The 2024 MSHSAA District playoffs are set to start tomorrow, May 10th, for Classes 1-through-4, with the Class 5 and Class 6 bracket kicking off next week. From now until then, teams across the state will compete for an opportunity to capture a District crown and punch their ticket to Sectionals, and ultimately a spot in Ozark. 

Over the next few days, our staff will be previewing each District for Class 5 and Class 6. Here are the Districts we have previewed so far: 

+ Class 6, District 8
+ Class 6, District 7
+ Class 6, District 6
+ Class 6, District 5
+ Class 6, District 4
+ Class 6, District 3
+ Class 6, District 2
+ Class 6, District 1
+ Class 5, District 8
+ Class 5, District 7
+ Class 5, District 6

Below you’ll learn more about Class 5, District 5 and its outlook with the playoffs set to start next week.

+ Union (20-9) earns the top seed in this District after an impressive 20-win season. The Wildcats went on two separate 5+ game win streaks this spring and have wins over both St. Francis Borgia and Helias Catholic, who are the two other top seeds in this group. Union’s pitching staff has been a strength, as Kasey Griffin (2025) has stepped up in a huge role as the staff’s ace - the uncommitted junior has a 0.85 ERA in 49 ⅓ innings of work, striking out 66 with just 19 walks to his name. Logan Hansel (2026) has fanned 42 over a 32 ⅓ inning workload, walking five to the tune of a 1.30 ERA. Nick D’Onofrio (2024), Ardell Young (2024), Zac Voss (2026), and Klay Muser (2026) have all thrown the ball well this spring in their opportunities. How the Wildcats’ offense holds up throughout the playoffs may be their defining factor, but Union does have a few productive bats in their lineup. Trenton Kossmann (2025) leads the charge with 26 RBI and Aaron Sterner (2024) has been their best all-around producer, hitting .303 with a .480 on-base percentage and 13 stolen bases. 

+ Helias Catholic (18-6) has won 10 of their last 11 games on the year and is the two seed in this District. The Crusaders took down St. Francis Borgia in extra-innings earlier in the year and also have wins over Father Tolton, Springfield, Catholic, and Capital City. Their pitching has been stellar, allowing two or less runs in 13 of their 24 games. Sam Wyrick (2024; Central Missouri) is a true ace in every sense of the word and should give the Crusaders a real chance to win every game he pitches in. Calen Jones (2025) has thrown the ball well as of late and is a power-armed uncommitted junior to know for this team. Offensively, names like Wyrick, Jones, Maddox Alfultis (2024), Landon King (2024), Landon Gerlach (2025), and Ben Miller (2025) lead this Crusaders’ club. 

+ St. Francis Borgia (19-8) was one of the top teams in Class 5 last spring, making a deep run into the postseason that ended in a runner-up finish after falling to Festus in the Class 5 state championship game. The Knights did graduate a few pieces from that group, but a large chunk of their firepower is back, including star Jack Nobe (2024; Xavier), who is the top prospect in this District. The heart-and-soul of this team, Nobe is slashing .448/.547/.793 this spring with eight home runs and 28 RBI. He’s also the unquestioned ace of this club, hurling 39 ⅓ innings with a 0.71 ERA and 67 strikeouts to 17 walks. Nobe’s impact will be felt on both sides of the ball, but Borgia does have a handful of other key players, such as Reagan Kandlbinder (2024; Southwest Baptist), Caden Carroll (2024; Truman State), and Kaden Petke (2024). All three of them have thrown the ball well, especially Kandlbinder, who holds a 1.35 ERA and 33 strikeouts to five walks over 26 innings of work. He’s also slashing .347/.460/.500 over 103 plate appearances as one of the main producing bats in this lineup. Drew Eckhoff (2025) is having a strong year at the plate, hitting .325 and reaching base at a .481 clip with six doubles and 16 RBI. 

+ Jefferson City (12-22) earns the fourth seed in this District. The Jays do have a transcendent talent in Jordan Martin (2025; Arkansas), who’s the top prospect in the state’s 2025 class. He’s a real ace on the mound and is also an excellent right-handed bat that plays a quality shortstop when he’s not on the hill. Ethan Lipp (2025) is a strike-throwing southpaw that’s thrown the ball well for the Jays, while Brody Johns (2024), Jackson Koch (2025), Mason Wall (2025), and Eli Miller (2025) are a few bats to know. 

+ Rolla (12-11) checks in as the fifth seed in this group. Bret Yarger (2024; Lindenwood) is a name-to-know senior bat in this lineup. The Lindenwood signee is slashing .390/.449/.701 in 90 plate appearances this spring, homering four times with 14 extra-base hits in total. He’s also driven in a team-high 37 runs and swiped eight bags. Brett Montgomery (2024), Vincent Spinaio (2024), Colton Petersmith (2026), and Jack Mrozowicz (2026) are having strong years at the plate as well. 

+ Capital City (21-11) may be one of the more talented sixth seeds in any District across the state. The Cavaliers enter the playoffs with an experienced lineup that’s deep and talented as well. Brock Miles (2024) paves the way from the top spot, while Noah Nicklas (2024), Chase Stieferman (2027; Mizzou), Chase Lewis (2026), Peyton Locke (2025), and Blake Holtmeyer (2025) are all key contributors as well. Holtmeyer and Locke are also integral parts on the mound, as is Stieferman, who’s young but is one of the top pitching prospects in the state, regardless of class. Despite their ranking within this District, Capital City should be a tough out for anyone they match up against. 

+ Camdenton (15-18) and Washington (5-25) are the final two seeds in this District. 

CLASS 5, DISTRICT 5 SEEDINGS

Host: St. Francis Borgia 

1. Union
2. Helias Catholic
3. St. Francis Borgia 
4. Jefferson City
5. Rolla 
6. Capital City 
7. Camdenton
8. Washington

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