2023 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division IV

#10 Dalton

Record: 18-8
Head Coach: Scott Huth
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Fifth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Brady Hignight, RF, Sophomore
• Justin Basinger, 1B/RHP, Senior (4-0 2 Saves, 2023 2nd team WCAL)
• Jack Steiner, SS, Senior (2023 WCAL MVP, 2022 1st team WCAL)
• Talan Greegor, C, Junior (2023 Honorable Mention WCAL)
• Bryce Johnson, DH, Senior (2023 Honorable Mention WCAL)
• Will Carmichael, 3B/P, Junior (2023 2nd Team WCAL)
• Cade Mullet, CF/RHP, Junior
• Keller McFarren, 2B, Junior
• Trey Dunn, LF, Junior (2023 2nd Team WCAL)
• Seth Wyckoff, LHP, Junior, (8-2) 1 Save
• Alex Hess, RHP, Sophomore
• Kade Miller, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Right now we are playing very well defensively and pitching very well. We are making teams beat us by not giving them free bases.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach:We have been in the districts every year except the Covid year since I became the head coach (9 yrs). The last 2 years we were beaten in the semi finals by Columbia. They are fundamentally a very good team and are coached very well. It was a great sense of accomplishment, pride and relief to finally beat them. To our team's credit, we were not satisfied with just beating them. We then faced league foe Hillsdale, who is one of the best offensive teams in our area. We beat them twice earlier in the year, 4-0 and 3-2. When we beat them 3-1 in the finals it was a great feeling for our young team and a great sense of pride for our coaches. To be able to beat that good of a team 3 times in one season, and hold them to just 3 total runs was an incredible sense of accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always special to play in the regionals. We have a young team and we are very excited to represent our community at this level. On a side note--we have won the WCAL championship in football, basketball and baseball, as well as made it to the regionals in all 3 sports THIS school year! Football and basketball made it to the regional finals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We have been keeping an eye on JFK, knowing that they could be a potential matchup for us at this point. They have some very talented pitching and are good hitters as well. Lake Center used to be in our district, so we are familiar with them as well, and know they also have very solid players and are very well coached.  We don't know much about Tiffin Calvert at this point, but I know they have had a great season. I think we have a very strong region with 4 very good teams that should make for a great couple of games.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Please make note of the earlier answer about the athletic achievements of our boys teams this school year. Our golf team was also WCAL champions and played at state, and we have very talented participants in our track and cross country programs as well. We have had a great year.  My coaching staff is all new this year and all are young guys in their 20's. They have brought a new energy to our team and have made great connections with our athletes. My son, Cody Huth is the Assistant Varsity Coach. My son-in-law Matthew Stewart is my JV Coach and he played 4 years as an outfielder at Muskingum. My Nephew, Hunter Shue is the Assistant JV Coach, Logan Swartzentruber is my pitching coach and pitched 4 years for Grace College.  Xavier Harris is my hitting coach and also played 4 years at Grace College.

#6 Warren JFK

Record: 19-6
Head Coach: James Ciambotti
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: N10
Postseason History:

• Seven District Titles in school history
• State Champions in 2021

Top Players:

• Jake Hettrick-Carfangia RHP/3B, Senior, 2-1. 0.21 ERA, .375, 29 RBI, 6 2B, 2 HR
• Aidan Rossi, Senior, .261 AVG, 26 R
• Caleb Hadley C/IB/3B, Junior, .439 AVG, 28 R, 5 2B, 3 3B
• Jaden Rishel RHP, Junior, 5-1, 0.81 ERA
• Michael Condoleon, Junior, .378 AVG, 22 runs, 17 RBI
• Fred Bolchalk RHP, Sophomore, 5-1, 2.73 ERA
• Dom Ryan OF/1B, Sophomore, .391 AVG, 28 RBI, 26 R, 7 2B
• Michael Bartoe DH/IB/OF, Sophomore, .378 AVG, 8 2B

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like our starting pitching and the middle of our order.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: What a great feeling, but we have some other goals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s an honor to play in the regionals and play against a good baseball team like Dalton. It should be a lot of fun. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We know Lake Christian because they’re in our conference, so we know how good they are. Dalton has an excellent club and Tiffin Calvert has been there the last three or four years so they obviously run a good program.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We’re very excited. We’ve worked hard for this. It’s good for the school. We’re just trying to keep up success with the talent we’ve had the last few years. Hopefully, we can get a couple of more Ws.

