Prep Baseball Report

OSSAA 5A State Tournament Preview


Scott Hood
OK/MO/KS/ARK Assistant Scouting Director

A lot of the usual suspects in 5A are making their annual trip to the State Tournament this week as well as a few making their first trip in a couple of years as well as a team that has found new success since dropping down from 6A.  The field is loaded with talented hitters and should be one of the more physical State Tournaments from Oklahoma this year.  PBR takes a deeper dive into each team in this year's field with a look at how they got here as well as some players to keep an eye on throughout the games this week.  Games start on Thursday at 11 am at Edmond Santa Fe High School and we will finally crown this year's 5A Champion at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Saturday afternoon.

Be sure to follow us on twitter @PBR_Oklahoma for updates from 5A and all the other State tournaments this week.

PIEDMONT WILDCATS

OVERALL RECORD: 30-8

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 4-5

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Wildcats dominated their way through their regional with an opening 12-1 win against Santa Fe South and then took down Eisenhower twice by scores of 10-0 and 15-0 to punch their ticket to State.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Caleb Lunnon, RHP, 2022, NOC-Tonkawa commit

Trey Migl, OF, 2022, Carl Albert State commit

Cole Riggs, OF, 2022

Gabe Clyden, INF, 2022, Cameron University commit

Weston Thomas, UTL/RHP, 2024

Cole Girard, UTL/RHP, 2023

Noah Smith, 3B/C, 2023

Fidel Hatch, RHP, 2022

 

Coach Skokowski's Wildcats have been one of the top 5A teams all season on the backs of an experienced roster and a few young talents.  They won 22 out of their first 25 games and cruised to a 30 win season.  On the mound they have run with the one two punch of Seniors Caleb Lunnon and Fidel Hatch who have both shown the ability to give quality starts and face the lineup multiple times.  Offensively it all gets started with Cole Riggs setting the table out of the leadoff spot with the big bats of Gabe Clyden, Trey Migl, Weston Thomas, Noah Smith, and Cole Girard being relied upon to do the heavy lifting in run production.  The Wildcats have so different guys in the lineup that can beat you making them a tough 1-9 to navigate.  In order for the Wildcats to take home the hardware later this week it will be crucial for them to continue to get solid starting pitching and they will need to keep their bats hot after scoring in the double digits in their last 5 games.

 

CARL ALBERT TITANS

OVERALL RECORD: 22-17

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 3-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Titans put themselves into a hosting position after strong play in their District which paid off with home wins against Ardmore 13-0 and then a sweep of Elgin with scores of 7-3 and 11-0 to return back to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Luke Stout, UTL, 2022, Hillsborough CC commit

Jaxon Holland, OF, 2022, Cameron University

Hutch Russell, SS, 2024

Tanner Norman, 1B, 2024

Mason Novotny, INF, 2024

Samuel Gonzalez, INF/RHP, 2024

Brodie Hinson, INF, 2023

Chase Lashley, LHP, 2023

Karsten Geiger, RHP, 2022

 

The Titans were the wire-to-wire best team in 5A last season capturing another State Title.  2022 has been a bit of a different story for the Titans after a slower than expected start but they have found their stride down the stretch and getting back into the State Tournament.  You can't take a look at their overall record and get a clear picture on the Titans as they have played one of the toughest non-6A schedules in the State which should prepare them for the tough slate ahead of them this week.  The offense is led by Luke Stout and his physical left-handed presence in the lineup.  Hutch Russell is blossoming into one of the top middle infielders in the state and provides an athletic presence in the order.  It all gets started at the top with the on-base minded Jaxon Holland with Mason Novotnty swinging a hot bat behind him as of late.  Tanner Norman has also shined in his sophomore season in the lineup as a big run producer for the Titans.  On the mound they have a few options with Karsten Geiger, Chase Lashley, and Samuel Gonzalez as well as Hutch Russell providing some pitching depth.  In order for the Titans to repeat as champions in 2022 their defense is going to have to shine as well as the continue to get good starting pitching which they have over the course of the past couple of weeks.  They have enough experience in the bats to put up some runs just need to limit damage on the defensive side of the ball.

