Prep Baseball Report

2021 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division II


Dylan Hefflinger and Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout and Senior Writer

Follow on Twitter- @PrepBaseballOH
Follow on Twitter- @PBROhioScout
Follow on Instagram- @pbrohio

To view the Tournament Scoreboard, click here.

To view the Regional Previews, click below:

To view the Final Team Rankings, click below:

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2021 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division II

***** 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 internet/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 II - Canton Regional

  • No. 4 Salem vs. No. 1 Canfield
  • No. 22 Hoban vs No. 3 Chagrin Falls

Region Overview: This is perhaps the strongest regional in the state in any division with three of the top four rated D-II teams in the field along with a Hoban squad that was ranked third entering the campaign. Lane Rhodes has not permitted an earned run in two tournament games for the fourth-rated Quakers of Salem and takes on a Canfield squad that has won three postseason contests in run-rule fashion by identical scores of 10-0. The top-ranked Cardinals enter the week as the last unbeaten squad in Ohio. After suffering a five-game losing skid, Hoban has won 11 straight behind strong pitching but will be tested against third-rated Chagrin Falls which has produced 34 runs in three tournament victories.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Canfield over Salem
  • Chagrin Falls over Hoban
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Canfield

Fan Vote:

  • Canfield over Salem
  • Hoban over Chagrin Falls
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Hoban

Salem

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Only regional titles came in 1954 and 1957.
  • This is the second District Championship in school history. The last one was back in 1999. I was the starting center fielder on that 1999 team that won districts. We lost to Notre Dame Cathedral Latin in the regional semi-final. This is only our second ever conference championship. Salem won the MVC back in 1991 and we won the EBC this year with a perfect conference record. 12-0.

Top Players:

  • Blaize Exline CF Junior
  • Darius Beck C Junior
  • Lane Rhodes P Senior, 55.1 IP, 7-0, 0.88 ERA, 66 K
  • Gavin Wilms 3B/P Sophomore, 37.2 IP, 5-0, 2 SV, 47 K
  • Jackson Johnson 1B Sophomore
  • Brock Young LF Junior
  • Nick Coletta 2B Senior
  • Corey Riesen DH Junior
  • Carson Rhodes SS/P Freshman, 31 IP, 6-2, 33 K
  • Donnie Oesch RF - Sophomore
  • Preston Markovich Senior
  • Cayden Burt Junior
  • Hunter Carlisle Junior
  • Noah Marshall Junior
  • Lance Bailey Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the confidence our guys have in themselves and in each other. They love playing the game of baseball and love being around each other. Nobody puts too much pressure on themselves because they trust in their teammates and throughout the season we have had many different guys step up and contribute to the team's success. It is truly a TEAM.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was proud of how our guys played. They have always had the goal of winning a district title and because of that I was afraid that our kids might be a little nervous to play for something they have been thinking about for so long but our guys kept their composure throughout it all and finished off one of the biggest goals they have set for themselves and they did it together.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is an exciting thing to be a part of. Everyone's ultimate goal is to win a state championship and we are one of 16 teams left in division 2 that still have the ability to do so. Our guys are excited to still be playing but are also focussed on the job ahead of them. I think our guys will be ready to play on Thursday.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: If you look at the rankings of the teams in our regional tournament it is an impressive list. I feel like the team that is able to come out of this region has really done something special. Just being here and being able to compete against these teams is quite an accomplishment and I feel like we are playing with house money at this point. We definitely aren't just happy to be here and feel like we can compete with anyone in the state but at the same time, losing to any of these teams isn't something to hang your head over.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This program has come a long way since I took the job back in 2016 and a lot of the growth has been thanks to the work that these three seniors (Nick Coletta, Preston Markovich, and Lane Rhodes) have put in as well as our coaching staff. 