#7 Lake Center Christian

Record: 22-5
Head Coach: Shane Byler
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 21
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Harrison Coblentz, 2B, 2024
• Jacob Spickard, DH, 2024
• Dylan Maninga, P/3B, 2024 (10-1)
• Wyatt Fether, C, 2024
• Nathan Bryant, 3B/P, 2026 (6-2)
• Braidon Miller, 1B, 2025
• Matt Warder, OF, 2024
• Chance Klingelhofer, OF, 2025
• Luke Heckert, OF, 2026
• Tanner Norman, SS, 2024
• Dylan Maninga, RHP, 2024
• Brady Fether, RHP, 2026
• Brayden Myers, RHP, 2026 (relief)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitchers are competing, our defense is tight, we're hitting the ball on a line and we're running the bases hard. Overall, we're playing ball the right way and the togetherness of the group and the ownership our guys have taken of their individual games and the program on the whole is through the roof.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was one of our season goals and the guys worked very hard to accomplish it. Overall, there was a lot of contentment in winning Districts, but there isn't any complacency at all and we're eager for more.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: There are very few high school athletes and teams that get to compete at this level. We're being grateful for the opportunity, immersing ourselves into the experience and we intend on doing something special.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Four quality DIV programs operating a very high level...it should be very good baseball!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We don't have a senior on our varsity roster.

#2 Tiffin Calvert

Record: 27-2
Head Coach: Matt Coleman
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

• Eighth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Nick Palm, SS, Senior - 1-0, 2 saves
• AJ Shoemaker, OF, Freshman - 3-0, 2.00 ERA
• Mason Johnson, 3B/P, Senior - 7-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA, .547 WHIP
• Connor Moyer, C, Freshman
• Cameron Moyer, 1B, Freshman
• Blake Coleman, P/2B, Sophomore - 9-1, 1.07 ERA, 64 Ks, .891 WHIP
• Harrison Shultz, OF, Junior
• Jacob Kidwell, DH/UTIL, Freshman
• Caden Otterbacher, OF/RHP, Junior - 4-1, 3.61 ERA, 42 Ks in 21 1/3 innings
• Jamison Godfrey, 3B/2B, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are getting back to grinding out at-bats and not pressing, just trusting the process.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a bit of a relief and a different feeling than the last two years - being targeted this year, rather than being the underdog and having to beat two quality teams from our league that we had beat during the season twice already. I was very impressed with the offensive approach and the focus of Mason on the mound throwing just 49 pitches in the Final.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We feel very fortunate and are not taking anything for granted. We are aware we are going to get everyone's best shot and just try to play relaxed and confident with great focus on each pitch. At the end of the day, this is a game and will teach us a lot of life lessons and we are very thankful for the opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: This appears to be 4 extremely deserving teams and we are excited for the challenge and realize that any one of the 4 teams can head to Akron depending on mental focus, preparation and execution.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are extremely thankful for the opportunity to play into June once again and are excited to represent Tiffin, SBC Conference and the Calvert Community. We are thankful for the fans that have supported us including our youth and administration and we are simply excited to show all the hard work we have put in this year, thanks to the talents God has given us. We have had tremendous Senior Leadership from Mason Johnson and Nick Palm.

#23 North Central

Record: 15-6
Head Coach: Josh Hicks
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Fifth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Quin Burt, LF, 2023
• Kenneth Smeltzer, SS, 2026
• Connor Gendron, C/P, 2024
• Cohen Meyers, CF, 2024
• Ben Pettit, 1B/P, 2024
• Johnny Hicks, 2B, 2024
• Ethan Beard, RF/P, 2024
• Clayton Douglass, 3B/P, 2023
• Brody Turner, DH, 2026
• Sam Moore, RHP/2B, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have two seniors, seven juniors and one freshman that make up the core of our team. We have been very sound defensively and bring a lot of energy to the game. We rely on solid pitching and an active defense behind them, when we keep the mistakes down we can play with anyone. Our offense has been really coming on lately and driving the ball to all fields allowing us to put pressure on the opponent.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach:This group has had the goal of making a state tournament run since they were very young and to be the first team in 34 years to win regionals is unreal. I am very proud of the effort and commitment of this team and our future is looking really positive. We beat the 1,2, and 4 seed as the 5 seed in our bracket to get here so we know what it is to compete and overcome when not favored.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Having the opportunity to play in the regionals is a great honor and we intend to give it everything we have to prove that small schools can compete and be successful if you have a great group of kids who work together for the same goal.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach:We have drawn St Henry which is the favorite to win this region. They are favored for a reason, solid starting pitching and solid defense. Delzeith has been the definition of an ace for them this year and I expect him to challenge us on Thursday. Delphos St John came out of the same conference as St Henry and to win 20 games in a season is something to be proud of. They appear to be a gritty team that can’t be overlooked. Columbus Grove has been absent from
tournament play the same as us so I’m sure they are eager to prove that they belong the same as we are. That makes for a dangerous team to play or overlook. Their pitching looks to be solid
with Halker throwing a no-hitter this tournament and Renner a complete game shutout. We are not favored to win here but that’s the way we like it. I expect us to compete and surprise a lot of people.

