2023 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division I

Division I Preview

Region 1 - Oberlin

• Districts: Macedonia vs. Berea | Euclid vs. Canton

Region Overview: Walsh Jesuit has yet to permit a run in the tournament, beating Twinsburg 10-0 in six innings in the sectionals, Austintown Fitch 9-0 in the district semis and Louisville 10-0 in five for a berth in the regionals. Drew Erdman threw a perfect game with nine Ks in the district finals for the fourth-rated team in the state. Ryan Piech owns a one-hitter during the tournament for Walsh and first-year head coach Joe Bowers. … Jon Byers tossed a three-hit shutout to lead No. 7 Wadsworth past Strongsville 6-0 for its first district title in 22 years. Eric Decker, Ben Leopold, Aaron Keating and Kyle Figuray all had two hits for Wadsworth, which had lost to Strongsville 7-1 in the district finals a year ago. Finn Schmitt and Figuray combined to blank North Royalton in the district semis, an eight-inning 1-0 win in which Wadsworth had just three hits. Figuray hit a sac fly for the only run of the game, giving head coach Greg Pickard his 200th win at Wadsworth. … A six-run second inning propelled No. 18 University School past Hudson 6-2 and with it a second consecutive district title, the first time in school history. Sophomore Aaron Moss went 5.1 innings for the win while Ryan Pattison, Riley Penn and Tucker Greer each had two hits. Evan Shapiro gave up two hits in six innings in a 5-2 sectional win over Mentor before the Preppers beat Green 8-2 in the district semis. University reached regionals in Division II a year ago, the first time since 1992. … Parker Falkenstein has led off all three tournament games with a hit for 15th-ranked Hoban, in the regionals for the third straight season after beating Massillon Washington in the district finals. Landan Browning allowed one run on three hits in six-plus innings for the win before Jordan Kievman came on to fan the final three batters of the game. Kievman also pitched four innings in a 9-4 win over Chardon in the district semis for Hoban, 2021 D-II state champs and 2022 D-II state runners-up. Chardon beat Hoban 8-5 in last year’s Division II title game.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Walsh Jesuit over Wadsworth
• Hoban over University School
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit

Fan Vote:

• Walsh Jesuit over Wadsworth
• Hoban over University School
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit

Division I Preview

Region 2 - Grove City

• Districts: Central 4 vs. Central 1 | Central 3 vs. Central 2

Region Overview: Conner Mick had an RBI single in the first and a two-run single in the second helping Liberty beat DeSales 8-2 in the district finals. Hot-hitting Mason Onate had a two-run double for third-ranked Liberty, which edged Westerville Central 1-0 in the district semis.  … Josh Taber fanned 12 in a two-hit performance in a 7-1 win over Pickerington North to send 25th-rated Orange to the regionals. Cole Cahill had a single, double and home run. … Last year’s Division I state runners-up are back in the regionals after Grove City outlasted Bishop Watterson 4-3 in eight innings. Bryant Braxton was hit by a pitch, went to second on a wild pitch and scored the winning run on a Logan Highley single. Keegan Holmstrom fanned 11 in an eight-inning complete game for the 24th-rated D-I team in Ohio. Zak Sigman threw a four-hit shutout in a 1-0 win over Teays Valley in the district semifinals. Andrew Garner had the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the seventh for Grove City, which had not been to the regionals since 2014 before last year. … Sophomore Cooper Gilkerson threw a two-hitter, Travis Yankovich hit a two-run homer and Cam Gilkerson had three hits in Hilliard Darby’s 11-1 district title game win over Gahanna Lincoln. Cam Gilkerson tossed a three-hit shutout against Licking Heights in the sectional finals and a no-hitter versus Marysville in the district semis for 26th-ranked Darby.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Olentangy Liberty over Olentangy Orange
• Grove City over Hilliard Darby
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Olentangy Liberty

Fan Vote:

• Olentangy Liberty over Olentangy Orange
• Grove City over Hilliard Darby
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Olentangy Liberty