  • Assistant varsity and first base coach Andy Clutter has been with me from the start.
  • Assistant varsity coach Ricky Enlow was a senior last year who lost his last year due to COVID. He has been a huge reason for the turnaround of this program both as a player and now in a volunteer coaching position.
  • Hitting coach Cody Dillon has been with me going back to my days as a JV coach. He did not coach this year due to him and his wife having a baby girl, moving into a new house and getting a promotion at his job but is no doubt one of the reasons this team is where it is today. 
  • Head JV and catching coach Jake Carner. A former player that graduated in 2012 coach Carner has been instrumental in developing our guys over the past three seasons to be ready to contribute at the varsity level. 
  • Assistant JV coach Ryan Powell is a first year coach with the program and has helped coach Carner as well as the varsity players. The players respond well to his style of coaching and enjoy being around him.
  • Senior pitcher and Youngstown State commit Lane Rhodes is the unquestioned leader of this team and the guys respond to his passion and energy.
  • Quaker Sam Hat Award - If you look at our twitter page you will see that the player of the game after each win receives the Quaker Sam hat. This is a special award because it is determined by the previous game's recipient. The current owner of the hat must choose a player to give it to and tell the team why they have chosen that player. The coaches do not give out this award. This has been huge for us.

Canfield

Record: 23-0
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Three-time regional champions with one state title in 2007.

Top Players:

  • Josh Juliano, LF, 2022
  • Dom Magliocca, CF, 2021
  • AJ Havrilla, 2B, 2023
  • Landon Beidelschies, 1B/P, 2022
  • Nate Shaw, SS, 2022
  • Ben Slanker, RF/P, 2023
  • Vinnie Machuga, C, 2021
  • Ryan Petro, P, 2022
  • Gianni Gaetano, DH, 2021
  • Alex Iannizzaro, 3B/P, 2021
  • Jake Grdic, P, 2022

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Out team chemistry and team confidence. The fact that we have played loose all season long is very encouraging.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We felt like it was where we were supposed to be. Very businesslike. We know that our work is not complete yet.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very excited to play in regionals. The fact that we are still playing into June is a great feeling.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I believe that our region is as strong as any in the state, and have said that from the beginning of the year. Salem game #1 and Hoban game #2 this season, we knew how strong this region was going to be. Chagrin Falls is always in the mix and getting to see them play Chardon earlier this year, knew they could be there in the end as well.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our players have worked for this since last September, putting in a lot of time in the offseason to prepare for this moment and are very deserving to represent Canfield, which has a storied past. We are thankful for the support of our community that supports our program and we play the game the right way, win or lose, to make our community proud! I feel like we have the best staff in the state in Rick Havrilla, Patrick O'Brien, and Jason Morell. They work tierlessly to get our kids ready to compete each and every day.

Hoban

Record: 19-9
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • In search of initial regional title.

Top Players:

  • Alex Givens 3B Senior
  • Dylan Feltovich DH Senior
  • Thomas Crowe 1B Senior
  • Dylan Snyder RHP Senior 
  • Nolan Holmgren C Junior
  • Shawn Parnell SS/P Junior
  • Caleb Kepler RF/P Junior
  • Matt Terzola 2B Junior
  • Zack Zimmerman P/3B Sophomore
  • Noah LaFine RHP Freshman
  • Mike Ciavolella LF Freshman
  • Parker Falkenstein CF Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has shown growth from the beginning of the season. They show up every day ready to work and their efforts on the practice field and in the weight room have started to reflect into games. Our guys do not shy away from a challenge.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning districts in northeast Ohio is always tough; so it meant a lot to our guys to win the Revere district. They are just starting to see what they can accomplish through off the field work and dedication to preparation.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Regionals are exciting to be a part of. The northeast region has some really great programs. It will be fun to see which team is able to fight their way out.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The team that makes it through the northeast region will have earned their spot in the state final four to say the least. These four teams are battle tested and ready. It is going to be an exciting regional showdown.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The Knights of Hoban have poured their hearts into this season and they have fought with all they have. Our guys will be ready to go Thursday!

