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By Dylan Hefflinger
Editor in Chief/NW Scout

Ohio Spring baseball always seems to fly by and in 2017 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 64-Team Preview for all the teams across the Buckeye State.

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

To view the 2017 Preseason All-State Selections, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

Interested in nominating someone for the 2017 All-State Teams, please click here.

To see in-game video, scouting notes and much more, visit the 2017 Scout Blog.

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

To discuss the 2017 OHSAA Tournament as well as any sort of high school baseball talk, visit our partner JJHuddle.

2017 OHSAA  Baseball Tournament - Regional Preview

Team Rankings based on the Final Team Rankings

Division I

Division I, Region 1 - Canton 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Mentor

Record: 17-9
Final Ranking: No. 38
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 38 - Final
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .312 AVG, 180 R 
• 1.83 ERA, 157 K

Top Players:

• Nick Smith: .444 AVG, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 28 RBIs, 26 R. 37.2 IP, 6-1, 0.55 ERA, 32 K
• Nathan Birtley: .379 AVG, 6 2B, 2 3B, 23 RBIs, 31 R
• Tommy Noll: .373 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 27 RBIs, 17 R
• Matt Detering: .365 AVG, 10 2B, 3 3B, 23 RBIs, 15 R
• John Kaprosy: 25.1 IP, 3-1, 1.10 ERA, 30 K
• Justin Wilson: 20.2 IP, 3-3, 1.01 ERA, 20 K
• Squire Chapman: 33 IP, 3-2, 2.33 ERA, 42 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Jeff: This team works extremely hard, they spent their summer playing in several different travel organizations and in winter conditioning and prepping for the upcoming season. They are a very veteran lead ball club with 11 seniors. Early on we had injuries and did not have a full roster till the beginning of May. When we got a couple of those players back things seemed to turn around. This group is very competitive and very and very relaxed. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Jeff: It is a great accomplishment for us to get back to regionals. The last time we were there was in 2014, and our guys are excited to play and see where it goes.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Jeff: With 10 seniors there is a lot of leadership. It feels like we have coaches all over the diamond. They all share in the responsibility of leading.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Jeff: It’s a tough field. Aurora, Walsh, and Jackson ... does it get any better?

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Jeff: Right now we are getting contributions from everyone. It has been a total team effort.

Aurora

Record: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 20 - Final
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .329 AVG, 183 Runs
• 1.98 ERA, 136 K

Top Players:

• Evan Fromwiller: .388 AVG, 6 2B, 2 3B, 20 RBIs, 25 R, 14 SB
• Bubba Arslanian: .371 AVG, 10 2B, 2 HR, 22 RBIs, 20 R
• Joe Capretta: .358 AVG, 3 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBIs, 13 R
• Jonathan Blue: .345 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 8 RBIs, 29 R, 13 SB
• Drew McVay: .333 AVG, 10 RBIs, 12 R, 9 SB
• Brent Henderson: .313 AVG, 5 2B, 20 RBIs, 11 R
• Jacob Blue: .301 AVG, 5 2B, 12 RBIs, 25 R
• Ben Stawicki: .297 AVG, 5 2B, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 5 R
• Zachary Elsawy: 34.1 IP, 3-1, 1.83 ERA, 30 K
• Chase Coady: 25.1 IP, 3-1, 1.93 ERA, 21 K
• Jaret Rose: 25 IP, 4-1, 1.96 ERA, 17 K
• Michael Sapp: 24 IP, 4-1, 2.92 ERA, 23 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Michael: The 2016 season was a developmental year after we graduated double digit amount of seniors from the 2015 Final Four team, a team which had 7 players go on to play college baseball.  We knew that we would have some bumps in the road playing a lot of sophomores and juniors last season, but give them credit as they worked tremendously hard and kept getting better in all facets of the game during the off-season.  With that hard work, they are now reaping the benefits and continuing to build Aurora into a great baseball program.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Michael: Winning the Hudson District is not easy task; as a matter of fact, there could be an argument that is may be the toughest district in the state.  We beat three quality teams in Shaker Heights, Hudson, and Solon to get to this point.  All 3 of those teams are well coached and the players play disciplined baseball so I am very proud of our guys to get to this point and hopefully go further.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Michael: Seniors have done an outstanding job of carrying the torch of the Aurora Baseball program from the seniors on the 2015 team.  They are great leaders and truly care about the well-being our program and their teammates.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Michael: Looking forward to the opportunity of our players playing Mentor.  When you at this point in time, you know the quality of the opponent will be outstanding and that’s not different in our regional field with Mentor, Jackson, and Walsh Jesuit.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Michael: Aurora was down both to Hudson and Solon in districts but found a way to battle some adversity and earn come from behind victories.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Michael: Very proud moment for Aurora being such a small Division 1 school that our baseball program has really done a great job yet again of getting this far and hopefully further.  Our community, school, and all associated with this town are excited for Regionals.   

Walsh Jesuit

Record: 19-8
Final Ranking: No. 29
Preseason Ranking: No. 29
Highest Ranking: No. 29 - Preseason
Postseason History: 13th regional trip in 21 seasons

Top Players:

• Brendan Regan: .427/2/25, 8.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 SV, 10 K
• Jace Burke: 41 IP, 6-0, 0.68 ERA, 55 K. .373/1/12

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Chris: Overall our 2017 team has grown throughout the season a great deal, we have a young squad being led well by a small group of graduating seniors. We hovered at around the .500 mark for the first several weeks, and we excited to be playing some very good baseball by our young team at this point in the season.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Chris: We are thrilled and honored to have advanced to this competitive regional with this young group.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Chris: Our team captains, Jace Burke, Alex Weitman, and Brendan Regan have done an exceptional job leading this young team.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Chris: We have a remarkable field of teams in our highly competitive regional. We have a rich history of very competitive games with Massillon Jackson and have great respect for their program.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Chris: 2 complete games thus far from senior University of Evansville recruit Jace Burke, and a remarkable tournament thus far from Michigan State University recruit Brendan Regan. A tremendous outing in the district championship game by sophomore RHP Yassir Kahook.

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.
Chris: We have had solid contributions in our tournament run from Sophomore Wright State University recruit Nate Stahl, Junior Nolan Quinn, Junior Easton Kindall, Freshman Stanley Kaczmar, Sophomore Nick Vaccaro, Junior Matt Lobeck, Senior Alex Weitman, Junior Drew Wilkinson, Junior Cameron Burford, Senior John Carrol recruit Kasey Anzelc, and Junior Kevin Jarvis.

Massillon Jackson

Record: 26-2
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2-Final
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .343 AVG, 187 Runs
• 1.64 ERA, 216 K

Top Players:

• Dillon Dingler: .419 AVG, 12 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 27 RBIs, 31 R, 10 SB
• Cade Mottice: .398 AVG, 9 2B, 13 RBIs, 21 R
• Trey Wright: .369 AVG, 3 2B, 2 3B, 16 RBIs, 14 R
• Ben Warren: .352 AVG, 2 2B, 11 RBIs, 12 R. 31.2 IP, 4-2, 1 SV, 2.65 ERA, 27 K
• Jake Mottice: .351 AVG, 1 2B, 1 3B, 16 RBIs, 27 R, 12 SB
• Kyle Nicolas: .347 AVG, 4 2B, 17 RBIs, 11 R. 42 IP, 6-0, 1 SV, 0.50 ERA, 62 K
• Davis Graham: .345 AVG, 3 2B, 1 HR, 16 RBIs, 15 R
• Nick Harrison: .342 AVG, 1 2B, 12 RBIs, 7 R
• Yanni Skeriotis: 39 IP, 7-0, 1.79 ERA, 45 K
• Cooper Pastorius: 27 IP, 4-0, 1.56 ERA, 31 K
• Jack White: 23 IP, 2 SV, 1.52 ERA, 28 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Bill: We are very proud to represent the Federal League and Stark Co at the regional level. This senior class has one 4 straight District titles. After graduating 12 (10 playing college baseball) in 2016 this senior class really committed themselves this offseason and preseason to getting back to Munson. This is our program's 10th regional apprearance and 4th in a row.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Bill: Kyle Nicolas and Dillon Dingler both were part of the 2017 State Basketball Championship Team and have carried that passion and competitiveness over to our baseball team. Our senior class along with with key contributions from our underclassman have put us in this position.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Bill: This Regional has four teams all capable of getting to the Final Four. All four have had much success in the past in recent tournament play.