#3 Olentangy Liberty

Record: 27-3
Head Coach: Ty Brenning
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

• Fifth District Title in school history
• State Champions in 2018

Top Players:

• Mason Onate, SS, 2023
• Blake Hajjar, OF, 2023
• Brock Amelung, RHP/1B, 2023
• Connor Mick, DH, 2023
• Josh Bercaw, 3B, 2023
• Josh Stickel, 2B, 2023
• Noah Mathis, OF, 2023
• Zach Meyer, C, 2024
• Anderson Gomez, RHP/OF, 2023
• Parker Van Engelenhoven, RHP, 2026
• Colin Bester, RHP, 2023
• Mitchell Gray, LHP, 2023

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The strength of our team is the team. We have depth and experience in all areas on the field.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our players are a close group who want to continue to get better and enjoy their time together. Winning the district gives us the opportunity to continue doing the things we love!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s a privilege to be able to compete with the best teams in the state! We are looking forward to the challenge.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This is a special group who is as prepared as any team at Liberty. Our guys know exactly who they are. They are excellent at the fundamentals and playing with great freedom. It’s a fun group!

#25 Olentangy Orange

Record: 20-10
Head Coach: Tom Marker
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• Fourth District Title in school history.

Top Players:

• Ian Dando, 2B, Senior
• Charlie Scholvin, SS, Senior
• Cole Cahill, LF, Senior
• Diego Astacio, 1B, Senior
• Tyler Fuller, DH, Senior
• Evan Eichel, RF, Senior
• Keegan Knupp, 3B, Sophomore
• Casey Covert, C, Junior
• Jacob Lattig, CF, Senior
• Jacob Tabor, LHP, Senior
• Cole Cahill, LHP, Senior
• Josiah Ross, RHP, Senior
• Diego Astacio, LHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a very connected group held together by 17 seniors that have been together playing for years. With our tough non-league schedule and some adversity, this has given us the opportunity to train and develop players at several positions and find a combination that gives us the most cohesive offensive lineup. Our guys have responded to losses and wins by trying to get back to the middle as quickly as possible. I like that we are dialed into what is necessary to help the team. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: You can never tell how a single win can impact a team, but I do think that the district championship was more of a culminating experience at a pivotal moment in a trying, but also season of huge growth. We played 11 different guys in the 3 games and 10 of them collected RBI. Our team has poured into each other all year and it started with the spring trip. Winning a district title was so awesome on many fronts. The win gives us the opportunity to be around each other for another week AND catapults us into a really cool experience in the regional tournament.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: I kept telling our players all year, "You get one shot at this experience (high school baseball) and for some of you, you may never be part of a team again. Enjoy EVERY experience." Playing in the regional is such a great experience that I wish every kid could experience once.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The other three teams are the who's who of Central Ohio Baseball. I can't remember a Regional that didn't have at least one of these teams in it. Olentangy Liberty is so disciplined and so talented. I really enjoy watching that team compete. Hilliard Darby is so well-coached and seem to ALWAYS be in the mix. Grove City is electric. They have a great coach and play off his energy and passion for the sport. It's a great mix of teams. We're happy for the opportunity to compete and see if we belong. It should be some great baseball. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: A huge thank you to those that have supported our players each and every year regardless of the scoreboard. The experience you helped create for our guys is second to none. It's more than just baseball. And a special thanks to the Pioneer Pit for being with us through it all. As always, we are us because you are you - UBUNTU. We're going to do our best to pay you back by representing the school and the community the right way.

