P, 2024
        • Brock Bower, 2B, 2026
        • Owen Hoffman, 3B, 2024
        • Braylen Jarvis, C, 2024
        • Kael Lewis, SS, 2027
        • Brady Heller, RF, 2026
        • Aiden Hoffman, LF/P, 2026
        • Gavin Casdorph, CF/P, 2024
        • Byron Bickel, 1B, 2024
        • Drake Stubbs, P

          Coach's Thoughts:

          PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
          Coach: I love our guys confidence and focus right now. They are playing hard and enjoying the game.

          PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
          Coach: Excitement and pride flowed from our guys. They had some ups and downs and have hit a positive stretch now. For me I am so proud of these young men.

          PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
          Coach: We are super excited. We know Lake Center is a terrific team who have been amazing this year. We are focused on doing what we do. Put it all out there and see what happens.

          PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
          Coach: We are familiar with most as we have had our runs and these teams have had great traditions and we are proud to be part of some great teams to battle in this regional!

          #19 Warren JFK

          Record: 18-8
          Head Coach: Jim Ciambotti
          Final Ranking:
          No. 19
          Preseason Ranking: No. 24
          Postseason History:

          • 7th district title in school history.

          Top Players:

          • Caleb Hadley, C, 2024
          • Jaden Rishel, P, 2024
          • Fredie Bolchalk, P, 2025
          • Santino Ciambotti, 3B, 2024 
          • Michael Condoleon, SS, 2024
          • Dom Ryan, 1B/OF, 2025
          • Michael Bartoe, RF/LF, 2025
          • Andrew LaPolla LHP/LF/CF, 2026
          • Nico Ciminaro, 2B, 2024

          Coach's Thoughts:

          PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
          Coach: I like our pitching and defense. 

          PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
          Coach: Awesome feeling. It’s great knowing we can go back and give ourselves a chance in the regionals.

          PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
          Coach: It’s an honor. I’ve had a lot of good players here for four years. You don’t win without players. Me and my staff just try to put them in a great position to succeed. We have experience. We’ve seen Calvert. They went to 4-0 lead, we made it 4-2 and had bases loaded in sixth but couldn’t push anything else across. 

          PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
          Coach: This is going to be one of the toughest regionals in the state. Tiffin Calvert’s record speaks for itself. They’ve been there, done that. They beat us last year. We witnessed the Lake Christian program grow. They’re very well coached. They’re the best team we’ve played. We’re going to have to play our best baseball.

          #2 Tiffin Calvert

          Record: 23-5
          Head Coach: Matt Coleman
          Final Ranking:
          No. 2
          Preseason Ranking: No. 2
          Postseason History:

          • 9th district title in school history

          Top Players:

            • Blake Coleman, RHP/SS, 2025
            • AJ Shoemaker, RF/DH/RHP, 2026
            • Caden Otterbacher, CF/RHP, 2024
            • Connor Moyer, C, 2026
            • Cameron Moyer, 1B, 2026
            • Jacob Kidwell, SS/RF/RHP, 2026
            • Harrison Shultz, LF, 2024
            • Cash Lee, RF/CF, 2026
            • Logan RItzler, 2B/RHP, 2026
            • Jamison Godfrey, 3B/2B, 2024

              Coach's Thoughts:

              PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
              Coach: We are just generally competing better right now as our young guys continue to gain experience and learn how to approach at-bats.

              PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
              Coach: We were fortunate to compete against some good competition and pitching in our District and thrilled to be moving on to represent NW Ohio in the Northeast Regional. We do not take anything for granted in this great game of baseball.

              PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
              Coach: It's always a special feeling to be able to be playing and representing our school in June, even though school is out for summer. Louisville has great facilities and we will enjoy the experience, compete to the best of our ability and leave it all on the field!

              PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
              Coach: Great competition all the way around as all four teams have been there multiple times in the last 4 years, including each of the last 4 years for both JFK and ourselves. That being said, I believe all 4 teams will be excited for the opportunity to compete.

              PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
              Coach: We are so thankful for the opportunity to play the game and we hope to make the community proud by showing everyone that Division 4 Baseball in Ohio has tremendous student-athletes that play the game hard.


