Prep Baseball Report

2022 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division IV


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

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2022 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division IV

***** 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 IV - Gates Mills Regional

  • Tiffin Calvert vs. Bristol
  • No. 6 Hillsdale vs No. 4 Warren JFK

***Click For Full Bracket

Region Overview: Tiffin Calvert is back at regionals for the second year in a row after beating top-seeded Hopewell-Loudon and second-seeded Norwalk St. Paul at districts. Calvert scored four in the bottom of the seventh to stun St. Paul 6-5, winning on a two-out bases-loaded walk. … Haydn Mahan threw a three-hit shutout in the district final 6-0 win over Jackson-Milton that moved Bristol over the .500 mark at 14-13 on the season. … Hillsdale took a pair of nail biters at districts and have now won 19 of its last 20 heading to regionals. … Warren JFK won its first regional and state titles last year and is back for another go of it after a 5-4 win over Lake Center Christian. Gavin Shrum scored in the bottom of the seventh during a rundown between third and home to give JFK the victory.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Tiffin Calvert over Bristol
  • Warren JFK over Hillsdale
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Warren JFK

Fan Vote:

  • Tiffin Calvert over Bristol
  • Warren JFK over Hillsdale
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Warren JFK

Tiffin Calvert

Record: 16-12
Head Coach: Matt Coleman
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: No. 30

Top Players:

  • Nick Palm, SS/P
  • Garrett Spaun, 3B
  • Mason Johnson, 1B/P
  • Hunter Yeakley, C
  • Max Paul, Util/RHP
  • Reed Warnement, DH
  • Harry Shultz, LF
  • Dylan Stephens, RF
  • Blake Coleman, 2B/P
  • Caden Otterbacher, RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Things I like right now. I like that we figured out how to win close games because of a "So what, now what" mindset when things may go wrong and adversity strikes.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was just a great feeling winning Districts because everything has seemed just a little bit tougher this year and I think it makes it more gratifying. I think we were written off by many on the season and in the District Final game, down 5-2 in the 7th.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It's a blessing to simply be playing in light of Covid and the school shootings, we aren't taken anything for granted these days, but obviously it is special to play high school baseball in June after the school year is out, and on a big stage at Regionals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: If you are at this level, you are good enough to beat anyone on any given day.

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 are proud of the way these guys have come together and stepped their games up. We have some gritty competitors, that although we lost some valuable seniors coming into the year, they have competed and figured out  a way to get back here.

Bristol

Record: 14-13
Head Coach: Jeff Thompson
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Top Players:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Coach's Thoughts:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

#6 Hillsdale

Record: 23-4
Head Coach: Jason Snow
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 10
Postseason History:

  • Three District Titles In School History

Top Players:

  • Nick Kandel, LHP, Jr.
  • Jack Fickes, 3B, So.
  • Ethan Goodwin, RF, Sr.
  • Caden Fickes, CF/RHP, Sr.
  • Mark Abel, 2B/RHP, Sr.
  • Jake Hoverstock, SS, Jr.
  • Braylen Jarvis, LF, So.
  • Jax Rogers, DH, Jr.
  • Daniel Painter, C, Jr.
  • Owen Hoffman, 1B, So.

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love how are team is playing solid defense and our bats have been more consistent. I think we are playing confident and relaxed right now.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling that we have worked hard, put time in the off season and have earned a regional trip. I am proud of what these young men have done and happy that they have been rewarded.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is exciting. It is not something that just happens. They guys have wanted to have a chance for a tourney run and have won some close games. They are looking forward to every opportunity to try and continue along the tourney trail!

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously all the teams have had a successful run. We are all looking forward to the challenge and know that you have to pitch well, play great defense and score some runs. It is an exciting time for all the teams and I would like to congratulate all the young men and coaches on their success.

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 want to continue to do what we have done to get here. We are thankful for the opportunity and are proud to represent our community. We want to continue to build our program and expectations for Hillsdale baseball.