#24 Grove City

Record: 20-10
Head Coach: Ryan Alexander
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• 13th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Zak Sigman, 3B/P 2023 - 6-2, 2 saves
• Gavin Lawler, CF, 2025 - 4-1, 1 save
• Keegan Holmstrom, P/1B, 2024 - 8-1, 1 save
• Spencer Stoll, SS, 2023
• Braxton Bryant , LF, 2023
• Grady Speegle, C, 2023
• Logan Highley, DH, 2025
• Conor Hix, 2B, 2023
• Andrew Garner, RF, 2024
• Grant Ruffing CIF, 2025
• AJ Remick, LHP, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: These guys are peaking at the right time. We played an extremely challenging schedule for these moments. With Keegs and Sig on the bump, our guys think they can beat anyone.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Always an unreal feeling getting to dogpile with your brothers.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing with house money anytime you get to play in a regional. I want our guys to go out and truly enjoy the experience of playing at HOME in a regional with this amazing crowd and community support.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Played Darby last year in the Regional Semi and faced Big Gilk. Sig threw a 2 hit complete Game gem in a 2-0 Win.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Love this team. So pumped for them to get to experience this moment. We have a lot of returners that played in the State Championship last year. Our guys are excited for the moment.  People don't like it when the Hounds are HOT!!

#26 Hilliard Darby

Record: 19-10
Head Coach: Chris Fugitt
Final Ranking: No. 26
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Postseason History:

• Seventh District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Gavin Casper, JR, 2B
• Cam Gilkerson, SR, LHP/1B
• Travis Yankovich, SR, SS
• Cooper Gilkerson, SO, RHP/3B
• Dominic Spina, JR, C
• Evan Vulic, SR, DH/OF
• Brody Van Dyke, SR, OF/3B
• Tyler Stern, SR, OF
• Cole Horvath, JR, OF
• Max Mullen, RHP
• Kyle Kesel, RHP
• Zack Carlo, RHP
• Luke Cannon, RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We’ve had our ups and downs, but been playing good baseball in the tournament.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great day, won a district championship at UA, got a police escort to the Schott and our seniors received their diplomas that evening.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very exciting to be playing OSHAA baseball in late May/early June.  Doesn’t just happen, takes buy in from all players.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We will have our hands full, going up against 3 outstanding programs with great players that are extremely well coached.

Division I Preview

Region 3 - Bowling Green

• Districts: Bowling Green vs. Findlay | Strongsville vs. Cleveland

Regional Overview: Tommy Ling hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning to send No. 5 Anthony Wayne back to the regionals for the second year in a row with a 6-5 victory over Springfield. The Generals trailed 5-3 before scoring two in the last of the seventh, the second on a wild pitch with two outs. Anthony Wayne beat Ashland 13-0 in the sectional finals and Fremont Ross 10-0 in the district semis on a one-hitter by Brayden Weis. … A four-run second inning powered 10th-ranked Toledo St. John’s past Clay 6-2 in the district finals. Sophomore Jon Tober went the distance fanning eight for St. John’s. Will Nieckarz, who had the game-winning hit two days earlier in the bottom of the seventh in a 4-3 victory over Perrysburg, had two singles and drove in two for the Titans. …. Sixth-rated Medina heads to the regionals coming off three straight 1-0 wins in the postseason. Jack Geiser threw a shutout in the district finals against Brunswick and Owen Cavey had a no-hitter for 6.2 innings against Lakewood in the district semis. Danny Stoddard had a single, stolen base and run in the first inning versus Brunswick and two doubles and a single in the win over Lakewood. … A three-run third inning powered No. 8 Wooster past Saint Ignatius 3-2 in the district title game. Elisha Steiner fired a four-hitter for the win. Brady Bowen was the winning pitcher in the sectional finals against Normandy (4-1) and district semis versus Broadview Heights (6-4).

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Anthony Wayne over St. John's Jesuit
• Medina over Wooster
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Anthony Wayne

Fan Vote:

• Anthony Wayne over St. John's Jesuit
• Medina over Wooster
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Anthony Wayne

#5 Anthony Wayne

Record: 25-4
Head Coach: Ryan Donley
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Postseason History:

• 10th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Bryce Anderson, SS, Junior
• Cody Keller, LF, Senior
• Marco Morrison, CF, Senior
• Jack Behnfeldt, 1B, Senior
• Mitch Harder, RF, Senior (5-0), 1 Save
• Tommy Ling, DH, Senior
• Tyler Mull, 2B, Senior
• Hadryn Nowicki, C, Senior
• Sam Braker, 3B, Senior
• Brayden Weis, RHP, Senior (10-0)
• Drew Pfundt, RHP, Senior (1-0), 1 Save, Relief
• Dom Carlson, RHP, Senior, (3-1), 3 Saves, Closer

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Chemistry. Our kids love each other and it shows in their play. There isn't any panic or finger pointing with this group. They are unselfish and just line up and play.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Springfield had us on the ropes and we were down to our last strike. The fact that our kids never quit or backed down was the most impressive part for me as their coach.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Anytime you can get to this point in the season it's an honor. There are a lot of outstanding ball clubs that aren't playing this week. The fact that we get an opportunity to strap up and take the field another time is a blessing and something that our group doesn't take for granted.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Every team at this stage of the game is good. Anyone can be beat on any given day. You have to show up and play well to give yourself a chance. It'll be important to limit free bases (walks, HBP, errors), take advantage of scoring opportunities, and limit/minimize the opponents' chances.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Congratulations to all of the teams that have made it to the Regional Tournament!

#10 Toledo St. John's Jesuit

Record: 20-5-1
Head Coach: Sam Fischer
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Postseason History:

• Third District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Will Nieckarz, INF, 2023
• Ben Zetocha, INF, 2024
• JP Wagner, INF, 2023
• Jake Dukate, DH/P, 2023
• Caleb Click, OF, 2023
• Grant Dzierwa, OF, 2023
• Michael Operacz, OF, 2023
• Kenyon Miller, 1B, 2025
• Declan Loisel, OF, 2024
• Donovan Mattimore, RHP, 2025
• Jon Tober, RHP, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like our team chemistry right now. They are playing loose and enjoying the game of baseball together.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Great feeling to watch these guys win the district. This group has worked very hard and they deserve it.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s definitely an honor to get to play in a regional. It’s a result of the hard work this group has put in.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach:The teams in this regional are all very talented and are playing the game of baseball well. At this point, each team is going to feel confident. It’s going to be very competitive, which is what you expect. It’s going to be some fun, respectful competition.

#6 Medina

Record: 24-6
Head Coach: Mark Kelly
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 19
Postseason History:

• Third District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Danny Stoddard, CF, Junior
• Brennan Stobbs, SS/P, Senior (2-0, 4 Saves, ERA 0.65)
• Nate Hill, C, Senior
• Jack Geiser, 3B/P, Senior (6-1, 1.56 ERA)
• Owen Cavey, P, Junior (5-1 ERA 0.95)
• Hansen Huth, 1B, Senior
• Max Andrich, 2B, Senior
• Ian Caddell, OF, Senior
• Zach Hartman, OF, Senior
• Camryn Hathaway, OF, Junior
• Charles Hagan, P (4-1, 2 Saves, 2.70 ERA)
• Andrew Boughter, P (5-0, 1.82 ERA)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team is a senior led group that has great pitchers on the mound that plays a ton of defense behind them. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This is a first year coaching staff and the seniors lost in the district finals last year. To be able to all come together and trust each other year 1 and advance to the regionals was great for this group of players. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: As a player you never understand how hard it is to get here. Now as a coach, it is incredibly hard to get here and there are some great teams that you have to match up against. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: These are all going to be great matchups. Every team is in this position because they are great teams and well coached.  We know it is going to be a battle to get through this regional with the teams still in it. That is what we are most excited for.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This is an exciting year for our community and program. We are proud of this group and they are representing the community and making an impact in such a positive way.

