The Road to Werner Park: Previewing Nebraska Class A Top Contenders
March 17, 2025
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As we prepare for the upcoming 2025 high school season, we will be taking a look at the top 10 teams for the NSCA's Class A heading into the spring.
Papillion-La Vista South 
Headlined by Prep Baseball All-American and Oklahoma State commit Danny Wallace, the No. 1 player in the state, the Titans are loaded with talent across the diamond. With 20 players ranked in the Prep Baseball Nebraska rankings and nine seniors already committed to college programs, they have depth at every position. Their pitching staff, anchored by Hutchinson CC commit Cam Curtis, is deep, and their lineup has few weak spots for opposing pitchers to exploit. After an early playoff exit last season, this talent-rich squad will be laser-focused on making a run in 2025.
Lincoln East 
The Spartans have reached back-to-back state championship games, securing a title in 2023. Their lineup will be their strength, though they’ll have to adjust after losing AJ Evasco and Garrett Springer in the middle of the order. Expect them to put pressure on defenses with their aggressive, fast-paced approach. On the mound, they'll feature new arms after losing two Prep Baseball Nebraska First Team All-State selections from 2024, but they will boast one of the state's top defensesbehind Division I commits Jeter Worthley (Nebraska), Joey Senstock (Nebraska), and Carter Harmes (South Dakota State). Led by Coach Lanik, Lincoln East is on a mission to reclaim the title.
Creighton Prep 
Coach Mooney returns an experienced squad in 2025, with pitching depth as a major strength. Seniors John Lisec (San Diego) and Josh Kearney (Uncommitted), along with juniors Braden Caito (Nebraska) and Nolan Going (Uncommitted), will lead the rotation. Offensively, senior Logan Burchfiel (Colorado School of Mines) brings valuable varsity experience, while the junior class will provide plenty of firepower. Nebraska commits Cal Anthony and Charlie Ziola, alongside uncommitted shortstop Garrett Andersen (Futures Games Team Midwest) and first baseman Liam Smithberg, give Creighton Prep a dangerous middle of the order. With the pieces in place, they have their sights set on the state championship.
Millard West 
Death, taxes, and Millard West making the state title game. The defending 2024 state champions have appeared in five consecutive state title games, winning three. While replacing stars Tyson Lewis and Nick Venticher won’t be easy, Coach Steve Frey has a senior-heavy squad with eight college commits and plenty of big-game experience. RHP Brady Ferguson (Iowa) and C Sam Kidd (Middlebury College) will lead the way as Millard West aims to defend its crown.
Millard North 
After a Cinderella run in 2024, Millard North enters 2025 with momentum and a deep returning roster under Coach Llavac. They are strong up the middle, with Ripken Fleck (Augustana), Tanner Evans, and Chase Machal providing elite defense. On the mound, Noah Gartner (Nebraska) and Colin Driffill (South Florida) form one of the top one-two punches in the state, backed by plenty of depth. With Coach Llavac's experience, Millard North has the tools to compete for a state title.
Millard South 
The Patriots return most of their roster from last year’s 24-11 squad. Their pitching staff is led by Wayne State commits Tyler Albert and Brandt Smith, who combined for 81 strikeouts in 80 innings. The lineup is deep, featuring juniors Jaxson Appuhn, Carson Derr, and Noah Carroll, along with senior Will Thomas (Northwest Missouri State commit), all of whom had over 100 at-bats last season. Well-prepared and battle-tested, Millard South is primed for another title run.
Grand Island 
Offense will lead the way for the Islanders in 2025, as they return four of their top six hitters from last season. Senior leaders OF Broxton Barrientos (Cloud County CC), SS Sam Dinkelman (Northwest Missouri State), and C Gage Gannon (Cloud County CC) provide experience and defensive stability. Juniors Ian Arends and Gabriel Ruiz will step into bigger roles after strong sophomore campaigns. While replacing ace Cohen Nelson will be a challenge, Grand Island will look to new arms to emerge as the season progresses.
Lincoln Southwest 
Pitching and defense will be the Silver Hawks' calling card in 2025. RHP Aiden Stelling (Former Futures Games Team Midwest) will match up with any arm in the state. Juniors Brennan Vernon and Linkin Dush, along with underclassmen SO Andrew Jackson and FR Cade Anderson, provide depth. SR Landon Sandy (Iowa Western CC) will anchor the defense and spark the offense. Scoring runs may require creativity, but their pitching will keep them competitive in every game.
Elkhorn South 
After a senior-heavy 2024 squad, the Storm still have plenty of firepower for 2025. Two Nebraska commits—SR LHP Cal Cooper and JR RHP Brody Jindra—form a dominant 1-2 rotation punch. SR RHP Devin Meier (Uncommitted) adds upper-80s to low-90s velocity from the bullpen. Offensively, SR 3B Eamon O'Gorman (Uncommitted) and Jindra will be key middle-of-the-order threats. Expect Elkhorn South to remain a force in Class A.
Omaha Westside 
After a 16-15 season in 2024, the Warriors are poised to return to state. They bring back eight of their top 10 bats and six of their top eight arms, making them one of the most experienced teams in the field. Senior leader Nikola French (South Dakota State) will set the tone, while sophomore SS/RHP Markus Chandler is one to watch after an outstanding freshman season. The deep pitching staff includes seniors Harry Yeager and Anthony Barone (Sauk Valley CC), along with juniors Charlie Maaske and Burke Brown. With a blend of experienced veterans and rising young talent, Westside is primed to surprise teams in 2025.
CLASS A STATE CHAMPIONS
2024: Millard West
2023: Lincoln East
2022: Millard West
2021: Millard South
2019: Millard West
2018: Creighton Prep
2017: Creighton Prep
2016: Creighton Prep
2015: Omaha Westside
2014: Omaha Westside