2022 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division III

2022 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. 12 Hawken vs. No. 3 South Range
• No. 7 Waynedale vs Ursuline

Region Overview: Dominic Brancel hit a three-run homer helping Hawken beat Elyria Catholic 5-3 for the program’s first district title since 1996. … Billy Skripac fanned 10 to lead South Range past Columbiana and with it a second consecutive district crown. … Apple Creek Waynedale avenged a loss to Gilmour Academy in last year’s district finals with a 2-1 win behind the pitching of junior Trey Barkman. It was the 23rd straight victory for Waynedale, which beat Akron Manchester by an identical 2-1 score in the district semifinals thanks to a one-hitter from sophomore Otto Solorzano. … Andrew Kirila drove in four runs to lead Ursuline past Rootstown 8-2 in the district finals after picking up the pitching win in a 3-0 semifinal victory over Cardinal.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• South Range over Hawken
• Waynedale over Ursuline
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - South Range

Fan Vote:

• South Range over Hawken
• Waynedale over Ursuline
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - South Range

#12 Hawken

Record: 18-5
Head Coach: Aaron Brandt
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 15
Postseason History:

• Four District Titles In School History
• 1st District Title since back to back titles in 1995 and 1996

Top Players:

• Khalil Suggs, SS, Sr.
• Devin Anthony, LF/RHP, Sr.
• Dominic Brancel, C, Jr.
• Nick Bolliinger, 3B, Sr.
• Jalen Suggs, CF, Sr.
• Tommy Clark, 1B, Sr.
• Paxon Laschinger, DH/LF, Soph
• James Ciofani, RF, Sr.
• Lucas Brandt, RHP/2B, Soph
• Asher Kimball, 2B, Frosh
• Eli Thompson, P, Jr.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Contributions from up and down the lineup. Each game guys are stepping up and making plays defensively, picking each other up when something doesn’t go well, to help prevent any big innings. Top two pitchers have been outstanding all year, with ERA’s under 1, but both took it to another level in the tournament.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Tremendous pride in what these boys have accomplished. Group of 8 Seniors who have had their ups and downs, but really came together this year to achieve their goals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Honor to be part of the sweet 16. So many good programs and players out there that this is truly an honor to be able to compete against the best.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: At this point in the tournament, all teams are solid and it will come down to who makes the plays. South Range, Waynedale, and Ursuline all have great tradition and are well coached. We look forward to competing with this group.

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: 4 out of our 5 losses came to teams who won District titles at Division 2 or Division 1 ... Chagrin Falls (D2, twice in conference), University (D2), and Walsh Jesuit (D1). SR. Pitcher Devin Anthony, heading to Wooster, 3 CG’s in last 3 Starts with a Ball to Strike ratio of 0.38. Pitch contact type of pitcher who can get punchouts when needed. JR. Catcher Dominic Brancel, over the last 15 games has hit .500, with 6 doubles, 3 HR’s, and 15 RBI-Soph. Pitcher Lucas Brandt threw a no-hitter in District Semis. Has allowed only one earned run (5 Runs total) all season, for a 0.22 ERA. Batting average against is a 0.073. SR. Khalil Suggs has sparkled at SS, making some great plays during District games, but also had great season hitting leadoff, ending with a .566 slugging %, 7 doubles, 2 triples and 3 HR. As a team, we had 7 players with double digit RBI’s on the season. Many different guys have stepped up with clutch hits to help produce our success.

#3 South Range

Record: 22-3
Head Coach: Jim Hanek
Final Ranking: No. 3
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

• Three District Titles In School History
• Won State Title in 2018

Top Players:

• Shane Lindstrom, OF, Junior
• Michael Markulin, INF, Senior
• Dylan Dominguez, OF/RHP, Senior (3 Saves)
• Logan Cormell, C, Senior
• Stevie Rohan, INF, Senior
• Billy Skripac, RHP, Junior (7-0)
• Aidan English, DH/RHP, Senior (7-0)
• Tyson Tarajack, INF/RHP, Freshman (5-0) 1 Save
• Cory Penick, OF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like our pitching and great defensive play. We also feature a very balanced lineup and are getting timely hitting.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very proud to see the hard work of my players & coaches, especially my seniors, pay off.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Feel very fortunate to be in the position we are in. To be one of 16 teams still left playing baseball is a great accomplishment and something to be proud of.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All four teams are deserving and play good baseball.

