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2023 OHSAA Tournament: State Final Four Preview

June 7, 2023
Dylan Hefflinger and Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout and Senior Writer

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2023 OHSAA Tournament: State Final Four Preview - Division I

  • No. 1 Moeller vs No. 4 Walsh Jesuit
  • No. 5 Anthony Wayne vs No. 25 Olentangy Orange

Division I Preview

No. 1 Moeller vs. No. 4 Walsh Jesuit

Moeller is at the state tournament for the first time since 2015 after a 7-6 win over Greater Catholic Conference rival Elder in the regional finals. Winners of 15 straight since losing to Elder back on April 24, the top-ranked team in Ohio won thanks to three hits and three RBIs from Wright State commit Nathan Manley, two hits and three runs from George Mason signee Toby Hueber and a pair of RBIs each from Ohio State recruit Clay Burdette and Wright State recruit Conlan Daniel. Carson Marsh, a Cincinnati signee who has not given up an earned run this season, pitched two shutout innings for the save. Manley had a two-run double in the bottom of the sixth to break a 4-4 deadlock in a 10-4 victory over West Clermont in the regionals semis. A team loaded with college commits in the lineup including Carter Christenson (West Virginia), Connor Christenson (Air Force), Kellan Klosterman (Notre Dame), Charlie Niehaus (Cincinnati), CJ Richard (Ohio State) and Zion Theophilus (LSU) had not given up a tournament run until regionals. Moeller has won eight state championships, third most in OHSAA history. …. Drew Erdmann threw a five-inning no-hitter to send Walsh Jesuit and first-year head coach Joe Bowers past University School 10-0 in the regional finals. A week prior, Erdmann, a Cincinnati commit, had a perfect game against Louisville. Xavier recruit Ryan Piech, who fired a one-hitter earlier in the tournament, tossed a four-hitter in the regional semifinals against Wadsworth for the Warriors, which have not given up a run in the tournament. The fourth-ranked team in the state, which features a lineup including Alex Covas (Youngstown State) in center, Joey Canzoni (Cincinnati) at shortstop, Mason Eckelman (Ohio State) at catcher, John Simecek (Saint Xavier) at second, is in search of the school’s fifth state title (1999, 2004, 2006, 2008).

No. 5 Anthony Wayne vs. No. 25 Olentangy Orange

The Northern Lakes League is looking for its second straight Division I state title after Jack Behnfeldt hit a walk-off bases-loaded single with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning to rally Anthony Wayne past Medina for a 3-2 victory. A year ago Northview from the NLL won the D-I state championship. Bryce Anderson had a two-out RBI single in the fifth to tie the game at 2-2 for the fifth-ranked team in the state, which will be making its first state appearance under second-year head coach Ryan Donley. It marked the second dramatic win in the regionals for Anthony Wayne, which beat Toledo St. John’s when Mitch Harder scored on an error in the last of the seventh. Harder, the winning pitcher with one shutout inning of relief against Medina, had a two-run single in a five-run first for the Generals and gunned down a potential go-ahead run from the outfield in the bottom of the fifth with the game tied at 5-5. Toledo commit Dom Carlson pitched two shutout innings of relief for the win for AW, which advanced to regionals for the second year in a row when Tommy Ling hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning for a 6-5 victory over Springfield. The Generals trailed 5-3 before scoring two in the last of the seventh, the second on a wild pitch with two outs. Brayden Weis, a Findlay recruit, threw a one-hitter in the district semifinals and is 10-0 on the season while Harder is 6-0 for Anthony Wayne, making its second state appearance ever, the other in 2018. ... Tom Marker’s squad earned the school’s second state berth the hard way, knocking off rival Olentangy Liberty 7-6 in the regional semifinals before topping last year’s state runners-up Grove City and Ohio State commit Keegan Holmstrom 6-1 in the finals. Jacob Tabor, a Toledo recruit, was the winning pitcher against Grove City and Diego Astacio, an Olivet Nazarene signee, picked up the save, helped out by a five-run fourth inning featuring a two-run single by Casey Covert and two-run double from Toledo commit Charlie Scholvin, who was playing in just his second game since an injury on April 10. Tabor was needed in relief in the semifinals after Liberty rallied from a 7-1 deficit to pull within one in the seventh. The Pioneers, rated 25th by Prep Baseball Report and unranked by the OHSBCA, had lost to Liberty three times during the regular season, finished third in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division and came into the tournament a seven seed. Toledo commit Cole Cahill is one of the standouts for Orange.

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

  • Moeller over Walsh Jesuit
  • Anthony Wayne over Olentangy Orange
    • STATE CHAMP - Moeller

Bruce Hefflinger

  • Walsh Jesuit over Moeller
  • Anthony Wayne over Olentangy Orange
    • STATE CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit

Fan Vote:

  • Moeller over Walsh Jesuit
  • Olentangy Orange over Anthony Wayne
    • STATE CHAMP - Moeller

#1 Archbishop Moeller

Record: 27-3
Head Coach: Tim Held
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1972, 1989, 1993, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2023
  • State Runner-up: N/A
  • State Championship: 1972, 1989, 1993, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015

Fun Facts:

  • Have won 25 of last 26 games
  • Toby Hueber (’23) has set the single season stolen base record at 30 and also the career mark at 70. Old record was 54.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .331, Total Runs: 256
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 209, Team ERA: 1.60, Strikeouts: 249

Top Players:

  • Toby Hueber, 2B/RHP, 2023
  • Nate Manley, C, 2023
  • Clay Burdette, 1B, 2023
  • Charlie Niehaus, SS, 2023
  • Connor Christenson, 3B, 2023
  • Conlan Daniel, RF, 2023
  • Ethan Sweat, LF, 2023
  • CJ Richards, CF, 2023
  • Carter Christenson, DH/2B, 2025
  • Zion Theophilus, RHP, 2025
  • Kellan Klosterman, RHP, 2024
  • Carson Marsh, RHP, 2023
  • Sam Scuglik, RHP, 2024
  • David Hagen, RHP, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We worked hard on our strength in the off season and played a tough schedule to be ready for the big moments

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: They are resilient and tough to rattle.  We have a number of veterans in the line up that are able to handle a lot of situations. On the mound, we are throwing a lot of strikes and challenging hitters.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: The feeling was incredible! The players have worked so hard for that moment, it was awesome to see them celebrating that hard fought win.

