Deer Creek Regional Preview
May 4, 2022
DEER CREEK ANTLERS
OVERALL RECORD: 27-10
DISTRICT RECORD: 12-2
POWER 25 WINS: 13
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Taylor Tomlin, OF, 2023, Houston Commit
Duncan Key, C, 2022, NEO JC commit
Brett McComas, UTL/RHP, 2022, Cowley commit
Ashton Hartwig, OF, 2024, Uncommitted
Brett Pense, UTL/RHP, 2022, UCO signee
William Brady Hamilton, INF/RHP, 2023, Uncommitted
Miles Lock, INF, 2022, NOC Enid commit
Coach Baza's Antlers squad has been in the Top 10 in the Power 25 rankings all season long thanks to numerous big wins and a talented roster on both sides of the ball. Deer Creek had to overcome a lot of adversity in the preseason after tragically losing a teammate but responded with winning 14 of their first 15 games. They have a very diverse lineup featuring speed at the top with Taylor Tomlin in the leadoff spot creating havoc on the bases behind a slew of proven hitters in Duncan Key, Brett McComas, and now an emerging Ashton Hartwig. They do a good job of stretching the lineup with some experienced hitters throughout the lineup giving opposing pitching staffs no room to breath. Where they have the most upside is on the mound with a pair of arms in McComas and Brett Pense giving them a good chance to pick up wins in those important first two games in the regional. They also have one of the top finishers in the back end in the bullpen in the State in William Brady Hamilton who has shown the ability to pick up multiple innings to close out ball games. This Deer Creek squad is talented and experienced making them a true contender at a deep run to a State Title.
NORMAN TIGERS
OVERALL RECORD: 22-10
DISTRICT RECORD: 9-5
POWER 25 WINS: 4
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Conner Goodson, 1B/RHP, 2022, Grinnell College commit
Ben Huntley, C/RHP/OF, 2022, Uncommitted
Ryan Huntley, INF, 2022, Uncommitted
Clayton Moore, INF/RHP, 2023, Uncommitted
Dax Noles, INF, 2024, Uncommitted
Coach Merrell's squad quietly put together a very consistent season of winning and got off to a hot start winning 10 of their first 12 games. They have shown the ability to be compete against some of the best teams in the state thanks to their experienced roster featuring 11 seniors. They have been getting good outings on the mound lately from Connor Goodson, Ben Huntley, and Clayton Moore who recently worked a 7 inning no hitter against rival Norman North picking up 10 strikeouts along the way. Those three arms give Norman the type of depth on the mound to make a real run in the regional. Offensively they use their experience to their advantage with multiple guys who have shown the ability to get it done in the past. Getting the bats going early will be a big key for Norman to allow those talented starting pitchers to navigate through lineups multiple times to give themselves the best chance to escape the regional and head to the State Tournament.
YUKON MILLERS
OVERALL RECORD: 20-15
DISTRICT RECORD: 8-6
POWER 25 WINS: 6
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Aiden Alexander, OF, 2022, NOC Enid commit
Trevin Pettigrew, INF/LHP, 2023, Uncommitted
Chance Owens, OF/LHP, 2024, Uncommitted
Parker Means, INF, 2022, Uncommitted
Isaac Pearson, RHP, 2022 Uncommitted
Colton Strange, C, 2023, Uncommitted
Heath Brown, C, 2022, Oklahoma City University commit
Logan Troxell, INF, 2023, Uncommitted
It has been a bit of an up and down season for the Millers after getting off to a slower start than usual and taking their lumps in the middle of the season. Here recently Dale Pearson has stepped in as the interim head coach and the Millers have really started to turn it around winning 9 of their past 11 games including their last four highlighted by last week's 13-11 victory against number one Bixby. You cannot look at their record and get a clear picture of the Millers as they have a very experienced club that has just recently started to find their footing in 2022. It starts at the top of the order with one of the more electric players in the State in Aiden Alexander setting the table. Trevin Pettigrew has done a good job of becoming more physical in the middle of the order along with Heath Brown, Colton Strange, and Parker Means all having a ton of experience getting it done at a high level. Don't take the Millers for granted in this one as they have an experienced roster that has seen success and are coming into regional play playing their best baseball of the season.
CAPITOL HILL REDWOLVES
OVERALL RECORD: 12-25
DISTRICT RECORD: 0-14
POWER 25 WINS: 0
Coach Moore's Redwolves have done a good job throughout the year in picking up wins against teams that fit their level picking up 12 wins on the year. It has largely been a struggle in District games with the offense having a hard time getting going in games and limiting opposing offenses. There is a lot to look forward to in their younger roster featuring multiple underclassmen and only graduating 5 seniors. Giving these younger players on the roster the valuable experience at the Varsity level with continue to pay dividends for the future of the program.
OSSAA POSTSEASON COVERAGE