#7 Waynedale

Record: 25-4
Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

• 10 District Titles In School History

Top Players:

• Dylan Raber, INF, Junior
• Josiah Raber, C, Senior
• Jay Mast, OF, Senior
• Timmy Short, INF/P, Junior
• Connor Gatti, OF, Junior
• Ian Lehman, OF, Senior
• Ean Miller, INF, Senior
• Trey Barkman, P/1B, Junior (8-1), 1 save
• Braden Hershberger, 1B/P, Senior
• Otto Solorzano, LHP, Sophomore (8-1) 2 saves

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team does not rely heavily on 2 or 3 star players. We have had many different players step up in games to help us win.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
CoachIt was a great feeling to win the district title this year! We got a rematch with Gilmour Academy, the team that beat us in the same game last year, and came out with the win this time.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
CoachWe are very excited to be in the regionals and to still be playing baseball in June.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The teams in the regional are always tough teams that are playing well. There are a lot of familiar names in the regional this year, we are ready for some great competition.

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: The players and coaches have worked very hard to make it to this point. I am very thankful for my coaching staff and for the Waynedale community for their support!

#30 Ursuline

Record: 18-8
Head Coach: Paul Kempe
Final Ranking: No. 30
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 15 District Titles In School History
• 5 Regional Titles In School History
• 2 State Titles In School History

Top Players:

• Luca Ricchiuti, DH, 2023
• Dylan Casey, SS, 2023
• Brady Shannon, 1B/P, 2022
• Tom Groner OF/P, 2023
• Jack Ericson, 3B, 2024
• Joe Carosella, OF, 2022
• Jaxson Gruber, C, 2022
• Marc Manning, INF, 2023
• Nick Bako, OF, 2023
• Andrew Kirila, LHP, 2023 (7-1)
• Danny Smith, RHP, 2022 (3-1)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really love our guys' mindsets this far into the season. We have battled through a lot of adversity this season with the weather and injuries, our guys have battled through it all and never have made excuses. They had a goal of getting Ursuline baseball back to its winning tradition and have done a great job so far of that to this point.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I am extremely proud of our guys for winning a district title. With this being the first year as a head coach, I could not have asked for a better group to take on the challenge. Being an Ursuline alumni and former Irish player, it has been an honor to lead these young men. Majority of my staff is former Irish players, and we had a goal to get Ursuline baseball back to this point in the postseason. Our kids have bought into everything we have talked about and our the reason we are at this point. I was able to experience winning a district title as a player at Ursuline and after we won our district semi-final game all I could think about was our kids experiencing the same thing. It was a surreal feeling watching them win it and I could not be more proud of them.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Getting to be able to play in the regionals is a tremendous honor for our team. It is very hard to do and it is a goal that our players set out for before the season started. You are going to take on quality opponents who have also earned the right to be here and our guys are ready for the next challenge. I want our players to enjoy the experience as well and not take it for granted because it is not easy getting to this spot.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: There are four great programs in our regionals who have outstanding baseball history. These programs all expect to get to this point of the season and have prepared themselves for the opportunity. We have tremendous respect for Waynedale, South Range, and Hawken and are excited to compete with the best in the Massillon Regionals.

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: It is a great honor to lead the Ursuline baseball program. My staff and players have worked extremely hard to get to this point of the season and I could not be more proud. Our parents and school have been so supportive during the entire season and I could not be more happy for them to experience this with us. We are very honored to compete in the Massillon Regionals and our players can’t wait to compete with the best. I would also like to thank my staff, Brian Frasco, Camren Tarantino, Andrew Frasco, Dom Cutrone, and Mark Lyden for all they do for our players and program. Our kids love playing for them and they have all been very instrumental in our team getting to this point.