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 the Southwest region, the Greater Catholic League and Moeller High school in the final four. Any time you can advance this far you have had a great season. To capture a state title would be another incredible moment in Moeller Baseball history.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: They are all playing great baseball right now and have some great arms. We know we have to be on top of our game next weekend.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are looking forward to the opportunity to compete. The state final four is a great weekend of baseball showcasing the best teams in the state.

#4 Walsh Jesuit

Record: 26-3-1
Head Coach: Joe Bowers
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1989, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2021, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 2009, 2010, 2011
  • State Championship: 1999, 2004, 2006, 2008

Fun Facts:

  • Assistant Coach Steve Grescovich’s 10th trip to the State Tournament.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .350, Total Runs: 255
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched:196.2, Team ERA: 1.06, Strikeouts: 264

Top Players:

  • Alex Covas, CF, Senior
  • Joey Canzoni, SS, Senior
  • Mason Eckelman, C, Senior
  • John Simecek, 2B, Senior
  • Zach Halligan, 1B, Senior
  • Matthew Serdinak, 3B, Senior
  • Justin Bremner, LF, Senior
  • Raul Gamez, RF, Senior
  • Topher Salek, DH, Senior
  • Ryan Piech, RHP, Senior
  • Drew Erdmann, RHP, Senior
  • Sam Pece, LHP, Junior
  • Shawn Sullivan, RHP, Freshman
  • Harper Lann, RHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: The team spent countless hours in the weight room, and also just being together outside of baseball supporting other programs at WJ has really brought the group closer.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our looseness (if that’s a word), our guys seem relaxed and they want to be playing in these big games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Elation, lot of smiles, lot of tears, to go to the Final Four is simply amazing.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Really trying to keep our focus on Archbishop Moeller right now, so my thoughts haven’t gotten that far yet.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: The other 3 teams are top tier programs, who all take baseball very seriously like we do.  It will be a dog fight in every game, and whoever comes out of this years final 4 will for sure have earned that banner.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Just want to take this portion and thank the Walsh Jesuit community, parents, staff, fans, and players for this amazing opportunity.  Walsh Jesuit is a tight knit community even though we span many miles, and we’re going to do our best to make the W shine!

#5 Anthony Wayne

Record: 27-4
Head Coach: Ryan Donley
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Postseason History:

  • District Champions: 1998, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
  • Regional Finalists:  1998, 2006, 2009, 2016, 2018, 2023
  • State Final Four: 2018, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 2018

Fun Facts:

  • Tied school record for wins with 27
  • 14-0 in Northern Lakes League play

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .331, Total Runs: 256
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 205.2, Team ERA: 2.17, Strikeouts: 228

Top Players:

  • Bryce Anderson, SS, Junior
  • Cody Keller, LF, Senior
  • Marco Morrison, CF, Senior
  • Jack Behnfeldt, 1B, Senior
  • Mitch Harder, RF, Senior
  • Tommy Ling, DH, Senior
  • Tyler Mull, 2B, Senior
  • Hadryn Nowicki, C, Senior
  • Sam Braker, 3B, Senior
  • Brayden Weis, RHP, Senior
  • Drew Pfundt, RHP, Senior
  • Dom Carlson, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our kids came in at 5:30am before school where they were engaged in an intense strength training program from September through mid-February. On non-lifting days, we did individual skill development as well as our throwing program. We saw significant growth not only physically, but mentally as well. The level of commitment and discipline displayed by our kids was really something special.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: There is no panic with this group. They are humble, confident, and play the game the right way. We've got a veteran group and it has shown in several close ball games this season. Our team camaraderie is our best asset as a group. These kids genuinely love each other and have accepted their roles with positivity & enthusiasm.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was such an unbelievable feeling. We got down 2-0 in the 1st inning and had to battle back. We scored our first run on a FC and then tied it on a clutch 2 out RBI single from junior SS Bryce Anderson. The game was tied at 2 headed to the bottom of the 7th. With bases loaded and 2 outs, Senior 1B Jack Behnfeldt hit a line drive up the middle to send us to the Final Four in walk-off fashion. Such an incredible experience.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Winning a state championship is the ultimate goal for every team. Our team had a goal of getting to Akron and they worked tirelessly to make it happen. We feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity and we'll certainly make the best of it. It will be exciting to share the thrill of competition with the best teams our state has to offer. It's truly an exciting time for our program.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We have some familiarity with Walsh Jesuit and Orange as we played them a year ago in the regular season. However, a lot has changed since then. At this stage of the game, every team is good and capable of winning. It's going to come down to who can limit distractions, settle into the game, and play a clean game of baseball. Simple things like throwing strikes, making the routine plays, and putting the ball in play will be huge factors when playing such stellar competition.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Congratulations to all teams, in all divisions, who have the opportunity to play this week.

#25 Olentangy Orange

Record: 22-10
Head Coach: Tom Marker
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2017, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 0
  • State Championship: 0

Fun Facts:

  • Most single season team homeruns (11)
  • 8 Seniors committed to play at the next level
  • We played 12 games against the Top 25 in the state, as well as Nationally Ranked Orchard Lake St. Mary's

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .352, Total Runs: 235
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 213.2, Team ERA: 3.64, Strikeouts: 209

Top Players:

  • Ian Dando, 2B, Senior
  • Charlie Scholvin, SS, Senior
  • Cole Cahill, LF/LHP, Senior
  • Diego Astacio, 1B/LHP, Senior
  • Tyler Fuller, DH, Senior
  • Evan Eichel, RF, Senior
  • Keegan Knupp, 3B, Sophomore
  • Casey Covert, C, Junior
  • Jacob Lattig, CF, Senior
  • Jacob Tabor, LHP, Senior
  • Josiah Ross, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We were very intentional with building a connected group. From early offseason classroom sessions to our daily training sessions, we continually hammered the idea of "NBA," which we define as "Next Best Action." How can we continually pour into each other and take the next best action to help the team.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our guys continue to pour into each other. We have had several injuries and incidents that many would deem as setbacks. But, given our 17 seniors and the mature approach by our club, we have turned those "setbacks" into opportunities to develop and grow. Every roster member has contributed this season and had an impact on our group. We have had so many "wins" that do not show up on the scoreboard or in the W/L column. I love that our guys are invested in each other. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Being able to extend the time you have with a group/a team is something you can never take for granted. When you have a group of people moving in the same direction and you have the opportunity to extend that time and create more memories, there's nothing better. I'm happy for The Team. I'm happy for our seniors and their parents who get another opportunity support the group. The baseball career of kids goes so fast. I hate to see this end for them and for their parents. We are all glad we get an additional week together.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: High school sports are all about creating experiences for your program that they can't get just anywhere. Our players have elevated our program and they are being rewarded with a chance to play for the state championship. We think of the state final four as a culminating celebration of our season up to this point. At 1:00 PM on Thursday, a game will break out. We've been pretty good at winning games lately and hope to continue that Thursday. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We have played all three of these teams in the past three years. They are three outstanding teams with tradition that is unmatched in the state. Even dating back to when the legendary Coach Nell was at Anthony Wayne, I have followed these three programs for quite some time and now having the opportunity to compete against them on the main stage is something that will be challenging but also very rewarding from an experience standpoint for our guys. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I want to thank our players past and present. Orange Baseball is what it is because of who they are as students, baseball players, community members, and family members. We're playing for you guys. This season is about The Team The Team The Team. We are so very proud of them. Play 7! Also, thank you to Scott Reed, Michael Rich, Steve Blackledge, Dave Purpura, Frank DiRenna, The Pioneer Pit, and PBR for their continued support of our program and Central Ohio Baseball. You continually promote the game and high school sports. THANK YOU!

2023 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division II

  • No. 5 Chaminade-Julienne vs No. 19 Kenston
  • No. 2 Washington CH vs Ontario

Division II Preview

No. 5 Chaminade-Julienne vs. No. 19 Kenston

C-J scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, the game-winner on a bases-loaded walk on a full-count pitch to freshman Isaac Sullivan to stun top-ranked Badin 2-1 in the regional finals, sending the Eagles to state for fourth time in the last six tournaments. C-J, which did not get its first hit until the sixth inning, had lost to Badin, the Greater Catholic League Co-ed rival 3-0 twice during the regular season. Charlie Hoagland threw a four-hitter for the victory, fanning seven. Patrick Gonter-Dray had a two-run single in a four-run sixth inning to lift the fifth-rated team in the state past CHCA 6-1 in the regional semis. Hoagland scored two runs and Jackson Frasure went six innings to pick up the win, improving to 6-0 on the season. The Eagles, which feature senior standouts JP Peltier, a Wright State commit, and Jacob Brunner, a Bluffton signee, has given up just three runs in five tournament games. C-J, which won state in 2018 and 2019, is seeking its fourth state title. … A return trip to state is a reality for Kenston, which a year ago was a Division I participant after beating Walsh Jesuit 4-1 for a regional championship. This time around, the Bombers are headed to Canal Park in Division II following a 4-2 win over NDCL in the regional finals. Nikko Georgiou threw a complete game for the win while hitting a double and triple to go along with two RBIs for the 19th-ranked team in the state, seeking its first state championship in school history. Parker Munday struck out 14 in a three-hit outing in the regional semis, a 4-2 victory over Gilmour Academy. Munday, an Akron commit, also had a hit and scored two runs while Georgiou and Drew McKenna had two hits apiece.

No. 2 Washington Court House vs. Ontario

Will Miller and A.J. Dallmayer, a Lake Erie College signee, combined on a no-hitter, facing just 19 batters in a six-inning 10-0 win over Cambridge in the regional finals to help Court House reach state for the first time since 2000. The second-ranked team in the state scored three runs on four hits in the first inning and cruised to its 26th consecutive victory. It was far from easy in the regional semis, with starting pitcher Titus Lotz, a Bowling Green commit, forced to leave the mound after an arm injury two batters into the game. After giving up a two-run bloop single, Tanner Lemaster got out of a bases-loaded jam and went on to throw blanks in a 4-2 defeat of Bloom-Carroll. Lemaster finished allowing three hits and four walks while striking out nine in his seven innings of work. Jonah Waters had an RBI single in the first and two-run base hit in the third. … Surprising Ontario is headed to state for the first time in 29 years after sweeping a pair of Western Buckeye League opponents in the regionals. Peyton Dzugan tossed a four-hitter, hit two singles and scored a run while Carter Walters drove in a pair in a 7-3 win over Defiance in the regional finals while Carter Weaver had a pair of singles, a double and four RBIs in a 12-6 victory over St. Marys in the semis. Once 3-9 on the season, the unranked Warriors are now 16-14, including a 6-5 nine-inning win over Sandusky Perkins in the district semifinals. The only other appearance at state for Ontario came in 1994 when the Warriors brought home a championship.