#8 Wooster

Record: 22-4
Head Coach: Steve Young
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history (1st since 1998)

Top Players:

• Hayden Meese, OF, 2025
• Ben Winge, 2B, 2025
• Blake Bowen, SS, 2023
• Brady Bowen, RHP/INF, 2025 - 9-1
• Elisha Steiner, 3B/P, 2023 - 5-0, 2 saves
• Sam Nielsen, 1B, 2025
• Jacob Russell, OF, 2023
• Dylan Hudson, C, 2024
• AJ Likowski, OF/RHP, 2025 - 3-0, 2 saves
• John Foster, LHP, 2023 - 1-0, 1 save

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We're having fun and playing well together. Kids are playing loose, embracing and enjoying the moment and executing at a high level.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was obviously a special moment, but what makes it even sweeter is how we got there and how we did it. It truly was a total team effort and our guys just stuck together and competed every pitch. They trust their teammates and genuinely enjoy being together and competing.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Really excited and looking forward to the opportunity to play great teams, but most looking forward to getting more opportunities for this group to continue to play together.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: At this point in the season, every team has accomplished the same thing and gotten to the same point. We know we're up against some very good baseball teams and if we want to come out of our region, we'll have to earn it and play clean. Every team is feeling the same confidence and success we're feeling so it'll come down to who plays the cleanest and doesnt give away free bases or extra outs.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I could not be prouder of this group and it's been an absolute pleasure to get to coach them every day. We are excited to continue to compete and play together to represent our program, our school and our community!

Division I Preview

Region 4 - Cincinnati

• Districts: Southwest 4 vs. Southwest 1 | Southwest 3 vs. Southwest 2

Regional Overview: Top-ranked Moeller has blanked all three tournament opponents, the latest a 10-0 win over Fairmont behind the pitching of Toby Hueber. The Crusaders used a nine-run second inning for the second run-rule victory of the tourney, the other a 10-0 shutout of Northwest in the sectional finals when Hueber threw a two-hitter. In between was a 7-0 victory over Princeton. Clay Burdette and Charlie Niehaus had back-to-back homers in the second inning for Moeller. … Eastern Cincinnati Conference co-champion West Clermont, the 16th-ranked team in D-I, is in the regional after three wins of two runs or less in the tournament, including a 4-2 victory over Springboro in the district finals. … No. 14 Elder outlasted Eastern Cincinnati Conference co-champ Lebanon 6-2 in 15 innings for a berth in the regionals, bringing an end to the 30-plus year coaching career of Lebanon coach Larry Price. Lebanon had beaten Elder 1-0 in the district semis a year ago on a Colton Hartman no-hitter. Drew Edrich had an RBI single in the sixth for the game-winning run in a 2-1 win over Milford in the district semis. Jared Eckstein was the winning pitcher. … Second-ranked Mason fell behind 2-1 after one inning before a four-spot in the second and three in the fifth led to a 9-3 win over Troy and a trip to the regionals.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Moeller over West Clermont
• Mason over Elder
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Moeller

Fan Vote:

• Moeller over West Clermont
• Mason over Elder
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Moeller

#1 Archbishop Moeller

Record: 27-3
Head Coach: Tim Held
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 21st District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Toby Hueber, 2B/RHP, 2023
• Nate Manley, C, 2023
• Clay Burdette, 1B, 2023
• Charlie Niehaus, SS, 2023
• Connor Christenson, 3B, 2023
• Conlan Daniel, RF, 2023
• Ethan Sweat, LF, 2023
• CJ Richard, CF, 2023
• Carter Christenson, DH/2B, 2025
• Zion Theophilus, RHP, 2025
• Kellan Klosterman, RHP, 2024
• Carson Marsh, RHP, sr
• Sam Scuglik, RHP, 2024
• David Hagen, RHP, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our offense seems to be clicking up and down the lineup. Our pitching has remained strong and our defense is making the plays that it should.  

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was happy for the players to capture another district crown. It’s a new group every year so it never gets old seeing how happy they are to get a trophy and medals.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We know we have our work cut out for us. All the teams are playing great baseball right now so it’s whoever is the hottest team on Thursday and Friday.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All four teams are well coached and solid fundamentally. Everyone has a really good set of arms that could dominate a game any day.  

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are happy to be back in the regionals battling with the top teams in the southwest region. We are excited to show everyone what Moeller baseball is all about.