Division III - Elida Regional

• No. 2 Eastwood vs No. 6 Ottawa Hills
• No. 22 Milan Edison vs No. 15 Fredericktown

Region Overview: Three straight wins over Midwest Athletic Conference opponents, the last a 3-2 win over Coldwater, has once-beaten Eastwood in the regionals. Case Boos scored two runs and Lake Boos tossed a three-hitter for Eastwood, which defeated Parkway 10-0 in the sectional finals and Minster 3-0 in the district semis. … Sebastian Stevens allowed just two hits in a 4-0 shutout of Tinora in the district finals for Ottawa Hills after Alex Nemunaitis threw a complete game in a 14-1 win over Lake in the semis. … Ben Bates threw a five-hit shutout to pitch Milan Edison back to regionals with a 4-0 victory over Margaretta. Milan Edison lost to Archbold 3-2 in 11 innings in last year’s regional semifinals. … Fredericktown is back in regionals, only this year Region 10 instead of 11 a year ago. The Freddies used a four-run sixth to beat Worthington Christian 4-3 in the district semifinals then topped Amanda Clearcreek 5-1 in the finals.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Eastwood over Ottawa Hills
• Fredericktown over Milan Edison
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Eastwood

Fan Vote:

• Eastwood over Ottawa Hills
• Fredericktown over Milan Edison
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Eastwood

#2 Eastwood

Record: 26-1
Head Coach: Kevin Leady
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 3 
Postseason History:

• Seven District Titles In School History

Top Players:

• Case Boos – SS – Junior
• Lake Boos – CF/P – Senior - 6-1, 1.01 ERA
• Andrew Arntson – C – Senior
• Jordan Pickerel – 1B – Junior
• Isaac Cherry – 2B – Senior
• Jackson Bauer – DH – Junior - 6-0, 1.07 ERA
• Andrew Badenhop – 3B – Sophomore
• Tristan Schuerman – LF – Junior
• Dylan Hoffman – RF – Senior
• Ethan Rapp – P – Junior - 8-0, 0.00 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: As a group I love the way we have been pitching and playing defense. Our pitchers have been doing an incredible job of working hard and allowing our defense to make plays.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Extremely proud of our kids, beating Coldwater is never as easy task!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We could not be more excited to get back to Elida and to compete with this group of kids.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The region is definitely challenging to say the least. All 4 teams are really good and which ever team plays the best baseball for two days will advance to Akron.

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 cannot wait to see all of the RED back in Elida. GO EAGLES!

#6 Ottawa Hills

Record: 25-5
Head Coach: Chris Hardman
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

• 17 District Titles In School History
• 8 Regional Titles In School History
• 1986 State Champions

Top Players:

• AJ George, CF, JR, .386 AVG, 32 R, 23 RBI , 21 SB
• Alex Nemunaitis, SS/RHP, SR, .427 AVG, 40 R, 32 RBI, 19 SB. 8-1, 1.62 ERA
• Blake Gnepper, C, SR, .474 AVG, 24 R, 22 RBI, 10 SB
• Sebastian Stevens, P, SO, .349 AVG, 21 R, 30 RBI
• Andy Nemunaitis, 2B, SR, .259 AVG, 21 R, 21 RBI, 15 SB
• Warren Goik, 1B, SR, .292 AVG, 12 R, 15 RBI. 0-0, 1.53 ERA
• Anthony Adduci, DH, JR, .342 AVG, 7 R, 6 RBI
• Will Berschback, 3B, SR, .396 AVG, 17 R, 12 RBI, 8 SB
• Truman Talbott, LF, SR, .339 AVG, 22 R, 19 RBI, 8 SB
• Reddik Pillarelli, RF, FR
• Sebastian Stevens,  LHP, 6-0, 1.35 ERA
• Jack Genzman, RHP,  5-3,  4.15 ERA
• Adam Hamilton, RHP, 2-1, 3.87 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

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

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

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Must play really good baseball to move on.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All 4 teams have shown the ability to play great baseball!

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: This group has done everything possible to be successful!