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

  • Chaminade-Julienne over Kenston
  • Washington CH over Ontario
    • STATE CHAMP - Chaminade-Julienne

Bruce Hefflinger

  • Kenston over Chaminade-Julienne
  • Washington CH over Ontario
    • STATE CHAMP - Washington CH

Fan Vote:

  • Chaminade-Julienne over Kenston
  • Washington CH over Ontario
    • STATE CHAMP - Chaminade-Julienne

#5 Chaminade-Julienne

Record: 27-5
Head Coach: Todd Barhorst
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 3
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1970, 2017, 2018, 2019
  • State Runner-up: 2017
  • State Championship: 1970, 2018, 2019

Fun Facts:

  • Tied for most wins in school history since schedules were limited.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .307, Total Runs: 227
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 213, Team ERA: 1.70, Strikeouts: 245

Top Players:

  • Isaac Sullivan, OF/RHP, 2026
  • JP Peltier, SS, 2023
  • Jackson Frasure, INF/RHP, 2024
  • Jacob Brunner, OF, 2023
  • Charlie Hoagland, LHP/OF, 2025
  • Patrick Gonter-Dray, 2B, 2023
  • Christian Gongora, 1B, 2024
  • Mitch Weckesser, RF, 2023
  • Colin Kadel, 3B, 2025
  • Julian Eversole, C, 2024
  • Leo Switalski-Lail, 2023

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our offseason training is pretty intense. We went 5 days a week starting in November. The players did weight training, speed training, bat speed training, and ran their own offseason throwing program. From tryouts until now, the team has worked on competing and doing the little things that decide baseball games.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our team has handled pressure extremely well. The moment has never been too big for them.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Winning the regional is a feeling I'll never take for granted. In particular, a walk-off win against a league opponent that was ranked number one in the state is a pretty amazing feeling.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We had hoped to make it to Akron from the very start of our offseason. With a one-and-done playoff format, it's extremely hard to make it this far, and many great teams are knocked out sooner than expected every year. I'm proud of my team for never giving up and battling through the very tough tournament run.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: I know very little about the other teams left in our division, but one thing I do know is that they must be playing some really great baseball to have gotten this far.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Coaches and players, we've dreamed of playing in Akron all season. Let's have a fun trip and let that fun carry over to the field. We play our best when we are loose and having fun on the field!

#19 Kenston

Record: 19-12
Head Coach: Joseph Hritz
Final Ranking: No. 19
Preseason Ranking: No. 2
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2022, 2023
  • Regional Champs: 2022, 2023
  • Regional Runner-Up: 2002, 2004

Fun Facts:

  • Parker Munday set record for most strikeouts in a game (twice) with 14.
  • Two sets of brothers on Varsity (Carter and Grady Flynn & Bridger and Graysen Bischof).

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .272, Total Runs: 170
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 204.2, Team ERA: 4.07, Strikeouts: 213

Top Players:

  • Carter Flynn, SS, Senior
  • LA Mighton, C, Junior
  • Drew McKenna, 1B, Senior
  • Lucas Kaltenbach, RHP/DH, Sophomore
  • Tommy Pecoraro, 2B, Junior
  • Parker Munday, LHP/OF, Senior
  • Nikko Georgiou, RHP/3B, Senior
  • Bridger Bischof, OF/LHP, Junior
  • Grant Beclay, OF, Junior
  • Jimmy Cerha, RHP, Junior
  • Avery Siperke, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our team has stepped up in every area of the game this offseason to put ourselves in another position to make a run at a state title.  These guys continue to come together and get stronger daily.  Our senior leadership has done a fantastic job of filling their roles and guiding our younger members through the highs and lows of the season.  Along with our players, the assistant coaches deserve a lot of credit for all of the hard work, time, and dedication they have put in to this season as well to prepare our players to overcome the challenges they have faced along the way.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Every player on this team has stepped in to fill a role and create a competitive atmosphere that helps us get better every single day.  Our pitching performances and situational hitting throughout our playoff run has been outstanding.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: To be able to capture another regional title in back to back seasons was special for this program.  The feeling is unmatched and the excitement and joy was reflected in our team celebration.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: This is what we have worked hard to accomplish all year.  Kenston will be ready to go and meet any challenge that we face head on.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Every team that is left is having a great year and is going to be tough to beat. We are going to be in for some great baseball this weekend.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Thank you to all of our team parents, administrators, community and coaches for making sure the little things get taken care of on a daily basis to help our program continue to grow and thrive. Our players have fed off of this energy and are poised and ready for the upcoming opportunities. It has been a pleasure to coach this program this year!

#2 Washington Court House

Record: 25-1
Head Coach: Mark Schwartz
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1936, 1999, 2000, 2023
  • State Runner-up: N/A
  • State Championship: 2000

Fun Facts:

  • Pitching staff has thrown 5 no-hitters this year, including a perfect game by Sophomore Will Miller.
  • Pitching staff has thrown 13 shutouts.
  • Outscored our opponents 204-41.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .318, Total Runs: 204
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 179, Team ERA: 0.74, Strikeouts: 269

Top Players:

  • John Wall, SS, Junior
  • Titus Lotz, LHP/1B, Senior
  • AJ Dallmayer, OF/RHP, Senior
  • Jonah Waters, C, Senior
  • Tanner Lemaster, 1B, Senior
  • Bryce Yeazel, 2B, Junior
  • RJ Foose, DH, Senior
  • Will Miller, OF, Sophomore
  • Evan Lynch, OF, Junior
  • Sam Lotz, 3B, Freshman
  • Tanner Lemaster, RHP, Senior
  • Will Miller, LHP, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We felt like we played a tough schedule this year to prepare for a run in the tournament. We have focused on playing one game at a time. We knew our pitching would be good but also knew we would have to play great defense which we have done. We also needed to get some of the younger players to contribute and they have. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our pitching and defense have been excellent up to this point. Seems like a different guy has stepped up each game. Our players are unselfish and except their roles.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was pretty emotional. A goal of every coach is to get your team to the final four with an opportunity to win a state championship. Seeing the excitement among the players, families, and our community makes it even more special.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It is an exciting time for our players, coaches, and our school district. It's the first time in 23 years, any team from our school has been in the final 4.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Honestly don't know much about them, but I know they are great baseball teams and are playing their best baseball right now.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I would like to thank all of our parents, families, and the community for their support all season.

Ontario

Record: 16-14
Head Coach: Mike Ellis
Final Ranking: NR
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1994
  • State Runner-up: N/A
  • State Championship: 1994

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .314, Total Runs: 170
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 201.2, Team ERA: 3.22, Strikeouts: 175

Top Players:

  • Colton Ramion, OF, Senior
  • Jayden Leach, 3B, Senior
  • Gage Weaver, SS, Senior
  • Carter Weaver, RHP/1B, Junior
  • Carter Walters, 1B/RHP, Sophomore
  • Jake Chapman, C, Junior
  • Braxton Hall, 2B, Senior
  • Caden Boebel, OF, Senior
  • Peyton Dzugan, OF/RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We loaded up our non-league schedule to get us ready for the season.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing great fundamental baseball and coming together and playing as a team.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: The beginning of the season it is always a goal to play and win a regional championship so when we did it was just so surreal.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I think it's every high school team's dream to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship!