Chagrin Falls

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • 3rd District Championship since 2016.
  • 4 straight conference championships.

Top Players:

  • Mikey Amendola, 2B, Senior
  • Charlie Greenlief, C, Senior
  • Dawson Pierce, 1B, Senior, 8-0
  • Jack McMullen, P, Senior, 8-2, 2 saves
  • Donny Hardy, CF, Sophomore
  • Andrew Kirkpatrick, DH, Junior
  • Brett Vaccaro, 3B, Junior
  • Leo Fornara, RF, Junior, 1-1, 1 Save
  • Will Tropp, SS, Senior
  • Richard Higley, LF, Senior, 2-0, 2 Saves

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing great overall baseball. We have a great approach at the plate. We continue to pitch and play defense well. Just like all season, our players do whatever it takes for the good of the team.   

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Mostly, I felt great for the kids. They have had a tough year starting with baseball season last year and to win districts and see the joy on their faces, it was awesome. I couldn't be happier for them because they are such a great group of kids. They truly don't care about any individual accolades and will do anything for each other and for the team. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's exciting. Last year, we thought we had a chance to get to the regional and maybe further so to come right back with a different team feels pretty good. The players have worked so hard to get here. This team just loves to play baseball and loves being around each other.  I see their excitement every day - whether we have a practice or play a game. They truly just love playing baseball and being together.  

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Wow. The four teams that are in this regional are definitely 4 of the top teams in the state. The talent in this regional is pretty impressive. It would certainly not be surprising if the winner of this regional wins a state championship. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I just can't say enough about the players on our team. This is the most unselfish team that I have every coached. None of them care where they hit in the order. They understand the decisions that have to made with regards to playing time. They all pull for each other and they all believe in each other. Every player felt the same sense of joy when we won the district championship. Each and every player has a role on this team and they have all embraced it and they have all thrived in their role. Not only have they achieved on the field, they are all excellent students and people off the field. I couldn't be more proud of a group of players.

Division II - Bowling Green Regional

  • No. 7 Firelands vs No. 20 Toledo Central Catholic
  • No. 12 Tiffin Columbian vs No. 13 Vermilion

Region Overview: Firelands, the highest rated team in the regional at number seven, has won 14 games in a row, the most memorable a 4-3 victory over University School in eight innings in the district semifinals. The regional semifinal opponent is Toledo Central Catholic, which scored four runs in the seventh inning to beat fifth-rated Defiance and earn the Fighting Irish their first regional berth since 1990. Tiffin Columbian, which has cruised in the tournament thus far with 10-0, 8-1 and 9-1 wins, gets another shot at Vermilion which has beaten the Tornadoes 4-3 on April 26 and 2-0 on April 7. TC plays in the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division and Vermilion in the SBC Bay Division.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Toledo Central Catholic over Firelands
  • Tiffin Columbian over Vermilion
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Tiffin Columbian

Fan Vote:

  • Firelands over Toledo Central Catholic
  • Vermilion over Tiffin Columbian
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Vermilion

Firelands

Record: 25-5
Final Ranking:
No. 7
Preseason Ranking:
NR
Highest Ranking:
No. 7 - Final
Postseason History:
  • No regional titles in school history.

Top Players:

