Prep Baseball Report

2019 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division III


Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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To view the Regional Previews, click below:
Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV

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Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV

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2019 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division III

***** Email has been sent out to every head coach, that we have contact information for, who has made regionals and once we get all the information in, we will get out HUGE 64-team Regional Preview online. If you don't see your info, please send to [email protected]

We will add information for the teams that have not sent information into us on Wednesday, by doing research via newspaper articles.

We are holding a fan vote via twitter that will end Wednesday night and we will add those results below after the vote is completed.

Division III - Massillon Regional

  • No. 5 Waynedale vs No. 11 Kirtland
  • No. 7 Canton Central Catholic vs Edgewood

Region Overview: Waynedale has dominated by scores of 13-3, 5-0 and 9-0 while Canton Central Catholic won perhaps toughest district in state with wins over Rootstown and defending state champ South range. Kirtland's biggest test came in 7-6 district semifinal victory while Edgewood sent top-seeded Warren Champion home in the district title contest.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Waynedale over Kirtland
  • Canton Central Catholic over Edgewood
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Canton Central Catholic

Fan Vote:

  • Kirtland over Waynedale
  • Canton Central Catholic over Edgewood
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Canton Central Catholic


Waynedale

Record: 25-4
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Won only regional title in 2016

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Jaden Varner SOPH RF/LHP
  • Cedric Chupp SR CF
  • Jarrett Varner SR 2B/RHP
  • Matt Weaver JR C
  • Jeremy Keim SR RHP/UTL
  • Tyler Urconis JR DH/OF
  • Kenny Yoder JR 3B/RHP
  • Jon Keim SR LF
  • Zack Miller JR SS
  • Tyler Wyatt SR 1B

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing with confidence and everyone is contributing to our success. Our players work hard and our success is a byproduct of that. We have a lot of experience and guys that have played at Regionals before.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a subdued reaction because we set our goals higher this year. It is still special to win a District Title but our guys have done it 3 out of the last 4 years.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are looking forward to playing again at Massillon. We only got to play one game there last year (4-1 loss to South Range). It is a great experience and our community is looking forward to supporting the team.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Every team at this point is solid. We will have to play our best to have the chance to win the regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: For our seniors, we have made it to at least the regional semi-final 3 out of their 4 years in high school. They were state runners up as freshmen and we are excited to see where this season ends up.

Kirtland

Record: 19-8
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Final
Postseason History:

  • After never winning districts until last year, Kirtland in regional for second season in a row

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Joey Torok, CF, Senior
  • Seann McGill, 1B, Senior
  • Vince Liuzzo, RF/LHP, Senior
  • Jack Dever, 3B , Senior
  • Andrew DeMarco, LF, Senior
  • Chris Miller, RHP, Senior
  • Joey Mongelluzzi, SS, Junior
  • Mike Alfieri, C, Junior
  • Jaymes Torok, DH, Junior
  • Mason Sullivan, RHP, Sophomore
  • Andrew Spencer, LHP, Sophomore
  • Pierce Boyd, RHP, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our guys have been very consistent in their performance all year. They have held their composure under pressure, and every important game up to this point we have performed well in. Our order has been productive from 1-9 all year long, and we have improved our defense a lot from last season. Our young pitching staff has done a fantastic job all year long, which is very impressive since our top 2 pitchers are both sophomores.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: From the moment we lost last year in Regionals, our team goal was to get back there again. When we accomplished that last accomplished that last week, the feeling was surreal, knowing the hard work we put in to get back here.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Last year was our first District Championship in school history, and a lot of guys haven’t played in games with as much pressure as we had last year. This years team has that experience, almost all of the boys on the team have been here before, and know how to handle the pressure. We are very excited to be here again!

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: This is a very tough bracket, which any of these four teams in it have the capability to advance onto the Final 4. I think that when the dust settles, they play ‘their’ game and doesn’t let the pressure get to them will be the one heading to Akron next week.

Canton Central Catholic

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Six regional title wins began in 1997

Team Stats:

  • ???

Top Players:

  • ???

Coach's Thoughts: No information provided.

Edgewood

Record: 15-8
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 27 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Regional title has eluded program to this point

Team Stats:

  • ???

