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 #8 ranked West Albany Bulldogs. 

 

High School: West Albany Bulldogs    
Head Coach: Marty Johnston
Division: 5A
League/Conference: Mid-Willamette
2024 Record (Finish): 27-4
2024 Playoff Finish: 5A state runner up

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 4
No. of Returning Pitchers: 3
Key Players Lost: Andrew Yost, Aiden Metzker, Lukas Hews, Mason Linton, Zackary Ferguson, Sawyer Kasten, Cam Garrett

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Drew Rice

Bullpen: Jaiden Fifhouse, Rylan Mathiesen

Top Seniors: Drew Rice, Kane Damon, Rylan Mathiesen, Lucas Klein

Top Juniors: Blake Linton, Austin Thompson, Jaiden Fifhouse, Austin Thompson, Scotty Cummings

Areas to watch: Inexperience, pitching

Team Strengths: Up the middle defense

Overall Summary

West Albany is coming off of an incredible 2024 season in which they finished 27-4, good for second place in the 5A state playoffs. They'll look to carry that momentum into 2025 with a few key remaining players. The Bulldogs are led by senior RHP/SS Drew Rice. Rice was flat out dominant on the mound, working deep into games throughout last spring. The senior also hit in the middle of the order and provided some power, which he hopes to carry into this season. Junior Blake Linton is another key returner that played outfield and hit leadoff in his sophomore campaign. Catcher Kane Damon is a steady player that looks to lead from behind the plate. Junior Austin Thompson also returns to the starting lineup. Several new faces will need to step up and provide innings on the mound. Junior Jaiden Fifhouse and senior Rylan Mathiesen are two arms that did see varsity pitching action last spring, and could help in this regard. The Bulldogs will get a 5A state championship game rematch with Thurston, in addition to intruiging games against Sandy and Summit to highlight their schedule. Look for West Albany to continue to be one of the stronger 5A sides and aim for another deep playoff run.

Find more information on the 2025 West Albany program below:

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

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