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2021 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview

June 9, 2021
Dylan Hefflinger and Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout and Senior Writer

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To view the Tournament Scoreboard, click here.

To view the Regional Previews, click below:

To view the Final Team Rankings, click below:

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2021 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division I

Division I - State Final Four

  • No. 14 Toledo St. John's Jesuit vs No. 21 Elder
  • No. 11 New Albany vs No. 2 Walsh Jesuit

Overview: The D-I field brings an interesting contrast of programs to close out the semifinal games on Friday. In the 4 p.m. Division I opener, Toledo St. John’s makes the school’s first state appearance in history against the program with the most, Cincinnati Elder, which is at state for the 21st time, tying Coldwater for that prestigious mark. Elder, which has won three more titles than any other in the state with 12, has allowed just four runs in five tournament contests. The late game on Friday features four-time state champion Walsh Jesuit, back at state for the eighth time, against New Albany, which has only been to the Final Four once, that coming in Division III back in 2004 when the Eagles defeated Coldwater for the crown. New Albany spoiled a potential No. 1 Olentangy Orange vs. No. 2 Walsh Jesuit matchup with an impressive 3-1 victory over Orange in the regional finals. Speaking of impressive, Walsh Jesuit has outscored opponents 50-2 in the tournament.

For Fun Prediction:

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

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Toledo St. John's Jesuit over Elder
  • Walsh Jesuit over New Albany
    • STATE CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit

Fan Vote:

  • ??? over ???
  • ??? over ???
    • STATE CHAMP - ???

Toledo St. John's Jesuit

Record: 24-6
Coach Name: Sam Fischer (24-6)
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: No. 44
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Week 4
Postseason History:

  • First trip to state in school history.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: The boys showed up to work in the fall and winter to prepare for this spring. They learned how to go to work as individuals and as a team. The hard work of this season was done in the off-season. They put their heads down and silently worked. This time now is the fun part.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the chemistry and the faith they have playing with and for one another.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Amazing feeling winning regionals. These boys made school history and deserved it all. They expected which is what competitors do.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It has been a grind, but they are here now. Nothing to lose, only things to gain. Go relax, enjoy, and have fun with the game. Let baseball play out.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Great programs, great teams, gonna be fun to be a part of that.

Elder

Record: 23-8
Coach Name: Mark Thompson (603-260)
Final Ranking: No. 21
Preseason Ranking: No. 49
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Three consecutive district championships.
  • 21 regional championships.
  • State champions 12 times (1943, 1952, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1973, 1978, 1984, 1999, 2005).
  • State runners-up 3 times.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .269 Team Average, 170 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 218 Innings Pitched, 2.57 ERA, 161 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: This past off-season was different than years' past for all of us due to last season being cancelled. With no returning varsity experience we (coaches) learned very quickly we could take nothing for granted in regard to players knowledge and preparation. Needless to say it was a steep learning curve for our players that often proved frustrating but also provided comic relief! Throughout the season players just kept working to get a little better each day. Their work ethic and attention to detail has been great.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitching has been outstanding all season but has gotten even better during the post-season. Our staff has thrown 3 shutouts and have only allowed 4 runs during the tournament thus far.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Winning regionals against the competition we faced was amazing! Playing our conference champion St. Xavier for the 4th time in the regional semi's was going to be tough. They had beaten us 2 out of 3 coming in and we knew that would be a challenge. They had an off day and we were fortunate to take advantage and hang on for the 7-3 victory. Facing Butler in the finals was just a classic pitchers dual. 0-0 through 7 innings before we finally broke through scoring 4 in the 8th to win 4-0. What a fantastic feeling! Such validation for all of the players hard work!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We want to congratulate all final 4 teams in all divisions! It is so difficult to make it here and we feel extremely fortunate to be part of it. We know we're facing very talented teams in the final 4. We are just appreciative of getting the opportunity to compete and possibly of adding to Elder Baseball's storied history.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We know all three are very talented and it will be another difficult test for us but we look forward to the challenge and competing against the best in Ohio! 

