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2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - State Final Four Preview

June 1, 2016

Follow @PBR Ohio 

By Dylan Hefflinger
Editor in Chief/NW Scout

The OHSAA State Tournament's road heads straight for Huntington Park, with the 16 best teams in the four divisions represented. Ohio is blessed with having the best teams, players, coaches, parents and communities around. The support by the communities down in Columbus is second to none and us here at PBR are blessed to be able to cover such an amazing tournament.

Below we have the OHSAA State Final Four Preview.

Come Thursday we will be bringing everyone coverage of every pitch. We will have a running State Scout Blog, Twitter Updates, Game Articles, All-Tournament Team, Photo Gallery and everything in-between.

I personally want to say thank you to all the coaches that got back to me on the state preview. If you are a coach, and have not sent your state preview in to PBR, please send [email protected] information.

State Previews by Division:
Division I
Division II
Division III
Division IV

Regional Previews by Division:
Division I
Division II
Division III
Division IV

To view the Team Power Rankings by division, which includes teams that just missed the cut and are on the bubble, please click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV

To view the Preseason All-State Selections, click below:
+ Division I
+ Division II
+ Division III
+ Division IV 

For insider information and scouting notes from the PBR staff during the 2016 spring season visit the 2016 Ohio Scout Blog by clicking here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

To discuss and critique anything HS baseball wise, visit our partner JJHuddle.

2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division I State Final Four Preview

****Rankings are based on PBR Ohio's Final Team Power Rankings

Division I

Home team listed first

#16 Cincinnati LaSalle (24-7) vs. #6 Solon (25-4), Thursday, June 2, 4 p.m.
#20 St. Ignatius (22-10) vs. Pickerington North (21-9) Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m.
Division I State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 1 p.m.

State Final Four Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division I:

#16 Cincinnati LaSalle (24-7)


Head Coach:  Joe Voegele

School Facts:

  • This is the 50th anniversary of La Salle Baseball.
  • 2nd state appearance in school history (1995).
  • Was the 3rd appearance in the regionals over last 7 years (2010, 2015 and 2016)
  • This Senior Class has the highest winning percentage in school history of .760.
  • Jake Kaiser holds the LaSalle record for most wins in a season with 9.

Top Hitters:

  1. Andrew Sexton, CF, 2016 - .333 BA, 6 2B, 25 R, 20 RBIs, 12 SB
  2. Brady Reynolds, INF, 2017 - .376 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 21 R, 15 RBIs, 14 SB
  3. Kevin Browne, 3B, 2016 - .368 BA, 7 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 23 R, 27 RBIs
  4. Micah Allen, P, 2017 - .365 BA, 2 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 16 R, 20 RBIs
  5. Griffin Merritt, 1B, 2018 -.322 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 14 R, 26 RBIs
  6. Jon Hambrick, C, 2016 - .278 BA, 1 2B, 12 R, 12 RBIs
  7. Tyler Wardwell, SS, 2017 - .416 BA, 8 2B, 22 R, 12 RBIs
  8. Baron Moreland, RF, 2017 - .308 BA, 20 R, 6 RBIs
  9. Tim Casey, 2B, 2016 - .457 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 22 R, 21 RBIs

The Arms:

  1. Jacob Kaiser, 2016 - 71.2 IP, 9-1, 1.30 ERA, 35 K
  2. Micah Allen, 2017 - 42.2 IP, 4-2, 1 SV, 2.30 ERA, 24 K
  3. Jacob Barford, 2016 - 36 IP, 4-3, 1 SV, 2.72 ERA, 17 K
  4. Quintin Baldwin, 2016 - 16.2 IP, 2-1, 2.94 ERA
  5. Dana Reeves, 2016 - 15.1 IP, 3-0, 3.65 ERA

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing with solid defense and good pitching; two areas needed in tournament play.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It’s a great feeling for the team, community, parents, and school. We last appeared at State in 2004, so everyone is excited to go back. This is a very exciting time for the program.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: Our program has been building for this for the last four years. We felt last year we had a great opportunity to go to the Final Four, only to lose in the Regionals. Our Seniors have worked very hard to get to this stage and are honored to have the opportunity.