Top Players:

  • ???

Coach's Thoughts: No information provided.

Division III - Elida Regional

  • No. 2 Archbold vs No. 10 Upper Sandusky
  • No. 4 Coldwater vs No. 18 Fredericktown

Region Overview: While all four teams are ranked, tradition is on the side of Archbold and Coldwater. Number two-rated Archbold shocked unbeaten top-ranked Lake 15-0 in district final and looks to win regional for second time ever. Perennial power Coldwater has scored 23 runs in last two games after winning tourney opener 2-0. Upper came in as one seed and backed that up while Fredericktown won three games by a total of 21-3.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Archbold over Upper Sandusky
  • Coldwater over Fredericktown
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Archbold

Fan Vote:

  • Archbold over Upper Sandusky
  • Coldwater over Fredericktown
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Archbold

Archbold

Record: 25-3
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • This marks fourth straight regional berth, the last two ending in semifinal defeats
  • Only regional crown was in 2005 when Streaks captured only state baseball title

Top Players:

  • Jeron Williams
  • Kade Kern
  • Rigo Ramos
  • Holden Galvan
  • Cory Erbskorn
  • TJ Rice
  • Travis Ziegler
  • Mitch Grossjean
  • Clay Nafziger
  • Kreighton Sims
  • Drake Mohring
  • Ethan Hagans

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how we are swinging the bats, and getting an early lead.  That helps everybody relax a little bit.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our guys were really excited winning the district, especially knocking off an undefeated team.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is our 4th straight trip to the regional tournament, and that NEVER gets old!

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach:Every one of these teams in the regional is going to be a very good team, or they wouldn't be there. Whoever can play real good baseball for two games in a row, will have a chance to advance.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our community is very excited about our team, and we certainly appreciate their support.

Upper Sandusky

Record: 22-5
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 10 - Final
Postseason History:

  • First time in school history advancing to the regional
  • First time in school history with outright conference championship

Team Stats:

  • .312 AVG, 204 R
  • 1.81 ERA, 249 Ks

Top Players:

  • Parker Frombaugh, CF, Senior
  • Brenyn Marquart, 1B/RHP, Senior
  • Kolby Taylor, LF, Senior
  • Ben Sheaffer, RF, Senior
  • Jason Holly, LHP, Senior
  • Diago Cazares, SS/RHP, Junior
  • Cole Sowers, 3B/RHP, Junior
  • Brandon Giesey, C, Junior
  • Jaxon Passet, DH, Junior
  • Jordon Wright, 2B, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have been playing consistent all year, this will have to remain if we want to have a chance.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This was a big boost for the boys, team, community, and school, 1st time a baseball team has done this well at Upper Sandusky.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Making it this far was a goal for us at the beginning of the season, so our thoughts now are might as well keep going!

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: I feel the toughest Region in the state, whomever wins this will probably win state.

Coldwater

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 6 State Championships
  • 20 Regional Championships

Team Stats:

  • .339 AVG, 202 Runs
  • 2.11 ERA

Top Players:

  • Jake Wenning, SS/P, Senior (.407 AVG, 8-2, 2.64 ERA, 38 K)
  • Cole Frilling, 2B/P, Senior (.286 AVG, 7-1, 0.71 ERA, 32 K)
  • Austin Riethman, C, Senior (.372 AVG, 16 XBH)
  • Alex Wourms, INF/DH, Senior (.282 AVG)
  • Payton Goodwin, OF, Senior (.417 AVG)
  • Noah Miller, 1B/P, Junior (.366 AVG, 10 XBH)
  • Jake Hemmelgarn, 2B/P, Junior (.291 AVG)
  • Ross Weigel, OF/P, Junior (.396 AVG)
  • Will Broering, OF/P, Junior (.306 AVG)
  • Myles Blasingame, 3B/P, Sophomore (.316 AVG)
  • Zach McKibben, CF/P, Sophomore (.308 AVG)
  • Grant Meyer, RHP, Senior (2-0)
  • Will Broering, RHP, Junior (1-1) 1 save
  • Ross Weigel, RHP, Junior (0-1) 1 save

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team is playing good team baseball. We are getting contributions from everyone, including those off our bench.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling. It is hard to win games in tournament, so we tell our guys to enjoy each one.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is a great opportunity for our guys to be able to compete once again.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Each level in the tournament continues to get tougher and our Regional teams are no different.