#22 Milan Edison

Record: 21-8
Head Coach: Sean Hoover
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 19
Postseason History:

• Five District Titles In School History
• First Time Winning Back To Back Districts In School History

Top Players:

• Thomas Simon, LHP, SR
• Clint Finnen, INF, JR
• Dominic Dymond, C, JR
• Hayden Fry, INF, JR
• Noah Smith, OF, SR
• Brady Barker, SS, SR
• Max Hoover, DH, JR
• Bryce Michaelis, OF, SR
• Xander Danner, OF, SR
• Keegan Smith, 1B/LHP, SR
• Ben Bates, RHP, JR
• Blake Simon, LHP, So
• Carson Smith, RHP, So
• Joe Pennell, RHP, SR

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The guys are playing with a lot of energy and focus.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We were obviously excited to win the district. The players have been focused all year on getting back to regionals, so it was exciting when we accomplished that goal.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We have many players who have played in a regional game before so hopefully that experience will pay off.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The region is tough, as usual. Eastwood has played well all year, as has Ottawa Hills. Fredericktown has a powerful lineup.

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: I am very proud of how the players and coaches have performed all year. There were very high expectations coming into this year and with expectations comes stress. The players have handled themselves great all year and are working hard to meet all of the goals we set for our team at the beginning of the year.

#15 Fredericktown

Record: 20-6
Head Coach: Ryan Hathaway
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Postseason History:

• Nine District Titles In School History
• 5th Straight District Title
• Final Four In 2012

Top Players:

• Brady Lester, CF, Junior
• Kaid Carpenter, SS/3B/P, Junior
• Trevor Jobes, RF, Senior
• Jaxen Doup, DH, Junior
• Luke Bean, 3B/P, Junior
• Xavier Mullins, 1B, Junior
• Brayden Sapp, C, Junior
• Diachi Yamazaki, LF, Junior
• Alex Selby, SS/2B, Senior
• Ben Mast, 2B/P Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing solid defense and executing at the plate.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Our guys enjoyed it, it was a fun night for our team and community.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited to be back.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Tough competition.

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: Go Freddies.

Division III - Mount Vernon Regional

• No. 33 Minford vs #17 Fairland
• No. 4 Liberty Union vs Ridgewood

Region Overview: Minford rallied from a 3-1 deficit to beat Zane Trace 5-3 for a fourth straight district championship. The Falcons scored on an error and a balk to break a 3-all tie in the top of the seventh. Cole Borland did not allow an earned run in a four-hit 3-1 win over Wellston in the semifinals.  … Fairland, which defeated Minford 5-1 in the season opener, will meet the Falcons again after a pair of shutout wins in the districts. Blake Trevathan threw a three-hitter in the district finals against Meigs after Tyler Sammons tossed a two-hitter in the semis against Portsmouth. … Liberty Union is back in regionals for the second year in a row behind the pitching of Jacob Miller, who threw a two-hitter in the sectional finals and a no-hitter in the district finals against Galion Northmor. Liberty Union, which lost to Archbold in the regional finals in Region 10 a year ago, has not permitted a run in three tournament games. … Chase Booth fired a four-hitter in a 3-0 win over Martins Ferry in the district semis and Ridgewood, the 2019 D-III state runners-up, scored five runs in the final two innings to rally past Harrison Central 7-3 in the finals to advance to the regionals.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• Fairland over Minford
• Liberty Union over Ridgewood
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Liberty Union

Fan Vote:

• Fairland over Minford
• Liberty Union over Ridgewood
  
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - Liberty Union

#33 Minford

Record: 18-8
Head Coach: Anthony Knittle
Final Ranking: No. 33
Preseason Ranking: No. 23
Postseason History:

• Four District Titles In Last Four Years

Top Players:

• JD Matiz, C, FR.
• Carson Cronin, LF, SO.
• Adam Crank, SS/P, JR. (2-0) 2.5 ERA
• Aodhan Queen, 3B , JR.
• Mason Book, CF, SO.
• Noah Martin, 2B/P, JR. (6-3) 2.2 ERA
• Rhyan Queen , RF, SO, 
• Branson Alley, 1B, SR.
• Cole Borland, RHP, JR. (9-1) 1.0 ERA
• DH – Jacob Lewis, SR.
• Levi Coriell RHP, Senior, (1-1) 2.6 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like the way we are putting the ball in play at the plate, and stepping up in big time moments. Kids are playing extremely hard and want to win.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The feeling when we won districts was awesome and such a relief, we have battled so many things this season and the biggest was injuries. At one point in time, we had 4 starters out in our lineup. To start getting a few back at this time in the year is huge for us. Proud of these boys for not giving up!