                Region 2 - Elida

                Region Overview: Leipsic stunned Lincolnview 3-2, rallying for three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning after being no-hit through six. Nick Schroeder had the walkoff hit for the Vikings, which went on to beat Patrick Henry 13-5 in the district finals. … Riverdale rolled past McComb in the district finals and will now get its shot at revenge against Leipsic, which won the previous meeting 4-3 back on April 5. This will be the first trip to regionals for Riverdale since 2000. … Montpelier is headed to regionals for the first time since 2003 after eliminating Hilltop 12-5 in the district finals. Jaxon Richmond, who had thrown only six innings all season, gave up just two earned runs in the complete game effort. Landon Fackler had two singles and drove in three for the Locos, the Buckeye Border Conference champions. … While everyone has heard that Marion Local outfielder Griffin Burns tagged out a runner at home against Fort Recovery, it was Fort Recovery pulling off an 11-3 win and a regional berth. The sixth-place team in the Midwest Athletic Conference barely survived prior to the district finals, edging Convoy Crestview 2-1 in the sectionals and rallying past Parkway 12-8 in the district semis.

                For Fun Prediction:

                Dylan Hefflinger

                • Riverdale over Leipsic
                • Fort Recovery over Montpelier
                  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Riverdale

                Fan Vote:

                • Leipsic over Riverdale
                • Fort Recovery over Montpelier
                  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Leipsic

                #13 Leipsic

                Record: 24-2
                Head Coach: Darren Henry
                Final Ranking:
                No. 13
                Preseason Ranking: NR
                Postseason History:

                • ?

                Top Players:

                  • Quin Schroeder, C, 2024
                  • Tommy Offenbacher, RHP/SS, 2025
                  • Ethan Zeisloft, 3B, 2024
                  • Trent Siefker, SS, 2024
                  • Tyler Lammers, CF, 2025
                  • Colin Niese, 1B, 2027
                  • Nick Schroeder, 2B/P, 2025
                  • Myles Camareno, DH, 2027
                  • Avery Paris, RF, 2027
                  • Gavin Bryan, LF, 2024

                    Coach's Thoughts:

                    PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                    Coach: Always special to win a district title.

                    PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                    Coach: Obviously, all 4 teams are playing good baseball at the right time.

                    #16 Riverdale

                    Record: 23-6
                    Head Coach: Drew Bostic
                    Final Ranking:
                    No. 16
                    Preseason Ranking: No. 20
                    Postseason History:

                    • 3rd district title in school history.

                    Top Players:

                      • Evan Reiter, P
                      • Alex Russler
                      • Gauge King, P
                      • Cameron Furr, P
                      • Lex Weber
                      • Justin Gonzales
                      • Kydin Reed
                      • Loukas Carter
                      • Mason Guckes

                        Coach's Thoughts:

                        PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                        Coach: We’re doing the 3 things that we focus on daily. Playing defense, pitching, and timely hitting. 

                        PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                        Coach: Was a special moment for our kids. They were able to accomplish something that hadn’t been done in over two decades. 

                        PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                        Coach: It’s a great opportunity that the boys have seized. It continues to be one pitch, one play, and one out at a time. 

                        PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                        Coach: All four teams have done a great job of earning the right to be here. All four teams will competitive and it should be a lot of good baseball to watch to earn a right at the final 4. 

                        PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                        Coach: We’re playing good ball as a team. Getting to the next guy in the lineup unselfishly and defensively picking up our pitchers and backing them with good defense. Pitching staff has done a good job all year of making the opponent earn a base by putting the ball in play. We have to continue to do the three things we focus on. Pitch, play defense and have timely hitting. We want to continue to be the aggressor on both sides of the field and do the small things fundamentally sound and fast. 

                        #24 Montpelier

                        Record: 13-8
                        Head Coach: Toby Hutchison
                        Final Ranking:
                        No. 24
                        Preseason Ranking: No. 25
                        Postseason History:

                        • 5th district title in school history.

