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 #4 ranked Thurston Colts. 

 

High School: Thurston Colts    
Head Coach: Dennis Minium
Division: 5A
League/Conference: Midwestern
2024 Record (Finish): 28-3
2024 Playoff Finish: 5A state champions

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 6
No. of Returning Pitchers: 6
Key Players Lost: Eli Crist, Adam Elliott, Bryson Clifford

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Grady Saunders, Connor Molony, Collin Hernandez

Bullpen: Kyle Miller, Brock Johnson, Noah Blair

Top Seniors: Connor Molony, Kyle Miller, Brock Lundy, David Macdonald, Noah Blair, Braden Corgain, Carson Wolf, Collin Hernandez

Top Juniors: Brock Johnson, Grady Saunders, Bryson Bowser, Jackson Lane, Cam Nosack

Areas to watch: Underclass contributions

Team Strengths: Depth, speed, two-way play

Coaches Outlook: “We have a ton of depth at every position. We will have players fighting every day at practice for playing time. We've had a great offseason with players working hard and the want to get better, and players know they have a huge target on their backs. The coaches are excited to get going and watch them compete.” – Dennis Minium, Head Coach

Overall Summary

Thurston enters the 2025 season as the defending 5A state champions. The Colts bring back the vast majority of their championship side, and should be one of the best 5A teams yet again this season. Thurston is headlined by several elite talents, with junior RHP/SS Grady Saunders at the top of that list. The Oregon State commit was more than dominant on the mound last spring, while also being a difference maker offensively in the cleanup spot. Saunders is the third ranked junior in the state of Oregon. Senior RHP/1B Connor Molony is another difference maker on both sides of the baseball. The Oregon commit is the 11th ranked player in Oregon's senior class. Senior LHP Collin Hernandez got some huge innings down the stretch last spring and should step into a larger role on the mound this season. Junior INF Brock Johnson is a staple near the top of the order for the Colts. The 6th ranked player in his class is one of the top uncommitted juniors in the state. Uncommitted senior David McDonald will fortify what should be an exceptional infield group. Senior Lane CC commit Braden Corgain also provides a strong arm defensively from the catcher spot. Head coach Dennis Minium is pointing to games against Sheldon and Sunset as highlights of the 2025 schedule. Look for Thurston to once again be among the best 5A teams in the state.

Find more information on the 2025 Thurston program below:

+ Follow them on X: @ThsColtBaseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Oregon Preseason Power 25 homepage

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