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Being able to play in regionals is awesome and such a great experience for these kids. We are super excited to see where we end up.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The Teams in regionals are legit, and have great baseball history, to be there with some of the great teams is awesome. We are excited for the challenge that is in front of us.

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: I am so proud of these boys for overcoming everything we had to face this year and for not giving up on each other. These boys have worked their butts off to get back to this spot, and are ready to play on the big stage. Huge shoutout to all my assistant coaches and the Minford community for being great all season!

#17 Fairland

Record: 20-5
Head Coach: Michael Hill
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 4th District Championship in school history.
• In search of first state tournament birth.

Top Players:

• Brycen Hunt, SS/P, Soph - (3-1) 1 save
• Blaze Perry, INF/OF, Soph
• Niko Kiritsy, 3B, Junior
• Cooper Cummings, C, Junior
• Blake Trevanthan, P/OF, Junior - (6-2) 1 save
• Alex Rogers, 2B/P, Senior - (4-1)
• Tyler Sammons, P/RF, Senior - (5-1) 2 saves
• Ethan Wall, 1B, Freshman
• Hunter Lykins, CF, Junior
• Connor Sansom, DH, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are pitching extremely well and playing great defensively. We are currently on a 15-game winning streak.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was extremely happy for these guys. They've worked hard to get to this point and just kept grinding throughout the season, never giving up. We were 5-5 at one point and offensively we just started clicking.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It will be something new for these guys but the district was as well for all of them other than the seniors. It just comes down to executing better in all facets of the game offensively, pitching and defending well like we have been and we will be OK. We are excited to be playing and looking forward to the challenge.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: From here on out the competition is stiff. We are familiar with Minford, they have a great team and are very well coached. Have a lot of respect for those guys, they seem to be in the regionals year in year out. Liberty Union has the best pitcher in the state and Ridgewood looks to be a hot team right now coming out from the 6 seed as well.

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: I just want to thank our community and fans for all the support thus far. Our guys are looking forward to the challenge in this region.

#4 Liberty Union

Record: 22-5
Head Coach: Justin Miller
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 8
Postseason History:

• 15 District Titles In School History

Top Players:

• Cayden Carroll, 2B, Junior
• John Edwards, CF, Senior
• Jon Wheeler, SS/P, Senior - 6-1
• Jacob Miller, P/DH, Senior - 7-0
• Austin Ety, C, Senior
• Braden Shreyer, RF, Senior
• Trevor Wood, 1B, Senior
• Austin McClure, 3B, Junior
• Ian Wilson, LF, Sophomore
• Colton Hutchison, RHP, Junior - 6-0

Coach's Thoughts:

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

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Proud for my players

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

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Teams all playing their best baseball at the right time

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: Great Day to be a Lion

Ridgewood

Record: 16-11
Head Coach: Chad Lahna
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 30
Postseason History:

• Ten District Titles In School History
• 5th District Title In Last Nine Years

Top Players:

• Trent Warden, INF/RHP, JR
• Chase Booth, INF/RHP, SR
• Andy Troyer, INF/RHP, SR
• Kauelen Smith, INF, JR
• Zander Stroup, INF, SR
• Kolby Masloski, INF, SR
• Gabe Tingle, OF, SR
• Alex Stroup, OF, SR
• Josiah Cahill, OF, SR
• Aden Troyer, C, JR

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitchers have been doing a great job of keeping us in games. Our defense has been making plays that we are supposed to make. Our offense is taking advantage of opportunities that we were missing earlier in the season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Very happy for our kids, our school district, and our community.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are very excited to be playing in the regionals once again. We have learned never to take anything for granted, especially following the 2020 season.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Any team still playing at this level is well-deserving. We look forward to the opportunity in front of us.