                        Top Players:

                        • Griffin Cooley, C, 2026
                        • Kenneth Smeltzer, UTIL/RHP, 2026
                        • Landon Fackler, SS/RHP, 2024
                        • Kamron Smith, OF/RHP, 2025
                        • Jaxon Richmond, 1B/RHP, 2024
                        • Jaxon Stahler, 2B/RHP, 2026
                        • Wesley Hartsock, 3B/RHP, 2027
                        • Gavyn Bass, RF, 2027
                        • Tyler Plourde, OF, 2025

                        Coach's Thoughts:

                        PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                        Coach: I think that right now we are finding out that we are a team that does not give up. The past couple of games we have faced adversity and been down in games. Our boys have clawed back into games and it’s been a fun thing to be a part of. Our bats have helped us to stay competitive and the boys have swiped a lot of bases which has caused some chaos for other teams. We have had mistakes and errors but we have still found a way to win, which is a great sign for us. 

                        PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                        Coach: We talked before our last game about how we wouldn’t accept losing. The feeling still hasn’t really worn off yet because it is something special, not only for the boys, but our community. My coaching staff and I have made it to the district championship game twice before this and fell short to some really good teams. I’m not really sure that even our kids understand just how big of a deal this is, which really isn’t surprising given the personalities of some of the young men on this team.

                        PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                        Coach: This is a great opportunity and a challenge for our program. It’s been a while since we have been back to regionals so it was almost like an unobtainable place for the kids until they realized just how close we have been. There have been several games early that we came up short to bigger schools and I think that showed the kids that we can play with anyone.

                        PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                        Coach: I think this postseason run has shown all of us that it is not necessarily the most talented or the highest rated team that wins the game that day. It’s just like I say all the time to our team, the team that shows up and plays will win. I have a ton of respect for the other three teams in our region and I don’t think that it’s unreasonable to say that anyone has a chance to win state. 

                        PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                        Coach: Coach: I give all of the credit to my staff (Eric Smeltzer, Ryan Yahraus, and Wes Rickenberg) because we couldn’t have gotten here without all the time and effort they have put into this season. There have been highs and lows over the years, but the feeling of finally making it over the hump makes it all worth it. I’d like to make mention of Hayden Sharps, who is one of the most hardworking and coachable kids in our program. Hayden sustained an injury that has ruled him out for the season in our league game against North Central. He has been to every game, made it out to our practices, and supported this team 100%. I know how much this hurts for him to not be able to be out playing with his teammates, but we are wishing him a quick and painless recovery over the next several months. It wouldn’t be right to not mention how thankful I am at the opportunity to coach some incredibly talented players and even better men over the last 8 years in my second stint coaching at Montpelier. The kids at our school have built our program back up through hard work and buying into a culture of winning. When I took over in 2017, I knew the pieces were there. My 2018 team won our first BBC championship, then 2019 followed in their footsteps winning back to back league championships and fell short to Antwerp in the district championship game. After the Covid year in 2020, the 2021 team became the winningest team in school history with a 20-7 record, winning the BBC and again making it to the district championship game. The 2022 team was one game away from another league championship, but the 2023 team made sure to bring the BBC championship back to Montpelier. Like I’ve said before, this town, the community, the people who make this whole thing work are special. We are on the cusp of something really special at Montpelier. In the fall, our golf program won the conference championship, volleyball won sectionals, and football made the state playoffs. In the winter, both boys and girls basketball took home league titles. Now, the Montpelier Softball team advanced to regionals, the track team has several individuals/teams moving on, and now us moving on. It’s a great time to be a Loco!

                        Fort Recovery

                        Record: 13-12
                        Head Coach: Kevin Eynik
                        Final Ranking:
                        NR
                        Preseason Ranking: NR
                        Postseason History:

                        • District titles in 2015 and 2016.

                        Top Players:

                          • ?

                            Coach's Thoughts:

                            PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                            Coach: Right now I like the energy and togetherness of our team. Everyone is contributing and involved in the success we've been having.

                            PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                            Coach: It was obviously very exciting to win the district. I am extremely happy for the team to experience the district title and the excitement of this tournament run. I am very proud of the team for their hard work to get this far.

                            PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                            Coach: Our team and staff are very excited about the opportunity to compete in the regionals and have the opportunity to keep playing baseball together.