#16 West Clermont

Record: 22-8
Head Coach: Dave Collins
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: 45
Postseason History:

• 1st District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Connor Kasten, 2B , Junior
• Riley Wooldridge, CF, Junior
• Gavin Speranza, 1B, Soph
• Nathan Taylor, DH/P, Senior
• Landyn McEvoy, RF, Senior
• Luke Johnson, 3B, Senior
• Cody Sunday, C, Senior
• Michael Hibbs, LF, Junior
• Austin Randolph, SS, Junior
• Trevor Zeigler, RHP, Senior
• Zach Swartz, RHP, Soph
• Kaiden Lewis, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our Pitching Staff, Defense, Our Heart.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: So proud of our boys and our coaching staff, everyone worked so hard, Happy for our school and community they deserved this.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's amazing. For some of these boys it’s a dream come true. Once in a lifetime experience.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: They are all amazing teams, it’s going to be very difficult to win this region.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I’m so proud of this team and coaching staff. We are going to play hard and lets see what happens.

#14 Elder

Record: 22-8
Head Coach: Mark Thompson
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• 32nd District Title in school history
• 12 State Titles

Top Players:

• Wil Summers - CF, Senior
• Luke Vaughn - C, Senior
• Kevin Hilton - SS, Senior
• Ben Schoster - 3B/P, Senior
• Jared Eckstein - 1B/P, Senior
• Drew Edrich - LF, Senior
• Brayden Curlis - 2B, Junior
• Nicky Gutzwiller - DH, Senior
• Ben Weigand - RF, Junior
• Atticus Wood - P
• Caden Ammon - P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our big game experience and senior leadership. We are a senior dominated team who have been in many big games/situations. 3 current seniors were on our state runner-up team 2 years ago.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Feeling never gets old but I sure felt exhausted after our 15 inning District final marathon! That was one for the ages.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach:Always grateful to have the opportunity to play in the Regionals. Such a talent rich area that it's always tough to make it this far.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Pretty neat that it's an all Cincinnati regional this year. Moeller and Mason are the obvious favorites but we (and I'm sure West Clermont) are excited and look forward to the challenge of competing against the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the state. 4 very talented teams going at it! I would definitely say whoever makes it through our regional will be a favorite to bring a state title back home.

#2 Mason

Record: 26-4
Head Coach: Curt Bly
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

• 14th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Sean Krueckeberg, OF/LHP, Senior - 1-0, 5 saves
• Drew Cox, 2B, Senior
• Michael Murphy, RHP/1B, Senior - 6-0
• Jake Hanley, RHP/1B, Junior - 7-1
• Nick Stroud, C, Senior
• Alex Koelling, 3B, Junior
• Mark Rutherford, DH/INF/C, Junior
• Casey Doner, OF, Junior
• Anthony Sulek, SS, Junior
• Brad Hart, OF, Junior
• Bryce Brannon, RHP, Junior, 5-1
• Michael Bilo, RHP, Junior 5-1
• Quinten Kaylor, RHP, Senior, 1 Save
• Sean Krueckeberg, LHP, Senior, 1-0, 5 saves

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I feel like we are really seeing the ball well right now, swinging the bats very well. Not only are we swinging it well, but our pitching has been strong. Guys have been playing hard and are committed to the process. Feel like we are practicing with a purpose and getting better each day. The guys are staying locked in and focused with the many days in between games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very proud of our guys. We preach that accomplishments are hard and when you get a chance to put a number on a banner, it is a big deal. We expect to be fighting for a district championship every year, but we understand what it means to accomplish our goal. You are not guaranteed another game or another practice, so enjoy each accomplishment you earn.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always a privilege to make it to the regional in southwest Ohio. There are so many great teams and programs that it is never easy to accomplish.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I truly believe any of the four teams could make it out. It is an honor to have the opportunity to compete against the great players and coaches in this regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Very excited for our players and our community to be represented in the Cincinnati Regional. We understand how difficult it is to be one of the final four teams in the city, and this opportunity is not guaranteed every year. Excited to be playing baseball in June!