 

DUNCAN DEMONS

OVERALL RECORD: 26-7

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 3-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: By way of winning their District with a 13-1 record, the Demons got to host their regional last week and breezed through with an opening 15-0 victory against Southeast and then a sweep of Guthrie at 12-0 and 9-0 to make their way into this year's State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Peyton Roberson, C/UTL, 2022, Hutchinson CC commit

Bryson Brooksher, OF, 2023

Michael Barham, SS, 2024

Kenny Garland, INF/RHP, 2022

Trevyn Stewart, UTL, 2022

Eli Ramirez, INF/RHP, 2025

Brance Garrett, LHP, 2023

 

Coach Oliver's Demon squad has shown the ability to win consistently all season long as well as take down a few quality opponents along the way.  They finished the year with a 20-3 record against other 5A foes and two wins against Power 25 6A schools along the way.  Offensively they are paced by Bryson Booksher out of the leadoff spot and the physical presence of Peyton Roberson right behind him offering some real power out of the 2 hole.  They also have multiple talented underclassmen throughout the lineup such as Michael Barham and Eli Ramirez as well as Senior Trevyn Stweart and Kenny Garland in the middle of the order.  On the mound they have had multiple guys step up as of late including three shutouts in the Regional play with one being a combined no-hitter.  Brance Garrett is a talented left hander that has given them numerous quality starts as well as Kenny Garland showing the ability to navigate through a lineup.  If the Demons can continue to get the type of starting pitching they have received down the stretch where they have only allowed 11 runs over their past 10 games, then they have a real shot at taking the 5A crown at the end of the week.

 

NOBLE BEARS

OVERALL RECORD: 26-11

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 3-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Bears finished with a district record of 13-1 allowing them to host a regional where they swept through Guymon with a 12-2 victory and then picked up back to back wins against Bishop McGuinness with scores of 5-0 and 11-8 to punch their ticket to this week's State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colin Fisher, LHP/INF, 2023, Arkansas Commit

Braden Harper, C, 2022, Carl Albert State commit

Devon Knight, OF, 2023

Kasen Anglin, SS, 2023

Bryson Carey, UTL, 2025

Chris Lovell, INF, 2022

Cooper Nash, RHP/OF, 2022

 

Coach Hughes' Bears enter the State Tournament playing their best baseball of the season winning 18 out of their last 20 games.  They posted an 18-3 record against other 5A teams and picked up 3 wins against 6A teams along the way.  The Bears are led by one of the top left-handed pitchers in the country in Colin Fisher with true swing and miss stuff and is one of the true Ace's in the State.  Cooper Nash has also proven himself on the mound as well along with Kasen Anglin providing some pitching depth.  Offensively they are paced by the talented freshman Bryson Carey out of the leadoff spot with physical hitters like Fisher, Braden Harper, and Chris Lovell right behind him for a majority of the run production.  The Bears are able to stretch the lineup pretty deep getting production from guys like Cooper Nash and Devon Knight providing tough outs further down the order.  The Bears have to be feeling very confident heading into the State Tournament and need to continue to get good starting pitching and clutch hitting from the middle of the order to make a real run at a Title on Saturday.

 

SAPULPA CHIEFTAINS

OVERALL RECORD: 28-10

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 4-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE:  The Chieftains got the three team draw for their regional having to play Coweta and Midwest City each and then the two best records matched up for a one game final to head to the State Tournament.  They dropped their first game against Midwest City 5-6 in extra innings but were able to rebound and take down Coweta 14-4 and then finished with a 12-2 victory against Midwest City sending them to the State Tournament.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Jack Blevins, INF/RHP, 2024

Logan Rains, OF/RHP, 2022, Fort Scott CC commit

Kaiden Ashton, OF, 2022, NEO CC commit

Garrett Richards, INF/RHP, 2023

Malachi Wilson, INF, 2024

Braxton Jones, RHP, 2024

Alejandro Diaz, INF, 2022

Connor Burch, LHP, 2022, Fort Scott commit

 

Coach Irvine's Chieftains squad has had a breakout season in their first year in dropping down into 5A with their 28-10 record and perfect 14-0 record in District play which saw three teams make it to the State Tournament with Shawnee just missing it for its fourth.  They are another team entering the State Tournament playing their best baseball winning 20 out of their previous 23 games.  They are one of the scrappiest rosters in the State with a lineup and pitching staff full of grinders.  On the mound they are led by Braxton Jones and a resurgent Connor Burch who has shown the ability to make pitches in big games in the past.  They will also rely on Garrett Richards and Jack Blevins on the mound for some depth as well as Kaiden Ashton.  Offensively they have multiple guys that can beat you starting with Kaiden Ashton who is one of the tougher outs in the State.  Blevins has some sneaky pop from the left side and Logan Rains has some of the better tools in the area.  Alejandro Diaz has shown some strength in the barrel at times this season as well as Malachi Wilson who has shown the ability to hit good pitching.  The Chieftains will need to keep the bats rolling and put up some numbers as well defend at a high level to make a run at Title on Saturday.