  • Kyle Ransom, SS
  • Caden Bomback, CF
  • Aaron Urban, RHP/1B
  • Tyler Ruth, LF
  • Zach Brill, LHP/RF
  • Connor Rogers, DH
  • Nate Draga, 1B/RHP
  • Evan Zidar, 2B/P
  • Aidan Newman, 3B
  • Cory Ransom, C
  • Zach Hales, RHP
  • Abe Mastellone, LHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are really playing good baseball. We are on a 14 game win streak, getting good pitching and timely hitting.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was pretty special to win a district championship with this group. We had a pretty solid team last year before we got canceled and had high expectations for that team. Everyone was pretty disappointed when we didn't get the chance to play. This group has really worked hard all year long to get where we are. We were a little unsure of what to expect from them. A lot of them hadn't played baseball since the shutdown. They have gelled well and are playing for each other as well as last year's group. I am extremely proud of what these guys have had to endure, how they have reacted and what they have done so far.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to book-end this class with Regional births. The `18 team broke the record for wins in a season, as well as made it to the regionals for the first time in school history. We have 3 guys that were with us last time we made it in 2018. They know what to expect, they have shared their experiences with the rest of the group. They are hungry to exceed what the `18 team did. We have used the term "no let down" this year a lot.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We know a team on the other side of the bracket. Vermilion is one of our border schools. We have a big rivalry with them each year.  It is a rivalry in all sports. Our Athletic Director's brother is the AD at Vermilion, we play for the Stillman Cup in each sport. TCC has a great tradition of winning baseball. Jeff has been there for 35 years, so I think he has a lot of knowledge about the game. Although we have never played them, I hear nothing but good things about his program and the way they do things. TC is the one that we don't know much about.  We have never played them, that I know of. The only thing we know is that they are in the same league with Vermilion and that they play twice a year. At any rate, any team that has gotten this far is solid. We respect everyone, but at the same time, we want to win this thing!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I want to thank our players families for all the time they have put in this year. We have overcome a lot of adversity! To be able to stay healthy, work hard and play baseball is a great accomplishment in itself. Baseball in Ohio, as we know, is not the friendliest of environments. Our parents have made adjustments, changed plans, waited for messages for changed games, only to get a second message that changes the plans again. We have a great group of parents! Our administrators, staff, students, boosters and the community have supported us the whole way. They have been great!  We are thankful for getting behind us and making the season a success. I also want to thank our players. They have battled through so much adversity over the course of a year. We are a small school, and have to share athletes.  Our football team won its first and second playoff games ever. Our basketball team made it the farthest in 20+ years. And now its baseballs turn. They are tested and approved for high level competition. I am so proud of each and every one of them. We support one another, there is a team first mentality and it has been a joy to coach them.My Coaching staff also deserves a lot of credit!! They have all bought in to what we are trying to accomplish. Each one of them has put in countless hours working with our athletes. They have sacrificed quite a bit to be able to spend all the time with our guys. Each one of them brings something special to the table. We have a lot of fun together, and spend a lot of time together. They make everything easy for me. I am very grateful to have them with me!

Toledo Central Catholic

Record: 14-10
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 20 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Last district title 1990
  • Lone regional title 1982.

Top Players:

  • Wilson Stopera – SS/P – Senior
  • Owen Kitz- 1B – Senior
  • Trey Gray – C – Junior
  • Cody Markus – P/SS – Sophomore
  • Shilo Bernal – CF/P – Senior
  • Brayden Tressler – 3B – Sophomore
  • Bishop Vargas – LF – Senior
  • Jace Sanchez – RF – Junior
  • AJ Parker – 2B – Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has competed all season.  We have played a very competitive schedule (many DI teams) and have only been out of two games this season (first St. Francis game & Bowling Green game prior to the District).  It has been a gritty group!

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: After winning the District tournament I was very emotional.  I was happy for our guys and all the guys before them.  It had been a long time (31 years) and during that time there have been some tough District losses.  They keep competing!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to be able to represent both our school and District in the Regional tournament.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I do not know much about any of the other three teams other than their coaches and know that they are good if they are still playing at this time of the year.  CONGRATS to all of them!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This year we have 8 players in our program whose Dad’s played for Coach Mielcarek (Wilson Stopera, Owen Kitz, Trip Floyd, Jace Sanchez, Bryce Wagner, Gus Mehling, Josh Floyd, Jaxon Sanchez) bringing the total of alumni players whose sons also played for Coach Mielcarek to 14. Two of the player’s dads (Stopera & Sanchez) played on the 1990 Regional Finalist along with two others (Mehling & Wagner) whose sons play of the JV team and another one (Winston Delp) dad was on the 1982 State Final 4 team.