Division III - Fairborn Regional

• No. 1 CHCA vs Northeastern
• No. 32 Reading vs No. 23 Roger Bacon

Region Overview: Defending state champion CHCA has been dominant in the tournament winning three games by a combined 43-3. … Springfield Northeastern won a district championship for the first time since 1961 on an RBI single from Dylan Haggy in the eighth inning of a 3-2 victory over Summit Country Day. … Reading scored three runs in the top of the seventh to rally past Ben Logan 4-1 in the district finals. Micah Bowman and Cameron Ellis combined on a five-hit shutout against McNicholas in the district semis, with Ellis the winning pitcher in the finals with two frames of shutout relief. … Roger Bacon is two wins away from a second state berth in the past four years after beating Mechanicsburg 4-2 in the district finals. Logan Huber drove in two runs and picked up the save, a game after earning the win in a 4-3 comeback victory over Madeira in the semifinals.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

• CHCA over Northeastern
• Roger Bacon over Reading
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - CHCA

Fan Vote:

• CHCA over Northeastern
• Roger Bacon over Reading
  • REGIONAL CHAMP - CHCA

#1 CHCA

Record: 25-1
Head Coach: Tony Schulz
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

• 18 District Titles In School History

Top Players: (Click for Stats)

• Jack Vogele, CF, Sr
• Cooper Robinson P/3B, Sr, 7-0
• Johnathan Russell, RF, Jr
• Will Murphy, P/LF, Sr, 4-0 2 saves
• Caden Crawford, 1B, Sr
• Colin Ames, P/3B, Sr, 6-0
• Ty Yelton, SS, Sr
• Andrew Brock, DH/P, Sr, 4-1, 1 save
• Zach O’Connell, 2B, So

Coach's Thoughts: 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We’re locked in, playing our most intense baseball at the right time.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We felt really good about how we played. Versailles is a tough gritty team that plays in a good league. We were happy to move on.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We’re ready to compete. It is an honor to be back at Regionals

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All 4 teams are coming in playing their best baseball. In my mind, it’s one of the strongest regions in the state.

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’re so honored to be representing our community, and hope to use the platform for as long as we’re able to, to showcase the positive things that our program is about.

Northeastern

Record: 17-7
Head Coach: Thomas Piatt
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• Two District Titles In School History

Top Players: (Click for Stats)

• Cade Houseman, SS/P, Jr.
• Colton Moone, P, Sr.
• Preston Graves, 3B/P, Sr.
• Dylan Haggy, C, Jr.
• Cole Patterson, D/H, Jr.
• Gunner Leonard, LF, Jr.
• Ethan Yearout, 2B/P, Sr.
• Cole Allen, RF, Sr.
• Seth Hall, 1B , Sr.
• Travis Tuttle, CF/P, Jr.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: playing with fight, confidence, and the “want” to become champions. We play fast and loose.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: great feeling, the kids and fans faces were priceless. To accomplish something that hasn’t been done since 1961 at NEHS is awesome and to bring the baseball program the much-needed respect its due. They battled all game against a good team and to come away with the win in 8 innings, with a walkout hit, there’s no better feeling in baseball.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: it’s a privilege, the kids have worked hard all year long. Going on an 11-game win streak to win our conference and now district champs. These kids can go as far as they want to, if they continue to believe in themselves. One inning, one pitch at a time.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: got to give each team their respect, its not easy to make it this far into the tournament, doesn’t happen by luck. We have a tall order ahead of us, playing the defending state champs and number 1 team in the state. But what makes baseball the greatest game on earth, is that anyone can win on any day, just have to believe and control what you can control.

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: I have a great coaching staff and an even better group of kids. We are all playing with extra fire this week to make ourselves and our community proud. Just to get people talking about the Northeastern Baseball program is a win in my books and everything else is ‘toppings’.

#32 Reading

Record: 20-8
Head Coach: RJ Hayes
Final Ranking: No. 32
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

• 17 District Titles In School History
• Six State Titles (Last in 1980)

Top Players: (Click for Stats)

• Casey Hinton, OF/P, Senior
• Louie Hess, 1B, Senior
• Benny Hess, C, Junior
• Connor Davis, 3B/P, Freshman
• Conner Thamann, 2B, Junior
• Charlie Hess, DH, Freshman
• Cam Ellis, SS/P, Senior
• Jack Nash, OF, Senior
• Vince Eadicicco, OF, Junior
• Micah Bowman, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This group of guys amazes me day in and day out. They each bring their own positive characteristics to the table. We have players from all walks of life and they have come together to strive for goals, and achieve them, all year long. It's a special group. As an elementary teacher in Reading, I had most of these young men in my classroom years ago and now I am able to experience this season with them. It's truly a WE > ME mentality.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I think the number one greatest feeling on my end was one of relief. It took three consecutive days of 90 minutes travel each day to complete the game. We knew we were facing a great team with top notch pitching in Benjamin Logan. They were well coached, very disciplined and we were fortunate enough to wake up the bats on day three. As for my players, they saw it as one more step toward their next goal. An excited parent spoke with a player and said to him, "We get one more game". His response was, "No, We get four more games".