Division I, Region 2 - Dublin 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Hilliard Darby

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Week 2
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Cory Brooks
• Tyler Chumita
• Kristian Amaro
• Bryce Stultz

Olentangy Orange

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: No. 34
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Jason Schutte, 1B, .391 AVG,  .476 OBP, 27 R
• Matt Poole, SS, .398 AVG,  .485 OBP, 24 R
• Tyler Brown, P, .377 AVG, 5 2B, 5 HR, 22 RBIs
• Zack Stiteler, C,.417 AVG, 7 2B, 1 HR, 31 RBIs
• Logan Moss, 2B, .250 AVG
• Garrett O’Reilly, 3B, .329 AVG
• Robbie Dayhuff, LF, 2019
• Ben Miller, CF, 2018
• Cole Callaghan, RF, 2018
• Tyler Ross, DH, 2019

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Phillip: Most of team back from (24-4) team last year. 8 losses include 5 1-run losses and 2 2-run losses

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Phillip: Jason Schutte (West Liberty) and Garrett O’Reilly (Bluffton) have led a very talented group that includes the following - Tyler Brown (Vanderbilt), Matt Poole (Ohio Wesleyan), Logan Moss (Ashland) and Zack Stiteler (undecided).

Big Walnut

Record: 23-5
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 1
Postseason History:

• Austin Becker
• Henry von Hollen
• Jake Foster
• Connor Gerren

Gahanna Lincoln

Record: 16-7
Final Ranking: No. 27
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 2
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Cael Baker
• Jackson Wolf
• Mitchel Megias
• Major Belli
• Carl Turner
• Mason Coleman
• Josh Oddi

Division I, Region 3 - Bowling Green/Parma 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Strongsville

Record: 22-8
Final Ranking: No. 30
Preseason Ranking: No. 19
Highest Ranking: No. 19 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• C, Parker Shannon
• LF, Jack Frank
• CF/RHP, Alex Gray
• 1B, Noah Trizzino
• 2B, Trevor Denning
• LHP, Jaret Beechy
• RHP, Matt Brosky
• SS/RHP, Mitch Midea

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Douglas: We started the season 0-4 but since the losses were to some of the better teams around the state (Moeller, Mason, Hoban, and Solon) and because of the work our guys put in the weight room, our confidence wasn't shaken. Following the four game losing streak, we ran off ten straight wins, including two wins against Medina and Brunswick and single wins against Walsh Jesuit, Mentor, and St. Ignatius. The streak ended with an incredibly close one-run loss to Massillon Jackson. If our kids questioned whether they could play with anyone in the state before that game, there was full belief after it. We're 22-4 since that 0-4 start.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Douglas: Of course advancing to regionals is a tremendous accomplishment, especially when you have to go through a program as good as St. Ignatius. They are incredibly talented on the mound and as consistently mentally tough as anyone in Northeast Ohio. I'd like to think we matched that toughness after we fell down 1-0 in the 6th and were able to respond to the adversity the game gave us.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Douglas: All of our seniors contribute some type of leadership. This team has so much trust in one another that there's almost a sense of collective leadership between those seven guys. Parker Shannon doesn't say a lot but leads by example. When he does say something, everyone takes notice. Noah Trizzino is even quieter but his consistent work ethic and focus is noted by his teammates. Alex Gray was quiet until this year but he's since emerged as one of our vocal leaders. He's willing to speak up and have the uncomfortable conversation a leader sometimes has to have with one of his teammates. Jaret Beechy really emerged as one willing to speak his mind in the offseason and has emerged as the go-to voice on the pitching staff. Louis Rahm is willing to remind teammates to work if they're just hanging around waiting to be told what to do. Zach Kasian is one to both keep guys loose and show his teammates how hard they have to work before, during, and after practice. Kyler Damm plays incredibly hard and when he makes a big play, especially on the bases, his energy is infectious. These seven guys have set the example of what is expected of a Strongsville Baseball player.  We would be significantly weaker without any one of our seven seniors.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Douglas:

• We know the least about this year's Perrysburg team but I was quite impressed when I saw their district final victory over Anthony Wayne. They played very good defense, made Anthony Wayne make plays against their short game, and threw a ton of strikes. I don't know Coach Hall personally but we are very well aware of how good his program is year-in and year-out. Thursday is going to be a battle.
• We played Avon about a week and a half ago and beat them 3-2 but they didn't have all of their regular starters in the lineup. The Reynolds kid put a couple very good swings on the ball and his approach at the plate is impressive. D'Andrea didn't play that day until a late pinch hitting appearance and we know how good he is. On the mound they held us in check also. They're a deep, veteran team that will be very tough.
• We know the most about Medina. We played them 3 times this year, going 2-1. Their top pitcher Fryer has a good fastball/breaking ball mix. They have another 3 or 4 guys behind him that can throw the ball well also. I think their most impressive facet is how they swing the bats. Their lineup is deep and Trace Peterson has had as good of a year as anyone in Northeast Ohio at the plate. Cade Pipoly also has consistently had good at-bats against us.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Douglas: We were tied 0-0 in the district final after 5 innings against St. Ignatius. They scored 1 in the top of the 6th before we came back to score 6 in the bottom of the 6th in a 6-1 win. Each guy in the lineup contributed in some way that inning, as we sent 12 guys to the plate. Also, we have only given up 1 run so far in tournament play. All three tournament games have been complete games for our starting pitchers thus far (Beechy 5 inning CG vs. Rhodes, Beechy 5 inning CG vs. Normandy, and Brosky 7 inning CG vs. St. Ignatius).  

Perrysburg

Record: 16-11
Final Ranking: No. 42
Preseason Ranking: No. 27
Highest Ranking: No. 38 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Tyson Kleinfelter
• Griffin Parrill
• Alec Thacker
• Matt Murphy
• Grant Delas
• Nikolas Mancy
• Jake Krueger
• Mike Murphy
• Connor Meredith
• Carson Vrzal
• Payton Faris

Avon

Record: 23-5
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 49
Highest Ranking: No. 8 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Logan Doenges
• Ethan St. Clair
• Nathan Brooks
• Jake Egger
• Neil Strodtbeck
• Matt Kelly
• Tommy Kocar
• Taylor Reynolds
• Stephen Ciarniello
• William Laurendeau
• Tanner Egger

Medina

Record: 15-15
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 33
Highest Ranking: No. 33 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .311 AVG, 169 Runs
• 3.21 ERA

Top Players:

• Trace Peterson: .493 AVG, 7 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 40 RBIs, 24 R
• Cade Pipoly: .407 AVG, 11 2B, 2 3B, 18 RBIs, 25 R. 22 IP, 3-1, 0.95 ERA, 17 K
• Hunter Havekost: .406 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 15 RBIs, 38 R
• Aaron Masek, .325 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 23 RBIs, 12 R
• Chris Fryer: .318 AVG, 5 2B, 2 3B, 17 RBI, 17 R. 37 IP, 5-1, 2.06 ERA, 36 K
• Garrett McLead: 26.1 IP, 2.12 ERA, 1-1, 21 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Nick: This team has put in many hours of work in the weight room, cage and on the field. Things finally came together mid-to-late season and they won 9 of their last 10 games. The only loss being to Solon in the conference tournament championship game. We took a 4-2 lead in the 6th inning, but gave up 6 runs. This game was the Tuesday prior to our Thursday and Friday sectional games and we were holding back pitchers.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Nick: Our goal mid-season was to make it to regionals. The pieces and parts were there, we just had to get them working together as a machine/team. I am not surprised that these guys made the run that they have made. We play a really tough schedule. 5 of the 8 teams in our conference made it to the district finals with three advancing to regionals.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Nick: All of our seniors on this team are leaders. They emerge at different capacities at different times.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Nick: The regional field is tough. We have played Strongsville three times and only won the last one. We lost a one run game earlier in the season to Avon. Perrysburg has a great coach in Dave Hall and they are always good.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Nick: After Beating the 10 seed team in our sectional opener, we had to beat the 2, 3, then 1 seed. That doesn't happen often, beating all three top seeds.