Tiffin Columbian

Record: 23-7
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 24
Highest Ranking: No. 12 - Final
Postseason History:

  • 2nd most wins in school history, most since 1996.

Top Players:

  • Tandon Lemmon, OF, Senior
  • Griffin Bunting, UTIL, Senior
  • Gunther Kissell, OF, Junior
  • Brayden Tucker, SS/P, Junior
  • Carson Mellott, LHP/OF, Junior
  • Jaden Myers, 1B, Junior
  • David Auble, OF, Junior
  • Ethan Short, 3B, Junior
  • Brayden Roggow, C/P, Freshman
  • Bryce Roggow, 2B/P, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a complete team with a .319 team batting average, and a 1.77 Team ERA. We are playing our best baseball in the postseason.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling to win the first District Championship for Tiffin Columbian since 1996. Our kids have worked extremely hard for the past 18 months, and their efforts are paying off this postseason.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is an honor to be one of just 16 teams left in Division 2 baseball still playing right now.

Vermilion

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Highest Ranking: No. 5 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 10 District Appearances
  • 3 Regional Appearances
  • 1 Regional - Elite 8
  • Regional Runner-up in 2019

Top Players:

  • Nick Werth, CF
  • Cody Shultz, 1B
  • Jack Wells, LF
  • Jacob Krausher, P
  • Carter Klausing, C
  • Ethan Hendrickson, SS
  • Ethan Young, RF
  • Konnor Clark, 3B
  • Jaden Fox, 2B

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are very excited about going to the Regionals for the second year in a row.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We know that it will be a challenge as there are 4 very good teams at Carter Park playing for an appearance in the final 4.

Division II - Teays Valley Regional

  • No. 9 Bloom-Carroll vs No. 33 Cambridge
  • No. 14 Hillsboro vs No. 21 St. Clairsville

Region Overview: Ninth-ranked Bloom-Carroll got out of a first-and-third one-out situation in the seventh inning with a 4-6-3 double play to advance to regionals with a 4-3 win over St. Francis DeSales. After beating Meadowbrook 4-3 in eight innings in a rubber-match game, Cambridge scored two unearned runs in the fifth to get past Indian Creek 3-1 despite recording only two hits. Hillsboro has beaten three higher-seeded teams the last three games, 2-1 over Jackson, 2-0 over Sheridan and 6-5 in eighth innings over Chillicothe Unioto. St. Clairsville, which lost to Gilmour Academy 2-0 in the 2019 state semifinals, has scored double digits in all three tournament contests.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Bloom-Carroll over Cambridge
  • Hillsboro over St. Clairsville
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Bloom-Carroll

Fan Vote:

  • Cambridge over Bloom-Carroll
  • Hillsboro over St. Clairsville
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Cambridge

Bloom-Carroll

Record: 25-5
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 5
Postseason History:

  • Three regional championships (2014, 2013, 1974).
  • 3-0 in state semifinals.
  • One state championship (2014).

Top Players:

  • CJ Carmichael, SS, JR
  • Nic Feasel, OF/RHP, SR, (6-1)
  • KJ Benedict, 2B, JR
  • Josh Moore, P/DH, SR
  • Tyler Parks, C, So
  • Joel Winters, 3B, Jr
  • Logan Moore, DH/OF/LHP JR, (6-3)
  • Evan Dozer 1B, JR
  • Beau Wisecsarver, CF / JR
  • Ayden Anderson, OF, So
  • Josh Moore, RHP, Sr, (9-0) 2 saves
  • Brandon Totten, RHP, JR, (3-0)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team Defense and Still working hard in practice to get better everyday.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Kids felt great they had worked hard all year to get to that moment, but were able to quickly refocus on Regionals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Great Opportunity for our young men.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: 4 very good teams and some great pitching.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Kids and coaches are very excited to carry on the baseball tradition in the community.

