Prep Baseball Report

2021 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division III


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

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2021 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 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 III - Massillon Regional

  • No. 43 Berkshire vs. No. 4 Canton Central Catholic
  • No. 8 South Range vs No. 7 Gilmour Academy

Region Overview: Arguably the strongest regional in Division III features a trio of teams ranked in the top eight in the state, including Gilmour Academy which lost in the Division II state finals in 2019. The other squad, Burton Berkshire, won a pair of 1-0 games over New Middletown Springfield and Cardinal Mooney to survive districts, permitting a total of four hits. The drama was big as well for Berkshire’s regional semifinal opponent Canton Central Catholic, a D-III state semifinalist in 2019 and the No. 5 team this season, which tallied three runs in the bottom of the seventh to shock fourth-ranked Elyria Catholic,  3-2. No. 7 Gilmour Academy and eighth-ranked South Range will meet for a second time this season in what should be a dandy of a pitching duel between Ben DeMell of Gilmour and Brandon Mikos of South Range. Gilmour defeated the Rangers 4-2 in the PBR Spring Classic on May 8 with DeMell on the hill. Mikos, who did not pitch against Gilmour, has fanned 20 in 12 innings of one-run ball in tournament play, allowing seven hits.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Canton Central Catholic over Berkshire
  • South Range over Gilmour Academy
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - South Range

Fan Vote:

  • Berkshire over Canton Central Catholic
  • Gilmour Academy over South Range
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Berkshire

Berkshire

Record: 18-11
Final Ranking: No. 43
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 43 - Final
Postseason History:

  • 5-time District Champion.
  • Hoping to make it to state for the first time.

Top Players:

  • Jack Jacobs - 1B/OF/P - Sophomore
  • JT Bergmeier - OF/P/1B - Senior
  • Jake Brown - SS/P - Senior
  • Brian Brent - 3B - Senior
  • Blake Jenkins - OF/P - Senior
  • Evan McDermott - RF - Senior
  • Chris Groudle - 2B - Senior
  • Garrett Bosse - C - Senior
  • Max Janssen - OF/P - Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Competing and mentally tough.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It’s a great feeling. The guys went out and battled and came out with 2 very good close wins against 2 great opponents.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Regional baseball is a great feeling. It means all the hard work you have put in has been paying off. Getting here isn't the goal though. Guys are ready to compete at a high level against more competition.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I’d like to say good luck to the other teams in the region. With 3 teams ranked in the Top 10 in the state I'd say it is the toughest region out there. Those teams are here for a reason but so are we. I see a lot of talent on all 4 teams and it looks like it should make for some exciting baseball games.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our group is a special one. We have 10 seniors on the team and they are the leaders and its a trickle down effect to the younger players. Our staff and community gives these players a lot of support and only want the best for them and they are taking it in stride and it has brought them to a regional tournament game that I believe they are prepared for and ready to get started. We are excited to get to Massillon and continue to play baseball at a high level.

Canton Central Catholic

Record: 21-5
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • 15 District Championships
  • Seeking 8th Regional Championship
  • 3 State Championships (2008, 2011, 2015)

Top Players:

  • Eric Baum, SS/P, Senior
  • Mason Vance, DH, Senior
  • Danny Heck, C, Senior
  • Christian Harris, RF/P, Senior
  • Dylan Rouse, SS, Soph
  • Ryan Turner, 1B, Soph
  • Collin Domer, 3B, Soph
  • Ethan Lyke, 2B, Junior
  • Brody Donley, CF/P, Junior
  • Gerry Johnson, LHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Attitude.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Amazing ending for a team that faced adversity going into the last inning.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's an honor to represent The Crusader community/alumni with class and humility.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Probably one of the toughest districts with big boy arms and well coaches teams.

South Range

Record: 22-8
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Only program to win a state championship in school history 2018
  • Only the 2nd team in program history to advance to the regional round.

