The Road To Werner Park: Previewing Nebraska Class B Top Centenders
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 B heading into the spring.
Omaha Skutt 
The SkyHawks return nearly all of their production from 2024. Nebraska commit Jace Ziola will get most of the headlines—and rightfully so. He posted a dominant 0.89 ERA, going 6-0 with 54 strikeouts in 31.1 innings last season. This winter, the Prep Baseball Super 60 attendee touched 95 mph with improved metrics and refined secondary pitches.
Two-way sophomore Bubba Day and Easton Elam, along with senior Huston Beran, provide high-quality depth to the pitching staff. Offensively, Skutt returns its top three hitters—all seniors: Joe Kolega (D1 football commit), Gage Guenther (Augustana), and Ziola. Additionally, Iowa transfer junior Cooper Smith (Uncommitted / Futures Games Team Midwest) adds power to the middle of the lineup while offering defensive versatility at catcher and corner infield.
With talent and the motivation of last season’s early exit, Skutt will be a problem for opponents all year.
Gretna East 
After finishing as state runner-up in 2024 without a single senior, the Griffins will lean on experience in 2025. Seniors RHP/C Easton Leahy (Wayne State), SS Nolan Green (Cloud County CC), RHP/3B Trevor Cox (Uncommitted), and Austin Copeland (Uncommitted) bring leadership and proven success.
Junior OF/LHP Jensen Albers and sophomores RHP/SS Chase Neneman and C Carson Herman give Gretna East high-quality depth. Coach Everhart and his squad won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year—they enter as one of the favorites for the 2025 Class B title.
Norris 
The defending state champions enter at No. 3. Replacing Kale Fountain (San Diego Padres) will be a challenge, both in production and leadership.
However, seniors Crew Moeller (Southeast CC), OF Jordan Monroe (Southeast CC), SS/2B Logan White (Peru State), and Austin Oelke (Doane) provide early-season stability. Juniors RHP/1B Bryce Fountain (Nebraska) and C/SS Alec Small should deliver high-level production at the plate and on the mound.
The Titans have made three of the last four state title games—don’t expect them to relinquish their crown easily.
Beatrice 
The Orangemen will be led by two high-ranked returners: Senior 3B/OF/RHP Kale Koch (Cloud County) and Junior SS/OF/RHP Austin Baldwin (Uncommitted).
With three of their top four arms gone, Coach Decker will need to mix and match on the mound. Juniors Ty Weichel and Nolan Schmale are expected to step up. A state qualifier in 2024, Beatrice will be looking to climb back to the topin 2025.
Waverly 
Four seniors will be relied upon in 2025, led by a pair of upper-80s right-handed pitchers: Brennan Miller (Iowa Western) and Bruin Sampson (Barton CC).
Outfielder Hunter Thoms (Barton CC) and catcher Drew Koch (Barton CC) will anchor the defense while providing consistency at the top of the order. Two seasons removed from a state title game appearance, Waverly will lean on this experienced core to get back there in 2025.
Elkhorn North 
Experience on the mound will be a strength, but replacing key offensive production will be a challenge for Coach Dunnin in 2025.
Losing one of the state’s top pitchers, Collin Nowaczyk (Nebraska), won’t be easy. However, a healthy LHP Sam Huff (Iowa Western) is a huge boost. Junior Ethan Asmus and senior Cole Debuse both logged 20+ IP with sub-2.50 ERAslast season.
Offensively, Elkhorn North must replace over 500 at-bats from 2024. Junior C Maverick Christiansen whom posted .360+ BA with 60+ ABs—will lead the lineup. Sophomore Ian Christo will make an relied on with his physical frame on both sides of the ball while Freshman Connor Wurdeman put together a big Nebraska Preseason All State event and has the chance to have a major impact this season.
Back-to-back champions two years ago, don’t underestimate the Wolves in 2025.
Bennington 
The Badgers lose four of their top five hitters and three of their top six pitchers, creating opportunities for new contributors in 2025.
Senior SS Hunter Spencer (Midland) returns as the top hitter, posting a .338 average over 56 ABs last season. On the mound, seniors Jarron Utterback (Midland), Houston Hill (Doane), and Hudson Neuverth bring experience, each with 7+ appearances and 15+ IP in 2024.
Sophomore Brandt Schmidt could play a key role after striking out 10 in 9 innings as a freshman. With a loaded EMC conference, Bennington will be right in the middle of the race—expect multiple teams from this league to make deep state tournament runs.
Elkhorn 
A deep and experienced senior class will be the key for the Antlers in 2025.
Seniors Elliot Beister (Wayne State) and Paxton Stracke (Uncommitted) lead the offense—both hit .300+ over 100 plate appearances, with Stracke driving in a team-high 21 RBIs.
On the mound, Max Beard (4 wins in 7 appearances) and Gavin Goldal (2 wins in 7 appearances) will be relied upon to build on last year’s success. With key players lost to graduation, Elkhorn will need younger players to step up as the season progresses.
Gretna 
Moving down to Class B, the Dragons aim to continue their success from Class A.
Four ranked seniors—RHP Hudson Schwartzkopf, 1B/RHP Griffin Goldman, and RHP Kalvin Janssen—should provide strong depth on the mound. Junior SS Bryce Lakers (Uncommitted) had a standout 2024 season and will be the offensive catalyst for Coach O’Flynn in his first season at the helm.
Seward 
The Bluejays finished 15-7 last season and aim to build on that success in 2025.
Uncommitted seniors RHP Connor Sveeggen (Wayne State) and INF Kolton Loos will be key leaders. Junior SS Brycen Burt and sophomore RHP/SS Keyan Schadwinkel add depth and could be impact players later in the season.
With Coach Anderson entering his 14th season (141-106 career record), his experience will be crucial in guiding Seward back to the state tournament.
CLASS B STATE CHAMPIONS
2024: Norris
2023: Elkhorn North
2022: Elkhorn North
2021: Beatrice
2019: Bennington
2018: Omaha Roncalli
2017: Omaha Skutt
2016: Elkhorn
2015: Lincoln Pius X
2014: Lincoln Pius X