Cambridge

Record: 18-10
Final Ranking: No. 33
Preseason Ranking: No. N10
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • 2nd Regional Appearance.

Top Players:

  • Sean Perkins, P/SS - 4-2, 1.64 ERA, 47 K | .333 AVG
  • Jake Valentine, P/OF - 4-3, 0.71 ERA, 46 K, 16 BB
  • Blake Brumfield, INF - .326 AVG
  • Caleb Bond
  • Kaden Whaley

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: A couple things I like about my team is our no quit mentality, the way we out seeing the ball and our base running.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The feelings when we won our district was amazing I’ve been the head coach for 3 years now and I’m trying to bring back a winning culture so to see us win the district is one step in the right direction.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: When we set our Preseason goals it was to win the regionals so being able to be playing in the regionals is a testimony to my kids and their dedication to go over and beyond to get to where we want to go.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The 4 teams in our region are all pretty good baseball teams, we have common knowledge of St. Clairsville. Bloom Carroll and Hillsboro can play the game well.

Hillsboro

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Final
Postseason History:

  • First regional tournament appearance since 1993

Top Players:

  • Tanner Warner, P, Senior
  • Ryan Scott, SS/P, Senior
  • Brad Miller, LF/P, Senior
  • Zach Humphries, 2B/P, Senior
  • Spencer Wyckoff, C, Junior
  • Quintin Captain, CF, Junior
  • Coltin Hunter, 1B, Senior
  • Brayden Kisling, RF, Senior
  • Korbin Adams, DH, Sophomore
  • Nick Lewis, 3B, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitching staff has been really tough on opposing hitters. Our team ERA is 1.75 and our team BAA is 0.176. So defensively we have been forcing teams to earn everything thus far and obviously we hope that continues in the regional tournament.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Pure joy. If you followed that game there were A LOT of emotional ups and downs. Credit to our guys for not letting the downs dictate the next play and hanging in there long enough to make one more play than Unioto. But anytime you can vindicate countless hours of hard work with hardware, pure joy is the feeling.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Our whole program feels blessed to have the opportunity. We understand that being good doesn’t always mean you get to experience this level of post-season success and we are humbled to be where we are, but always hungry to play one more.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Well the nature of our region, and Eastern Ohio in general, is that the region covers quite a lot of space. Even in our own district there are teams that we not only don’t see but don’t even have common opponents with. To this point we have already traveled a total of 736 miles for games in the tournament. So to the point, we don’t know much about any of the other teams in the region, but I’m sure that if they have made it this far they have at least 2 really good pitchers and several guys that can really hit it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We really appreciate the support our community has shown us thus far in the tournament and really all season long. We really feel like there is starting to be a buzz about baseball in our town and our guys very humbled and proud to wear Hillsboro on their chest. Hopefully we can continue to be the team the gets to wear the uniform one more time.

St. Clairsville

Record: 20-7
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 21 - Final
Postseason History:

  • St. Clairsville will be making it’s 8th regional appearance.
  • Two State Final Fours: 1997, 2019.

Top Players:

  • Jaren Starks- CF
  • Braylen Blomquist-SS
  • Tyler Tonkovich- P
  • Will Balgo- 1B/P
  • Luke Jozwiak-DH/P
  • Austin Porter- LF
  • Drew Sefsik- 3B/P
  • Mason Myers- RF
  • Marcus Bush- Catcher
  • Logan Shields- 2B
  • Robbie Cain-LHP
  • Hunter Hoffman-LHP
  • Zac Vickers- RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like the way the team is playing right now. The players have really bought in and spent a lot of time in the batting cages and on the field working to become better, and it has paid off for us.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very excited we are able to represent the school in the regionals in back to back years. After losing the season last year due to covid I am very proud of what the players have been able to accomplish this season.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Winning the district is always a goal for us when we start the season. I don't want the team to feel a sense of complacency, but I am very proud of what we have accomplished so far.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: When you make it this far in the tournament every team is good. Top to bottom all 4 teams are very solid and fundamentally sound.