New Albany

Record: 27-5
Coach Name: Dave Starling (107-37, 505-283 overall)
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Highest Ranking: No. 8 - Week 1
Postseason History:
  • Division III State Champion: 2004
  • Division I District Champions: 2018, 2019, 2021
  • Division I Regional Runner-up: 2018
  • Division I Regional Champion: 2021

Fun Facts:

  • Tied school record for wins, set in 2019 (27)
  • Andrew Ecleberry broke the single season stolen base record of 24, with 27.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .326 Team Average, 236 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 207 Innings Pitched, 1.86 ERA, 200 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Offseason dedicated to improve athleticism. Regular season spent on basics and developing confidence levels.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the closeness; their competitive nature; their passion for the game.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: The feeling after the final out in the Regional Championship was total elation! The wins we had to achieve against tremendous baseball teams was an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: The Final Four and the chance to possibly compete for a State Title is the dream of anyone who puts on a uniform. It is an opportunity to play the best in the state. You compete for moments like this.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: The other three teams in the Final Four are extremely well coached and their rosters consist of highly talented players. You can not take any plays off with this group.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The New Albany parents and community have been very supportive of our young men. The coaching staff is the best a Head Coach could ever want. They know how to teach the game and care enough about our athletes to put them above all else.

Walsh Jesuit

Record: 28-3
Coach Name: Chris Kaczmar (585-116)
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1989, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010
  • State Runner-up: 2009, 2010
  • State Championship: 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008

Fun Facts:

  • Henry Kaczmar, single season Walsh Jesuit Baseball record - Most Doubles (18)

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .388 Team Average, 283 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 185 Innings Pitched, 0.95 ERA, 272 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: So much time, thought, planning, training and effort go into each season. Getting to this point in the season is exciting, but we are approaching it the same way we have all season - one game at a time.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Things are clicking right now, players are locked in and playing with a high level of energy and focus. Our team really does a great job of playing for each other and doing the little things the right way - this time of year, everything matters.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Winning our regional was really a surreal feeling, it is so exciting for our players/coaches/families/school/community. It’s an opportunity to celebrate a little bit, but we’re quickly reminded we need to refocus on the challenge that lies ahead this weekend.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Only one team is able to win their final game of the season and that’s not easy to do. Anytime you have an opportunity to play in the state tournament it is special - this is a season that will be remembered in our program for a long time.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We have a great deal of respect for any team that advances to this point - it doesn’t happen by accident. Congratulations to New Albany, Elder and St. John’s Jesuit! We will have our work cut out for us this weekend.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Thank you to all those who have provided coverage of our program throughout this school year. Thank you to our school community and our athletic department for their support throughout the season!

2021 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division II

Division II - State Final Four

  • No. 9 Bloom-Carroll vs. No. 2 Badin
  • No. 22 Hoban vs No. 13 Vermilion

Overview: Preseason top-ranked Badin is playing like it in the tournament, outscoring the opposition 55-6 to date. Thursday’s 4 p.m. game challenge comes against Bloom-Carroll, which has won all three previous state semifinal games in the school's history. The third-ranked team in the preseason, Hoban, had a five-game losing streak at the outset of May but has won 14 in a row capped off by an eight-inning win over Salem in the regional finals. Thursday’s state semifinal fine puts Hoban up against a Vermilion squad that had to beat Tiffin Columbian for a third time this season, this time in the regional semis, before the fifth-ranked team in the preseason won a 17-14 shootout victory over Firelands in the regional championship game.

For Fun Prediction:

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

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Badin over Bloom-Carroll
  • Hoban over Vermilion
    • STATE CHAMP - Badin

Fan Vote:

  • ??? over ???
  • ??? over ???
    • STATE CHAMP - ???

Bloom-Carroll

Record: 27-5
Coach Name: Jason Vest (89-30, 240-83 overall)
Final Ranking: No. 9
Preseason Ranking: No. 20
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 5
Postseason History:

  • Nine district championships
  • Three regional championships (2014, 2013, 1974).
  • 3-0 in state semifinals.
  • State Championship (2014).

Fun Facts:

  • Won 19 in a row in the middle of the season.
  • Josh Moore was selected MSL Buckeye POY, Central District POY.
  • Bulldog football and baseball programs both advanced to state final four this year.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .350 Team Average, 237 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 206.1 Innings Pitched, 2.06 ERA, 179 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We tried to create stressful and competitive situations to prepare ourselves for this opportunity

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We've played great defense and are starting to find our comfort zone at the plate again

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Felt great to see the excitement on the kids faces. They've prepared for two years to get here and was great to see that effort rewarded

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: There are a lot of great teams in the state and having the opportunity to compete with the 4 best is a great feeling

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: They are all very talented and provided a unique challenge. Hamilton Badin in particular has a large area to draw players from and does a great job developing them, so they have a very talented team.

