2023 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division III

#7 South Range

Record: 22-7
Head Coach: Jim Hanek
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• Fourth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Shane Lindstrom, CF, 2023
• Billy Skripac, RHP/INF, 2023 - 6-1
• Nick Plunkett, RF, 2023
• Tyson Tarajack, 3B/RHP, 2025 - 3-2
• Jake Shumate, 1B/RHP, 2025
• Logan Baxter, SS/RHP, 2024
• Tyler Wardle, LF, 2024
• Blake Jeffries, DH, 2024
• Gaven Nagy, 2B, 2025
• Will Gehring, C, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing very well as a team. Our pitching staff has come up big for us when called upon. We are have been getting timely hitting and playing solid defense.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very proud of my coaches and players. It marked 3 straight district tiles for these seniors, and that is an accomplishment I am very proud of them for. Just very excited.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We feel very fortunate to be one of 16 teams left playing in division 3. We are looking forward to the opportunity to represent the South Range Community.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All 4 teams have an opportunity to advance to the State Finals. All are well coached and have great players.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I would like to thank my coaches and my players for their hard work this season.

#5 Cortland Lakeview

Record: 20-4
Head Coach: Cam Carson
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• First District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Andrew Brown, P/OF, Junior (8-0)
• Tyler Capan, SS/P, Senior (1-0, 4 SV)
• Gino Lazzari, 2B/OF/P, Senior (4-1)
• Andrew McRoberts, OF, Senior
• Alex Stowe, C, Senior
• Jake Nicholas, 2B/1B, Junior
• Carter Doran, 3B, Sophomore
• Nathan Paolucci, OF/DH, Freshman
• Matthew DeProfio, 1B, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Really like the contributions we are getting offensively from everyone 1-9. We do a nice job with situational hitting and not trying to do too much at the plate. Everyone just keeps it simple, does their job, and trusts the guy around them to do the same. I also think this group has very good poise. We seem comfortable in all situations.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an awesome feeling. It was our first title in school history, which I don’t think most of us knew until they announced it after the game. That was one goal that we really wanted to accomplish when we started the season and was something that meant a lot to this team. It was a great feeling to see all of our hard work and sacrifice pay off.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being able to play in the regionals is a huge accomplishment for the program. This was another goal that we thought we could achieve coming into the year and the guys on this team had their sights set on being in this position and went out there and made it happen. I think it will be an awesome experience getting to go up against some of the best teams in the state and our guys are hungry to win the next two games and put ourselves in a position to win a state championship.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: South Range is a team that we are very familiar with being in the same conference as them. It is pretty cool that we get to face off against each other on such a big stage. I know this is a game that means a lot to both teams and I am sure that it will be a battle just like our first two matchups were vs them in the regular season. As for Apple Creek Waynedale and Independence we are not all that familiar with either team but from what we can see online and things like that both teams seem to be very talented and competitive and we are looking forward to some good baseball in the regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: I am just super proud of what this group has been able to accomplish. Something that has stood out to me is that this group does a nice job of enjoying the moment while also staying focused on what is still to come. We celebrate our accomplishments but stay hungry for the ones that we are still trying to achieve. This group truly believes that we can win the next four games and bring a state championship back to Cortland and we are going to leave everything out there on the field in order to make it happen.

#21 Independence

Record: 15-6
Head Coach: Jim Crooks
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Fourth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Mike Andryszczyk, OF, Senior - First team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Max Tarnowski, 2B/P, Senior - 2nd team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Evan Beacher, SS/P, Senior - Honorable Mention in Chagrin Valley Conference, 1st team selection as a junior
• Rory Corrigan, 1B, Senior - 1st team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Dom Narduzzi, C, Sophomore - 1st team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Luke Pascarella, OF, Senior - 2nd team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Charlie McGreal, OF, Senior - 2nd team all Chagrin Valley Conference as a sophomore
• Sam Crooks, 3B/P, Sophomore - 1st team all Chagrin Valley Conference
• Vinny Carriero, INF, Freshman
• Cy Jolliffe, LHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Independence is playing good all around baseball. We’re throwing strikes, playing solid defense, and making critical offensive plays when needed.   

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: When Independence won the district title, the biggest feeling was one of satisfaction for these boys who succeeded on a big stage. Many of them have played together for more than a decade, and a few since T-ball on the same team. For these boys to experience the historic accomplishment of a district title made me proud and happy for the young men and their families.   

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Independence feels as though we can compete at this level, and if we keep playing the way we have during the first three rounds, you’ll see a competitive regional tournament from our squad.   