#4 Warren JFK

Record: 17-5
Head Coach: James Ciambotti
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Top Players:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Coach's Thoughts:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Division IV - Hamler Regional

  • No. 23 Plymouth vs No. 8 Antwerp
  • No. 2 Lincolnview vs No. 25 Leipsic

***Click For Full Bracket

Region Overview: A four-run sixth inning rallied Plymouth past South Central 6-5 in the district finals. Zeth Goth had the game-winning hit after driving in three in an 8-6 victory over Buckeye Central in the district semis. … Antwerp is back at regionals for the third consecutive season after beating county rival Wayne Trace 6-2 in the district finals with a four-run sixth inning. The Archers tallied 11 in the sixth in the semifinals to beat Edon, 13-3. … Lincolnview, last year’s state runners-up, is back at regionals after a pair of three-run victories over Lima Perry and Lima CC in the districts. Landon Price was the winning pitcher in both games. … Leipsic, which lost to Lincolnview 5-0 in the 2021 regional finals, gets a rematch after winning two one-run games against Patrick Henry and Miller City at districts.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Antwerp over Plymouth
  • Lincolnview over Leipsic
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lincolnview

Fan Vote:

  • Antwerp over Plymouth
  • Lincolnview over Leipsic
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lincolnview

#23 Plymouth

Record: 19-7
Head Coach: Jacob Strayer
Final Ranking:
No. 23
Preseason Ranking:
NR
Postseason History:
  • Five District Titles In School History

Top Players:

  • Zach Hamman, OF, Junior
  • Nick Roberts, OF, Senior
  • Zeth Goth, DH/RHP, Senior
  • Trace McVey, OF, Junior
  • Cole Wentz, RHP, Senior
  • Ethan Gillum, 1B, Senior
  • Carson Tucker, 2B, Junior
  • Shae Sparks, C, Junior
  • Clayton Miller, SS/P, Senior
  • Josh Beebe, 3B, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our guys are playing well and with a lot of confidence right now. We don’t have that one horse or that D1 or D2 guy, we’ve done it 1-9 with solid baseball players. We’re playing team baseball and we are enjoying the ride. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Playing in a regional is a special experience and it’s a feeling that a lot of boys with a boy, a ball and a dream never got to experience. I am lucky enough to have this be the second team in my five years to reach the regional and before that we had a 34 year gap between regionals. So this is pretty special for our guys and for our community.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Obviously when you get to this level everybody can play some ball and they can play it well. There’s a reason we play the games, anything can happen at this point. All we need is a chance.

#8 Antwerp

Record: 17-5
Head Coach: Zac Feasby
Final Ranking: No. 8
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

  • Three District Titles In School History

Top Players:

  • Chase Clark, C, 2022
  • Luke Krouse, P/1B/OF, 2022 - (5-0) 1 save
  • Parker Moore, CF/P, 2023 - (4-0)
  • Hunter Sproles, SS/P, 2022 - (2-2) 1 save
  • Ethan Lichty, 3B/P, 2023 - (3-0) 1 save
  • Aiden Lichty, 1B, 2025
  • Carson Altimus, 2B, 2024
  • Eli Reinhart, DH, 2023
  • Reid Lichty, RF/P, 2024 - (2-1)
  • Camden Fuller, LF, 2025

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I really like our pitching depth. I feel we probably have the greatest depth at pitcher than most other teams still in tournament. We have five guys that we feel confident with on the mound. I also really like the production we are getting from 1-9 in the lineup offensively. The bottom of our lineup has been a huge part of our tournament run. Without production from the bottom we would not be where we are currently.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The district win had a little extra satisfaction this year considering we were able to defeat our rival to earn it. We have had a back and forth season against them this year with a non-conference win against them and then a conference loss. This was the rubber match on the highest stage and our guys rose to the challenge. We beat a great team in Wayne Trace to earn a trip back to regionals. It is our third district title in three opportunities. The road was not easy as we also had great tests from Hicksville in sectional finals, and Edon in district semi-finals. Hats off to all three teams who significantly challenged us. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are once again honored and grateful to play in regionals. I’m so happy for my players and the community that has supported them since our first trip to regionals in 2019. My players are very deserving of this opportunity. Patrick Henry has been a great host site for regionals and we are thankful for everything they do. I congratulate all four teams in our regional for their accomplishment.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All teams in our regional are well coached and have great players. At this point, if you do not play your best game it will be your last. I congratulate the other three teams on earning their way to regionals, and I’m excited for my team to get back on the field and compete against these great teams!