Division I, Region 4 - Cincinnati 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Centerville

Record: 16-9
Final Ranking: No. 43
Preseason Ranking: No. 40
Highest Ranking: No. 36 - Week 2
Postseason History: 5th trip to regionals  

Team Stats:

• .274 AVG, 122 Runs
• 2.67 ERA, 152 K

Top Players:

• Joey Hecht: 59.1 IP, 6-1, 1.65 ERA, 69 K
• Alex Firsdon: .407 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBIs, 19 R, 10 SB. 45.1 IP, 4-0, 1.54 ERA, 39 K
• Joey Holiga: .302 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 18 RBIs, 21 R
• Riley Poulton: .284 AVG, 2 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 13 RBIs, 21 R
• Morgan Colopy: .279 AVG, 5 2B, 14 RBIs, 12 R
• Jared Lieberman: .304 AVG, 2 2B, 5 RBIs, 8 R
• Nick Hoffman: 4 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 K (Coming off injury)

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Jason: We lost a great group of seniors and really have done a nice job of finding a way to overcome some of those losses. After dealing with some early injuries we have been able to be patient and allow some young guys to step into pivotal roles which they have. We have been very fortunate to have 5 sophomores (Nick Hoffmann, Morgan Colopy, Jared Lieberman, Shea Hendrixson, and Max Wynn) really do a nice job of contributing as well lately after developing during the year. Adding their contribution to our seniors and juniors has been a big part of our run to Regionals. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Jason: Whenever you can be one of the last standing in your region you are excited. You start the tourney with around 190 some odd teams and now to be one of the last 16 it is a privilege but also something our guys have worked for. The goal is to not just win the league but to hopefully get to Huntington Park. We weren’t able to win our league this year but feel have learned from those errors and got some things rolling lately.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Jason:

• Joey Hecht: An absolute dealer and gamer for us. Baseball junkie that gives us a chance everytime out.
• Joey Holiga: Has been more a vocal leader and led us during off-season with his work ethic.
• Alex Firsdon: Has been a dude on the mound and at the plate. His contributions have really been enjoyable to watch because of the time and effort he put into his individual growth.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Jason: Loaded. You look at Lakota West, Fairfield, and St Xavier and realize very quickly how tough this region is. Two teams from the GMC, which arguably is the best conference in the state top to bottom, and a traditional power from the GCL South, another conference you could argue is the toughest in the state, in X. Really exciting to have the opportunity to step in with such great programs and find a way to compete.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Jason: The key hits have come from Sr Jake Whisman who delivered a grand slam in the Sectional Finals vs Northmont and a RBI to beat Milford in the Districts. Outstanding performances have come many but one that umps out is our pitching the District Game by Alex “Doc” Firsdon and Nick Hoffmann. To limit that team to 3 hits and 1 run in 9 innings was very impressive.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Jason: We look forward to the opportunity and hopefully can represent ourselves in the manner which we are capable. More than anything we hope to compete at our highest level and find a way to hopefully get a chance at another dogpile. 

Lakota West

Record: 23-5
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 32
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Brennen Martin
• Jacob Kates
• Bryce Johnson
• Dominic Schivone
• AJ Petersen
• Michael Medley
• Max Kiker
• Eric Hooper
• Noah Mauerer

Fairfield

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: No. 41
Highest Ranking: No. 13 - Week 4
Postseason History: 

Top Players:

• Brock Mathis
• Andrew Sams
• Kaleb Ford
• Evan Trentman
• Noah Bauman
• Nolan McWhorter
• Kurt Lange
• Matt Scowden
• Tyler Morgan
• Ryan Barker
• Shane Hatfield

St. Xavier

Record: 21-4
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 6
Postseason History: Won the outright Greater Catholic League Championship this year, which was St. X's first outright GCL title since 1999. The district championship this year was the first one since 2008.

Team Stats:

• .303 AVG, 168 Runs
• 2.01 ERA, 127 K

Top Players:

• Peter Fisher: .377 AVG, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 11 RBIs, 29 R, 10 SB
• Jon Brus: .369 AVG, 3 2B, 3 3B, 14 RBIs, 12 R
• Trevor Kuncl: .349 AVG, 11 2B, 1 HR, 20 RBIs, 21 R
• Alex Markley: .345 AVG, 7 2B, 1 HR, 17 RBIs, 8 R
• Sam Klare: .328 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 16 RBIs, 14 R. 21 IP, 2-1, 3.67 ERA, 14 K
• Andy Mills: .321 AVG, 2 2B, 5 RBIs, 7 R
• Michael Cleary: .301 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 14 RBIs, 23 R
• Nathan Kappers: 53.1 IP, 7-1, 0.92 ERA, 33 K
• Sam Kendall: 39.2 IP, 6-0, 3.53 ERA, 41 K
• Drew Klare: 23.1 IP, 3-0, 0.60 ERA, 12 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Bob: We currently have 13 seniors on the current roster (11 players and 2 managers) and knew about halfway during their freshmen year that they were a special bunch. They, along with the underclassmen we have on our roster, have totally bought into the program that we have tried to establish and it is starting to pay dividends with our first Greater Catholic League championship since 1999 and our first regional appearance since 2008. They have been fully committed to becoming better players every day and their hard work has earned them an opportunity to do something very special.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Bob: The excitement at St. Xavier High School and throughout the St. Xavier community has been building since we clinched our GCL championship. There has been a lot of joy surrounding this team’s success this year and everyone associated with the school is excited at the prospect of even bigger things to come.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Bob: The leadership provided by our seniors has been a large part of our success this year. Any one of them at any time provides some type of leadership to keep this team moving in a positive direction, whether it is on the field or off. They are as close to a “band of brothers” as you could want and it has made a significant difference in our team chemistry. In fact, we did not name specific team captains because we felt doing so could possibly fracture a very special relationship that they have with one another and with the rest of the team. They all love and respect one another.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Bob: We are really excited to play our regional game at the University of Cincinnati. It is as close to a professional stadium as any player could want to play in. It lends itself well to a big game atmosphere.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Bob: The following games were turning points for us in 2017:

1. 6-4 victory over last year’s state-runner up LaSalle on March 29. Junior Nathan Kappers threw 5 innings of 2-hit ball in relief for our first victory in the GCL this year.
2. Kappers defeats Moeller 1-0 for a key GCL victory in a game that was suspended  a week by rain. Kappers took a no-hitter into the 6th inning before surrendering a hit, and was able to throw a shutout baseball on both ends of the game.
3. 6-0 victory over Lebanon in last week’s district championship game. Sam Kendall threw 6 2/3 innings of shutout baseball and worked out of a bases-loaded, 1 out jam in the top of the 6th inning in the process.

Division II

Division II, Region 5 - Hudson 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

NDCL

Record: 17-11
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 19 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Sam Frontino
• Nick Cipriani
• Jake Marut
• Jake Butler

Tallmadge

Record: 21-7
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Highest Ranking: No. 13 - Week 1
Postseason History: In coach Kenny Linn's 14 years at Tallmadge, they have played in 10 District Title games and have played in it 6 of last 7 years, winning it 4 times. Each year we lost in Regional Semi to Hoban in 2011, Mentor Lake 2012, Poland Seminary in 2015, all 3 won the Regional. Won the State Title in 2002.

Top Players:

• Junior Seth Gergely OF: .481 AVG, 22 RBIs, 10 SB
• Junior Phil Glasser SS: .402 AVG, 20 RBIs, 35 R
• Junior Zach Boyd RHP/1B: 48 IP, 4-2, 2.45 ERA, 40 K. .360 AVG, 22 RBIs
• Jared Burick: 47 IP, 8-1, 2.60 ERA, 44 K
• Senior Josh Taylor RHP: 4-1, 3.27 ERA. .333 AVG
• Mikah Mcglaughlin and Scott Seeker (21 RBIs)
• Sophmores Catcher Rich Eyre, Sam Seeker have been solid underclassmen and Junior 2b Jake Rensel been part of a double play combo that’s turned 4 in the last 2  weeks. Rensel also had 3 hits in 2 days in District Semi and Finals

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Kenny: We had an up and down year last year upset by Norton in District Semis finishing the season at 14-13. Our guys have worked hard all year coming back and having a real nice year with 21 wins and getting back to the Regionals again

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Kenny: We expected to get back to the Regionals if we worked hard and stayed focused. We are excited about another opportunity to advance to the Final Four.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Kenny: All our Guys have stepped up this year in many different ways. Can't really just talk about a couple guys as leaders. We have had a Great year because we are a solid team.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Kenny: NDCL is year in and year out a state contender, Canfield has had its share of Regional appearances and has made it to Columbus and Chagrin Falls is back in the Regionals again after a great year last year. We all are good and will have to play really good to win 2 games to win this Regional.