Top Players:

  • Trey Pancake, C, Senior
  • Brandon Mikos, P, Senior
  • Michael Markulin, 2B, Junior
  • Michael Perry, 1B, Senior
  • Aidan English, UTIL, Junior
  • Billy Skripac P/OF, Sophomore
  • Steve Rohan 3B, Junior
  • Cory Penick, OF/P, Junior
  • Shane Lindstrom, OF, Sophomore
  • Logan Baxter, SS, Freshman
  • Garrett Sheets, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are getting timely hitting and 2 out RBI's. Pitching as been strong as well as defense

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Players and coaches were very excited to achieve a goal they set out to accomplish at the beginning of the season. I am very proud of each and everyone of them. After falling a game short in 2019, it was very satisfying to see them get the job done.

 PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very excited and fortunate to still be playing baseball. Very proud to represent our school and the South Range community. Looking forward to playing ball and the opportunity to advance to the state finals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: I would like to congratulate the other 3 teams for advancing. Ifeel this is a very strong region, possibly the strongest in Div. III. All of the programs that have made it this far are very deserving.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am very proud of my players for what they have accomplished this season. They are a very special group of young men hungry for a trip to the state final four.

Gilmour Academy

Record: 18-10
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 2nd consecutive and 12 overall regional tournament trip.
  • Regional champions in Division II in 2019.
  • The program has had only 3 losing records in the last 42 years.
  • Two of the coaches have been part of the program as players and coaches for the last 30 years.

Top Players:

  • Ben DeMell, RHP, Senior
  • Vinny Bandwen, C, Senior
  • Charlie Shepherd, RF/P, Senior
  • Mick Hopkins, LF, Junior
  • Paddy Murphy, 1B/P, Junior
  • Kyle Laws, 2B, Junior
  • Dan Jevnikar, 3B/P, Junior
  • Tom McCrone, CF, Soph
  • Will Kay, SS/P, Soph
  • Will Lazzaro

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our pitching staff. We go 6 deep and have a team era of 2.42. We are finally paying schools in our Division and having alot of success as 22 of our 29 games have gone against Div 1 and Div 2 competition.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The District Championship was special as we won it with only 3 seniors on the roster. We have won numerous district titles over the years but this by far was the youngest team as we have 7 1st year Varsity players.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Anytime you are playing June baseball, it is something special.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The toughest regional in the state for Div 3. Whoever comes out of this regional will be the odds on favorite to win the State title.

Division III - Elida Regional

  • No. 22 Archbold vs No. 47 Milan Edison
  • No. 15 Liberty Union vs No. 5 Eastwood

Region Overview: Archbold is making its fifth consecutive regional appearance, this year behind DJ Newman who threw a two-hitter against Fairview in the district semifinals and hit a single, double and home run in a 6-1 district championship victory over Otsego. The Blue Streaks will face a Milan Edison squad that outlasted second-rated Colonel Crawford 6-5 in eight innings for a trip to regionals. John Wheeler threw a one-hitter to propel No. 15 Liberty Union past Columbus Academy in the district finals after Jacob Miller tossed a one-hitter with 17 Ks against Pleasant in the semifinals. Eastwood comes in the highest ranked in the region at seventh, surviving a 2-1 battle with Minster on a bases-loaded walk in the ninth inning. Minster had eliminated defending state champ Coldwater in the district semis. Eastwood has not given up an earned run in the tournament.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Archbold over Milan Edison
  • Liberty Union over Eastwood
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Archbold

Fan Vote:

  • Archbold over Milan Edison
  • Eastwood over Liberty Union
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Eastwood

Archbold

Record: 20-11
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 5th straight trip to Regionals, 5 straight years of 20 or more wins, and 20 or more wins in 6 of last 7 seasons.