#4 St. Henry

Record: 22-6
Head Coach: Mike Gast
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• 21st District Title in school history (1945, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1960, 1969, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1984, 1986, 1994, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2011, 2023)

Top Players:

• Logan Link, Junior, SS
• Bryce Brookhart, Senior, 3B
• Hayden Boeckman, Junior, CF
• Drew Schwieterman, Junior, 1B
• Elijah Horstman, Senior, RF
• Lucas Clune, Junior, DH/P - 2-2, 32 1/3 IP, 18 H, 19 ER, 35 BB, 48 K, 4.113 ERA/1.639 WHIP
• Nolan Kunkler, Senior, LF
• Ethan Nietfeld, Senior, 2B - 2 Saves, 13 2/3 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 14 K, 1.024 ERA/.805 WHIP
• Devin Delzeith, Junior, P - 10-0, 65 IP, 34 H, 10 ER, 18 BB, 79 K, 1.077 ERA/.800 WHIP
• Caden Bergman, Junior, C
• David Clune, Sophomore, P - 4-0, 25 IP, 20 H, 2 ER, 12 BB, 19 K, .560 ERA/1.280 WHIP
  Evan Bowers, Junior, P - 6-1, 32 IP, 27 H, 12 ER, 27 BB, 21 K, 2.625 ERA/1.688 WHIP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have 7 seniors, 13 juniors, 1 sophomore, and 1 freshman on our tournament team. This group's energy and unselfishness stands out. They have been there for each other in celebrating each other's success and are ready to pick each other up as well. It's been an extremely fun group to be around these past few weeks, and I hope we can continue to earn more time together. From a baseball standpoint, we have been pretty clean in the field (.950 fielding % for the season) and our pitchers have helped us stay in games. Offensively, we've had a number of guys step up in big spots throughout the season, and we feel very confident in whomever is at the plate. As the season has gone on, we've gradually improved in moving guys on the bases, whether that be through a bunting situation, stolen base opportunities, or positive outs at the plate. A big part of that is so many of our guys buying into the team offense.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: For the past few seasons, we've been talking about putting ourselves in a position to win our district as a means to continue building on prior success of the program. It's been 12 years since our last district title, and everybody in the program was very excited after that last out against Marion Local. Our guys have taken advantage of many opportunities to improve their game in the offseasons over the past few years, and our coaching staff is extremely proud of the success that these guys have been able to earn on the field.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: While we have been focusing on putting ourselves in a position to win our district over the past few years, I don't think anybody in the program is content. Getting to play in regionals is the opportunity to play for a chance to go to Akron, and I am sure all four teams are relishing their own opportunities. We're looking forward to another amazing atmosphere with a great deal of fans traveling from St. Henry up to Elida.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Delphos St. John's is a league opponent, so we are familiar with them and the great deal of ability they have and will continue to have with their underclassmen. Cam Elwer, along with several other Blue Jay freshman, are going to end up being really good players. Jerry Jackson is one of the nicest guys there is, and I am extremely proud of him and his team's success this season. While we may not know Columbus Grove quite as well as DSJ, I am familiar with Coach Sautter and the great work he has done with that program. We've been following them throughout the season as they come down our way to play some teams. Shep Halker and Brock Hoffman are special players. We're still doing our homework on North Central, but we know they're going to be very sound defensively. Sam Moore is a really nice arm for them, and Conner Gendron and Cohen Meyers are a couple of dangerous bats in that lineup.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We're extremely appreciative for all of the support from our community. We traveled 10 minutes north to Coldwater very well and made the district final matchup with Marion Local a really fun atmosphere to play a baseball game. This community loves their school and supports their teams; we look forward to another fun atmosphere at 2 PM on Thursday in Elida.