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: Current senior class has earned 2 Conference Titles, 3 Sectional Titles, 3 District Titles, 1 Regional Title, and a trip to the State Final Four. They have an overall record since their freshman year of 54-17 and that is without a sophomore season. Wasn’t sure where else to put this, so I’m adding it at the end.  Hunter Sproles was selected to play in the 5 County District All-Star game scheduled for June 4th at Fairview High School, and he was also selected to play in the All-Ohio Series Presented by Augusta Sportwear Brands on June 22nd at Bill Davis Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

#2 Lincolnview

Record: 21-6
Head Coach: Eric Fishpaw
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

  • 1962 State Champs
  • 1974 Final 4
  • 2021 State Runner Up
  • Four District Titles

Top Players:

  • Landon Price, Sr
  • Cole Binkley, Sr
  • Dane Ebel, Jr
  • Carson Fox, Sr
  • Caden Hanf, Jr
  • Evan Miller, Jr
  • Austin Bockrath, Soph
  • Jack Dunlap, Soph
  • Brandon Renner, Jr

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how passionate our kids play the game. With energy, enthusiasm, and compassion for their teammates.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: The feeling of winning districts was the feeling of a goal achieved. Back in March one of the team goals was to win the always tough Coldwater District. It was a total team effort for this achievement.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be playing into the month of June and another week together. We are also excited to be playing at the beautiful Patrick Henry field/facility.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: 3 of the 4 teams return to the PH Regional from 2021 in Leipsic, Antwerp and Lincolnview. I do not know much about Plymouth other than they knocked off South Central in the Districts, but I am certain they are a good team to win a District title.

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 are excited to represent our school and our community this coming week in Patrick Henry in the Regional Tournament and we greatly appreciate what Prep Baseball Report does for our players throughout the Spring season.

#25 Leipsic

Record: 17-7
Head Coach: Darren Henry
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 28

Top Players:

  • Quin Schroeder So. C, .380 AVG, 3 2B, 2 3B, 32 R, 23 SB | 21.1 IP, 3-3, 2.26 ERA
  • Blake Liffick  Sr. OF, .372 AVG, 2 2B, 3 3B, 19 RBI, 27 SB
  • Mason Brandt  Sr. SS/P, .333 AVG | 31 IP, 3-0, 1.80 ERA
  • Ethan Zeisloft So. DH, .362 AVG
  • Jeremy Tavarez  Jr.  2B, .372 AVG
  • Luke Spoors Jr.  SS/P, .293 AVG | 57.1 IP, 8-1 IP, 2.32 ERA
  • Adrian Carrillo Sr.  3B, .265 AVG
  • Tommy Offenbacher Fr. 1B, .316 AVG
  • Tyler Lammers  Fr.   OF, .333 AVG
  • Caleb Ellerbrock Jr. OF, .269 AVG

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has been playing some consistent baseball at the end of the year; nothing spectacular but we have been finding ways to win.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It felt great winning the Districts because we lost to both teams we played in the regular season:  Patrick Henry 13-2 and Miller City 6-0.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is always an honor playing in the Regionals.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: 3 of the 4 teams return to the PH Regional from 2021 in Leipsic, Antwerp and Lincolnview. I do not know much about Plymouth other than they knocked off South Central in the Districts, but I am certain they are a good team to win a District title.

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: Honestly, I know nothing about Plymouth but obviously they are very good. I know Antwerp is very good and they play a tough schedule. I believe this will be their 3rd straight Regional appearance. What can you say about Lincolnview,  it is no secret that once again they have outstanding pitching and they know how to win.