Fredericktown

Record: 20-7
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Week 5
Postseason History:

  • The year 2012 was the only regional title
  • District Champs in 1974, 1975, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019

Team Stats:

  • .305 AVG, 179 Runs
  • 2.19 ERA, 182 Ks

Top Players:

  • Nick Cunningham, RHP/2B, Senior
  • Caleb Sheriff, 2B/3B, Sophomore
  • Clem Cunningham, SS/RHP, Senior
  • Ty Hatfield, 3B/RHP, Sophomore
  • Zach Vogelsang, DH/LF, Sophomore
  • Brady Williams, C, Senior
  • Jack Fitzpatrick, LF/DH, Senior
  • Lincoln Cunningham, CF, Sophomore
  • Jake Partington, RF, Senior
  • Mason Finnell, LHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Pitching well and playing very good defense.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Excited to be back in the regionals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Good to be back but need to find a way to take the next step.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: All very solid teams. Offensively get on base and defense must make routine plays.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Thank you to the parents and community for your continued support, see you in Elida!

Division III - Chillicothe/Mt. Vernon/Columbus Regional

  • No. 3 Minford vs No. 8 Westfall
  • No. 9 West Jefferson vs No. 22 Ridgewood

Region Overview: Minford looks to be the favorite after winning regional a year ago. Westfield's three post-season wins have been by a combined four runs while West Jefferson nipped ninth-seeded Johnstown Northridge 4-3 in the district finals. Ridgewood comes in off an impressive 14-0 win in the district title game.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Minford over Westfall
  • West Jefferson over Ridgewood
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Minford

Fan Vote:

  • Minford over Westfall
  • West Jefferson over Ridgewood
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Minford

Minford

Record: 28-1
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 4
Postseason History:

  • Won first regional in school history in 2018

Team Stats:

  • .328 AVG, 230 Runs

Top Players:

  • Luke Lindamood
  • Elijah Vogelsong
  • Ethan Lauder
  • Darius Jordan
  • Matthew Risner
  • Brayden Davis
  • Bailey Rowe
  • Reid Shultz


Westfall

Record: 23-4
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 8 - Final
Postseason History:

  • 2010 District Champs

Team Stats:

  • .338 AVG, 215 Runs
  • 2.60 ERA, 142 Ks

Top Players:

  • Brayton Felger Senior, SS/RHP
  • Sam Frazier Senior, 3B
  • Matt Baemel Senior, RF
  • Eric Corzatt Senior, 1B/RHP
  • Zach Gibson Senior, LF
  • Connor Spohn Junior, C
  • Jayden Hammond Junior, DH
  • Jay Wyman Junior, 2B
  • Titan Williams Sophomore, CF
  • Luke Blackburn Sophomore, RHP
  • Peyton Weiss, RHP, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing with a lot of confidence and very deep on our bench

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Really emotional win, the kids laid it all on the line.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This has been a goal of the program every year and to get here.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Very solid 4 team field in the regional with Minford and their one loss, as well as West Jefferson who we played earlier in the season.

West Jefferson

Record: 24-4
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 29
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Final
Postseason History:

  • First district championship since 1992
  • Never won a regional championship

Top Players:

  • Gabe Jones, Junior
  • Trent Kincade, Junior
  • Dylan Lambert, Sophomore, LHP, (4-1). 3 saves
  • Cade Brintlinger, Senior, RHP, (9-0) 2 saves
  • Kyle Mason, Senior, RHP, (7-0) 1 saves
  • Justin Williams, Senior, RHP, (4-2)
  • Ethan Miller, Freshman
  • Ethan Hoenie, Senior
  • Mickey Fuller, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They play for each other, compete with confidence.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Just a great win for our program! Our kids work extremely hard and deserve this one. We had come up one win short 3 other times in recent years.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Great experience and a privilege earned by our kids.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Our region is a tough region like all the other teams left out there. Everyone who’s still playing has a great squad.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I would just like to say West Jefferson is a great community who supports student
athletes! We have great parents and kids who value working for and obtaining our goals. It’s
refreshing to be able to coach these young men!

