Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2025 spring season. Team previews touch on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team Previews are generated through a mixture of coaches' responses gathered through our perennial coaches questionnaires, as well as insight from Prep Baseball Staff. Stay tuned the next several weeks for the unveiling of Team Previews and the complete Power 25.

Today, we spotlight the #1 ranked West Linn Lions. 

 

High School: West Linn Lions    
Head Coach: Joe Monahan
Division: 6A
League/Conference: Three Rivers
2024 Record (Finish): 26-4
2024 Playoff Finish: 6A state champions

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 5
No. of Returning Pitchers: 3
Key Players Lost: Ryan Vandenbrink, Gabe Howard, Blake Crawford, Mitch Rowe

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Carson Boyer, Roy Espinosa, Cole Hawkins

Bullpen: Ryan Hemsley, Caden Klouda, Gunner Huffman

Top Seniors: Danny Wideman, Carson Boyer, Maverick Harper, Roy Espinosa, Cole Hawkins, Gunner Huffman

Top Juniors: Ryan Hemsley, Hank Curdy, Caden Klouda, Kai Sugiuchi, Zach VandenBrink

Underclassmen to watch: '27 Sloan Baker, '27 Gabriel Cruz, '27 Gavin Thaut, '28 Cohen Bissell

Areas to watch: Experience

Team Strengths: Speed, defense & pitching

Coaches Outlook: “This team will be similar to our 2022 team we will have a mix of young players and a few veterans. I expect us to be ready come playoff time! ” – Joe Monahan, Head Coach

Overall Summary

Three-time defending 6A state champions West Linn will once again be a strong side this spring. The Lions do lose several key pieces from their championship squad, but bring back some key players as well. West Linn is headlined by senior INF/OF and Oregon commit Danny Wideman. Wideman is one of the most explosive bats in his class with clear athleticism, and should return to the middle of the batting order. Another headliner for the Lions is senior LHP and Gonzaga commit Carson Boyer. The senior arm was mostly used in shorter stints last season but will be leaned upon more heavily this time around. Fellow seniors Roy Espinoza and Cole Hawkins will also step in to help cover some innings this season. West Linn will also look to some younger players for contributions this spring, perhaps none more important than junior RHP/INF Ryan Hemsley. The righty is a big time talent and is the 9th ranked 2026 grad in the state of Oregon. Junior Sloan Baker and sophomore Caden Klouda could be in the mix for open outfield spots. Sophomores Gabriel Cruz and Gavin Thaut have shots at playing time as well. The team as a whole boasts plenty of speed and athleticism, with several position battles to watch as the season unfolds. Head coach Joe Monahan is circling games against Sunset and Barlow to open the Lions' season as key matchups. Look for West Linn to put out a strong side that once again should be in the mix for a 6A state title.

Find more information on the 2025 West Linn program below:

+ Follow them on IG: @westlinnbsb
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 homepage

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