Chagrin Falls

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Week 3
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .338 AVG, 241 R
• 2.63 ERA, 150 K

Top Players:

• Erik Wilson: .352 AVG, 1 2B, 19 RBIs, 22 R, 10 SB. 63 IP, 10-0, 0.33 ERA, 45 K
• Colin Kennedy: .348 AVG, 4 2B, 1 3B, 23 RBIs, 17 R. 39 IP, 6-2, 2.69 ERA, 38 K
• Cole Newbauer: .369 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 22 RBI, 36 R, 33 SB
• Kyle Zaluski: .400 AVG, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 30 RBIs, 20 R
• Jack Amendola: .337 AVG, 2 3B, 18 RBIs, 43 R, 49 SB
• Andrew Kwasny:.412 AVG, 4 2B, 6 RBIs, 15 R. 48.1 IP, 5-1, 4.20 ERA, 35 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Michael: We had 5 returning starters from last year’s Regional Finalist team, along with some other players who gained valuable experience, so we entered the year with high expectations. We also returned the majority of our pitching staff. Many of our kids played a lot of baseball this past summer and improved a lot as most of our starters this year are juniors and sophomores. Since we had some young players playing in their 1st season of Varsity baseball, it took us a while to get going offensively. We were very good defensively and had a very good pitching staff, but our offense was a little behind. However, by the middle of the season, we started swinging the bats well and really started to play great baseball in all facets of the game.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Michael: It is the 1st time in school history that we have advanced to the Regional 2 years in a row. Last year, it was kind of unexpected. This year, it definitely was a goal that we thought was very attainable. We all thought that if we continued to work hard, stay focused and basically play to our potential, we could get there again. It is a great accomplishment and we don’t take it lightly as it is extremely tough to get to the Regional.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Michael: We had tremendous leaders on the team last year and I think that was a major reason our team advanced as far as they did. I believe that our players from this year learned a lot from last year’s experience and last year’s leaders. I was a little nervous about the leadership lost from last year, but our guys have responded and we have had great leadership this season. Our 4 captains, led by senior Andrew Kwasny and juniors Adam Bencko, Cole Newbauer and Erik Wilson have been tremendous. They have led by example, voice and have tremendous character. There is no doubt that we are where we are in large part due to the leadership that the 4 captains have provided.  

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Michael: I think our regional is wide open. There is no doubt that any of the 4 teams could be going to Columbus. All of the teams are talented and all of the teams have established programs with great traditions of baseball. 

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Michael: We have scored 10 runs in each of the 1st 3 games. Our offense hits 1-9 as you can see by our stats. Our 9 starters have all been over .300 for most of the season. There are no dead spots in our line-up as they can all hit.

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

• Erik Wilson is the ace of the staff as he is 10-0 with 7 shutouts and 10 complete games. He has a 0.33 ERA. 
• Jack Amendola has 49 steals on the season and Cole Newbauer has 33. 
• Cole Newbauer has been hit 24 times this season - an OHSAA record. 
• Our team fielding % is .961 which is a team record. 
• I was fortunate to pick up my 300^th win when we won the District Championship. 

Canfield

Record: 17-7
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 8 - Final
Postseason History: Canfield is making their 5th regional appearance since 2006, winning a state championship in 2007 and regional runner up in  2012.

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Matt: Advancing to the regional tournament has been a great accomplishment for the program because our main rival, Poland Seminary, has dominated our district for the past three years. Getting past that hurdle came with great satisfaction.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Matt: This team (18 players) is made up of mostly juniors (12) but have received great leadership from two seniors--SS Mark Wittmann and 2B Anthony Vross (La Roche commit). They have grown into a very competitive team that came into the season with a lot of question marks and inexperience. The two seniors have meant a great deal to our program in leadership skills this season. They took it upon themselves to do extra sets, extra reps, and push the younger players to work hard in all aspects of baseball and school. 

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Matt: The entire field at this regional is loaded and all four teams have a chance.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Matt: The schedule that we play has definitely prepared us for the tournament and after winning the Mingo Bay Tournament in Myrtle Beach, SC, we focused on making a run in the Ohio state tournament.  Playing teams like Poland, Boardman, Akron St. Vincent, Austintown Fitch, Howland, Waccamaw, SC, and East Rutherford, NC have forced us to raise the level of our game. 

Division II, Region 6 - Bowling Green 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Lexington

Record: 18-9
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 25
Highest Ranking: No. 15 - Week 2
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• Under 1.51 ERA
  

Top Players:

• Austin Eifrid: 5-1, 1.5 ERA, 28 K. .356 AVG, 32 R, 21 K
• Jared Strickler: 7-1, 0.85 ERA, 38 K
• Ben Vore: .290 AVG
• Josh Aiello: .358 AVG, 22 RBIs
• Hunter Biddle: .250 AVG

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Kevin: We had a lot of momentum building off last year's District championship but our All Ohio pitcher and 3rd basemen became ill the beginning of the season and then hurt his arm so he became a DH and was not as effective.  We have filled our pitching ranks with 2 more under-classmen.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Kevin: Our district is a meat grinder. We benefited on being a 4 seed and also the #1 and #2 seeds fell during sectional finals.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Kevin: We have been led by senior all district 3 year lettermen Austin Eifrid who has been lockdon solid on the mound at Short and led us in many offensive categoried like runs and stolen bases. Jared Strickler is a junior who has emerged as our #1 pitcher and led the team in hits and RBI. Josh Aiello a sophomore DH was second on the team in RBI.  We also have one of the smartest and rock solid catchers in Jacob odson who calls a lot of our pitches.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Kevin: Regionals are always tough but #1 Wapakoneta and Defiance are not here this year.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Kevin: We over came a key missing starter in the sectional finals to advance.  We also had an 11 inning thriller with Kenton in district semi finished by a walkoff hit by sophomore Ben Vore.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Kevin: Ben Vore has become a serious weapon.  Only a sophomore but he has a ton of tools and has really started to climb up the lineup to clean up spot and also be our #2 pitcher.

Jonathan Alder

Record: 21-6
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players

• Preston Eisnaugle
• Ian Gehres
• Cal Duckworth
• Hunter Maynard

Padua Franciscan

Record: 16-9
Final Ranking: No. 38
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Preseason
Postseason History: 14th district championship in school history

Top Players:

• Alex Ludwick
• Kyle Wisniewski
• Justin Beckwith
• Henry Neuman
• Tommy Whitely
• Bogi Kazimoureach

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Ken: Big change from last years Regional Team.  Last years team was a very powerful offensive team. This years team is heavily dependent on pitching and defense while embracing situational hitting to manufacture runs. We have bee more and more consistent with our efforts late in this year that has put us into this current position. 

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Ken: The experience this year, coupled with the experience last year, has solidified the goals set forth 4 years ago. Padua has given the staff the support that we needed to build upon the past successes of the program and taking the next steps in consistently performing on the field. 

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Ken: Our pitching and defense has been solid all season,  Kyle Wisniewsky our 6'5" right hander comes into the regionals with a 7-0 record and a 1.48 ERA 46 Ks and 10 BB's (signed by Shawnee State). Our Catcher senior Nick Pilin batting .377 with 26RBI and the clear leader of this team. Now, Senior SS Alex Ludwick is one of the areas most talented players in our conference (North Coast League). A great combination of Speed, gap to gap power, special defensive skills with a power arm that allows him to make difficult plays look routine. 

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Ken: All teams have proven their resolve in reaching the regionals. Congrats to all for getting here. With all due respects my main concern will remain on Maumee until Thursday. They knocked off the #1 seed to reach the regionals so we are very excited to be able to play them. With very good pitching and solid overall play the will be a force to be reckoned with. 

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Ken: WELL, if you haven’t heard yet our district semi game vs HN was one I have never experienced!!!!! We were NO HIT and still came out ahead 1-0  in the 2nd Alex Ludwick walks. Justin Beckwith bunts to 3rd for the sac and by the time Holy Name realizes it Alex ran the wheel to perfection and slides safely into 3rd.  With One out Tom Whitely sends a medium fly ball to right center for our only run of the game. Kyle Wisniewsky our ace proceeds to throw a shutout for the win, WOW!!! 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Ken: On a sad note … Alex Ludwick was dealt a very bad hand this week when his Father passed away while spending his last days in hospice. The boys have rallied around Alex and his family. In trying to lead these young men and hopefully allowing them to learn a bit more than baseball and life lessons through sports, LIFE has dealt our community the harshest of realities reminding us what truly is important. We will continue to reach for our goals this weeks and hopefully throughout the rest of these playoffs while rallying together and making our new Guardian Angel proud of not only Alex but his extended Baseball Family.

Maumee

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR

Top Players:

• Tyler Archambeau
• Justin Studenka
• Jordan Key
• Blake Adams
• Matt Burkett
• Caleb Brown
• Devon Cleghorn
• John Henry
• Matt LeCron
• Zach Marvin

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Cam: Our team has worked hard since last year to be ready for the season. All of our players either played on summer teams or attended our 10 days of practice. We also had training opportunities in the summer, fall, and winter. The biggest improvement we have seen with our team is a huge improvement in our leadership. We select a leadership counsel and have leadership training throughout the winter, and we meet during the season to discuss positives and concerns with the program.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Cam: This group has worked hard on fundamentals and competing in everything we do. They have taken an approach that we need to win one pitch at a time, and with that mentality, we have been able to play at a high enough level to win the district championship. With quality pitching, fundamentally sound defense, and execution on both sides of the ball, we will continue to win.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Cam: Our leadership has been outstanding this year! It all starts with the seniors, whether they are part of the leadership counsel or not. I'm very proud of the way our seniors have led this year!