Top Players:

  • DJ Newman, INF/P, Jr
  • Caleb Hogrefe, C, Sr
  • Brandon Taylor, INF/P, Sr
  • Jaybe Burkle, 1B, Jr
  • Zane Behnfeldt, 3B/P, Jr
  • Gavin Bailey, LF, Jr
  • Krayton Kern, CF, So
  • Carson Dominique, DH, So
  • Jayden Seiler, INF/P, Fr
  • Jack Hurst, RF, Fr

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing with confidence and having fun.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: A tremendous feeling of satisfaction for such a young team, and so proud of them to win the District Tournament, especially with the caliber of teams that were there.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Very exciting to be one of only 16 teams left playing baseball in the state in our division. The excitement for players, fans, parents, and coaches is at a very high level.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Always four excellent teams in the regional tournament, and that is certainly the case again this year.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Thanks for your coverage and all that PBR does for high school baseball.

Milan Edison

Record: 17-11
Final Ranking: No. 47
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 23 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • 4th trip to regionals.
  • Attempting to claim first regional title.

Top Players:

  • Clint Finnen, 2B, Soph
  • Xander Danner, RF, Junior
  • Thomas Simon, LHP, Junior, 9-1, 1.07 ERA, 97 K.
  • Brady Barker, SS, Junior
  • Noah Smith, DH, Junior
  • Dominic Dymond, C, Junior
  • Luke Bissell, 3B, Senior
  • Bryce Michaelis, CF, Junior
  • Blake Simon, LF/LHP, Freshman, 1.11 ERA
  • Joey Pennell, RHP, Junior, 1-2, 2.75 ERA, 4 saves

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have been good at not getting too up or too down throughout the game. We have been playing with a lot of confidence in ourselves and our teammates.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was very excited. We got out of a lot of big jams and made the pitches and defensive plays when we needed to the most.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is great to get back to the regionals again.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: This is a very tough regional. We will have to play our best to have a chance to get out.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am very proud of how this team has come together. The players are great teammates. We have had 24 different players play varsity at some point during this season and all of the players have been very supportive of one another. This togetherness and wanting to play well for each other has been a big key to our success.

Liberty Union

Record: 17-6
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: N10
Highest Ranking: No. 9 - Final
Postseason History:

  • First District Title since 2015, only second District Title since 1994.

Top Players:

  • Cayden Carroll 2B (So.)
  • Hunter Putnam OF (Sr.)
  • Jacob Berlekamp OF/P (Sr.)
  • Dylan Anthony 3B/P (Sr.)
  • Brody Poston SS (Sr.)
  • Reed Farmer 1B (Sr.)
  • Jacob Miller RHP (Jr.)
  • John Edwards OF (Jr.)
  • Austin Ety C (Jr.)
  • Jon Wheeler P (Jr.)
  • Ryan Blowers P (Sr.)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a veteran led group- Seniors have played together their entire life. Strong leadership and work ethic.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Pride. Extremely proud of the players. We set this goal three years ago and came up short in the semi finals, last year we felt we were favorites to win the district and lost the season. The amount of obstacles this group has overcome is incredible. Extremely proud of each and every one of them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited and grateful. Very appreciative of the opportunity to be here. Expect to win. Great experience for players and community to be a part of.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Not too familiar with other teams here however to get to this point you have to be a quality team with quality players and coaches. I expect to see great baseball both days.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Great Day to be a Lion.

Eastwood

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • 6th District Title

Top Players:

  • Isaac Badenhop - Senior CF
  • Lake Boos - Junior - P
  • Andrew Arntson - Junior - C
  • Isaac Cherry - Junior -2B
  • Case Boos - Sophomore - SS/P
  • Jordan Pickerel - Sophomore - 1B
  • Jarod Bonfiglio - Sophomore - 3B
  • Jackson Bauer - Sophomore - RF
  • Caleb Recker - Sophomore - DH
  • Tristan Schuerman - Sophomore - LF
  • Ethan Rapp - Sophomore RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Energy. My group loves to have fun and compete. We just want to play/practice the next day.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: This group has had aspirations since it was cancelled last season. They have done everything we have asked them to do throughout the entire season. They have sacrificed for the betterment of the team. Our goal is the win each pitch.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Special. Only 16 teams are left in D3. We aren't the name brand team and cannot wait to compete.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We honestly only focus on who is in front of us, the rest takes care of itself.