 

BISHOP KELLEY COMETS

OVERALL RECORD: 21-11

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 2-4

HOW THEY GOT HERE: By way of finishing second in their District the Comets hosted their regional where they cruised through three victories with a 20-0 win over Nathan Hale, a 4-0 victory over Glenpool, then punched their ticket to the State Tournament with a 15-1 win over Claremore.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Andrew Talburt, INF/RHP, 2022, Cowley CC commit

Reid Williams, 1B, 2022, Allen CC commit

Grayson Smith, RHP/INF, 2023

Tyler Stelly, RHP, 2022, Southwestern Christian commit

Eric Thompson, OF, 2022, Coffeyville CC commit

Jackson Archambeau, INF, 2023

Reid Jones, 1B, 2024

 

Coach Scardino's Comets enter the State Tournament with an experienced roster and players that know what it takes to win some games in a State Tournament after coming up just short in the finals in 2021.  They are led by the two-way Andrew Talburt who works as the Ace on the mound as well as handles the shortstop duties and being a major force for them offensively.  They have good pitching depth with guys like Tyler Stelly and Grayson Smith who have shown the ability to give quality starts in the past giving them enough arms to make a deep run.  Offensively it starts with the twitchy Jackson Archambeau leading off giving the Comets and extra base threat at the top of the order.  Reid Williams is a physical two hole that shows some strength in the barrel from the left side and Eric Thompson has shown the ability to drive the ball in the gaps consistently with a levered swing.  Reid Jones provides a physical presence further down the order with good bat speed.  This roster has been in tight games that matter before and will need to rely on their experience to keep the heart rate low and continue to make plays at a high level defensively to give themselves the best chance at getting back on top in 5A.

 

COLLINSVILLE CARDINALS

OVERALL RECORD: 34-7

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 2-2

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Cardinals only dropped one district game throughout the year giving them the ability to host a regional but it took some work to get to the State Tournament.  They cruised to an early 16-1 victory over Will Rogers but then dropped a game to Shawnee 6-7.  They bounced back for a 14-8 victory over Edison and needed a two game sweep of Shawnee to punch their ticket.  They won the first one 5-2 with relative ease and then played a back and forth game that saw them trailing by a run in the bottom of the 7th that they quickly erased then walked them off with a three run homer off the scoreboard for the 9-6 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Landon Bunch, INF/RHP, 2022

Cage Edgmon, OF, 2022

Braden Keith, SS, 2022

Chayse Schlomann, OF, 2022

Seth Wright, LHP, 2023

Madaxon Aunko, OF, 2024

John Masingale, INF, 2022

Kaden Rush, INF/RHP, 2023

 

Coach Reeder's Cardinals with their backs against the wall in the Regional final delivered in a big way thanks to their experience in the roster and a very deep group of hitters.  Their 34 wins is one of the top totals in the State with a 19-4 record against other 5A foes and picking up 4 wins against teams in 6A throughout the year.  Landon Bunch is one of the more productive bats in this 5A State Tournament and can play all over the infield.   Cage Edgmon gives them an extra base threat at the top of the lineup and physical hitters like Braden Keith, Chayse Schlomann, John Masingale, and Kaden Rush make them one of the deeper lineups in the State.  They are full of high contact hitters with line drive approaches making them tough to pitch to.  On the mound they are led by Seth Wright who has shown the ability to miss bats and rack up strikeouts quickly.  After Wright they have a very deep staff of strike throwers who come in and attack hitters.  They will need some arms to step up this week and take over games to give the bats a chance to outpace their opponents for their best chance at taking home a Title on Saturday.

 

MCALESTER BUFFALOES

OVERALL RECORD: 21-18

RECORD AGAINST STATE OPPONENTS: 2-3

HOW THEY GOT HERE: The Buffaloes are the only team in the tournament that had to get it done on the road in Regional play with an opening 12-0 victory against Durant and then taking down the one seed Grove 11-4.  They dropped their first shot at punching their ticket to the State Tournament by dropping a game to Grove 4-5 but then came back and solidified their spot with a 12-2 victory.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Gage Dollins, SS, 2022, Seminole State JC commit

LLeyton Bass, OF, 2022

Gannon Mullins, INF, 2024

Caden Lesnau, INF/P, 2024

Trent Boatright, INF/RHP, 2022

Ethan Gillespie, C, 2023

Seth Sam, RHP/INF, 2023

Coach Mullins' Buffaloes stepped up when they needed to most playing their best baseball down the stretch in the Regionals to pull off an upset and become the only non-hosting team to make it to this year's 5A State Tournament.  They have a lineup with a couple talented hitters led by Ethan Gillespie providing a big punch from the middle of the lineup.  Lleyton Bass and Trent Boatright are in charge at the top of the order getting one base and it comes down to Gillespie, Gannon Mullins, and the switch hitting Gage Dollins to provide a bulk of the run production.  On the mound they have used multiple guys in starting roles and will rely on the arms of Caden Lesnau, Boatright, and Seth Sam to pick up a majority of the outs.  Pitching and timely hitting will be the key for the Buffalos this week as they try and make a run at a Title on Saturday.

 

STATE TOURNAMENT PREVIEWS