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: To get to this point you have to be a very good team and playing your best baseball.  I have respect for all three programs and what they've done in this tournament to get here. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The Ontario community and the fans have been tremendous on this ride to the final four and couldn't ask for anything better! The players and coaches are enjoying this ride and leaving their mark on Ontario baseball history.

2023 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division III

  • No. 13 Waynedale vs No. 16 Ottawa Hills
  • No. 20 Heath vs No. 26 Harrison Central

Division III Preview

No. 13 Apple Creek Waynedale vs. No. 16 Ottawa Hills

Last year’s D-III state champions batted around in a four-run first inning en route to a 14-1 win over South Range in the regional finals, a day after the Bears scored six runs in the first inning against Independence en route to an 8-2 win in the regional semifinals. Southpaw Otto Solorzano, the winning pitcher in the 2022 state championship game 2-1 win over Milan Edison, struck out nine in a five-inning one-hitter for Waynedale, which has five returning starters from a year ago. Trey Barkman, an Ohio University recruit who outdueled Ohio Player of the Year Jacob Miller of Liberty Union in the state semifinals last year, came up big in the districts, shutting out Chagrin Falls in the finals after producing a walk-off RBI double in a 4-3 win over Beachwood in the semifinals for the 13th-rated team in the state, which will be making its third state appearance in school history. … Junior left-hander Sebastian Stevens allowed two runs in 8.2 innings and pounded out two doubles to lead Ottawa Hills to a 3-2 regional final win over Milan Edison, last year’s D-III state runners-up. Nash Barnes singled in Jackson Snyder with the game-winning run in the bottom of the ninth for Ottawa Hills and long-time head coach Chris Hardman, back at state for ninth time but the first since 2010. Edison had beaten Ottawa Hills 3-1 in the 2022 regional finals. Stevens fanned 15 in the district finals against Archbold. Snyder, a sophomore right-hander, was the winning pitcher in a 3-1 victory over Columbus Academy in the regional semis. The 16th-rated Green Bears have won state once in 1986 and finished second in 2001, 1996 and 1992.

No. 20 Heath vs No. 26 Harrison Central

Riley Baum, who was sick and missed the districts, allowed just one earned run in 6.1 innings of a 6-2 win over Greeneview in the regional finals. Just 6-20 two years ago and 10-13 last season, Heath is headed to state for the first time since 2007, thanks to three RBIs from sophomore Connor Corbett. Sophomore Tannar Patterson fanned eight and allowed four hits and no walks in a 9-0 victory over Waynesville in the regional semis. Patterson threw a three-hitter in a 3-1 win over Fredericktown in the districts for the 20th-rated team in the state, which has surrendered only five runs in five tournament games. … The Huskies rallied from a 7-0 deficit to beat Wheelersburg 8-7 in the regional championship, sending Harrison Central to its fourth state tournament appearance in school history. A two-run single by freshman Braden Cook highlighted a four-run sixth inning and Tucker Snyder, the third Harrison pitcher, gave up just one run in 5.1 innings of relief to pick up the victory with Kaden Jurosko picking up the save. Treston Nemeth, a Dayton commit, had three hits, including an RBI single in the sixth, scored the tying run and had a big defensive play behind the plate in the fifth inning for the 34th-ranked team in Ohio. This will mark the first state trip for the Huskies since 2013, with the other appearances in 1986 and 1982.

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

  • Ottawa Hills over Waynedale
  • Harrison Central over Heath
    • STATE CHAMP - Ottawa Hills

Bruce Hefflinger

  • Waynedale over Ottawa Hills
  • Heath over Harrison Central
    • STATE CHAMP - Waynedale

Fan Vote:

  • Ottawa Hills over Waynedale
  • Harrison Central over Heath
    • STATE CHAMP - Ottawa Hills

#13 Waynedale

Record: 23-9
Head Coach: Lucas Daugherty
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2016, 2022, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 2016
  • State Champions: 2022

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .309, Total Runs: 203
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 211, Team ERA: 1.69, Strikeouts: 305

Top Players:

  • Dylan Raber, SS, 2023
  • Tristan Franks, C, 2025
  • Connor Gatti, OF, 2023
  • Timmy Short, 3B/P, 2023
  • Trey Barkman, RHP/DH, 2023
  • Jayden Schlabach, OF, 2025
  • Otto Solorzano, LHP/DH, 2024
  • Gavin Spitler, 1B, 2023
  • Shane Coblentz, 2B/P, 2025
  • Tate Venables, OF, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: A lot of reps indoor and outdoor.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: 1-9 in the batting order are getting on base and producing for the team. Our team has good energy and we are working well as a team.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling to be able to win a regional title again. I am proud of how hard the team has worked to get to where we are.

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 still be playing baseball. We are also excited to compete against the best teams in the state and try to win another State title.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: All three teams have had great seasons and they have been playing great baseball recently to be in the final four.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am looking forward to seeing the Waynedale fans back at Canal Park to support the team. We always have great support from our community!

#16 Ottawa Hills

Record: 22-10
Head Coach: Chris Hardman
Final Ranking: No. 18
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1986, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2001,
    2002, 2010, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 1992, 1996, 2001
  • State Champions: 1986

Fun Facts:

  • We graduated 14 Seniors from last years’ team, 6 are playing College Baseball.
  • We returned 2 starters to this season’s team and we are playing in June.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .302, Total Runs: 228
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 223.1, Team ERA: 2.44, Strikeouts: 276

Top Players:

  • Anthony Adduci, 2B, 2023
  • Reddik Pillarelli, OF, 2025
  • AJ George, OF, 2023
  • Sebastian Stevens, 1B/LHP, 2024
  • Jackson Snyder, RHP/INF, 2025
  • Luke Gnepper, OF, 2024
  • Nash Barnes, DH, 2023
  • Jack Eidenier, SS, 2023
  • Brady Larson, C, 2023
  • Sean Brandt, 3B, 2023
  • Jay Breed, P, 2025
  • Noah Hamilton, P, 2024

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Our guys have done a nice job!  We have played a very challenging schedule in many different venues. I believe that has contributed to the success we have had in the post season to date!