Badin

Record: 27-5
Coach Name: Brion Treadway
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Won their 19th district title.
  • State Final Four: 1975, 1984, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2021.
  • State Runner-up: 1975, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009.
  • State Championship: 1991 and 1996.

Fun Facts:

  • Broke team stolen base record. Currently 209, previous record was 120.
  • Lucas Moore has broken the single season hits record, currently has 51 hits, previous record 49 (TJ Nichting).
  • Lucas Moore has broken the single season SB record, currently has 49, previous record 39.
  • 11 former players have been drafted in the MLB draft.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .368 Team Average, 275 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 214 Innings Pitched, 3.20 ERA, 255 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We have a lot of multi sport athletes many of which were on our football team that had a successful season. With having little varsity experience, I think the football team’s deep playoff run helped our players experience success under pressure. We did a lot of arm care and hitting as well.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love everything about this group of guys. I love the energy they bring every day. They love the game and love each other.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: After going through last year, every day together is a blessing. It was great knowing that we were going to be able to practice another week.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Being one of the final four teams left is truly an honor.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: The state of Ohio is loaded with talent. If a team makes it to the final four you know they are battle tested, well coached and very talented.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The Final Four experience is something kids will remember forever. I am so glad our players get this opportunity.

Hoban

Record: 22-9
Coach Name: Andrew Bonnette (31-24)
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1987, 1993, 2011, 2013
  • State Runner-up: 1993, 2011
  • State Championship: None

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .289 Team Average, 172 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 195 Innings Pitched, 1.98 ERA, 241 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We have been putting in work in individuals and lifts since the beginning of the school year back in September. This group has bought into preparation and a work ethic that has helped them get to this point. They have worked through some tough games this year, and they never gave up on each other.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has bought into the guy next to them. They truly care about the other guys on the team and they work great together. They communicate really well on the field and lift each other up when things get tough.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It is really an unreal feeling. No matter how talented a team is, states are always a tough mountain to climb. It takes special groups of players to make it here and our guys have definitely put the work in to deserve it.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Our guys are really excited for this opportunity. It has been a really fun ride but we are definitely ready to get back on the field and compete Thursday. A lot of hours of work have prepared us for this moment.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: When you are talking about four teams that have won six straight games against increasingly more difficult opponents in a covid year, these teams will be ready to get after it. We are looking forward to showing the other three Ohio regions what Hoban is made of.

Vermilion

Record: 26-6
Coach Name: Jeff Keck (366-185, 481-300)
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
  • First Appearance at State

Fun Facts:

  • School record with 26 wins.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .278 Team Average, 233 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 205 Innings Pitched, 2.39 ERA, 215 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was an awesome experience winning the regional championship! Our players and coaches have set high goals for the season and have work hard to reach those goals (one of them being a birth in the final 4).

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are proud to represent Vermilion High School and the Vermilion Community in the State Tournament. The support from our school and community has been awesome!

2021 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division III

Division III - State Final Four

  • No. 12 CHCA vs No. 24 Barnesville
  • No. 22 Archbold vs No. 4 Canton Central Catholic

Overview: CHCA and Barnesville, which have each never won a state title, meet in the opening game of the tournament on Thursday with Archbold and Canton Central Catholic in game two. Archbold won state in its only appearance back in 2005 when the tourney was held in Dayton, while CCC is going for its fourth championship in the last 14 years. CHCA had to beat arch-rival Country Day while Barnesville needed a comeback in the bottom of the 12th to defeat Fredericktown along the tournament trail. Meanwhile, Archbold went 11 innings in the regional semis to get past Milan Edison before taking down a good Liberty Union squad, while Canton Central Catholic has had to rally three times to pull off tourney wins.

For Fun Prediction:

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

Dylan Hefflinger

  • CHCA over Barnesville
  • Archbold over Canton Central Catholic
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - CHCA

Fan Vote:

  • ??? over ???
  • ??? over ???
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - ???

CHCA

Record: 21-8
Coach Name: Tony Schulz (90-29, 140-62 overall)
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2005, 2017, 2021.
  • State Runner-up: 2014.