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Without a doubt, there are highly qualified teams in this regional, well-coached and those used to playing in these situations. I wish all the best to our teams.   

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Independence Baseball thanks the community and our school family for their support. The crowd energy during the post season has been a tangible factor for our success, and we express our gratitude to Independence for their support and encouragement.

#13 Waynedale

Record: 20-9
Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 11th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Dylan Raber, SS, 2023
• Tristan Franks, C, 2025
• Connor Gatti, OF, 2023
• Timmy Short, 3B/P, 2023
• Trey Barkman, RHP/DH, 2023
• Jayden Schlabach, OF, 2025
• Otto Solorzano, LHP/DH, 2024
• Gavin Spitler, 1B, 2023
• Shane Coblentz, 2B/P, 2025
• Tate Venables, OF, 2024
  

Coach's Thoughts: We played a tough schedule this year and played in a strong league. We had to win a couple of close games in districts, but we had players come through in big situations. We are happy to still be playing baseball, and we are excited to see what we can do.

Columbus Academy

Record: 19-11
Head Coach: Todd Dunkle
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Eighth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Theo Falkenhain, CF/LHP, Sophomore
• Dominic Dunkle LF/LHP, Freshman
• Dylan Ritzenthaler, CF/LHP/1B, Senior
• Joey Gurwin, C, Sophomore
• Peter Tsung, SS, Junior
• A.J. Bradley, 3B, Senior
• Rex Whitney, 2B, Senior
• Sunil Santry, DH, Sophomore
• Seth Lee, RF, Sophomore
• Harmon Gouhin, 1B/LHP, Sophomore
• Luke Boltz Senior, OF
• Teddy Bonham, Senior, IF
• Jason Singleton, Freshman, IF/OF

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We pride ourselves on pitching, defense and running the bases well and thus far we have really executed well in those aspects through our run to regionals. We preach process from the very first day we are together and this group has really taken that to heart, working hard to get better each day. That and the togetherness of this group have carried us to this point. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Obviously it's a tremendous feeling, For us, it is something we discuss early on when we talk goals for the season, we set out to play in the district championship game each season. It’s a major goal we point to within our process and this group has been through a lot together, the seniors losing their freshman season, the ups and downs of a baseball season and this one in particular so to achieve that together with these guys was a special moment. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s a privilege to get here and one we earned from our hard work in the gym early on all the way through the district title game. It’s such a fun opportunity for these guys to play into June and see their work pay off as well as well as the opportunity to play some really good teams from across the state.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We are familiar with this region, it is the same path we took the last time we were here in regionals. There is some really good baseball in the Northwest Ohio area. Coach Hardman does a great job at Ottawa Hills, they consistently play deep into the season. Wayne Trace has been highly ranked in the state all year and Edison played extra innings in the State Finals last season. We knew this region would be loaded but were excited to be a part of it and look forward to the opportunity to play some really high level baseball. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This has just been such a fun group to be a part of. We wouldn’t be here without the hard work and buy-in everyday from our players first and foremost, especially our five seniors who have led us from day one.. But from the tireless work of our coaching staff throughout the entire year, our strength coach, support from our community and families, they’ve made it so much fun to go to work each day together. We preach family at Academy and this group of players, coaches and everyone involved in our program have embodied that as much as any group we have had.

#16 Ottawa Hills

Record: 20-10
Head Coach: Chris Hardman
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• 18th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Anthony Adduci, 2B, 2023
• Reddik Pillarelli, OF, 2025
• AJ George, OF, 2023
• Sebastian Stevens, 1B/LHP, 2024
• Jackson Snyder, RHP/INF, 2025
• Luke Gnepper, OF, 2024
• Nash Barnes, DH, 2023
• Jack Eidenier, SS, 2023
• Brady Larson, C, 2023
• Sean Brandt, 3B, 2023
• Jay Breed, P, 2025
• Noah Hamilton, P, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing relaxed and confident.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Team and community was excited.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in June is the goal each season and we are grateful to be doing so!