 

#6 Solon (25-4)


Head Coach: Damien Kopkas

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state seven times, with the last time being in 1991.

Top Hitters:

  1. Joseph Bubonics, C, 2017 - .397 BA, 4 2B, 19 R, 12 RBIs
  2. Casey Maniglia, DH, 2018 - .362 BA, 4 2B, 23 R, 19 RBIs
  3. Anthony Charles, LF, 2016 - .438 BA, 4 2B, 27 R, 15 RBIs
  4. Will Meyer, SS, 2016 - .436 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 35 R, 14 RBIs
  5. Brandon Dim, RF, 2016 - .323 BA, 5 2B, 21 R, 15 RBIs
  6. John Alvarez, CF, 2016 - .253 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 22 R, 19 RBis
  7. Johnny Mooney, 1B, 2016 - .400 BA, 10 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 22 R, 35 RBIs
  8. Joe Paskell, 3B, 2017 - .403 BA, 8 2B, 1 3B, 22 R, 22 RBIs
  9. Mike Tsironis, 2B, 2017 - .416 BA, 9 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 24 R, 21 RBIs
  10. Ryan McCann, .333 BA
  11. Ryan McCurry, .233 BA

The Arms:

  1. Nathan Altstadt, P, 2016 - 44.2 IP, 6-1, 0.94 ERA, 70 K
  2. Jeremy Friedman, P, 2017 - 38.2 IP, 7-0, 1.99 ERA, 41 K
  3. Tim Harmody, P, 2016 - 21 IP, 1-0, 1 SV, 2.33 ERA, 8 K
  4. Ryan McCurry, P, 2018 - 17 IP, 1-1, 1 SV, 1.64 ERA, 17 K
  5. Ian Erkkiila, P, 2016 - 21.1 IP, 2-0, 0.98 ERA, 22 K
  6. Ryan McCann, P, 2016 - 12.1 IP, 3-0, 2.27 ERA, 6 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a very balanced lineup and we are playing extremely loose. The guys are excited and enjoy the time they get to spend with their teammates on the field. We are playing with a sense of calmness and focus that is great to see.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I was really just excited for the players and for our school. To accomplish something that hasn’t been done in Solon in 25 years is an impressive feat. These guys have worked tirelessly to reach this point and to see them achieve another goal was a lot of fun for me. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It’s something that you dream about as both a player and a coach. It is a goal I set for our team each and every year, but rarely do you have the talent and team chemistry to put it all together to actually get here. This is a special team in my eyes, and to be with them as we get the opportunity to play at that beautiful facility in the state final four is extremely satisfying.

 

#20 Cleveland St. Ignatius (22-10)


Head Coach: Brad Ganor

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state 13 times (2016, 2015, 2013, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1954)
  • 6th trip to Final Four in last 10 years and 2nd consecutive.
  • State Champions in 2002.
  • Runner-Up in 2000, 2008, 2013.

Possible Lineup:

  1. Nick Freund, RF, 2016 - .399 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 27 R, 14 RBIs, 19 SB
  2. Joe Evans, 2B, 2016 - .215 BA, 3 2B, 19 R, 11 RBIs, 10 SB
  3. Dennis Grosel, 3B, 2016 - .366 BA, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 15 R, 23 RBIs
  4. George Asadorian, DH, 2016 - .306 BA, 5 2B, 9 R, 12 RBIs
  5. Kevin Mingus, SS, 2016 - .281 BA, 8 2B, 8 R, 11 RBIs
  6. Ryan Jacobs, LF, 2017 - .302 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 13 R, 14 RBIs
  7. Michael Rogers, RF, 2016 - .308 BA, 1 2B, 2 3B, 16 R, 14 RBIs
  8. Tommy Grosel, 1B, 2018 - .295 BA, 1 2B, 5 R, 9 RBIs
  9. Drew Asadorian, C, 2018 - .205 BA, 9 R, 6 RBIs