#9 Columbus Grove

Record: 23-7
Head Coach: Brayden Sautter
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: N10
Postseason History:

• Fourth District Title in school history (1st since 1982)

Top Players:

• Brock Hoffman, CF, 2023
• Shep Halker, P/SS, 2023 - 7-1 W-L, 2 S, 2 CG in tournament (1 no-hitter), 50.2 IP, 2.21 ERA, 0.89 WHIP
• Bo Birnesser, DH, 2024
• Brenton Renner, SS/P, 2023 - 6-2 W-L, 2 S, 1 CG in tournament (shutout), 42.1 IP, 3.64 ERA, 1.30 WHIP
• Taylor Schroeder, 3B/P, 2023 - 2-1 W-L, 28 IP, 3.25 ERA, 1.50 WHIP
• Dalton Wurth, LF, 2023
• Kyle Hopkins, RF/RHP, 2025 - 4-1 W-L, 21.2 IP, 2.27 ERA, 1.29 WHIP
• Landen Schroeder, C, 2023
• Isaac Ricker, 1B, 2023
• Everett Palte, 2B, 2024
• Maddox Halker, RHP, 2023 - 0-1 W-L, 3 S, 22 IP, 2.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We've relied heavily on our offense all year but we have found other ways to win in the tournament. Our pitching and defense are gelling at the right time. I trust our offense at all times, so it's nice to see us executing and playing well in the other facets of the game. I'm very happy with the way Shep and Brenton are throwing for us right now.. In 3 tournament games,  Shep and Brenton have combined for 19 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 28 K, 3 W. Shep has thrown 2 CG and Brenton has thrown 1 CG.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Joy. This senior group has worked their tails off. We've been through a lot together the past 3 years (they lost their freshman year to COVID) and to see all the hard work pay off for them, has been amazing to see.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's an honor to play baseball into June. That's a goal we set at the beginning of the season. Play meaningful baseball in June and here we are. We are happy to be here, but not content. We want to continue playing and having the opportunity to prove we belong.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach:It is a collection of 4 very good teams. St. Henry finished top 5 in the final OHSBCA poll and they are battle tested. Delphos St. John's plays in the MAC, which is a grind, and they came out of a gauntlet of a district at Patrick Henry. North Central is coming off wins over the top two teams in their district to get here. I anticipate both games on Thursday to be dog fights, and Friday's final will be no different.

#13 Delphos St. John's

Record: 20-9
Head Coach: Jerry Jackson
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Fourth District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Landon Grothaus, INF
• Braylon Metzger, OF
• Cam Elwer, SS/P, 2026, 5-2, 1 save
• Jack Gerker, OF
• Collin Feather, OF
• TJ Werts, DH
• Grant Ulm, P/DH, 2024, 3-3, 2 saves
• Griffin Mericle, C, 2026
• Tyce McClain, INF, 2026
• Tyler Linderman, 3B
• Austin Moenter, 2024, 3-1, 3 saves
• Braylon Metzger, 2024, 5-3, 1 save

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This team has been playing very well all year. We have a team of athletic and smart baseball players.  Ultimately showing its true grit when games are very close. Finding ways to win and learning from each experience. This team feeds off each other and I think we are peaking at the right time. With 2 Seniors starters our team is relatively young. That's why with each game we are getting better pitch by pitch.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach:These young men have goals they would like to achieve. The District is one of those!!!! At Delphos St. John's Baseball has been a tough hole for many years. A Lot of young baseball talent is moving up through the ranks. The future is really bright.