Division IV - Lancaster Regional

  • No. 16 Hiland vs No. 15 Whiteoak
  • No. 5 Newark Catholic vs No. 1 Lucasville Valley

***Click For Full Bracket

Region Overview: Berlin Hiland has recorded three straight 10-run victories in the tournament, the last a 10-0 blanking of Toronto in the district finals. Hiland has outpointed four opponents 56-1 in the tourney to date. … Whiteoak rallied from a 3-0 hole to defeat South Webster 7-3 for its first district title since 2018. … Newark Catholic is two wins away from a 17th trip to the Final Four following a 4-2 triumph over Cardington-Lincoln in the district title game. Its first district title since 2019 is also the 21st in 27 years for head coach John Cannizzaro … Lucasville Valley, which beat Hiland 5-2 in the regional finals a year ago, is back to defend its regional title after beating Leesburg Fairfield 4-1 in the district finals behind the five-hit pitching of George Arnett, who had a save in relief of Carter Nickel in a 6-2 semifinal win over Racine Southern.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Hiland over Whiteoak
  • Lucasville Valley over Newark Catholic
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lucasville Valley

Fan Vote:

  • Hiland over Whiteoak
  • Lucasville Valley over Newark Catholic
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Lucasville Valley

#16 Hiland

Record: 16-9
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

  • 12 District Titles In School History

Top Players:

  • Grant Miller, 2B, Senior
  • Cody Yoder, RF/RHP, Soph
  • Nolan Yoder, RHP, Junior (4-1)
  • Jeff Todaro, 1B, Senior
  • Alec Weaver, SS, Junior
  • Dakota Miller, C, Senior
  • Isaak Yoder, CF/RHP, Junior (4-2)
  • Tony Yoder, LF, Senior
  • Brady Yoder, 3B, Soph
  • Will Schlabach, RHP, Junior (4-1)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Guys are really locked in right now at the plate. They are putting up a lot of QAB's up and down the lineup. And our pitching is having a lot of success. They take a great approach on the mound and trust that our defense will be ready to make plays behind them.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was very proud of our guys. They have been working since September for this moment and I was so excited for them when they recorded that last out.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is very special for these guys. We are one of 8 teams in a division of 194 teams, so this is something we do not take for granted.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Our region has teams 4 ranked in the OHSBCA and PBR Poll, so it will not be an easy path for anyone to make it to Akron. All the teams in our region are strong in all aspects of the game. I expect to see some great baseball in Lancaster this week.

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 would like to thank the players, they have put in a lot of hard hours of preparation for this opportunity. I couldn't be happier for them for the success they've had and I am excited to see where this season takes them. I also need to thank the coaching staff, these guys pour everything they have into our players and our program wouldn't be where it is without their efforts. Finally I'd like to thank our parents and community, with their support we are able to provide the players with some of the finest facilities and opportunities high school baseball has to offer. Go Hawks!

#15 Whiteoak

Record: 21-9
Head Coach: Chris Veidt
Final Ranking: No. 15
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Postseason History:

  • Three District Titles In School History

Top Players: (Click for Stats)

  • Luken Roades, SS, 2023
  • Landon Barnett, 3B/P, 2023
  • Carson Emery, CF, 2023
  • Nate Price, C, 2023
  • Ian Griffith, RF/P, 2023
  • David Donohoo, 1B, 2023
  • Eli Roberts, 2B, 2024
  • Connor Butler, P, 2022
  • Zander Roades, DH, 2025
  • Kaden Moon-Stone LF/P, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Resiliency, ability to play “present”, team speed, pitching depth, clutch hitting.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Affirmation of what this group is capable of when they believe in themselves and each other.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Honor to compete at this level. Justification of the work we all have put in as a program/school.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: 4 talented well coached teams. Always comes down to who plays the best on game day.

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: Honored to be at this level for the 3rd trip in last 10 years. At Whiteoak HS we are blessed with a tremendous HS administrative team, staff, assistant coaches, baseball facilities, and most important community support. The Wildcats are humbled to be able to represent Mowrystown and southern Highland Co.