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Cam: Carter Park is a great venue and it's a great environment to play in. We have played there several times in big games and look forward to going back to have an opportunity to advance to state vs some stiff competition.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Cam: We have played against outstanding competition in our league and the tournament so far. In the tournament, we have beaten Toledo Central Catholic, Bryan, Defiance (back-to-back defending state champs and ranked #10 in D-II), and Wapakoneta (ranked #1 in D-II). Our district is full of outstanding coaches and players, and we went through a tough course to get to where we are.

Division II, Region 7 - Zanesville 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Marietta

Record: 24-3
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 5
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .337 AVG, 183 Runs

Top Players:

• Brandon Schamp: 9-1, 0.88 ERA
• Trent Dawson: 7-0, 1.53 ERA
• Turner Hill: .452 AVG, 35 R, 20 SB
• Brandon Neville, .369 AVG, 4 3B, 29 RBIs
• Isaac Danford
• Derek Duckworth
• Zach Deskins

Athens

Record: 23-3
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 18 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Brendan Sano: .529 AVG, 6 2B, 4 3B, 31 RBIs, 31 R. 15.1 IP, 1-0, 0.59 ERA, 30 K
• Joseph Thomas: .390 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBIs, 24 R
• Brock Stewart: .352 AVG, 8 2B, 21 RBIs, 26 R
• Andy Kostival: .333 AVG, 3 2B, 10 RBIs, 34 R
• Cameron Kasler: .329 AVG, 5 2B, 2 HR, 30 RBIs, 12 R. 30 IP, 5-1, 1.40 ERA, 16 K
• Brody Rodgers: .319 AVG, 6 2B, 5 HR, 30 RBIs, 17 R. 44.2 IP, 7-0, 3.13 ERA, 58 K
• Rece Lonas: .323 AVG, 3 2B, 11 RBIs, 9 R
• Waylon Bradbury: 38 IP, 6-1, 1.47 ERA, 33 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Chris: This has been one of the most dedicated teams I have ever coached. We had terrific participation in off-season workouts. Our strength and conditioning program during the winter months was 6AM before school on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and the energy level was always very positive. That character and attitude continued right into the pre-season training in February. Our team came into this season with high expectations placed on them from the success they finished with last season. They met every challenge thus far, and I am extremely proud of them.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Chris: It was a goal that we expected to accomplish, and therefore I am very glad to be here. The past few years the Southeast District has fielded a number of very competitive teams, any of which have the capability of knocking off a higher seeded team. In our first game of the sectional, as a #2 seed, we had to play a #7 seeded team that had won their conference. There have been no games along the way that could be taken for granted. We feel very blessed to have been able to advance to the regionals for a second time in two years.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Chris: I feel like I could write a book about these guys. We have a core of 11 seniors, a good portion of which have been best friends and teammates ever since 7U coach pitch ball. The bond they have together is more than just chemistry. It is a brotherhood that is built around love. And this is what drives our team’s leadership, in my opinion. It’s this kind of relationship that causes teammates who have spent most of their time on the bench keeping charts to be determined to be the best chart-keepers they can be; or one who chases down out-of-play foul balls to do it with pride and understanding that he’s accomplishing a role on the team that is just as important for keeping focused on the game. There is so much I could say about what each player has meant to the team.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Chris: There are very few secrets among us and the team we play in the semifinal round. We’ve played each other a lot over the years, and the core of these teams have been playing against each other ever since 8U and 9U youth ball. If someone were to track the records over the years the number would probably be close to even. They are solid from top to bottom, in all phases of the game. The same can be said for the two teams on the other side of the bracket. We know that we will need to come to play.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Chris: Perhaps the most interesting story, at least in our local area, has been that we have had a number of pitchers step into a greater role this season than they had anticipated having to fill. One of our starters who was extremely effective in leading our tournament run in 2016 was unable to pitch for the first 20 games of the regular season due to rehabbing an injury. So we have been extremely pleased at how the other guys in the rotation took on a “next man up” mentality and led the way for our team to have a successful season.

Steubenville

Record: 26-4
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .353 Avg 
• 1.88 ERA

Top Players:

• Nicky Zorne: 46.2 IP, 8-0, 1.20 ERA, 62 K
• Michael Pierro: .474 AVG, 33 RBIs. 4-1, 1.37 ERA
• Johnny Agresta: .433 AVG, 36 RBIs
• Nick Scott: .422 AVG, 39 RBIs
• Calvin Bickerstaff: 5-3, 1.44 ERA

Indian Valley

Record: 17-9
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History: 2009 State Champions - D-III

Team Stats:

• .290 Team Avg, 165 R
• 2.37 ERA

Top Players:

• Cade Williams: .407 AVG, 6 2B, 1 HR, 15 RBIs, 25 R. 59.2 IP, 5-4, 1.64 ERA, 31 K
• Jarrett Helter: .325 AVG, 4 2B, 16 RBIs, 22 R
• Colbey McBeth: .325 AVG, 5 2B, 23 RBIs, 11 R
• Braeden Lehigh: .275 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 16 RBIs, 17 R
• Evan Miller: 43 IP, 5-2, 1.47 ERA, 34 K
• Wyatt Garabrandt: 38.2 IP, 5-1, 2.90 ERA, 16 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Shannon: We returned experience from last season, but it was young experience. We consistently started 5-6 sophomores and 2 other first year varsity players. The players worked throughout the season to improve in all aspects of the game. We hit a rough patch mid season, but they have turned it around and are now finding ways to win games we were losing earlier in the year.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Shannon: It has been a few years since we have advanced to the regional. It’s great to be back, especially for the players. It’s the first time this group has advanced this far and they are enjoying each step. They aren’t satisfied with getting just to the regional. They’ve put in a good few days of practice and are ready to play on Thursday.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Shannon: We only have 3 seniors on our roster, but we have a good mix of underclassmen to go with them. Each player has accepted their role and they understand what is expected of them. It’s great that these seniors finally get to experience this long tourney run and it’s going to be a driving force for the underclassmen in the next couple of years.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Shannon: It’s a very strong regional field. Athens and Marietta are both strong programs and Steubenville is having another outstanding season. Our game with Steubenville will actually be a rematch of last year’s district final game.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Shannon: We won our first 2 tournament games by identical 1-0 scores.

Division II, Region 8 - Mason 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Waynesville

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .355 AVG, 221 Runs
• 3.13 ERA, 196 K

Top Players:

• Cory Clark: .444 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 20 RBIs, 37 R, 11 SB
• Kyle Leis: .420 AVG, 15 2B, 2 3B, 27 RBIs, 27 R
• Micah Spille: .395 AVG, 2 2B, 12 RBIs, 11 R
• Tommy Isaacs: .392 AVG, 10 2B, 1 3B, 32 RBIs, 18 R
• Cameron Anderson: .357 AVG, 4 2B, 18 RBIs, 14 R
• Drake Stiles: .346 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 16 RBIs, 32 R
• Hunt Doepel: .344 AVG, 8 2B, 2 HR, 15 RBIs, 18 R. 37.1 IP, 7-1, 3.56 ERA, 51 K
• Mason Callahan: .329 AVG, 1 2B, 17 RBIs, 17 R, 13 SB. 44.2 IP, 3-1, 4.08 ERA, 28 K
• Brady Stone: 41.2 IP, 7-3, 1.68 ERA, 7-3

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Ryan: Players have bought into the concept of taking the emotions out of the game and trusting the process. They have a grind it out mentality that has been proven with numerous come from behind wins in the past few seasons.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Ryan: This trip is a testament and reward for a group of guys that have put the group ahead of the individual, especially over the last few weeks. It has been extremely rewarding to see their growth on a seemingly day to day basis.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Ryan: We have a group of 9 seniors, each of which has a vital role in our success. Some are vocal guys; others lead by example. We are always looking to be selfless, accountable, and competitive (SAC), the driving concepts of our program. Their willingness to buy into these concepts means the foundation is set (and continued from previous success) for the program in the years to come.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Ryan: At this point, I think any regional field is full of quality programs and pitching. DeSales is historically a strong program who’s been here before. Ross and Chaminade Julienne have both had outstanding years with a couple of really good arms leading the way. With this kind of quality talent, I think the game still comes down to who can throw the most strikes, handle the ball defensively, and get jobs done offensively.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Ryan: We had two really good comebacks in our first two postseason games coming from a 6-2 deficit in the 6th against a young Bellbrook team and an early 5-0 2nd inning hole against Middletown Madison. We continue to model a grind it out, trust the process kind of approach.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Ryan: We’ve got to first send thanks to our community, parents, administration, our student body, and all the support they’ve given us year in and year out. We constantly have great crowds and fans that are incredible. We’d like to specifically thank our bus drivers and trainers for the help they provide. Lastly, to our team. From players and coaches to J-Man our manager, this has and continues to be a very humbling ride to be a part of. Thanks to all for your efforts and support of the #SpartanBats!