Division III - Chillicothe Regional

  • No. 3 Minford vs No. 19 Wheelersburg
  • No. 24 Barnesville vs No. 16 Fredericktown

Region Overview: Third-ranked Minford, which lost to Lafayette Ridgewood in the regional finals in 2019, is the highest-rated team left in the division and has a familiar foe ahead at regionals in Southern Ohio Conference rival Wheelersburg. Minford, which has allowed just one run in three tourney games, beat Wheelersburg 6-2 and 3-0 during the regular season. The Burg, ranked 19th, has surrendered just two runs in the tournament. Fredericktown and Barnesville match up in the other semifinal. The Freddies scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to stun Amanda-Clearcreek and advance to regionals while Barnesville rallied with two in the sixth to beat top-seeded Tuscarawas Valley 2-1 in the district semis, then beat Martins Ferry 6-3 in the finals for the Shamrocks’ first regional berth since 2004. Martins Ferry had beaten Barnesville twice in the regular season.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Minford over Wheelersburg
  • Fredericktown over Barnesville
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Minford

Fan Vote:

  • Minford over Wheelersburg
  • Fredericktown over Barnesville
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Minford

Minford

Record: 25-2
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 6
Postseason History:

  • Lone regional championship came in 2018.

Top Players:

  • Grant Wheeler, 2B, Freshman
  • Adam Crank, SS, Sophomore
  • Elijah Vogelsong, CF/P, Senior
  • Aodhan Queen, 3B/P, Sophomore
  • Matthew Risner, C, Senior
  • Levi Coriell, RF/P, Junior
  • Branson Alley, 1B, Junior
  • Cole Borland, LF/P, Sophomore
  • Mason Book, OF, Freshman
  • Noah Martin 6-1, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Leadership, Work Ethic, and everyone has bought in and believes in themselves. We are a very close family. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was an awesome experience, winning our 5th Straight district final, and it was great for this young team to experience. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being able to get another shot in regionals is great, and one of the goals we set at the beginning of the season, and we are working hard everyday to get back to state.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The teams in our region are great programs and we are excited to be able to compete with these top notch programs.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Extremely excited to see where these next few games take us, we have worked very hard for the Minford Community to get to the #1 goal. We know its not going to be easy but we just have to stay focused one game at a time. Also huge shout out to all my assistant coaches and what they bring to the field everyday, thank you Brady Knittel, Austin Howard, Matt Brooks, Trent Thompson. Again thank you to the Minford Community for all of your support, lets keep things rolling.

Wheelersburg

Record: 22-7
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Highest Ranking: No. 10 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • Eight regional titles in school history, including 7 in an 8-year period (2008-2015).
  • State Champions (1996, 2012, 2013).

Top Players:

  • Eric Green, LF, Senior 
  • Case Dyer, CF, Senior
  • Cooper Mckenzie, C, Junior
  • Braden Horr, 3B, Senior
  • Mason Montgomery, RF, Senior
  • Chase Conley, 1B, Senior
  • Ethan Ison, RHP, Senior
  • Creed Warren, 2B, Freshman
  • Hunter Thomas, SS/P, Junior
  • Elias Robson, RHP, Senior
  • Connor Estep, RHP, Freshman

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Senior Leadership has been a huge impact on our success and also just the will of never giving up and fighting till the final out.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Was a great feeling, seeing the joy on the guys faces but also knowing that this is a goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of the year and hoping to achieve more along the way.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is an honor. Something this program has done a lot in recent years. But a blessing that none of us will take for granted. Looking forward to go out and compete against a great opponent and hopefully we can find a way to incorporate more runs than the other team.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Just by some research I have done, this is going to be a very tough regional where anybody can win. All teams are going to be coached up well and do the little things right. It will come down to a play here or there that will decide the whole thing.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Blessed to be back in the spot. Hoping we can put forth a good showing and find ways to win ball games and represent the community of Wheelersburg in the right manner.