#17 South Webster

Record: 18-11
Head Coach: Ryan McClintic
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Two District Titles in school history

Top Players:

• Connor Bender, 3B, Senior
• Hunter Barnard, SS, Freshman
• Jaren Lower, LF/P, Senior (6-3, 1 Save, 6 Complete Games, 1 Shutout)
• Robert Martin, LHP, Senior (6-6, 10 Complete Games, 3 Shutouts, 1 No-Hitter)
• Jacob McGraw, RF, Freshman
• Brycin McClintic, 2B/P, Freshman (3-0)
• Brody Perkins, C, Sophomore
• Benaiah Andrews, 1B/P, Freshman (3-2, 2 Saves, 1 Complete Game, 1 Shutout)
• Tristan Belford, DH, Sophomore
• Dylan Shupert, CF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This team is a lot of fun to coach. We have a great mixture of older guys with a ton of experience and a lot of younger guys who have grown into seasoned varsity baseball players as the year has progressed. Team chemistry has been strong throughout and they are learning to win in different ways. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling because this was the first goal we set for our team after losing in the district finals last season. To win just the second district in our school's history is something the kids didn't take for granted.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Great opportunity and great competition. When you are one of the final 16 teams remaining, anyone that you are matched up with is going to be tough. The extra time to prepare for this round has been a big boost for us with having so many young players in the lineup.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: It's a very strong group of 4 in this regional. You have the two of the top ranked teams in the the state (Hiland and Whiteoak) along with us and Seneca East. We realize the task in front of us. We aren't worried about anything other than competing for 7 innings and leaving it all on the field.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are excited to be playing baseball into June and hope our community makes the trip to Beaver's Field to support these young men.

#1 Hiland

Record: 26-1
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

• 13th District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Alec Weaver, SS, Senior
• Cody Yoder, DH, Junior
• Nolan Yoder, RHP/INF, Senior - 9-0
• Colin Coblentz, OF, Soph.
• Isaak Yoder, OF, Senior - 3-0
• Brady Yoder, 3B, Junior
• Caden Coblentz, 1B, Soph.
• Braden Kaufman, C, Senior
• Connor Beachy, 2B, Junior
• Wyatt Miller, OF, Junior
• Will Schlabach, RHP, Senior, 6-0
• Finn Schneider, RHP, Junior, 5-0

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Guys are hitting the ball well throughout the line up. Everyone is putting the ball in play hard and putting pressure on the other team to make plays. Our pitching has been outstanding during the tournament run and our defense has been playing at a very high level.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The team has been working extremely hard since last summer to put themselves back into this situation. For our Seniors, this is their 3rd straight district title and their experience has helped lead this team throughout the season and during the tournament run.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always a privilege to be able to represent our district at the regional level. To be one of the last 16 teams playing in our division is something we do not take for granted. This team set themselves some high goals at the start of the year and getting back to regionals is an important part of it.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All four teams have some extremely talented players. The games at this level are always very competitive and I expect nothing different this year.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I would like to thank the players for the investment they have made into the program. Without their willingness to put in the hours of work this would not be possible. Same goes to my coaching staff, they put a lot of time and energy into the team. The program wouldn't be what it is without them. Finally I'd like to thank the parents and our community for supporting our team. Through their support we are able to provide the players with every possible resource to help them meet their goals. Go Hawks!

#3 Whiteoak

Record: 26-2
Head Coach: Chris Veidt
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

• Four District Titles (2013, 2018, 2022, 2023)

Top Players:

• Luken Roades, SS/P
• Landon Barnett, P
• Carson Emery, CF, P
• Nate Price, C
• Ian Griffith, RF/P
• Eli Roberts, 2B
• Zander Roades, 3B
• David Donohoo, 1B
• Solomon Combs, LF
• Kaden Moon-Stone, RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

 Wildcat nation is extremely proud to be represented in back to back years by this fine group of young men. Our accomplishments, to this point, have been impressive. 26 wins and a SHAC (12-1) Championship. This group played with a tremendous amount of poise throughout our Season, Sectional and District Tournament run. We are extremely humbled to have the opportunity to compete in what we believe to be the most difficult Regional Tournament bracket in the State of Ohio. We have been led by 6 Senior starters, who have had stellar careers both individually and as a group. We are looking forward to filling the seats at Beaver Field with Orange and Black and competing with some of the best teams the State has to offer. GO CATS!