                              Region 15 - Lancaster

                              Districts: Southeast 2 vs. Northwest 6 | Southeast 1 vs. East

                              Region Overview: Fairfield is headed to regionals for the first time in 22 years after beating Racine Southern 11-1. Cade Miller surrendered one earned run with 11 Ks in a 4-2 win over Ironton St. Joseph in the semifinals. … Bryan Chaffee reached on an error and eventually scored on a balk in the fifth inning and that was all Aaron Hauler needed as South Central edged Seneca East 1-0 in the district finals. South Central scored 11 unearned runs in a 12-3 win over Plymouth in the semifinals with Weston June and Chaffee each producing three hits. Eric Sanders threw a four-hitter for the win. … Reedsville Eastern has relied on pitching to reach the regionals, winning 10-0 over Corning Miller in the sectionals, 3-2 over Glouster Trimble in the district semis and 5-0 over South Webster in the district finals. … Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the sixth, Hiland’s Cody Yoder belted a grand slam sending the defending state champions to an 8-5 win over Strasburg-Franklin and a berth in the regionals. Prior to that game the Hawks had rolled over Bridgeport 18-0, Malvern 7-1 and Toronto 12-1 in tourney play.

                              For Fun Prediction:

                              Dylan Hefflinger

                              • Leesburg Fairfield over South Central
                              • Hiland over Reedsville Eastern
                                • REGIONAL CHAMP - Hiland

                              Fan Vote:

                              • Leesburg Fairfield over South Central
                              • Hiland over Reedsville Eastern
                                • REGIONAL CHAMP - Hiland

                              #12 Leesburg Fairfield

                              Record: 19-4
                              Head Coach: Kyle Zimmerman
                              Final Ranking:
                              No. 12
                              Preseason Ranking: No. 11
                              Postseason History:

                              • 4th district title in school history.

                              Top Players:

                                • Zane Matthews, SS/P, 2025
                                • Gabe Fouch, P/INF, 2024
                                • Cade Miller, 3B/P, 2024
                                • Corbin Willey, 1B, 2025
                                • Cody Frost, 2B, 2024
                                • Wyatt Willey, RF, 2024
                                • Blaine Fauber, C, 2025
                                • Carson Chandler, DH, 2026
                                • Corey Zimmerman, CF, 2025
                                • Nolan Campbell, LF, 2024

                                  Coach's Thoughts:

                                  PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                  Coach: 1st, maturity. We are fortunate enough to have five seniors who lead. They se the example. Behind that we have a strong underclass and the culture of family. A brotherhood if you will. 2nd, the fact that they understand that this is a game of redemption. Things will go wrong, and when they do they manage to play through them.

                                  PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                                  Coach: At first it was sheer excitement, the feeling that we finally crossed the hurdle that was in front of us. After that, motivation. We do not want to settle for just a district title and feel we have more to prove.

                                  PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                  Coach: The players and staff are excited to be here! We realize that there are tons of teams that would love to be in our position. With that being said, we want to make the best of this opportunity and make our community proud.

                                  PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                  Coach: Elite. Even though this is our first trip to the regionals in 22 years, we realize that you do not get here and not be elite. This level of play is going to be a challenge for all teams involved, and when you look around at the teams you realize you are in very special company.

                                  PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                  Coach: We are lucky to come from a very small town in southern Ohio where the community strongly supports our athletes and school system as a whole. We take pride in playing for our community and not just in front of it. As a head coach, I feel blessed to have an excellent coaching staff and a group of young men that I am privileged enough to lead to the regionals. Our goal throughout this has been to play for each other, our school, and the community that stands behind us. Without them, we couldn’t be here!

                                  #29 South Central

                                  Record: 17-8
                                  Head Coach: Nick Kirk
                                  Final Ranking:
                                  No. 29
                                  Preseason Ranking: NR
                                  Postseason History:

                                  • ?

                                  Top Players:

                                    • ?

                                      Coach's Thoughts:

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

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

                                      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                      Coach: ?

                                      PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                      Coach: ?

                                      PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                      Coach: ?

                                      #11 Reedsville Eastern

                                      Record: 21-6
                                      Head Coach: Chris Stewart
                                      Final Ranking:
                                      No. 11
                                      Preseason Ranking: NR
                                      Postseason History:

                                      • 8th district title in school history.