Barnesville

Record: 22-7
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 17 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • Tied school record for wins in a season with 22.
  • First district championship since 2004.

Top Players:

  • Ayden Hannahs, P, Senior
  • Jeremy Hunkler, SS, Junior
  • Jake Edwards, 1B/P, Senior
  • Gavin Carpenter, 3B/P, Junior
  • Kyvan Johnson, C, Junior
  • Logan Shepherd, DH, Junior
  • Colton Hines, CF, Junior
  • Kason Powell, 2B/P, Junior
  • C.J. Hannahs, RF, Sophomore
  • Spencer Bliss, LF, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the camaraderie of this team. They truly enjoy playing together, being together off the field, and play for each other and eliminating any selfishness that can occur on some teams.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a feeling of pure joy from players, coaches and the entire community.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We all view playing in the regional a great honor. We know that being one of only 16 teams left in our division is a great accomplishment, but also have talked about how close we are to reaching the ultimate goal.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: To make it to this level of the tournament every team that is left is going to be very good, and with all of us being #2 seeds probably enter the tournament with a chip on our shoulders. Wheelersburg, Minford, and Frederickstown are all traditionally strong programs so we are humbled and honored to get a chance to compete against them.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am blessed to be able to coach in a community that supports baseball as passionately as Barnesville. We have great young men and I could not be more proud of them for what they have accomplished this year.

Fredericktown

Record: 24-5
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 22
Highest Ranking: No. 15 - Week 4
Postseason History:

  • District champs: 1974, 1975, 2012, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021 / Final Four: 2012

Top Players:

  • Ty Hatfield, C, Senior
  • Brady Lester, CF/LF, Soph
  • Caleb Sheriff, SS/2B, Senior
  • Trevor Jobes, RF, Junior
  • Kaid Carpenter, SS/P, Soph
  • Xavier Mullins, 1B, Soph
  • Evan Rine, 2B/LF, Senior
  • Luke Currier, 3B, Senior
  • Lincoln Cunningham, CF/P, Senior
  • Luke Bean, RHP, Reliever, Soph

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have been making routine plays defensively and offensively we have been moving the baseball hard and executing well in situations.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: To win a district title on our home field in the bottom of the 7th inning is an unforgettable experience.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited for the opportunity to play good teams and see how we stack up against some of the best programs in Ohio.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Strong teams that have been here multiple times.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are excited to be back in the regionals and look forward to playing close to home in front of our family and fans.

Division III - Fairborn Regional

  • No. 46 Springfield Shawnee vs No. 12 CHCA
  • No. 26 McNicholas vs No. 13 Cincinnati Country Day

Region Overview: No. 12 CHCA rallied for one run in both the last of the sixth and seventh to edge Brooksville 3-2 in the district finals. Springfield Shawnee, which has surrendered just one run in every tournament game, is up next for CHCA. Country Day, a regional semifinalist in 2019, overcame a 4-2 fifth-inning deficit to beat Arcanum for a regionaal berth against McNicholas, which pulled off a 5-1 win over top-rated Ben Logan in the district finals. Country Day last made it to state in 2001 while McNicholas is looking for a trip to state for the first time since the 1998 team brought home a championship.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • CHCA over Springfield Shawnee
  • Cincinnati Country Day over McNicholas
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - CHCA

Fan Vote:

  • CHCA over Springfield Shawnee
  • Cincinnati Country Day over McNicholas
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Cincinnati Country Day

Springfield Shawnee

Record: 20-10
Final Ranking: No. 46
Preseason Ranking: No. 25
Highest Ranking: No. 25 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Looking for first regional championship.