The Arms:

  1. Connor Adams, LHP, 2017 - 54.1 IP, 6-3, 0.90 ERA, 68 K
  2. Murphy O'Brien, RHP, 2016 - 39 IP, 5-2, 1.44 ERA, 34 K
  3. Braydon Nelson, RHP, 2017 - 33.1 IP, 3-0, 0.63 ERA, 19 K
  4. Griffin Hunt, RHP, 2017 - 20.2 IP, 2-0, 1.69 ERA, 18 K
  5. Michael Rogers, LHP, 2016 - 9 IP, 1.56 ERA, 15 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: After starting the season 0-5 and 1-6, we have really played good baseball. To get to 22-10, winning 21 of the last 25, has been very impressive. We played our best baseball to date starting in the tournament. Our pitching has been the key the whole season and the offense has generated runs lately.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Any tournament win is great. I always feel the District tournament is tougher to win because the teams know each other so well. But, winning Regionals is great too! A chance to be in the Final Four, especially 2 years in a row, is awesome. I think it goes to show that “rankings” don’t mean a whole lot when it comes down to it.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: Playing at Huntington is a great experience. Having played Final Four games at Bill Davis and Cooper Stadium in the past, Huntington really provides a venue that makes the kids feel these games are a little more special than all the others!

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it.. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: The name of the game for 2016 Saint Ignatius Baseball team is RESILIENT… Our players trust their teammates and themselves and continued to work when the times were the toughest, and now we are all reaping the benefits of that faith.

 

Pickerington North (21-9)


Head Coach: Tim Thomas

School Facts:

  • 2nd time in school history in the State Final Four.
  • Runner-up in 2009.

Possible Lineup:

  1. Conner Ayers, 3B, Senior - .355 BA
  2. Dillian Smith, CF, Junior - .298 BA
  3. Alec Bradbury, C, Junior
  4. Nic Whetnall, LF, Senior - .333 BA
  5. Justin Grubb, 1B, Senior
  6. Koebe Rush, P, Senior
  7. Mitchell Smith, SS, Soph
  8. Cole Loconsy, RF, Senior
  9. Drew Salinas, 2B, Freshman

The Arms:

  1. Koebe Rush, RHP, Senior - 8-1, 1 SV, 0.86 ERA, 39 K
  2. Justin Grubb, RHP, Senior - 7-2, 2 SV
  3. Dillian Smith, RHP, Junior, Closer
  4. AJ Snyder, RHP, Senior, Relief

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Our belief that we can win every time we step on the field. It is amazing how strong our team chemistry has blossomed since the beginning of the tournament.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Our motto from the district final and beyond has been “Why Not Us”. This regional title was even more special than our 1st one in 2009, because we were not supposed to be here. We are still in awe and have been enjoying the awesome support from our school and community

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: Words cannot describe it. This is our final goal each and every year. To make it happen for a second time is incredible and we will enjoy every second of being there. We cannot wait to play only 20 minutes from home. Our fans are going to come out in full force to cheer us on to victory.

 

2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division II State Final Four Preview

****Rankings are based on PBR Ohio's Final Team Power Rankings

Division II

Home team listed first

#3 Steubenville (25-2) vs. #1 Defiance (27-2) Thursday, June 2, 10 a.m.
#2 Poland Seminary (28-3) vs. Badin (21-11) Thursday, June 2, 1 p.m.
Div. II State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.