#4 Wayne Trace

Record: 22-5
Head Coach: Ryne Jerome
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Tucker Antoine, C, Junior
• Breven Anderson, 2B/RHP, Junior (6-3)
• Cale Winans, SS/P, Junior - 3 Saves
• Cooper Wenzlick, RHP/INF, Junior - 9-0
• Kyle Slade, 1B, Senior
• Kyle Forrer, 3B/P, Junior - 4 Saves
• Tyler Davis, CF/LHP, Senior 1-1
• Evan Crosby, DH, Senior
• Tyler Head, RF, Sophomore
• Brady Miller, LF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Their togetherness, confidence, and competitive edge

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This was something we had talked about all year as we were knocked out in this game a year ago. To be able to get back and win the way that we did meant the world to our kids and our staff and was a major stepping stone in our goals as a program.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being only the 2nd team in school history to play in the regionals, we're incredibly excited about the opportunity to represent our school. We also understand the task at hand that our job is not yet complete.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I think once you get this far, there are no easy games. Everyone you're going to face is going to be a high-quality opponent and so we are going to have to be at our best if we want to continue on.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We're proud of what we've accomplished thus far this year, but we also understand as a group that the job is not finished. We are thrilled about the opportunity to represent our school and our community in the regional tournament!

#3 Milan Edison

Record: 22-4
Head Coach: Sean Hoover
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

• Sixth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Clint Finnen, SS, 2023
• Carson Smith, DH, 2024
• Hayden Fry, 3B, 2023
• Bryson Wittmer, CF, 2026 - 4-0, 0.71 ERA (Louisville commit)
• Marcus Median, 2B, 2024
• Dominic Dymond, C, 2023
• Max Hoover, 1B, 2023
• Blake Simon, RF, 2024 - 6-2, 0.49 ERA
• Davin Wendt, LF, 2025
• Ben  Bates, RHP, 2023 - 9-1, 1.15 ERA
• Aiden Drake, RHP, 2024 - 2-0, 0.63 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

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

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the district was a great feeling. This group of players has really worked hard to get us back to this point and it was great to see their hard work pay off.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is our third trip in a row to regionals and it is awesome to be back and have a chance to compete for a regional championship.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: This is a tough 4 team group. We played Ottawa Hills in last year's regional final game. Wayne Trace won a district title in a group that was filled with some of the best teams in the state. Columbus Academy comes from the traditionally solid central district.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I couldn't be more proud of this group. We started the season slowly after graduating 10 seniors, but we really liked what we had coming back and the young players who needed to step up and fill the roles vacated by our seniors. After that slow start, this group has come together to win 19 of our last 20 games. It has been amazing to watch this team grow into a group that we feel has the ability to beat anyone on any given night.

#11 Wheelersburg

Record: 22-7
Head Coach: Derek Moore
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• 13th District Title in school history
• 3-time State Champion (1996, 2012, 2013)

Top Players:

• Connor Estep, SS, 2024 - 2-4, 4.46 ERA
• Caden Conn, P, 2024 - 10-1, 1 Save, 0.31 ERA
• Isaac Bockway, 3B, 2024
• Lane Hutchinson, DH, 2023
• Creed Warren, 2B, 2024
• Jake Darling, C, 2024 - 7-0, 2.90 ERA
• Kolton Salyers, RF, 2024
• Owen Young, 1B, 2024
• Rowdy Watkins, CF, 2024
• Jake Clevenger, LF, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team is playing with confidence at the moment and it just feels like they have fully bought in and believe in each other.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Was very happy for our guys. Great bounce-back after a disappointing early exit last season. Hopefully more to come down this final stretch.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Privileged to be back in the regional with hopes of representing our school and community well and make them proud.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: A very competitive and well experienced regional. Going to have to play clean and smart baseball to give ourselves a chance.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Appreciate all PBR does for the game of baseball in our state. Just hoping to make Wheelersburg proud.

#14 Lucasville Valley

Record: 18-7
Head Coach: Nolan Crabtree
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

• 18th District Title in school history (3rd straight)

Top Players:

• Jaekyn Ridout, 3B/P, Sophomore
• Jace Copley, C, Junior
• Chris Queen, RF, Senior
• Carson Powell, 1B/RHP, Freshman
• Tate Queen, SS, Sophomore
• George Arnett, P, Senior - 9-1, 2 saves
• Hunter Edwards, CF, Senior
• Carter Nickel, LF/RHP, Senior - 2-4
• Colt Buckle, 2B, Senior
• Gabe McNeil, DH, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing our best ball of the season. Our pitching has been incredible from start to finish but our bats let us down during the middle of the season... We are hitting the ball right now and playing with confidence.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Moving up to a tough D3 district after being in D4, many people counted us out... We were the underdogs throughout district play and really played great baseball. This was a very satisfying district championship for numerous reasons.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are facing a conference rival and playing a team we are familiar with... We have been here before and it's an honor to have this opportunity again.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Wheelersburg is a team that we have had many tough battles with the last few years. 3 of 4 games decided by a run. Being from the same conference is a testament to our league. Eastern and Harrison Central are two teams I am not that familiar with, but I know Eastern knocked off two really good squads to get to this point. They're playing good ball.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are in the regionals for a 3rd year in a row, now in a different division... Our kids have played great baseball to get to this point and we are looking forward to the opportunity to try and win another regional title.