Top Players:

  • Luke Myers. SR, OF/P
  • Zach Spitzer, SR, 2B
  • Patrick Fultz. JR. SS
  • Michael Moore, SO, DH/P
  • Drew Mitch, SR, OF
  • Rudy Scanlan, SR, 3B
  • Nick Whalen, SR, OF/P
  • Max Guyer, SO, C
  • Matt Fowler, SR, OF/P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing team baseball. And, we are having a lot of fun playing as a group.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The team feeling was that we were prideful, it was a goal of ours all season long, BUT, they knew that was just a stepping stone to our final end goal. They have their heads in the right place.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Shawnee hasn't won a regional in almost 50 years, the team wants to end that.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: We could all beat each other any given day. It will be a fun regional to watch.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This group of young men has put their teammates before themselves individually. We want to establish a tradition of excellence, pride, and chemistry.

CHCA

Record: 19-8-1
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 Preseason
Postseason History:

  • After fourth regional title (2017, 2014, 2005).

Top Players:

  • Alex Moffitt, LF, Senior
  • Jack Vogele, CF, Junior
  • Cooper Robinson, RHP/2B, Junior
  • Caden Crawford, DH, Junior
  • Andrew Brock, 1B, Junior
  • Colin Ames, RHP, Junior
  • Will Murphy, RHP/3B, Junior
  • Ty Yelton, SS, Junior
  • Brice Laudick, LHP, Junior
  • Ty Sweeney, C, Sophomore
  • Johnathan Russell, RF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We’re peaking at the right time and playing really good defense.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was great to see our team be able to rally like that. I was proud to watch our boys do what they did.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: The goal every year is to get to the regionals, to give yourselves the chance to advance to Canal Park.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: This is a very tough regional. Every team is so different in their strengths. It will be a fun regional for fans to watch.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are so excited to continue to compete into June. We feel really good about where our team is at right now, and hope to keep playing together for as long as possible.

McNicholas

Record: 17-10
Final Ranking: No. 26
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 26 Final
Postseason History:

  • Three-time state participants after first state berth since 1998.

Top Players:

  • Lauden Brooks
  • Evan Economou
  • Brady O'Brien
  • Tyler Snyder
  • Drew Fulmer
  • Clay Badylak
  • Brady Hopkins

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: ???

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: ???

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: ???

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: ???

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: ???

Cincinnati Country Day

Record: 21-8
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Looking to win regionals for fifth time.

Top Players:

  • Jackson Campbell, Jr, CF
  • Parker Corbin, Fr, SS/P
  • Payton Ebbing, Jr, C
  • Cameron Bryant, Jr, P
  • Davis Campbell, Fr, 3B
  • Andrew Vance, Jr, DH
  • Zach Delbello, Jr, 1B
  • Zach Corbin, Jr, LF
  • Trey Vredeveld, Jr, 2B

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We're playing team baseball right now and we're continuing to embrace sticking together through adversity.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a really hard fought game and we now understand how big of a deal it is to win a district title. A couple years ago I'm not sure we knew how big of an accomplishment it was but this group understands. It's a great feeling and we're looking forward to the next opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's extremely exciting. It's a tremendous accomplishment to get to this point and we're preparing for the challenge.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team's as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Extremely high level programs. We're obviously familiar with CHCA because they're in our conference and we have a ton of respect for what they've done for the better part of the last 2 decades. They're always putting a great product on the field. McNicholas has a rich history of producing high level teams and this year is no different. I haven't seen Shawnee play yet but I am well aware of the fact that they are very impressive and they have some big wins against some high level teams. Bottom line is that when you get to the regionals, it's not a fluke. We're excited for the opportunity to be a part of some high level baseball and we're going to do our best to prepare for it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at the regionals!

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:

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