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This team deserves everything that they have earned. As a small school, we have many multi-sport athletes that have busted their tails to compete for Reading, regardless of the sport. They have put in the work in the weight room, during the off-season and throughout the spring. Having known these young men for so long, teaching them in the classroom and now having them together as a squad, it's something we do not want to end.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: The four teams in this region are top notch. CHCA has been ranked #1 in the state for the entire Spring and Roger Bacon is a top notch program year after year.  We are proud to be a part of this four team region and ready for some outstanding baseball this week. There is nothing better than high level tournament baseball and it is a guarantee that this four team region will not disappoint. 

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: The support we have received from the Reading Community has been amazing! We couldn't ask for more from our school, our AD Jon Payne, our athletic boosters, Mayor Bo Bemmes, parents and families. We are playing for our program, school and the City of Reading. It's been an amazing season with more baseball to play.

#23 Roger Bacon

Record: 18-7
Head Coach: Tim McCoy
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: No. 25
Postseason History:

• Nine District Titles In School History

Top Players: (Click for stats)

• Jake Tschida (CF/LHP) ‘22 (2-2) 3 Saves
• George Janzen (C) ‘22
• Luke Wagner (LF) ‘22
• Anthony Hoffmann (2B) ‘23
• Jacob Goyette (SS) ‘22
• Logan Huber (1B/P) ‘22 (2-0) 3 saves
• Ty Brenner (P/RF) ‘22 (5-1)
• Cam Gulley (DH) ‘22
• AJ Meyer (RF/CF) ‘24
• Kyle Hauser (3B) ‘24
• Jimmy Mumper, RHP, Junior (4-2) 1 Save
• Dylan Rolfert, LHP, Senior (3-1)
• Caleb Rosenfeldt, LHP, Freshman 1 save

 

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Senior leadership and experience are very important at this point. We have several guys who have participated in regional championships with football and basketball this season. We have a few starters who have won a regional championship in baseball in 2019. We are playing with confidence and just enjoying the moment.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Anytime you win a District title you are doing something right. SW Ohio has some really good baseball. Mechanicsburg is a solid program and we have played uphill most of the tournament. I was very proud of how my guys handled adversity and answered.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This is an excellent opportunity for our program. We have had success at Wright St. in the past and hopefully that continues. There are 3 other really good programs in this regional and I am excited for the challenge. This is going to be a battle.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: These teams are well coached and have rosters filled with very talented players. Lots of tournament experience with these programs. Going to be a ton of fun competing against them.

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: At the beginning of the year, we set our team goal on getting to a spot in the postseason where we could be playing for a chance to play at Canal Park. That opportunity is now in front of us. I think we are ready to go.

2022 Spring High School Season Content

To view the Heat Sheet, which provides the top velocity we have seen this spring, please click here.

To view out Spring Scout Blog with videos and reports from the spring, please click here.

To view the Team Rankings, click below:

• Final Rankings | Update 6 | Update 5 | Update 4 | Update 3 | Update 2 | Update 1 | Preseason

To view the Teams of the Week, click below:

• Week 7: Miamisburg | CVCA | CHCA | Shadyside
• Week 6: Olentangy | Canfield | Zane Trace | Wayne Trace
• Week 5: Mason | Tallmadge | Eastwood | Hopewell-Loudon
• Week 4: Troy | Defiance | Liberty Union | Lincolnview
• Week 3: Moeller | Jackson | Columbiana | Lima Central Catholic
• Week 1/2: Walsh Jesuit | Marlington | Ottawa Hills | Lucasville Valley

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

• Elite 25 | Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV | Regional Teams