Fun Facts:

  • Jack Vogele- School record for season batting avg (.511). Previous was Chase Murray (.500 in 2014).
  • Caden Crawford- School record for HRs in a season (6). Previous was Chase Murray & Kyle Davis (4, both in 2014).
  • Not a very FUN fact, but this was the first season since joining our league (MVC) in 2003 that we didn’t win the league title.
  • Played 7 D1 teams this season, plus the D2 SW Regional Champion Badin.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .327 Team Average, 232 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 179.2 Innings Pitched, 2.14 ERA, 200 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We really tried to work on the mental and spiritual part of our team this year. We had several team outings and mental sessions. Our motto going into this offseason was “Grit”, and they’ve really showed that characteristic over these 5 tournament games.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our confidence right now and our approach to every opponent. We know that there is never a day off in tournament baseball. As cliché as it sounds, we really are taking everything 1 game, 1 pitch at a time.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was truly a cool moment to watch our team celebrate. I was lucky enough to be the Head Coach here in 2017 when we won Regionals in 2017, but I really didn’t take the time to enjoy our kids celebrating. This time I was able to just sit back and watch our guys celebrate with each other. It was something special.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It’s every team’s goal when school begins in August. And only 16 teams in the entire state get to experience this each year. We feel so grateful and blessed to be one of those 16.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Anyone who gets to this level of the state tournament is going to be a force to be reckoned with. I really love how Barnesville plays the game. They seem to embody some of the same principles of playing this game as we do, with toughness and grit. Canton Central Catholic and Archbold are historic programs who have really put our some great players. This is truly anyone’s title. It will be a fun 3 games for the OHSAA to put out there.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: We can’t wait to get up to Akron and see all of the CHCA PURPLE in the stands! We love our community, and are going to do our best to represent them the right way. Thank you to PBR Ohio for the work you guys do for High School Baseball in our state.

Barnesville

Record: 25-7
Coach Name: D.J. Butler (205-126)
Final Ranking: No. 24
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 17 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • Final 4 in 2004

Fun Facts:

  • Set school record for wins with 25.
  • We have 5 pitchers with more that 3 pitching wins.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .325 Team Average, 215 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 219 Innings Pitched, 2.07 ERA, 246 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

  • Ayden Hannahs, P, 2021
  • Jeremy Hunkler, SS, 2022
  • Jake Edwards, 1B/P, 2021
  • Gavin Carpenter, 3B/P, 2022
  • Kyvan Johnson, C, 2022
  • Logan Shepherd, DH, 2022
  • Colton Hines, CF, 2022
  • Kason Powell, 2B/P, 2022
  • C.J. Hannahs, RF, 2022
  • Spencer Bliss, LF, 2022

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Last summer we played a full legion and junior legion schedule. Over the fall and winter the players follow a throwing program in addition to the weight program and open cage hitting that players participate in.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how our team plays together as a team and the comradery they have as a group. They truly enjoy playing together and it shows on the field. In regards to on the field our pitching and defense has been outstanding all year and has carried over into the tournament.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Seeing the joy on our players faces and the celebration from the community made everything we have done to get to this point more than worth it. I just watched them celebrate for a moment and took in the moment before I joined in with them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It is very surreal. It is an honor beyond anything I ever let myself dream to be able to compete on this stage.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: To get to this level they are obviously outstanding teams that we are honored to be able to compete with for a title.

Archbold

Record: 22-11
Coach Name: Dick Selgo (233-98, 268-116 overall)
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 7 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • 5 Straight District Championships.
  • State Champs in 2005.

Fun Facts:

  • Averaged over 20 wins a year for last eight years.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .299 Team Average, 219 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 215 Innings Pitched, 3.26 ERA, 211 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Offseason included weight lifting, throwing weighted baseballs, resistance bands, and hitting.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like how our team is playing with confidence right now and having fun.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Winning the Regional and going to State is every player and coaches dream. After four straight one-run losses in the regional, this team was finally able to get us over the hump.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We know that every team in the State tournament will be an outstanding team. Our job as coaches will be to get our team to believe in themselves and understand that anything is possible.

Canton Central Catholic

Record: 23-5
Coach Name: Dan Massarelli (78-31)
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 13
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • District Champions (15): 1988, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006-2011, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021
  • Regional Champions (8): 1997, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2001, 2015, 2019, 2021
  • State Runner-up (2): 1997, 2003
  • State Champions (3): 2008, 2011, 2015

Fun Facts:

  • 5 players drafted, 3 players coached in Professional baseball.
  • Eric Baum broke the stolen base record with 30 SB (26 SB, 47 year old record).
  • Tommy "Old Reliable" Heinrich- New York Yankee- 1933 alumni (school formerly known as St. Johns HS.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .304 Team Average, 194 Total Runs Scored.
  • Pitching: 183 Innings Pitched, 1.72 ERA, 200 Strikeouts.