Ridgewood

Record: 21-9
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 22 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Seeking first trip to state in school history
  • 8th regional appearance in school history, including back-to-back in 2018 and 2019

Team Stats:

  • .285 AVG, 192 Runs
  • 1.84 ERA, 109 Ks

Top Players:

  • Koleten Smith 3B/RHP 11
  • Cale Roberts RHP 11
  • Blayden McCoy RHP 11
  • Chase Minet RHP 11
  • Kaden Smith CF 11
  • Chase Minet C/RHP 11
  • Memphis Cutshall SS 11
  • Connor Kunze 1B 11
  • Colten Hursey RF 11
  • Kurtis Varian 2B 10
  • Javan Belt DH 10
  • Gabe Tingle LF 9

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning our district was a great feeling. It was a great TEAM accomplishment, 1-21. Our juniors this year picked up where our seniors last year left off. Pitching and defense have been keys to getting us to this point and our offense has been coming through as of late.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Getting the chance to play in the Regionals again is something we don’t take for granted. Getting to this spot is not easy to do, and our players understand that. Nothing is guaranteed, so we will take what opportunities we get and make the best out of them.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: This is very tough regional with 4 very good teams. Minford is returning to the regional again after playing in the State semis in 2018. West Jefferson and Westfall both played very competitive schedules to get them to this point. Each team will be looking forward to the opportunity of getting a chance to play at Canal Park the following weekend.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: These young men have worked hard since back in February to get to this point. We are very grateful for this opportunity and hope we can go out make our fans, school district and community proud.

Division III - Fairborn Regional

  • No. 24 Cincinnati Country Day vs No. 25 Roger Bacon
  • No. 15 Middletown Madison vs Versailles

Region Overview: Strong pitching has carried Country Day, which has allowed two total runs in three tourney games. In contrast, semifinal opponent Bacon has scored at least nine runs in each of three tournament wins. Madison has survived 1-0, 4-2 and 4-2 games while Versailles has won in different fashions, 12-0, 3-2 and 13-11

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Cincinnati Country Day over Roger Bacon
  • Middletown Madison over Versailles
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Cincinnati Country Day

Fan Vote:

  • Cincinnati Country Day over Roger Bacon
  • Versailles over Middletown Madison
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Cincinnati Country Day???

Cincinnati Country Day

Record: 18-10
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 15th district title for CCD
  • Last regional crown came in 2001

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Jacob Renner, P/IF, Senior
  • Ethan Howard, CF, Junior
  • TJ Moorman, LF, Junior
  • Brian Foster, RF, Sophomore
  • Jackson Campbell, P/MIF, Freshman
  • Trey Vredeveld, MIF, Freshman
  • Payton Ebbing, C, Freshman
  • Zach Delbello, IF/P, Freshman
  • Andrew Vance, 1B/P, Freshman
  • Shane Jones, DH, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We’re starting to play with a lot more confidence and a better sense of feeling like we belong here. We’ve played a very tough schedule with 13 of our 25 regular season games against schools in higher divisions than us.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: To be honest, our team is so young (11 freshmen, 4 sophomores, 3 juniors, and just 1 senior) that I don’t know if they fully understood what they had just accomplished. They didn’t realize that we had done something pretty impressive until they started handing out the medals and the trophy. But once that settled in, our kids started to understand the accomplishment and were extremely excited about it.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Its an incredible opportunity for our program. This is the second time we’ve been to the regionals in the last 3 years and we are excited that we’re still playing at this time of year.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Some very talented programs that have had a lot of success in recent years. We have a ton of respect for all of the teams that have made it this far and we are thrilled to be a part of the “Sweet 16”.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We might be ahead of schedule with how young our team is and how far we are right now but we’re looking forward to the opportunity to continue playing baseball right now. Our kids have been excited to come to practice every day and have been working very hard throughout the season to get to where we are.