Chaminade Julienne

Record: 20-4
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 6
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .294 AVG, 157 Runs
• 2.08 ERA, 147 K

Top Players:

• Garrett Wissman: .507 AVG, 10 2B, 4 3B, 28 RBIs, 23 R, 10 SB. 31.2 IP, 3-0, 1.33 ERA, 46 K
• Ryan Peltier: .333 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 20 RBIs, 25 R, 13 SB. 45 IP, 8-0, 1.09 ERA, 43 K
• Cameron Benoit: .311 AVG, 13 RBIs, 27 R, 22 SB
• Mark Barhorst: .306 AVG, 3 2B, 15 WBIs, 28 R, 19 SB
• Nick Wissman: .290 AVG, 1 2B, 12 RBIs, 12 R. 22.1 IP, 2-1, 1.57 ERA, 20 K
• Daniel Slaybaugh: 38.1 IP, 4-2, 2.74 ERA, 28 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Mike: The guys put a lot of time into training this offseason, especially with the Complete Hitter system that Brian Harrison (Head Coach of Baldwin Wallace) created.  They were all committed to getting back to a Regional after being there in 2014, and losing in the District Championship last season to Tipp City.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Mike: It has been a heck of a ride all year, and having the opportunity to make another Regional Appearance is really exciting!

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Mike: Garrett Wissman and Mark Barhorst are our captains for a reason.  They are both four year varsity starters, that have helped set the foundation for what this CJ program is becoming. 

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Mike: This Regional Field is loaded like every year! Waynesville is a familiar foe, as we have faced them in the playoffs multiple times in the last couple years. We know Hamilton Ross has had a great year, with exceptional pitching. Columbus De Sales is the most established program of the four here at the Regional, obviously they are back for the second straight year and have had success as a program for many years!

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Mike: We have had a lot of excitement this tournament. We had a 7th Inning walk off win in the Sectional Final against Badin, by Mark Barhorst. Then beat Taylor 2-0 in the District Championship in 10 innings, behind the best pitching performance I have ever seen by a high school player. Garrett Wissman went 9.1 innings of 2 hit and no run baseball, while striking out 16 batters. To make it better, his younger brother Nick Wissman got the game winning hit in the top of the 10th inning.

Hamilton Ross

Record: 25-5
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Final
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .313 AVG, 204 Runs
• 2.14 ERA, 274 K

Top Players:

• Thomas House: 57.1 IP, 8-0, 0.98 ERA, 105 K
• Zack Arno: .407 AVG, 6 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 29 RBIs, 31 R, 11 SB
• Drew Huffman: .363 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 28 RBIs, 9 R. 51 IP, 6-1, 1.37 ERA, 68 K
• Brennan Morton: .354 AVG, 5 2B, 10 RBI, 15 R
• Tyler Flick: .354 AVG, 7 2B, 1 3B, 20 RBIs, 29 R, 13 SB
• Brock Tatum: .316 AVG, 2 2B, 8 RBIs, 16 R
• Montana Allgaier: 22.1 IP, 3-0, 1.57 ERA, 15 K

 Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Jason: Unbelievably proud of this group. We have 14 Seniors. 8 of them were on varsity as sophomores and we took our lumps. This group is the pure definition of hard work. The majority of these seniors have played together since they were 9. Up until this year they have always struggled. They just were never able to put it together. Probably the hardest working group I have ever had in terms of off-season commitment and work ethic. It’s cliché, but hard work gets it done.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Jason: Going into the season our goals were a conference championship and a state birth. Our baseball program has never been to State so it’s probably a crazy goal. This is the 3rd Regional appearance in school history (95, 01). We have played a very tough schedule. I believe we have played 14 D1 teams. We beat a team that just won their D3 district (CHCA) and a team that won their D1 district (St. X). Our conference has some very solid D1 teams that have prepared us well and our weekend schedule has done the same. DeSales is outstanding but we will be prepared and tested. Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant. With 14 seniors, we have a lot of leaders. We have a lot of guys that do little things that add up to big things. Zach Evans and Tyler Flick are our day in and day out leaders on the field. Sam Stepaniak ran our off-season conditioning. Thomas House is our leader on the mound. We have a lot of guys that lead in different areas. Our leadership is one of our strengths.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Jason: DeSales is a storied program. They were just here last year. They have a lot of tradition. From a baseball standpoint, we don’t know much about them other than they are pretty darn good. CJ and Waynesville are both from our Sectional draw. Our 20 team Sectional out of Dayton is/was loaded. Lots of very good baseball teams in terms of tradition, State rankings and quality clubs. Three teams from the Dayton Sectionals still alive is pretty impressive.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Jason: We had a bye first round and then won 1-0 over a very good Eaton team (with a Kent St commit on the mound). In the Sectional Final we got a chance to play Clinton Massie who ousted us last year from the tourney and won 9-0. In the District Final we were down 5-0, then 5-2. We then scored 9 runs in the 5th inning to take the lead. We have seen a little of everything. Thomas House has thrown 14 innings of shutout baseball the postseason. Zach Arno has been on fire at the plate. In the last 2 weeks he has 4 HRs and a TR to lead our offense. Outside of one inning of play, our defense has been outstanding.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Jason: I have the best coaching staff. Their hard work and commitment to these young men is unbelievable. I enjoy coming to baseball everyday to coach this group and worth with these coaches. Our community has given us unbelievable support at each game along the way. The crowds have been amazing and the kids have fed off their energy. I also have the best wife in the world who lets me spend all this time doing something I love.

Columbus St. Francis DeSales

Record: 17-11
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Week 2
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Greg Gilbert
• Luke Barber
• Jarod Jones
• Chris McNally
• Ryan Corkrean
• Joey Velazquez
• Drew McLuckie

Division III

Division III, Region 9 - Massillon 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Columbiana Crestview

Record: 15-11
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Dom Pecchia
• Jake Fonderlin
• Bryce Ritchey
• Jacob Crawford
• Dylan Huff
• Kaden Davis
• Payton Wolfe
• Brandon Chuey
• Dylan Ball
• Tyler Firzsimmons
• Caleb Hill
• Tyler Hurd

Chippewa

Record: 19-6
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Trent Harrell
• Drew Ellis
• Vince Suso
• Luke Brown

Champion

Record: 24-3
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Lucas Nasonti: .478 AVG
• Michael Turner: .464 AVG
• Drake Batcho: sub-1.00 ERA
• Andrew Russell: 6-0, sub-1.00 ERA
• Kyle Forrest: .323 AVG

Lutheran West

Record: 20-3
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Josh Cales
• Owen Albers
• Alex Robinson
• Rory Zakareckis
• Scott Berghaus
• Tristan Zimmer
• Alex Gavlak
• John Smolik
• Jeremy Geye

Division III, Region 10 - Elida

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Eastwood

Record: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 12 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Senior - Pitcher/OF - Collin Dewese
• Junior - CF - Cade Boos
• Junior - 3B/P - Jake Pickerel
• Junior - P/C - Tyler Haas
• Junior SS - Grant Hirzel
• Freshman - Utility - Justin Pickerel

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Kevin: First time with back to back district titles in school history. First time with back to back 20 wins seasons in school history. 3rd regional appearance in 7 years. Our district was challenging, we had to go through two of the better league teams (Rossford and Lake). Both teams have great pitching and are very well coached. District Semi we beat Rossford 2-1. District Final we beat Lake 2-1

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Kevin: Our team captains are Collin Dewese, Cade Boos, Jake Pickerel and Tyler Haas. We hit a wall in the middle of the season losing 3 straight league games. We had a closed door meeting and talked about what was necessary to turn things around. Our team motto is "together"and feel that we can be in any game if we stay together as a team. We have come a long way this season and have dealt with a lot of adversity to get where we are currently positioned and it has made us better as a team.