                                      Top Players:

                                      • Ethan Edwards, SS/RHP, 2026
                                      • Alex Collins, C, 2025
                                      • Peyton Buckley, CF/LHP, 2024
                                      • Caleb Abner, DH, 2026
                                      • Hunter Needs, RF, 2026
                                      • Lance Hensler, LF, 2025
                                      • Brady Rockhold, RHP, 2025
                                      • Rohwan Gilmore, 1B, 2025
                                      • Ayden Wilhelm, 2B, 2025
                                      • Lane Atha, 3B, 2026

                                      Coach's Thoughts:

                                      PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                      Coach: The team is playing focused and with love for one another. You never know who is going to be the one to step up on any given night and make the big play or have the big at bat. It could be anyone, and regardless of who it is, everyone has the same joy. 

                                      PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                                      Coach: It always feels good to win. Our guys had a big District semifinal win after 10 innings, vs. a conference opponent we had to beat for a third time. That was an emotional win, which almost made the District final was more business-like. We were one out away from a no-hitter in the District final before a base hit broke it up. That also may have contributed to the conflicted feelings. Still, everyone was excited and looking forward to advancing. 

                                      PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                      Coach: It's an honor and a privilege to still be playing baseball at this time of year, so we are going to cherish it and not take a single moment for granted. 

                                      PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                      Coach: We have the defending state champion in our field, which we play in the Regional semi. Of course, that is a challenge. But regardless, at this level, every team is going to be able to hit well, pitch well, and field it well. The margin for error just gets smaller and smaller. 

                                      PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                      Coach: We appreciate your support of our high school athletes and their goals. 

                                      #3 Hiland

                                      Record: 23-5
                                      Head Coach: Chris Dages
                                      Final Ranking:
                                      No. 3
                                      Preseason Ranking: No. 1
                                      Postseason History:

                                      • 13th district title in school history.

                                      Top Players:

                                        • Caden Coblentz, P, 2025
                                        • Cody Yoder, 2024
                                        • Colin Coblentz, 2025
                                        • Brady Yoder, P, 2024
                                        • Kaden Kandel, P, 2025
                                        • Danny Hostetler, 2025
                                        • Grady Monigold, 2026
                                        • Logan Yoder, 2026
                                        • Connor Beachy, 2024
                                        • Finn Schneider, P, 2024

                                          Coach's Thoughts:

                                          PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                          Coach: We are playing really clean defense right now. Guys are locked in behind our pitchers, ready to make plays. We are also taking some great approaches to the plate too. 

                                          PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                                          Coach: Winning a district title isn't an easy task. These guys battled some tough teams and faced adversity for the opportunity to compete at the regional level. 

                                          PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                          Coach: It is unique every time you get to compete at his level. All the teams are good and you need to bring your best if you want to compete.

                                          PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                          Coach: All teams at this level are going to be very good. They all have the ability to put the ball in play and throw a strong starting pitching on the mound.

                                          PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                          Coach: Thank you to the community and parents for their support of the program. The coaches and players have all worked very hard to get to this point and I appreciate their dedication. 


                                            Region 16 - Cincinnati

                                            Region Overview: Garrett Harvey drove in Drew Hammond with the winning run in the bottom of the eighth in Northmor’s 2-1 win over Mechanicsburg in the district semifinals. Grant Bentley and Trevor Brubaker combined on a four-hitter in the semis and Northmor went on to defeat Fairfield Christian Academy 9-3 in the finals. … Russia, last year’s state runners-up and the 2022 state champs, have not been tested in the tournament so far, beating Triad 10-0 in the sectional finals and Twin Valley South 13-3 in the district semis before a 20-1 win over Felicity Franklin in the district finals. Ben Rinderle had a three-run homer helping Russia to its seventh straight trip to regionals. … Bradford knocked off Newton 7-5 in a battle of Western Ohio Athletic Conference foes for a berth in the regionals. … Judah Simmons fanned 12 and allowed just three hits in pitching Troy Christian past Fort Loramie 8-0 for the first district title in school history. Troy Christian has yet to allow a run in the tournament, blanking Sidney Lehman Catholic 5-0 in sectionals and shutting out South Charleston Southeastern 4-0 in the district semis. 