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

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I am grateful for the Regional Championship for the JOY it brought to the players, parents, and community. It was a very busy week with 2 games and Graduation for our Seniors.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach:It is not easy to get to the final weekend of the season.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach:I have great respect for the other 3 teams that have accomplished  that feat.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Ottawa Hills has been very supportive our Baseball program for many years. Any success we have on the field is a tribute to the school, community, and our families!

#20 Heath

Record: 23-8
Head Coach: Thomas Warren
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: NR
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2000, 2002, 2007, 2023
  • State Runner-up: N/A
  • State Champions: 2002, 2007

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .312, Total Runs: 201
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 210, Team ERA: 2.86, Strikeouts: 179

Top Players:

  • Connor Corbett, LF, 2025
  • Tannar Patterson, P/2B, 2025
  • Kaden Green, SS, 2024
  • Hayden Woodward, Utility/RHP, 2024
  • Jaiden Dansby, DH, 2024
  • Cooper Bradley, 1B, 2023
  • Riley Baum, RHP/RF, 2024
  • Jacob Bunn, 3B, 2023
  • Conner Toomey, CF, 2024

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 have been focused on doing the small things correctly. Ie…hitting with two strike

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Grit, ability to overcome mistakes

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Joyed by the chance to represent Heath, OH in the state tournament

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Excited to carry on the rich history and tradition of Heath Baseball

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Any team can win at any time.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Go Dogs!

No. 26 Harrison Central

Record: 19-12
Head Coach: Michael Valesko
Final Ranking: No. 26
Preseason Ranking: No. 6
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2023, 2013, 1986, 1982 (1986 and 1982 was Cadiz HS, consolidated to form Harrison Central in 1999.)
  • State Runner Up: 1982

Fun Facts:

  • In 2013 and 2023, we trailed 7-0 in both regional final games.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .304, Total Runs: 247
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 201, Team ERA: 3.69, Strikeouts: 180

Top Players:

  • Kaden Jurosko SS/P
  • Kayden Dunkle OF
  • Treston Nemeth C/P
  • Tuckey Snyder OF
  • Jace Madzia 3B/P
  • Anthony Pelegreen OF
  • Braden Cook DH
  • Cabot Arbaugh 1B
  • Reed Arbaugh LF
  • Wyatt Pierce P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Last year we were 4 outs from district championship. Spent a lot of time talking about finishing games and not counting outs left in the game. We’ve talked about the mental preparation all offseason. 

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: This team won’t quit. We trailed in both regional games and we kept playing. Never felt like we were out of it due to the leadership of this group. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: So happy for our kids. They work so hard year-round and it was great to see it all pay off. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: Every kid and coach dreams about this possibility. It seems so far away when you start the season in March but to look at the final four bracket and see your school represented on a line, it sets in that you have a chance. Great to have a seat at the table. 

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: 3 really well coached teams that battled to get to this point. Amazing seasons to get to this point. We’ve never played the other 3 teams so we’re excited about that possibility. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Excited for our community to get the opportunity to experience another state tournament. Our school is made up from a few really small communities and I always feel that tournament runs are so special in those towns. Also great for everyone involved with our school district. Our district has invested a ton in our student athletes at Harrison Central and it’s great to see it payoff.

2023 OHSAA Tournament: State Preview - Division IV

  • No. 1 Hiland vs No. 2 Tiffin Calvert
  • No. 4 St. Henry vs No. 5 Russia

Division IV Preview

No. 1 Berlin Hiland vs. No. 2 Tiffin Calvert

The Hawks have outscored the opposition 71-3 in six tournament victories, including an 8-0 win over Whiteoak in the regional finals. The No. 1 team in the state scored seven runs in the top of the seventh in a 13-1 triumph over South Webster in the semis. Will Schlabach, a Mt. Vernon Nazarene recruit, fanned 11 in five innings of one-hit pitching for the win to improve to 7-0 on the year while Connor Beachy produced three hits and Colin Coblentz drove in two versus Whiteoak. Brady Yoder had four hits and Coblentz, while Nolan Yoder drove in three and was the winning pitcher, not allowing an earned run in six innings of four-hit pitching with seven Ks against South Webster to improve to 10-0. Nolan Yoder threw a no-hitter in sectionals and two-hitter in districts while Schlabach and Caden Coblentz combined on a no-hitter in the sectional semifinals for Hiland, which will be making its fifth state appearance and has never lost in the state semis. ... A pair of 4-2 regional wins propelled the Senecas back to state for the second year in a row. Calvert, which had never reached the Final Four until last season, knocked off Warren JFK in the regional finals after beating Lake Center Christian in the semifinals. Mason Johnson allowed two runs on three hits in six innings for the win against JFK before Nick Palm earned the save. The second-rated team in Ohio rallied from a 2-0 deficit with a four-spot in the top of the fifth a day earlier. Johnson had a two-run double and Harrison Shultz an RBI single to make a winner of Blake Coleman, who drove in what proved to be the winning run with a sac fly in the fifth. Coleman, a sophomore who is 10-1 on the season, fanned five in the complete game performance. Johnson, who is 7-0 on the year, had not given up an earned run until JFK scored two in the regional finals.