Roger Bacon

Record: 16-9
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Final
Postseason History:

  • First regional appearance since 1996
  • Only regional title took place in 1934

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Evan Kelsey Junior 2B
  • Jake Speed Senior SS/RHP
  • Chris Hoffmann Junior 3B/RF/RHP
  • Dylan Polk Senior 1B
  • Tyler Bullock Junior 3B/RHP
  • Chris McDaniel Senior CF
  • Evan Webb Soph RHP
  • George Janzen Frosh C
  • Cole Stager Junior C
  • Jake Tschida Frosh RF
  • Ryan Hallau RHP Soph
  • Dillon Fischer Junior RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are athletic. We have multiple arms that all throw well. We have 4 guys that are 80+ with velo. We have experience in key spots. We have fantastic senior leadership. We hit through the lineup 1-9. The bottom half of our lineup has been carrying a heavy part of the load at the end of the year. We get on base a lot and are dangerous when start putting pressure on teams. We are hungry right now. We play a very difficult schedule in Cincinnati including teams like Badin 2X, Elder, Ross, CHCA, CJ 2X, etc. We schedule our games that way because we want to be battled tested when we hit the tournament. The GCL in Cincinnati is as difficult of a league in the State of Ohio that you will find.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning a District title was a major milestone for our program. We have not won a district champ. Since 1996. It felt like we got over the hump. I have been the head coach at RB for 13 seasons. We have come a LONG way since my first few years. We have been building a solid program and I feel like we are now starting to get the recognition that we deserve. We have been building a competitive program for the last 6 years and it felt like a lot of pressure was lifted when we beat Greenon.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in the Regionals is such an honor. The best part about it is…we still get to stay together for another week. We have 3 incredible seniors and to be where we are is so much fun. Playing baseball for your school, when school is out for the summer, should be every kid’s dream. Summer teams are starting and we get to still wear RB uniforms. Pretty cool.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Talented. There are 4 teams here that are all capable of winning this thing. Everyone is hungry at this point. We play CCD and I know they will be ready for us. We played them a few weeks back and beat them 12-2. They fielded a team that was not their regular rotation. I know they are much more talented than what was shown that day. I am excited to compete and I am excited for our guys to compete on this stage. I know we will be ready.

Middletown Madison

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Highest Ranking: No. 10 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Third trip to regionals (1975, 2018, 2019)

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Tristan Sipple, P/1B, Junior - (8-0) 2 save
  • Jake Munafo, RHP, Junior (7-2)
  • Noah Lehman, 2B, Senior
  • Cameron Svarda, C, Senior
  • Cameron Baker, 3B, Senior
  • Jake Edwards, RF, Junior
  • Luke Hughes, 1B/RHP, Junior
  • Gabe Higgs, CF, Junior
  • Turner Campbell, LF, Junior
  • Justin Gray, SS, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like that our team is growing closer together and modeling ‘Team”. We’reversatile. We’re playing fundamental baseball on the offense and defensive side.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a sign of relief. Dropping the Regional Semifinals in 2018 to Madeira and then being able to defeat them in the District Final was a “monkey off our back”. Madeira was a Final Four team last season with a lot of talent that returned, very solid ball team.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited! One game at a time. Versailles is a very good team and well coach by Ryan Schlater. We’ve got to play extremely well to win the game.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it.
Coach: This is a very special group of young men. I’m truly grateful to have the best staff in America (yes, I’m biased). These guys have worked extremely hard in the off-season and during season. I truly love my players and would go to war with them any day of the week.

Versailles

Record: 16-9
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Last regional appearance was in 2016
  • State Final Four in 2016, 2000, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1965

Team Stats:

  • .288 AVG, 156 Runs
  • 2.78 ERA, 108 Ks

Top Players:

  • Will Eversole
  • Zach Griesdorn
  • Andrew Demange
  • Brayden Robinson
  • Kyle Pothast
  • Garrett Toops
  • Nathan Wagner
  • Zach Schlater

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We never give up. We have had a couple very tight ball games in the sectional and in the districts. Each time our team has rallied and came together to get the win.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was great to see the hard work the players put in pay off. It is our 2nd district title in four years.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It’s an honor to get back and to be playing the level of teams getting to this point. Everyone at this point is a great team and we will need to come out playing our A game from the start.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Each of the teams in our regional are extremely tough. We faced Madison last year in the district final and lost 1-0 in 8 innings.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We have 9 great seniors that have put a lot of time into our program and they want to do everything possible to get back to state.