Division II - Mason Regional

  • Dayton Carroll vs No. 6 Sparta Highland
  • No. 2 Badin vs No. 30 Wyoming

Region Overview: Unranked Dayton Carroll advanced to regionals with an 11-10 eight-inning victory over Hamilton Ross and now takes on sixth-rated Sparta Highland, which won a pair of 4-3 battles in districts. In the finals, the Fighting Scotts rallied for one in the bottom of the 10th, then scored one in the last of the 11th to stun Hebron Lakewood to make it 19 wins in their last 20 games. Second-ranked Badin has been as dominant as any team in the postseason winning three games by a combined 38-3. The Cowboys of Wyoming are up next for Badin after holding off a Tippecanoe comeback in the district finals, 8-7.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Sparta Highland over Dayton Carroll
  • Badin over Wyoming
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Badin

Fan Vote:

  • Sparta Highland over Dayton Carroll
  • Badin over Wyoming
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Badin

Dayton Carroll

Record: 13-14
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. NR
Highest Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • First District Championship since 1974.
  • Have never won regional title.

Top Players:

  • Michael Duckro, SS Junior
  • Shane Ochs, CF, Junior
  • Steven Chapman, P , Senior
  • Caleb Cavender, 3B/P, Junior
  • Jackson Malesko, C, Junior
  • Tyler Hassink, LF, Senior
  • Liam Ivory, RF, Sophomore
  • Evan Kneer, DH, Sophomore
  • Albert Brust, 2B, Junior
  • Lucas Dunn, 1B, Freshman
  • Michael Duckro, Junior
  • John Lawhorn, Junior
  • Jacob Cavender, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We're playing much better defense than we did at the beginning of the season, we're battling more at the plate now, and the kids don't get down when we are behind on the scoreboard. They're always trying to fight back.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Unbelievable. Basically, only one of these kids had any varsity experience, so they didn't expect to go this far. And from our slow learning curve at the beginning of the season, we didn't expect it either. It's only in the 2nd half of the season that we've started to believe in ourselves.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: A great experience for these kids and for our program; we need to rebuild next year, and this will really plant the seeds for getting better and being more consistent as a team for upcoming years.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I don't know much about Highland other than their tremendous pitching and fantastic record. Wyoming almost ALWAYS has a solid program, going back for decades. And Badin, well, they are the cream of the crop EVERY YEAR. We are just honored to be among this group this year.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I couldn't have picked a better team, a better bunch of kids, or a better way to go out after 26 years as head coach. They have performed beyond anyone's expectations, and its making this season an awful lot of fun.

Sparta Highland

Record: 28-2
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 6 - Week 4
Postseason History:

  • 3rd district championship in school history.
  • Only trip to state came in 2006.

Top Players:

  • Rider Minnick, SS, JR
  • Randy Cain, LF, SR
  • Luke Cain, C, JR
  • Dom Carter, 1B, SR
  • Zach Pinkerton, CF, JR
  • Jon Jensen, DH, JR 
  • Kadin Johnson, 3B, SR
  • Brock Church, RF, SO
  • Blake Jodrey, 2B/P, JR, 8-0, 1 SV
  • Cooper Merckling, 2B, JR
  • Wyatt Groves, LHP, SR 6-2
  • Logan Shaffer, LHP, 7-0, SR
  • Owen Mott, P, 2 SV, SR