No. 4 St. Henry vs. No. 5 Russia

A five-run first inning propelled St. Henry past Delphos St. John’s 8-5 and with it a trip to Canal Park for the state tournament. The Midwest Athletic Conference champions, which have beaten three league foes on the tourney trail and are rated fourth in Ohio, received two hits apiece from Bryce Brookhart, Hayden Boeckman, Drew Schwieterman and winning pitcher Devin Delzeith. Lucas Clune pitched five innings of three-hit baseball in the regional semifinal 5-1 win over North Central. This will mark the second state appearance ever for the Redskins, the other coming in 2011. ... The defending state champions are back at Akron after scoring three runs in the fifth to beat South Charleston Southeastern 4-1 in the regional finals. Sophomore Braylon Cordonnier did not give up an earned run in a seven-hitter with nine strikeouts. Brayden Monnin had a run-scoring single and Hayden Quinter a two-run single in the fifth inning for the fifth-rated team in Ohio. Quinter broke up a scoreless battle in the top of the eighth with Berne Union in the regional semis with a single to plate two, making a winner of Xavier Phlipot who surrendered just three hits in an eight inning complete game. Phlipot was the winning pitcher in last year’s state championship game 10-4 win over Lincolnview. This marks the fifth state appearance for Russia, with state titles in 1971 and 2022.

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

  • Hiland over Tiffin Calvert
  • Russia over St. Henry
    • STATE CHAMP - Hiland

Bruce Hefflinger

  • Hiland over Tiffin Calvert
  • Russia over St. Henry
    • STATE CHAMP - Russia

Fan Vote:

  • Hiland over Tiffin Calvert
  • Russia over St. Henry
    • STATE CHAMP - Hiland

#1 Hiland

Record: 28-1
Head Coach: Chris Dages
Final Ranking: No. 1
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2000, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2017
  • State Runner-up: 2000, 2008, 2017
  • State Championship: 2016

Fun Facts:

  • Nolan Yoder has 2 no-hitters on the season.
  • Will Schlabach threw consecutive no-hit games and was part of a combined no-hitter.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .329, Total Runs: 257
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 184.2, Team ERA: 0.80, Strikeouts: 219

Top Players:

  • Alec Weaver, SS, Senior
  • Cody Yoder, DH, Junior
  • Nolan Yoder, RHP/INF, Senior
  • Colin Coblentz, OF, Soph.
  • Isaak Yoder, OF, Senior
  • Brady Yoder, 3B, Junior
  • Caden Coblentz, 1B, Soph.
  • Braden Kaufman, C, Senior
  • Connor Beachy, 2B, Junior
  • Wyatt Miller, OF, Junior
  • Will Schlabach, RHP, Senior
  • Finn Schneider, RHP, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: Since last fall, the players have been working hard in the weightroom and on their individual game skills. They take their pitching, hitting and fielding workouts seriously, knowing they will be put to the test once the season begins. During the regular season we try to create the toughest out of conference schedule we can. We want to put our guys in challenging positions during the regular season so they are ready for the pressures of tournament baseball.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The team is extremely focused right now. The guys are seeing the ball well and taking great approaches to every at bat. Our pitchers are doing an outstanding job of challenging the other team and trusting the defense to make plays behind them.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Everyone is extremely excited for the chance to compete at Canal Park. The guys have been working hard to get this opportunity and continue to work because they know the job isn't finished yet.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are all trying to enjoy this opportunity because we know it doesn't happen often. When you make it to this point you know the games are going to be a battle. I am really happy our guys get a chance to experience this and compete for a championship.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: No matter what ranking you look at, you're going to find this year's final four teams somewhere in the top 5. The other 3 teams bring solid defense, great pitching and potent offenses into this final weekend. You can expect to see high level baseball played in all three games this weekend.

#2 Tiffin Calvert

Record: 30-2
Head Coach: Matt Coleman
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 9
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 2022, 2023

Fun Facts:

  • School record for wins with 30
  • 16-0 SBC River Champions
  • Two Senior Co-Captains:
    • Nick Palm - Career/Season Hits Leader 125/46, Career/Season Runs Leader 140/54, 34 BB and 16 HBP this year
    • Mason Johnson - Career/Season RBI Leader 123/52, Season HR - 9, 16-1 Career W-L Record

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .350, Total Runs: 311
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 198, Team ERA: 1.27, Strikeouts: 265

Top Players:

  • Nick Palm, SS/P, Senior
  • AJ Shoemaker, OF, Freshman
  • Mason Johnson, 3B/P, Senior
  • Connor Moyer, C, Freshman
  • Cameron Moyer, 1B, Freshman
  • Blake Coleman, P/2B, Sophomore
  • Harrison Shultz, OF, Junior
  • Jacob Kidwell, DH/UTIL, Freshman
  • Caden Otterbacher, OF/RHP, Junior
  • Jamison Godfrey, 3B/2B, Junior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: There are about 10 of our players that played a lot of extra ball this past year on respective travel/Legion ball. They have realized that at a small school like Calvert where we graduated just 26 total students this past year we need them to play multiple sports, but that there is still time to put extra work in while playing another sport to get their arms and bodies conditioned for baseball. Stretching and Flexibility with our new Strength and Conditioning Coach, Carrie Smith - has been an added focus to increase maximum potential.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our culture and team unity and body language has improved over the last couple of years. It is still a work in progress, but we have played fundamental baseball of making the other team put the ball in play and shaking things off if we make an error. Our overall focus and attention to detail has been better this year.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling to beat two really sound teams in Lake Center Christian and Warren JFK, who still had a number of players from their last state title team in 2021. Even if the expectations are there, getting to this point cannot be taken for granted, especially in the game of baseball. We were excited for the opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: We are fortunate to have the opportunity to compete for a State Title. At the end of the day, we will leave it all on the field and take lessons and memories from the experiences of the weekend. In the whole scheme of things, this has been an incredible journey. The game of baseball is special to many on our team and coaching staff, but may God's will be done as to each individual and their purpose in the world here on earth.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: This is quite the group of heavyweights and fundamental and well-coached teams. Hiland obviously is the number 1 ranked team with the Player and Coach of the Year (by OHSBCA), Russia is back as the returning State Champ and St. Henry plays is one of the toughest areas in the state and has always had athletes down there. It should be a fun weekend and we are humbled and honored to be right in the mix with these storied programs.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are so thankful for the support of our administration, fans and youth of our community. We may be small in number, but we have a God/Family first culture that has been cultivated and our team and coaches are lucky to be a part of it. Thanks for your coverage!