Archbold

Record: 21-6
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Bryce Williams: .432 AVG, 3 2B, 21 RBIs, 25 R
• Toby Walker: .424 AVG, 2 2B, 2 3B, 14 RBIs, 27 R, 16 SB
• Gabe Petersen: .402 AVG, 13 2B, 4 3B, 24 RBIs, 22 R, 9 SB
• Ian Radabaugh: .326 AVG, 8 2B, 1 3B, 18 RBIs, 17 R. 31 IP, 3-0, 2.71 ERA, 18 K
• Brandon Miller: .308 AVG, 12 RBIs, 13 R
• Kade Kern: .300 AVG, 13 RBIs, 15 R
• Trevor Rupp: 37 IP, 7-1, 1.32 ERA, 44 K
• Bryson Taylor: 28.2 IP, 5-1, 1.95 ERA, 20 K
• Sam Petersen: 30 IP, 3-1, 2.10 ERA, 20 K
• Rigo Ramos: 31.1 IP, 2-1, 2.68 ERA, 25 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Dick: We were expecting our defense to be very good this year, and that has proven to be true. We also expected a lot from our pitchers, and they have come through also. The hitting has been a little up and down, but it was sure nice to see them come through in our district final against Fairview, that is what we are capable of.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Dick: Getting to the Regional Tournament is no easy accomplishment, especially when you have the strong field that we have in our district every year. So I am really proud of our players for getting there in back to back years. I was also thrilled to see the outstanding crowd that showed up to support high school baseball at the district championship game at Defiance HS. And credit the Defiance schools, their administrators, and the community for providing a facility that is second to none.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Dick: Toby Walker and Ian Radabaugh are our only two seniors, and what a job they have done, both in their performance, and as leaders of this team. They aren't real vocal guys, but actions speak louder than words in my opinion, and these guys two provide tremendous leadership by their work ethic, and their focus on getting the job done.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Dick: Three of the four teams in this regional, Eastwood, Clear Fork, and Archbold were here last year, so there is no question that it is a very strong field. Then you throw in Ottawa-Glandorf, who had an excellent season, and it makes things very interesting.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Dick: Things can get very tense in a single elimination tournament. We won 1-0, and 3-2 in our first two games. Our players know that little things can make a big difference in these games.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Dick: There are a lot of people involved in baseball in the Archbold school and community that make this program what it is. Derek Martinez, Josh Johnson, Kirk Weldy, and a lot of our other former players help groom these kids in the summer. Our varsity and JV assistant coaches, Jeff Brunswick, Scott Foor, Tom Vershum, Jon Fether, Mike Fether, and Lathon Babcock have helped tremendously to get us where we are.

Clear Fork

Record: 16-10
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 23 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Mitch Dulin
• Thomas Staab
• Hunter Boyer
• Luke Clark
• Gavin Bailey
• Jarrod Smith
• Hunter Auck

Ottawa-Glandorf

Record: 19-6
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 17 - Final
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .244 AVG, 136 Runs
• 1.85 ERA, 119 K

Top Players:

• Grant Fuerst: 53 IP, 5-3, 0.92 ERA, 45 K
• Chase Schrieber: 44.2 IP, 5-2, 1.41 ERA, 29 K. .273 AVG, 6 2B, 13 RBIs, 20 R
• Ethan White: 38 IP, 6-1, 1.84 ERA, 17 K
• Austin Horstman: .277 AVG, 3 2B, 10 RBIs, 16 R
• Logan Balbaugh: .286 AVG, 1 2B, 13 RBIs, 15 R
• Owen Hiegel: .253 AVG, 1 2B, 11 RBIs, 15 R

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Nick: From the beginning of the year until now I have seen great improvement throughout our team. Our pitching has kept us in every ball game with the exception of a couple of games. Our defense has been outstanding throughout the whole year. That’s what has won us our games this year our pitching and defense. We just haven’t swung the bats all that great this season. I was hoping to see the improvement in our hitting throughout the season like we have seen with the pitching and defense.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Nick: We are very excited to be here. It is the first time OG has been to the regionals since 1981. The players and coaches are excited to finally get that monkey off our backs. We aren’t satisfied just getting here we still have a lot of work to do if we want to reach our goal of playing in Columbus.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Nick: We only have one senior on our team but he is definitely the right senior. The players all look up to Logan Balbaugh. He may not be the most vocal leader but he definitely leads by example. The way he approaches the game is what I want all of our players to do. He goes 100% all the time. He is a great example for our younger players.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Nick: Anyone in this regional is capable of going to Columbus.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Nick: In our 3 games so far in the tournament we have given up 1 run.

Division III, Region 11 - Minerva/Chillicothe 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Berlin Hiland

Record: 28-0
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Bryan Yoder
• Chris Kline
• Tyson Gingerich
• Mitch Massaro
• Braden Mast
• Derek Miller
• Andy Miller

Martins Ferry

Record: ?????
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History: First district title since 1976 

• Austin Bassa
• Kyle Anderson
• Dom Wallace
• Cade Lloyd
• Jacob Probst
• Jacob Johnson
• Corey Miklas
• Drake Dobson
• Cory Bennett

Wheelersburg

Record: 21-5
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Week 3
Postseason History: 10 straight district titles 

Top Players:

• Cole Dyer
• Connor Mullins
• Cole Darnell
• Kaleb Coleman
• Kaden Coleman

Zane Trace

Record: 20-10
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Preseason
Postseason History: 10th trip to regionals in school history 

Top Players:

Division III, Region 12 - Xenia 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Carlisle

Record: 21-9
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Caleb Boy
• Jake Glover
• Jake Moore
• Adam Goodpaster
• Caleb Stewart
• Reece Human
• JJ Roberts

Cincinnati Country Day

Record: 21-6
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Week 5
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Ronnie Allen
• Cameron Davis
• Trey Smith
• Blake Lykins
• TJ Brock

CHCA

Record: 21-7
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Week 4
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Jack Vezdos: .500 AVG, 9 2B, 7 3B, 1 HR, 16 RBIs, 32 R, 14 SB
• Blake Sheffer: .366 AVG, 4 2B, 22 RBIs, 16 R
• Cayse Osborne: .328 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 24 RBIs, 20 R, 13 SB
• Grayson Hodges: .295 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 9 RBIs, 16 R
• Clayton Brock: .283 AVG, 5 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBIs, 17 R. 33 IP, 4-1, 2.12 ERA, 27 K
• Griffan Smith: 31.1 IP, 3-2, 1.79 ERA, 44 K
• Max Ripperger: 33.2 IP, 5-1, 0.62 ERA, 38 K
• Ethan Briggs: 31.2 IP, 4-1, 0.88 ERA, 31 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Tony: Our team really took on a new mindset this offseason. They recommitted to molding themselves into not only great baseball players, but great athletes. Our performance coach did a great job putting a plan together for them, and the guys really took off with it. We have evolved as a team even in the last few months. I feel that our baseball IQ has never been better. We are excelling at the details of the game that are required for championship runs.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Tony: It’s been such a fun year, and we have played well in the tournament. Winning the District Final, the way we won it, was a special moment that our players and coached won’t soon forget. Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant. Our captains (Griffan Smith, Zander Treon, and Jack Vezdos) have done a fantastic job leading our team. Those guys and the other 4 seniors have meant so much to this program not only for this season, but any future season’s successes.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Tony: This group of four teams is an elite level group. Any one team as the ability to throw a dominant pitcher, play great defense, and put up offensive stats. It will be a very entertaining 3 games, and we are excited and honored to be a part of it.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Tony: Senior LHP Griffan Smith threw a perfect game in the 2nd round.

Fredericktown

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Trace Hatfield
• Cole Bebout
• Nick Cunningham

Division IV

Division IV, Region 13 - Lorain 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Berlin Center Western Reserve

Record: 22-4
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 3
Postseason History: 7th regional in school history, 4th consecutive and 5th in the last 8 years

Top Players:

• Wyatt Larimer
• Dom Velasquez
• Jeep DiCioccio
• Justin Ciccone
• Ryan Demsky

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Ed: Only 16 teams in Division 4 have the opportunity to advance this far so it is always a huge accomplishment and one that we don't take lightly.  Whether this is your first time making a regional or you have been part of it before, the feeling never gets old and the atmosphere in Lorain at the Pipeyard is like no other. 

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Ed: Our 6 seniors have been part of 4 consecutive regional tournament appearances and have been part of 85 wins over that 4 year period. 

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Ed: This years regional field is as tough as ever. Every team has to be pretty good to make it this far so whoever makes it out will have to play two very good baseball games and beat two very good teams. 

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Ed: We won the district championship game by the score of 4-3 in 11 innings on a walk of hit by Dom Velasquez while Wyatt Larimer went the distance on the mound pitching all 11 innings.