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Balance & Resiliency. This team has found a number of ways to win baseball games, and is very balanced. We have a team team Batting Avg .372, Team ERA 1.66, Team Fielding % .954 so the Boys have done it with different facets of the game. They are a selfless group that works hard for each other, and they do not give up. We were losing in every tournament game this year, and were down to our last strike twice and the Boys found ways to extend games and keep the season going.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an absolute blast! We played 11 innings against a very tough Lakewood team and both teams had opportunities to end the game numerous times. To see the emotion from our players and community was very humbling and exhilarating at the same time.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's a wonderful opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the state. We are excited to be among the final 16 programs still competing at the Division 2 level.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: It will be a challenge for our Boys as we are well aware of the level of baseball that is played in southwest Ohio, a real hotbed of baseball in the Midwest. The 3 teams in our region are experienced and will bring some of the most athletic ball players in the state to the Regional tournament. We are excited for the opportunity to compete with such talented and well-coached teams.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are thankful for the support of our community, which has been fantastic all year long. This is a fun group of Boys to be around, and they continue to work and improve on a daily basis. The seniors of 2021 have done a remarkable job of leading this group to a lot of on field and off-field success this season.

Badin

Record: 25-5
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Won their 19th district title.

Top Players:

  • Lucas Moore, CF
  • Sergio DeCello, SS
  • Jimmy Nugent, C
  • Landyn Vidourek, LF/1B/SS/RHP
  • AJ Enginger, 2B
  • Cooper Fiehrer, 3B
  • Ryan Kirkendall, 1B/RHP, (8-0)
  • Nik Copenhaver, RHP, (3-1)
  • Noah Tincher, LHP, (3-0)
  • Brady Imhoff, RF 
  • Luke McLaughlin, RHP, (4-0)
  • Rodney Rachel

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the way we are running the bases and the way we have been competing with two strikes. It feels like there are a lot of guys that want to be up in big situations.   

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was nice to know that we now had a full week to get to practice. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are truly just happy to be together and get the opportunity to compete. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: If you get to a regional then you have a great team and a team that's doing things the right way right now.  

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This has been a crazy two seasons. Our 2020 team was very talented and motivated to do something special and never got the opportunity to compete. Just like that, everyone moved up a grade yet without the experience. As a coaching staff, we have spent a lot of time teaching and talking and have worked hard at being patient in an effort to get our players caught up. Our players have bought in in every way and have been a lot of fun to coach. We have a bunch of selfless guys that love playing baseball and love each other. I hope I never lose the perspective of having our season taken away. Our players have appreciated the opportunity to compete and be together every day this season.

Wyoming

Record: 20-7
Final Ranking: No. 30
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 30 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Trying to win regionals for the first time.

Top Players:

  • Aidan Dunehew, SS/P, Senior
  • Brennan Pagan, CF/P, Senior
  • Elijah Dennis, C/P, Senior
  • Bennett Anderson, P, Senior
  • Luke Taylor, 2B/P, Junior
  • Walter Stall, 1B, Junior
  • Drew Mouch, RF/P, Junior
  • Aiden Melvin, 3B, Freshman
  • Jack Weyman, LF, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We play with heart and for our family. This team is very tight, always together on and off the field, and it shows with how they pick up one another and play for each other. The senior leadership is second to none and it's great to have an extension of the coaches.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The feeling was amazing, but I know our guys are still hungry for more. We certainly enjoyed it as it was a great game with Tipp City, but quickly got back to work.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very humbled and blessed to be in this situation we’re in. Excited to be here, but don't want to get caught up in the lights. We're doing our best to look at the big picture and take each game pitch by pitch and inning by inning.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I feel this region is incredibly strong and it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see a team from this area hoisting the D2 championship trophy on June 12th.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: As a team we are excited to play and represent the City of Wyoming. These kids play their tails off for their baseball family, and look forward to representing the players that have come before them as well.

2021 Spring High School Season Content

To view all things related to the 2021 Spring High School Baseball Season, click here.

To view the Weekly Team Rankings, click below:

To view the Preseason All-State Teams, click below:

To view the 2021 Ohio Spring Scout Blog, click below:

To view the 2021 PBR Ohio HS Teams of the Week, click below:

Recent Articles