#4 St. Henry

Record: 24-6
Head Coach: Mike Gast
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 11
Postseason History:

  • State Final Four: 1945, 1946, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 1945, 1946
  • State Championship: 1999, 2000, 2003

Fun Facts:

  • St. Henry baseball were 12-0 versus league (Midwest Athletic Conference) opponents this spring: 9-0 in the regular season and wins over New Bremen, Marion Local, and Delphos St. John's in the tournament.
  • 99 stolen bases on the season thus far puts this team in second all time for stolen bases in a season (120 SB for the 1999 team).
  • Logan Link's 23 SB on the season thus far place him in 4th place for SB in a season (32 SB by Brent Koesters in 1999 and two individuals with 24 SB (Tim Beyke in 1999 and Jason Westgerdes in 2009). Four other players have 13 or more stolen bases on the season (Elijah Horstman with 19, Bryce Brookhart with 17, Hayden Boeckman with 15, and Nolan Kunkler with 13).
  • Junior pitcher Devin Delzeith is 11-0, tied for most wins in a season alongside 2000 graduate (and current assistant coach) Neil Schmitz (BGSU pitcher) and 2003 graduate Todd Boeckman (OSU quarterback).
  • Devin's 7 complete games this year place him tied for most in a season, alongside Trent Boeckman's (father of current CF Hayden Boeckman) 7 in 1998.

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .305, Total Runs: 221
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 205.1, Team ERA: 2.04, Strikeouts: 210

Top Players:

  • Logan Link, Junior, SS
  • Bryce Brookhart, Senior, 3B
  • Hayden Boeckman, Junior, CF
  • Drew Schwieterman, Junior, 1B
  • Elijah Horstman, Senior, RF
  • Lucas Clune, Junior, DH/P
  • Nolan Kunkler, Senior, LF
  • Ethan Nietfeld, Senior, 2B
  • Devin Delzeith, Junior, P
  • Caden Bergman, Junior, C
  • David Clune, Sophomore, P
    Evan Bowers, Junior, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We were very fortunate to host State ACME last summer and get a chance to compete with seven other great program's in the State ACME tournament, including Russia. We were able to defeat Perrysburg in the first round before being defeated by Defiance in the next round. That experience was big for our guys and propelled us into our fall and winter offseason. Voluntary fall workouts, including our throwing program and individual instruction, began in early September and went into early December. A lot of the guys on this tournament team took advantage of these opportunities to grow and continue to develop their skills, and it has shown this spring. Our open gym and bullpen schedule began in late december and went up to the start of practice in late February. Once again, we have a lot of guys continue to take advantage of these opportunities to put themselves in a position to compete for spots in the spring. As the season has gone on this spring, we have played with an increasing amount of confidence, and winning the league title outright was a big step for the confidence in these young men and our team.

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We're getting some really good at bats right now. We have batted .375 with a .481 OBP in our last four games (district games against New Bremen and Marion Local, and regional games against North Central and Delphos St. John's). Different guys have stepped up with big at bats; in the four game stretch, six of our starters are batting over .400 and two others at .333. We've battled through some tense moments in a couple of games this offseason and gained some maturity in the process.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was awesome to get to see our guys celebrate the last out against Delphos St. John's and celebrate the opportunity to move on to get the opportunity to play in Akron. There was a lot of emotion from our coaching staff and players. It was a culmination of a lot of hard work by many paying off in that moment.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: It's an incredible opportunity for our guys to have the chance to compete alongside three fantastic programs and get another opportunity to play against a program that we have great respect for in Russia. Our community will surely show up well at Canal Park, and we look forward to what will be an awesome atmosphere to play a baseball game.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: Russia defeated us 6-4 early in the season, and we are familiar with their great talent across their entire roster. Braylon Cordonnier is one of the best players in Division IV across the entire state, and they have some really quality arms that will provide a challenge for us on Thursday. We're looking forward to the opportunity to compete against them again this week. Tiffin Calvert and Berlin Hiland are both teams that are consistently playing at very high levels each season. Both of these teams seem to have been hitting very well all season and each has some players that have had some monster seasons this spring.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Once again, we are very grateful to the support that this community and school system has provided to us over the course of this tournament run. We'll undoubtedly travel well once again to Akron later this week, and Russia will surely match the spirit in which our St. Henry faithful will bring. It's going to be a great atmosphere for a game, and we are looking forward to playing for the St. Henry community.

#5 Russia

Record: 25-5
Head Coach: Kevin Philpot
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Postseason History:

  • 20 District Title (6 in a row)
  • State Final Four: 1971, 1975, 2017, 2022, 2023
  • State Runner-up: 1975, 2017
  • State Championship: 1971, 2022

Fun Facts:

  • We have won 76 games in the last 3 years
  • Won 6 consecutive District titles 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
  • Back to Back Regional Champs 2022 2023

Team Stats:

  • Offense: Team Average: .309, Total Runs: 242
  • Pitching: Innings Pitched: 199.2, Team ERA: 1.51, Strikeouts: 208

Top Players:

  • Xavier Phlipot, P/SS SR
  • Zane Shappie, OF, SR
  • Braylon Cordonnier, SS/P, 2025
  • Brayden Monnin, 2B, 2024
  • Hayden Quinter, 3B, 2024
  • Felix Francis, OF, 2024
  • Jude Counts, 1B, 2024
  • Ross Fiessinger, OF, 2023
  • Cooper Unverferth, C, 2026
  • Ross Fiessinger, P
  • Cooper Francis, P

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What did you and your team do this offseason and regular season to prepare yourselves for this point?
Coach: We played a tougher schedule. Played D-I Fairmont, D-II Urbana, Wapakaneta, Celina and D-III Indian Lake.

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

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: The feeling would be pure joy!! This regional was very exhausting both mentally and physically.  

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four with a chance at winning a state championship?
Coach: I look forward to playing against Coach Gast and his team as we do every year at the St. Henry Invitational.

PBR: Thoughts on the other three teams at the state?
Coach: We play St. Henry almost every year.  I am still seaching for info on the other teams.

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