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Tried to figure out names and who was going to fill 15 Varsity roster spots.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Attitude, Heart and how they react to adversity.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Emotional Roller Coaster, but a fun one to ride.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: A remarkable honor to represent our District, Community, and school.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: They are here for a reason, so they must be pretty darn good. Respect for them all.

2021 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division IV

Division IV - State Final Four

  • No. 33 Lucasville Valley vs No. 4 Lincolnview
  • No. 14 Warren JFK vs No. 1 Fort Loramie

Overview: Friday’s tournament action begins with two teams that have not been to state in nearly half a century. Lucasville Valley defeated Berlin Hiland to earn its first state trip since 1977 while Lincolnview claimed a regional championship for the first time since 1974 behind the pitching of Landon Price and Collin Overholt with wins over Antwerp and Leipsic in regional play. The 1 p.m. game on Friday finds Warren JFK, with an 11-man roster, at state for the first time while top-ranked Fort Loramie is seeking its fourth state title in the past 15 years.

For Fun Prediction:

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

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Lincolnview over Lucasville Valley
  • Fort Loramie over Warren JFK
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lincolnview

Fan Vote:

  • ??? over ???
  • ??? over ???
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - ???

Lucasville Valley

Record: 20-11
Coach Name: Nolan Crabtree
Final Ranking: No. 33
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1965, 1966, 1975, 1977, 2021.
  • State Runner-up: 1965, 1966.
  • State Championship: 1975
Fun Facts:
  • First regional title in 44 years
  • Famous alumni -- Gene Tenace (1972 World Series MVP) & Branch Rickey -- Brooklyn Dodgers GM

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .272 Team AVG, 147 Runs Scored
  • Pitching: 207.1 Innings Pitched, 1.92 ERA, 201 Strikeouts

Top Players:

  • Andrew Andronis, SS, 2021
  • Hunter Edwards, RF, 2023
  • Breckon Williams, 1B, 2021
  • George Arnett, RHP, 2023
  • Chase Morrow, LF, 2022
  • Christopher Queen, DH/RHP, 2023
  • Carter Nickel, CF/RHP, 2023
  • Jace Copley, C, 2024
  • Blake Wood, 3B, 2021
  • Colt Buckle, 2B, 2023
  • Devin Wiley, RHP, 2021

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: The offseason was very different this year due to covid and other uncertain terms. Thankfully most of our kids played legion/travel ball last summer after the cancellation of the spring season to help stay on track. During the regular season, we just stayed the course and showed up almost everyday with the attitude to get better. The players listened and believed in each other all season long.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitching and defense have carried us through the tournament, but our offense has come alive at the right time. We have really played our best baseball when it has mattered most.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Just an overwhelming experience. Our school had not won a region in 44 years, so it was a very big deal. The pure joy and happiness that I saw on the faces of my players is something I will never forget.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Our school won a state title in 1975... That group is still remembered (banners, pictures, reunions, etc.)... Our kids know they have a chance to do something special and that's not something everyone gets to experience. It's a humbling and exciting feeling know the opportunity in front of us.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: The other teams in the tournament are fabulous squads. There are some amazing players who have had incredible seasons helping their teams get here... Just an honor to be a part of this group.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I have been overwhelmed with the support and positive interactions that we have had since winning the region. This is an incredible experience for our kids, school, and community... I hope everyone cherishes this time and hope our team makes the most of this opportunity.

Lincolnview

Record: 23-8
Coach Name: Eric Fishpaw (94-63)
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1962, 1974
  • State Championship: 1962
Fun Facts:
  • School record for wins with 23
  • Landon Price set record for most strikeouts in a season with 148
  • Landon Price set record for most hits in a season with 45
  • Landon Price ties school record for most pitching wins in a season with 10
  • Northwest Conference Champions (8-0)

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .320 Team AVG, 231 Runs Scored
  • Pitching: 199 Innings Pitched, 1.93 ERA, 327 Strikeouts

Top Players:

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our players that did not participate in a Winter sport went through our offseason throwing program 3 days a week as well as get swings in the cage. We had several Winter sport athletes that would get work in on their own. Several went to work with Brian Garman (Dayton Dragons Pitching Coach). As far as the regular season we focused on our pitching rotation to be the backbone of our program, continue to get the defense reps, reps, reps, and figure out how to compete in the batters box against different speeds.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the energy of our team. Starting players and reserve players are all bought into the same goal and have a ton of energy when they are in the lineup or not. Starting pitching is another aspect of our team I really like. Landon Price and Collin Overholt continue to be dominant on the mound giving us fantastic pitching performances night in and night out.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: The feeling of winning a Regional Final and advancing to a Final Four in Akron was a great feeling. A feeling no one on our tournament roster has experienced before. It was a team goal and it was great to check that one off of our goal list.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are very excited to be playing in the State Final Four in Akron on Friday. It has been an exciting time for our very supportive community and our kids notice the support. We are excited to prepare this week, travel to Akron, enjoy the weekend, and compete as one of the last four teams standing in Division Four.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Lucasville Valley. To beat a very good program in Berlin Hiland in the Regional Final means Valley is playing at a high level. Arnett appears to be a very good player as a Sophomore. Warren JFK. I do not know much about them other than I hear they have a small roster size and are very young. Very impressive to reach the State Final Four with a bunch of Freshman and a small roster. Fort Loramie. Coach Jeff Sanders is one of the best coaches in the state of Ohio. He always finds a way to get his team prepared and ready to make a deep tournament run.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We have worked extremely hard this offseason and in season to get to where we want to be. Our community has been extremely supportive as always and we can’t wait to get to Akron to compete!

Warren JFK

Record: 20-9
Coach Name: Jim Ciambotti
Final Ranking: No. 14
Preseason Ranking: N10
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Seeking first regional crown.

Top Players:

  • Cam Hollobaugh, SS/RHP, 2021 - Walsh commit
  • Caleb Hadley, C, 2024
  • Jaden Rishel, OF/P, 2024
  • Gavin Shrum, 2B/SS/RHP, 2022
  • Aidan Rossi, 1B, 2023
  • Santino Ciambotti, 2B, 2024
  • Michael Condoleon, 3B, 2024
  • Michael Mauro, LF, 2022
  • Alex DeSalvo, CF, 2022

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: I got the job at the end of July. We had a fall instructional league for guys that did not play football. Another thing that we did was we played up with our schedule which helped prepare us for this.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our chemistry is at an all-time high. The kids are all playing together. We have six freshmen that have done everything together. With our number one pitcher, we feel confident with him going against anybody. We've also been having timely hitting. I hope that continues.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: I don't know too much but we're gathering all we can. I know we're playing a quality team that's been there, done that.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The student body's out of school so it's hard to get a pulse on it but obviously the team is very excited. The administration is happy and very proud of us. It's something the school has never done. We'd really like to hold the trophy for Cam (Hollobaugh, the only senior on the team). He's been runner-up in football and a regional runner-up in basketball. Hopefully, we can get a trophy for him.

Fort Loramie

Record: 28-4
Coach Name: Jeff Sanders (80-12)
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Final
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1985, 2002, 2007, 2010, 2018, 202
  • State Runner-up: 1985
  • State Championship: 2007, 2010, 2018

Fun Facts:

  • Alumni, Jared Hoying, currently playing in Blue Jays system, with major league experience with Texas Rangers.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: .346 Team AVG, 229 Runs Scored
  • Pitching: 190 Innings Pitched, 1.27 ERA, 210 Strikeouts

Top Players:

  • Mack Fortman, P/1B, 2021
  • Caeleb Meyer, P/OF, 2021
  • Jake Sanders, 2B, 2021 - Ranked 492nd, Mount. St. Joseph's commit
  • Evan Eilerman, SS, 2022
  • Darren Hoying, C, 2021
  • Clint Hilgeford, 3B, 2022
  • Trevor Middendorf, OF, 2021 - Ranked 454th
  • Grant Albers, OF, 2021
  • Derek Meyer, OF/P, 2022
  • Devin Raterman, DH, 2021

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Last summer, within restrictions, we were able to get a summer of baseball played. That has paid dividends for us in the progress of many of our players. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like that we’re getting contributions from everyone, in the field, at the plate, and on the mound.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Regionals is the hurdle to get past in order to get to State. So obviously it was a great day for us. This team has worked hard to get that reward.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are feeling fortunate to be in the last 4 teams standing. We are looking forward to proudly representing our school & community in Akron.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We know that Lincolnview is incredibly talented. They are doing great things there. I’m not as familiar with Lucasville & Warren JFK, due to proximity,  but I do see that they both have had impressive tournament runs. They’re playing their best baseball right now and I’m sure they’ll be ready to play & compete.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: With the 2020 season cancelled,  it’s thrilling to see baseball back in 2021. 5 names often come to mind -- Hank Ruhenkamp, Noah Guillozet, Evan Hoelscher, Griffin Meyer, and Joel Kaiser (5 seniors that didn’t get their senior season last year).

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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