#5 Newark Catholic

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: John Cannizzaro
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 5
Postseason History:

  • 26 District Titles In School History (19 for Coach Cannizzaro)
  • 16 Regional Titles In School History (13 for Coach Cannizzaro)
  • 9 State Titles In School History (7 for Coach Cannizzaro)

Top Players:

  • Tanner Elwell, Sr, LF
  • Sam Muetzel, Sr, SS
  • Bryan McAnally, So, 3B
  • Eli Morris, Jr, P/1B
  • Mason Hackett, Jr, C
  • Nate Ferrell, Jr, DH/P
  • Shae Mummey, Sr, P/1B
  • Chance Brooks, Sr, RF
  • Grant Moore, Jr, CF
  • Tristan Gorius Sr, 2B
  • Braylon Bates, P
  • Anden Zupancic, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: SS/P Senior Sam Muetzel was Central District Player of Year and will play in All-Ohio Series. Senior LF Tanner Ellwell, Senior RHP Shae Mummey, sophomore 3B Bryan McAnally also on All-District, along with Jr pitcher Eli Morris P/1B and Jr catcher Mason Hackett.

#1 Lucasville Valley

Record: 21-3
Head Coach: Nolan Crabtree
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

  • 16 District Titles In School History
  • 1975 State Championship

Top Players:

  • Jaekyn Ridout, LF/P, Freshman - 5-0, 31 IP, 2.9 ERA 
  • Chase Morrow, CF, Senior 
  • Tate Queen, 3B, Freshman 
  • George Arnett, SS/P, Junior - 6-3, 2 saves, 63 IP, 2.32 ERA, 50 K, 6 BB 
  • Chris Queen, DH/P, Junior - 3-0, 4 saves, 21 IP, 1.31 ERA, 27, 9 BB
  • Hunter Edwards, RF, Junior 
  • Landon Jones, 1B, Senior 
  • Jace Copley, C, Sophomore 
  • Colt Buckle, 2B, Junior
  • Carter Nickel, P, Junior - 6-0, 2 saves, 42 IP, .333 ERA, 64K, 6 BB

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have a lot of big game experience, but the main thing that sticks out about our squad is the pitching staff. Our pitching has been phenomenal all season long and has really carried us to this point.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Having made it to the state tournament last season and having tons of expectations all season long, it was more a feeling of relief compared to years past. It was kind of a grind, because you have a giant bullseye on your back. I was proud of how our kids have responded to that and the way they took care of business in regional play.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Our team is incredibly excited to be back in regionals play. There's a different feeling in the air preparing to play in the regionals and our team has such fond memories of their success last year that they look forward to being back.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Newark Catholic and Berlin Hiland are perennial regional and state contenders... They are two programs you can almost fill out your bracket in ink with them winning their districts. Whiteoak is a great southeast district program that we play yearly, so we are pretty familiar with them. All in all, I think the regional tournament will be filled with hard fought competitive games.

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: When you have high expectations there tends to be a ton of external pressure for the kids to perform consistently at a high level over the course of the season. I just couldn't be prouder of how our kids have handled things and the work they have put in to give themselves a chance to achieve their goals. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids.

Division IV - Cincinnati Regional

  • No. 22 Southeastern vs No. 17 Russia
  • No. 7 Fort Loramie vs Fairfield Christian Academy

***Click For Full Bracket

Region Overview: Southeastern defeated Troy Christian and Felicity-Franklin by identical scores of 3-0 in the districts, the finals on a two-hitter by sophomore Zach McKee. It is the first district title since 2012 for Southeastern, which received a five-hit shutout from senior Sam Smith against Troy Christian. … Russia has not given up an earned run in outpointing tournament foes 25-2 through three games. Braylon Cordonnier had five RBIs in the district final 9-2 beating of Fairfield Christian. … Derek Meyer threw a five-hit shutout in Fort Loramie’s 8-0 win over Springfield Catholic Central in the district finals. Loramie, which lost to eventual state champ Warren JFK in last year’s state semifinal, blanked Bradford 10-0 in the district semis behind the pitching of Meyer and Ty Ruhenkamp. … Fairfield Christian pounded out a dozen hits in rallying from a 3-1 hole to defeat East Knox 7-5 for its first district title in school history. Fairfield Christian defeated Berne Union 3-1 in the semifinals, a team that had knocked them off twice during the regular season.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger

  • Southeastern over Russia
  • Fort Loramie over Fairfield Christian Academy
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Fort Loramie

Fan Vote:

  • Russia over Southeastern
  • Fort Loramie over Fairfield Christian Academy
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Fort Loramie

#22 Southeastern

Record: 19-7
Head Coach: Craig Isaac
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • Two District Titles In School History

Top Players: (Click For Stats)

  • Aiden Harbage C -  Junior
  • Gehrig Cordial INF - Sophomore
  • Sam Smith, P/INF - Senior
  • Zach McKee, INF/P - Sophomore
  • Austin Miller OF - Junior
  • Kason Spears 3B - Junior
  • Kyle Adkins OF - Freshman
  • Cole Walton - Sophomore
  • Mason Coil OF - Senior
  • Cole Erskine INF - Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts: 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: All are very good friends and they all love the game of baseball.

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

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

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: All very well coached and solid programs.

#17 Russia

Record: 21-6
Head Coach: Kevin Philpot
Final Ranking: No. 17
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Top Players:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

Coach's Thoughts:

  • Waiting to get information back from coach.

#7 Fort Loramie

Record: 23-6
Head Coach: Jeff Sanders
Final Ranking: No. 7
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

  • State Champions In 2007, 2010, 2018

Top Players:

  • Clint Hilgefort, 3B/P, Senior
  • Logan Eilerman, CF, Junior
  • Owen Pleiman, C, Senior
  • Isaac Raterman, LF, Junior
  • Ty Ruhenkamp, 1B/P, Senior
  • Derek Meyer, LHP, Senior
  • Evan Eilerman, SS, Senior
  • Karson Tennery, RF, Senior
  • Mavrick Grudich, 2B, Sophomore
  • Taran Fleckenstein, DH, Senior
  • Corey Hilgefort, UTIL, Senior
  • Taran Fleckenstein, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team is playing with a lot of determination. They support each other and pick each other up, and we are playing with a lot of heart.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We have shown a lot of grit & perseverance in winning the District Final game, and so far throughout our tournament run.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be back in the Regionals and can’t wait to prove what we can do.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: Each team has dynamics that make them great. All four teams are dangerous.

Fairfield Christian Academy

Record: 14-11
Head Coach: Josh Baker
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • First District Title In School History

Top Players:

  • Aiden Langwasser, 3B, Sophomore
  • Matthew Keener, CF/P, Junior
  • ner, SS/P, Junior
  • Manny Schulz, DH/P, Senior
  • Justin Hammel, C, Senior
  • Jimmy Schmitz, P, Sophomore - 33.1 IP, .840 ERA
  • Gunner Hankison, 1B, Sophomore
  • Jeremiah Vance, LF/P, Sophomore
  • Gabb Linn, 2B, Sophomore
  • Julius Wilson, RF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the relationship the team has with each other, they genuinely care about each other, they hang out with each other away from the diamond. I also like that we don't rely on one guy or any group of guys to carry us, this team complements each other well.  I like the way we're playing defense, we made it through the district tournament only striking out 2 guys in 2 games. We have guys that put the ball over the plate and let the defense go to work.   

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I thought back to what this program was 5 years ago when I got here, and the alumni that bought in to what we were trying to do at FCA when I took over as the Baseball Coach, we're in this position because of those guys. We scheduled a tough non conference schedule this year and took some close losses because of it, but we scheduled those games to be in a position like this. To see the joy on those kids faces especially our seniors, is something I'll never forget. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We definitely know the magnitude of where we are right now and the quality of teams remaining. We feel that we faced 2 really good teams in the district tournament and we know it just gets tougher from here. This isn't an experience a lot of kids get to have in their high school career, so we're going to enjoy getting to be a part of this, but we'll be ready to play.  We're proud to be representing the central district in the regional tournament. 

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team’s as a whole that are at the regional?
Coach: There are teams in this regional with a lot of recent success and rich tradition. We have a lot of respect for the standard they have set in their programs and are looking forward to getting to take the field with them.

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:

To view the Teams of the Week, click below:

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

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