Dalton

Record: 14-11
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Adam Manley
  

New Riegel

Record: 20-5
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .349 AVG, 219 Runs
• 2.25 ERA, 241 K

Top Players:

• Michael Kirian: 49 IP, 7-0, 0.57 ERA, 113 K. .534 AVG, 14 2B, 4 HR, 42 RBIs, 26 R
• Alex Thies: .410 AVG, 9 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 41 RBIs, 35 R
• Cole Noftz: .405 AVG, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 44 R. 28.2 IP, 4-2, 1.70 ERA, 45 K
• Alec Zoeller: 49.2 IP, 5-2, 1.55 ERA, 71 K. .326 AVG, 2 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBIs, 34 R
• Brandon Arbogast: .324 AVG, 1 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBIs, 18 R

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Gregg: My team has improved tremendously since the beginning of the season. We started out very poorly offensively, losing 2 of our first 3 games. We then improved our record to 5-3 and then 8-5 and have won 12 games straight since then. Our offensive game has really come alive and our team chemistry is absolutely amazing right now.  Everything is clicking the way it should be.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Gregg: I think that the program advancing to regionals is a great thing for the kids, school and community.  It has been one of our top goals all season long to make it to this point.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Gregg: I think overall, our 6 seniors have been our leaders this year on the team. 5 of the 6 seniors were letter winners 2 years ago when we made it to regionals. They are always picking everyone up, encouraging and positive role models for the rest of the team. Especially having Michel Kirian and Alex Theis on the field as the generals.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Gregg: I think the teams in our regional are all great teams. I know Berlin Western Reserve will be good, and I’m sure Warren JFK is a great team. It will definitely be some good competition and I’m sure some great games.

PBR: Is there anything of interest worth mentioning about your tournament run thus far (no-hitters, key hits, outstanding performances, comebacks etc)?
Michael Kirian threw a no hitter against St Wenedlin in our sectional final win. Our District Final got postponed on Friday and we continued Saturday morning leading 7-1 in the top of the 4th with Brandon Arbogast up to bat with an 0-2 count and first pitch on Saturday he belted a single to center field for an RBI to pick back up where we left off.

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

• State Champions in 1969, State Runner up in 1941, State Semi-Finalist 2000, Regional Semi-Finalist 2015
• Michael Kirian Broke the career Strike out record in just 3 seasons. He now has 297 career strikeouts passing Keith Laughlin’s mark of 244. Michael has also tied the RBI record for a season at 42. 
• Leadoff Hitter Cole Noftz has 44 runs scored this year, breaking the school record for most runs scored in a season, which was previously 41.

Warren JFK

Record: 17-4
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Drew Mendik
• Niall McGee
• Alex Burzynski
• Gregory Valent
• Isaac Hadley
• Ryan Galle
• A.J Arp

Division IV, Region 14 - Hamler 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

New London

Record: 19-7
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Ryan Lane (Kent State commit) - Over 100 strikeouts
  

Minster

Record: 21-7
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 23
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• RHP Pitcher Aaron Ernst (Sr): 60 IP, 7-1, 227 BF, 37 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1.05 ERA, 51 K, 10 BB
• LHP Jack Heitbrink (Soph): 29 IP, 5-2, 128 BF, 26 hH, 12 R, 5 Er, 1.21 ERA, 28 K, 12 BB
• 1B  Isaac Dorsten (Sr): .311, 27 RBI
• 2B  Alex Lehmkuhl (Jr): .357, 30 H, 29 R, 18 RBI
• SS Isaac Schmiesing (Jr): .304, 24 H 28 R, 24 BB
• 3B Adam Knapke (Jr): .310
• LF Jared Huelsman (Jr): .317
• CF  Bryce Schmiesing (Sr): .390, 13 SB
• RF  Jon Niemeyer (Sr): .364, 17 RBI, 10 SB

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Mike: We started the year 6-5, now 21-7

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Mike: This is our 6th trip in my 23 years.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Mike: Not a real talkative team, but most lead by example.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Mike: Time of year when you start playing people you don't know anything about.

Edon

Record: 13-11-1
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Levi Brandt
• Braden Miller
• Presten Klingler
• Carson Brandt
• Austin Kiess

Leipsic

Record: 22-5
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Highest Ranking: No. 22 - Week 1
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Dylan Schroeder (2019), .446
• Cole Rieman has scored 34 runs to lead the team
• Robbie Laubenthal leads the team with 29 RBIs.
• Grant Rader (2017), 6-1, 1.28 ERA
• Dylan Schroeder, 8-1, 1.66 ERA

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Darren: We went 20-5 last year. We lost just 2 seniors, so we had an experienced group coming back.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Darren: It is always an honor to make it to regionals.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field?
Darren: Honestly, I do not know a lot about the other 3 teams.  I know Minster plays in a very good league and have done well in the past. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Darren: We have been disappointed the last few years in the number of boys playing baseball but the boys who have played love the game and our very coachable.  I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to coach in this community.  We do not rely on 1 or 2 players.  Playing 18 league games means we play 3 or 4 league games a week.  So we have to use 5 or 6 pitchers to get us through a week at times.  It takes hard work and a lot of repetitions to become a good defensive player and our players have been willing to put the time in.

Division IV, Region 15 - Lancaster 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Danville

Record: 16-7-1
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:  First district championship in school history 

Top Players:

• Kenton Mickley
• Skyler Durbin
• Tyler Mickley
• Dylan James
• Colton Boone
• Anthony McClain

Toronto

Record: 25-3
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 1
Postseason History:

Team Stats:

• .390 AVG
• 1.79 ERA

Top Players:

• Nolan Clegg: .487 AVG. 0.87 ERA
  
• Danny Zdinak: .455 AVG. 7-2, 2.30 ERA
• Nate Karaffa: 6-0, 2.23 ERA
• Sante Carducci: 5-0, 0.73 ERA

Waterford

Record: 22-5
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 17 - Final
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Braden Bellville
• Isaac Huffman

South Webster

Record: 14-13
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Alek Blevins
• Shane Zimmerman
• Gabe Ruth
• Blake Fulk
• Bradley Gee
• Troy Boggs

Division IV, Region 16 - Springfield 

Region Overview:
Team Previews:

Russia

Record: 22-6
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 15 - Week 5
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Dion Puthoff
• Jack Dapore
• Daril Lavy
• Trenon Monnin
• Kevin Drees
• Daniel Kearns
• Evan Monnier
• Drew Sherman

Fort Loramie

Record: 19-10
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• C.J. Billing
• Jared Middendorf
• Eli Rosengarten
• Daniel Berning
• Carter Siegel
• Mason Kemper

Newark Catholic

Record: 10-17
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Preseason
Postseason History:

Top Players:

• Tyler York
• Tanner Lake
• Noah Fodor
• Caleb Claggett
• Derek Hawk
• Jody Mummey
• Drew Young
• Fischer Nance

Tri-County North

Record: 17-10
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Final
Postseason History: 4th regional appearance, 1st time back-to-back

Team Stats:

• .296 AVG, 210 Runs
• 2.68 ERA, 141 K

Top Players:

• Tanner Booth: .433 AVG, 10 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 41 RBIs, 28 R. 47.2 IP, 7-0, 2.20 ERA, 49 K
• Bo Hendrickson: .362 AVG, 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 28 RBIs, 26 R. 36.2 IP, 4-2, 1.72 ERA, 26 K
• Zach Edgin: .306 AVG, 1 2B, 1 3B, 17 RBIs, 38 R, 23 SB
• Bailey Lairson: .301 AVG, 1 2B, 15 RBIs, 22 R, 16 SB
• Chandler Sproles: 53 IP, 5-1, 1.32 ERA, 47 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about your team's development from last summer, winter or the beginning of the season to now in late May.
Justin: Our guys have really matured greatly over the past few months, this team seems to control what they can control and let the outside noise go. The mental preparation has really shown it the tight games we have played this year.

PBR: Thoughts on your program advancing to regionals.
Justin: This is the first time that the school has returned players from a previous regional appearance. I believe this will help them with the pressures of the stage they are on. Last year we played an extra inning ball game vs the state runner up Triad. I believe this showed the players that they can compete at this level.

PBR: Talk about the leaders on your team and what they have meant.
Justin: I have a great group of guys, this is the most cohesive team I have been a part of as a coach. The upperclassmen have really taken the rookies under their wing, showing them we do things the right way in our program.

PBR: Thoughts on your regional field.
Justin: This is a very strong regional this year. Newark Catholic is the defending state champs along with Russia who beat last year’s state runner up Triad in the sectional. Fort Loramie is always a tough team. It will take two very good games for any team to get out of this regional.