Winchester Eastern

Record: 15-9
Head Coach: Steve Goetz
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Carter Vaughn, 2024
• Wyatt Haupt, 2024
• Brandon Bailey, 2023
• Jackson Prine, 2025
• Caleb Jimison, 2023
• Lane Bailey, 2023
• Pryce Murphy, 2025
• Garrett Moran, 2023
• Wylee Sawyers, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have really come together as a team at the right time. We struggled a little bit closing the regular season out but we have been able to reset and get back in the right frame of mind for the tournament

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Just so happy for all the young men who have put so much time and effort into this season and our program. It’s all about the players and I cannot be more proud of them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s just another opportunity for this team to play another baseball game together. We are trying to not think about it as anything but another game and we just want & need to play for each other.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously, if you are one of the four teams remaining in the regional, you have been playing some really good baseball. You don’t get to his point without beating some great teams and teams that I have so much respect. It’s an honor to still be playing and the other 3 teams in this regional are great teams and it should be a lot of fun. Wishing all teams that are still playing the best of luck.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I just want to say thank you to all the parents, families, and fans that have been such a huge support all season long, but especially during this tournament. The energy they bring is definitely felt by the players and coaches on the field.

Harrison Central

Record: 17-12
Head Coach: Michael Valesko
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• Third District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Kaden Jurosko SS/P
• Kayden Dunkle OF
• Treston Nemeth C/P
• Tuckey Snyder OF
• Jace Madzia 3B/P
• Anthony Pelegreen OF
• Braden Cook DH
• Cabot Arbaugh 1B
• Reed Arbaugh LF
• Wyatt Pierce P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Love the confidence we have as a team right now. Great group of seniors who bought in since we lost in the district finals last season. Team believes we’re going to win every game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Happy for the kids. Great group of kids who deserve the success they’ve had.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to be one of the final 16 teams left in the state. Feel that winning the district
confirms you’ve had a great season.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Very competitive and 4 teams that can all win it. Haven’t played any of the 4 teams left so there is excitement there.

#25 Cincinnati Country Day

Record: 20-11
Head Coach: Greg Tissot
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Postseason History:

• Coming Soon

Top Players:

• Coming Soon

Coach's Thoughts:

• Coming Soon

#8 Greeneview

Record: 25-4
Head Coach: John Mark Brooks
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Fifth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Keegan Phillips, LHP, Junior (AVG .392, OBP .602, SLG .514, R 47, SB 31 | 10-2)
• Hunter Brooks, C/P, Senior  (AVG .304, OBP .443, R 33, SB 23, RBI 26 | 4 SV)
• Ben Myers, LF, Senior  (AVG .413, OBP .495, SLG .511, H 38)
• Jarrod Mays, 1B, Senior (AVG .341, OBP .491, SLG .463, RBI 21)
• Trevor Moore, DH, Sophomore (AVG .338, OBP .435, SLG .506, H 26, 22 RBI)
• Tanner Thornton, 3B, Senior (AVG .194, OBP .375, SLG .226, R 16)
• Kaden Knisley, SS, Senior (AVG .237, OBP .311, SLG .262, RBI 15)
• Landon Gardner, CF/RHP, Junior  (AVG .221, OBP .315, SLG .286, RBI 16 | 8-1)
• Chase Walker, RF, Sophomore (AVG .194, OBP .365, SLG .239, RBI 17)
• Braden Green, RHP, Junior, (3-0)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Energy. They love being around each other and have a lot of fun.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It felt much more surreal than I expected. Realizing that it had only been done 4 times prior felt pretty special.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Feels great to represent our community and to watch these guys have an opportunity to play for another milestone.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All are having a great season, especially right now. We consider it a privilege to play great teams and coaches. We expect everyone’s very best and are intending to work hard to be prepared to compete. Teams don’t make it this far without great talent, hard work and great coaching.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I’d just like to say that this year and team has been special. I consider it an honor to have been a part of a team that has made history for our community. I have a lot of confidence in these guys and believe if they have a day, it will be a good one for our community every time they step on the field.

#20 Heath

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: Thomas Warren
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Coming Soon

Top Players:

• Coming Soon

Coach's Thoughts:

• Coming Soon

Waynesville

Record: 13-11
Head Coach: Ryan Hill
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Coming Soon

Top Players:

• Coming Soon

Coach's Thoughts:

• Coming Soon