                                            For Fun Prediction:

                                            Dylan Hefflinger

                                            • Russia over Northmor
                                            • Bradford over Troy Christian
                                              • REGIONAL CHAMP - Russia

                                            Fan Vote:

                                            • Russia over Northmor
                                            • Troy Christian over Bradford
                                              • REGIONAL CHAMP - Russia

                                            #9 Northmor

                                            Record: 23-6
                                            Head Coach: Buck Workman
                                            Final Ranking:
                                            No. 9
                                            Preseason Ranking: No. 7
                                            Postseason History:

                                            • 2nd district title in school history
                                            • 1st regional appearance since 1995

                                            Top Players:

                                            • Grant Bentley, SS/P, 2024
                                            • Cole Cuffman, 2B, 2025
                                            • Drew Hammond, 3B/P, 2024
                                            • Billy Bowlin, RF, 2026
                                            • Jack Bowdre, 1B, 2027
                                            • Garrett Harvey, C, 2024
                                            • Trevor Brubaker, P, 2026
                                            • Nicholas Armrose, DH, 2025
                                            • Caiden Martinez, CF, 2024

                                            Coach's Thoughts:

                                            PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                            Coach: Pitching and Defense have been solid and our bats are coming around.

                                            PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                                            Coach: Was a great feeling to get one after being so close last year.

                                            PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                            Coach: Russia is a perennial powerhouse and we’re just excited for the opportunity to compete against them.

                                            PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                            Coach: Anyone is capable of beating anyone at this juncture.

                                            PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                            Coach: The players and coaches just appreciate all the support our community provides for all of our teams. They’re the best!

                                            #4 Russia

                                            Record: 25-4
                                            Head Coach: Kevin Phlipot
                                            Final Ranking:
                                            No. 4
                                            Preseason Ranking: No. 5
                                            Postseason History:

                                            • ?

                                            Top Players:

                                              • ?

                                                Coach's Thoughts:

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

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

                                                PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                                Coach: ?

                                                PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                                Coach: ?

                                                PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                                Coach: ?

                                                #22 Bradford

                                                Record: 19-9
                                                Head Coach: Derrick Skinner
                                                Final Ranking:
                                                No. 22
                                                Preseason Ranking: NR
                                                Postseason History:

                                                • 3rd district title in school history (back to back).

                                                Top Players:

                                                • Tucker Miller, P, 2024
                                                • Trey Schmelzer, 2024
                                                • Garrett Trevino, 2024
                                                • Landon Wills, P, 2024
                                                • Owen Canan, P, 2025
                                                • Colton Gambill, 2026
                                                • Hudson Hill, 2024
                                                • Gage Shafer, 2026
                                                • Rallie Wirrig, 2027
                                                • Treyl Manuel, P, 2025
                                                • Desmond Keels, P, 2027

                                                Coach's Thoughts:

                                                PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
                                                Coach: Effort, resilience and team focus

                                                PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
                                                Coach: It was a great feeling to go back-to-back especially with the most challenging route of anyone in our district.

                                                PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                                Coach: Looking forward to applying what we've learned throughout the year to tournament success.

                                                PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                                Coach: Great teams with winning cultures and great pitching remain. 

                                                PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                                Coach: Season started with 1 win and 2 losses, followed by 11 wins and 2 losses. Our league chances faded after our 2nd league loss (both by 1 run) to D3 Dixie and D3 Arcanum. After the Dixie loss, this is the point in the year where we refocused our mindset to tourney preparation. Our 14-7 record earned us a #4 seed at the tournament draw. During the draw several teams came into our bracket as soon as the byes were taken. This means we played the highest possible seed at each round. Riverside #13, Cedarville #6 and Newton #3. This team won Bradford’s 5th Sectional Championship and 3rd District Championship in school history. As you can tell by our twitter communications the town always rallies around successful sports teams and comes out with great support.

                                                Troy Christian

                                                Record: 10-15
                                                Head Coach: Tony Ferraro
                                                Final Ranking:
                                                NR
                                                Preseason Ranking: NR
                                                Postseason History:

                                                • ?

                                                Top Players:

                                                  • ?

                                                    Coach's Thoughts:

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

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

                                                    PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
                                                    Coach: ?

                                                    PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
                                                    Coach: ?

                                                    PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
                                                    Coach: ?

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