Seneca East

Record: 16-12
Head Coach: Rick Bowerman
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Coming Soon

Top Players:

• Coming Soon

Coach's Thoughts:

• Coming Soon

#24 Bradford

Record: 21-10
Head Coach: Wilbur Sturwold
Final Ranking: No. 26
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history

Top Players:

• Tucker Miller, SS/P, 2024
• Owen Canan, C, 2025
• Landon Wills, OF/P, 2024
• Garrett Trevino, OF, 2024
• Landon Monnin, SS/P, 2023
• Hudson Hill, 1B, 2024
• Coltin Gambill, 3B/OF, 2026
• Brendan Baker, 2B, 2023
• Gage Shafer, OF, 2026
• Ben Kitts, OF, 2023
• Dalten Skinner, 1B/P, 2023
• Treyl Manuel, OF, 2025
• Patrick Puthoff, OF, 2026

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This team has the ability to win in more than one way. We are not just pitching, defense or hitting.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Great feeling to bring a district title home to the Bradford Community after 20 years.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Great opportunity to play baseball in June. We do not have enough for ACME so these extra 8-10 games is great experience.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously 4 very good teams remain. The team that plays the best on that day will likely move on.

#25 Southeastern Local

Record: 14-10
Head Coach: Darron Routzahn
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR

Top Players:

• Gehrig Cordial, Junior
• Jacob Alderson, Sophomore
• Austin Miller, Senior
• Zach McKee, Junior
• Kason Spears, Senior
• Cole Walton, Junior
• Cole Erskine, Junior
• Aidan Harbage, Senior
• Kyle Adkins, Sophomore

 

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Peaking at the right time and putting all phases of the game together

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The fact every player got into the game to make memories; this made the night complete.  Not to mention Wayne the rally goose made an appearance and received a medal.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Dream come true for the players and it shows that hard work does pay off. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: It takes a special team and a deep team to get this far. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Glad to be playing close to home so the passionate Southeastern fans can pack the stands in a sea of red. 

#22 Berne Union

Record: 18-8
Head Coach: Chad Cupp
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Second District Title in school history (1938)

Top Players:

• William Bolton, 3B/RHP, Sophomore (1-0, 1 SV)
• Nate Nemeth, P, Senior (6-1)
• Hudson Gerken, 1B, Junior
• Cooper Mitchell, LF, Senior
• Russ Blank, DH, Senior
• Austin Snyder, SS/P, Junior (4-3, 1 SV)
• Clayton Moore, 2B, Sophomore
• Zach Hartmann, RF, Sophomore
• Luke Shafer, CF, Senior
• Ethin Redinger, C, Freshmen
• Cade Pugh, RHP, Junior (3-1, 1 SV)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are really coming together as a team at the right time. We are putting together great team at-bats and coming up with timely hitting that eluded us early in the year. We are playing at our best when the games mean the most.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Indescribable, it was the school’s first baseball district championship since 1938 so to be able to achieve that was unbelievable, especially in the fashion that we did.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is incredibly exciting to get this opportunity. The guys have worked long and hard to reach this point I am excited for them to have the opportunity to go out and play.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Playing the defending state champs we know is going to be an incredible challenge, but we also know the other teams, Bradford and Southeastern are great teams as well, There is a lot of great baseball that is played in this part of the state and we are excited to have the opportunity to go up against them. It’ll take playing two great games to be able to make it out of the regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This team has knocked off 2 top 10 state ranked teams to win the 18-team central district which is a very impressive feat. Every single player on the team has had a role in that happening.

#5 Russia

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: Kevin Philpot
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 20 District Title (6 in a row)
• State Champs 1971, 2023
• State Runner Up 1975, 2017

Top Players:

• Xavier Phlipot, P/SS SR
• Zane Shappie, OF, SR
• Braylon Cordonnier, SS/P, 2025
• Brayden Monnin, 2B, 2024
• Hayden Quinter, 3B, 2024
• Felix Francis, OF, 2024
• Jude Counts, 1B, 2024
• Ross Fiessinger, OF, 2023
• Cooper Unverferth, C, 2026
• Ross Fiessinger, P
• Cooper Francis, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I am very pleased with how our team is playing right now.  The district champ game vs MVCA was one of our best of the year. We got a great pitching performance from Braylon Cordonnier, played solid defense, clutch hitting and we did not strike out the entire game.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: I am very happy that the Regionals are back in Springfield. Carlton Davidson Stadium is much more fan friendly than previous Regional sites.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I am curently in the process of finding info on our opponent Berne Union so  I dont have much to say about them. We played Southeastern last year in the regionals so they are a very solid team.  Bradford has one of the top players in the area Tucker Miller, and are well coached under Bill Sturwold.