STATE fINAL fOUR Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division II:

#3 Steubenville (25-2)


Head Coach: Fred Heatherington

School Facts:

  • Regional Champs - 1963, 1991, 1992, 2003, 2004, 2016
  • State Semi-Finalists - 1963, 1992, 2003
  • State Runner-up - 1991, 2004

Top Players:

  1. Nick Zorne, LHP, 2017 - 9-0, 0.93 ERA, 95 K, 22 BB
  2. Anthony Zorne,1B/P, 2016 - .419 BA, 31 RBIs
  3. Niko Petides, OF/1B, 2016 - .434 BA, 35 R
  4. Dimitrios Collaros, 2B, 2016 - .413 BA, 25 R
  5. Devin Ferguson, C, 2016
  6. Johnny Agresta, 3B, 2018
  7. Gino Pierro, SS, 2018
  8. Alec Taylor, LF, 2018
  9. Nick Scott, RF, 2017
  10. Ryan Bernard, OF, 2017

#1 Defiance (27-2)


Head Coach: Tom Held

School Facts:

  • 36-straight winning seasons
  • 23 20-win seasons
  • 3 state championships
  • 6 regional championships
  • 18 district championships

Possible Lineup:

  1. Shay Smiddy, P, 2016 - .368 BA, 8 2B, 1 HR, 30 R, 12 RBIs, 14 SB
  2. Braden Frederick,  CF, 2017 - .388 BA, 7 2B, 30 R, 12 RBIs, 17 SB
  3. Connor Stykemain, SS, 2016 - .410 BA, 4 2B, 26 R, 19 RBIs, 20 SB
  4. Charlie Gordon, 3B, 2017 - .311 BA, 6 2B, 14 R, 22 RBIs, 16 SB
  5. Jacob Jimenez, C, 2016 - .280 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 11 R, 19 RBIs
  6. Austin Taylor, 2B, 2017 - .240 BA, 3 2B, 13 R, 14 RBIs, 7 SB
  7. Gage Grunden, DH, 2018 - .348 BA, 1 HR, 11 R, 3 RBIs for Abram Smith, 1B, 2016
  8. Bryce Borton, LF, 2018 - .315 BA, 3 2B, 2 3B, 19 R, 10 RBIs, 14 SB
  9. Emilio Gonzalez, RF, 2018 - .246 BA, 4 2B, 1 HR, 11 R, 13 RBIs, 10 SB

The Arms:

  1. Shay Smiddy, RHP, 2016 - 75.2 IP, 11-0, 3 SV, 0.46 ERA, 85 K
  2. Abram Smith, LHP, 2016 - 61 IP, 7-2, 3 SV, 2.07 ERA, 58 K
  3. Braden Frederick, RHP, 2017 - 35.2 IP, 7-0, 1.77 ERA, 40 K
  4. Logan Andonian, RHP, 2018 - 10.1 IP, 1-0, 1.35 ERA, 13 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Pitching, defense and timely hitting can carry a team far and that has been the case for us. Add in team camaraderie and the way everyone contributes one through nine makes this a special team.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I thought we showed a lot of character to be able to come back from a four-run deficit against a very good team like Padua and head coach Ken Ortiz. Even when we were down, you could sense the team had confidence they could get it done.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It's always great to make it to Columbus. This is the first time we have ever made it to state two years in a row which shows the type of players we have in the program and the work everyone is willing to do.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: The OHSAA does a great job with the state baseball tournament and we're happy to be a part of it. Coaching in a community with so many people that love the sport of baseball helps make this even more special. We expect to see a large number of fans wearing the blue and white at Huntington Park come Thursday morning.

 

#2 Poland Seminary (28-3)

Head Coach:  Rich Murray

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state three times (2016, 2015, 1983).
Possible Lineup: (2B, 3B, HR, R, RBIs, SB stats before regionals)
  1. Anthony Calcagni, SS, Senior - .412 BA, 14 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBIs, 11 SB
  2. Eric White, CF, Senior - .450 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 20 RBIs
  3. Pad O’Shaughnessy, 1B, Junior - .434 BA, 8 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 27 RBIs
  4. Nick Petrolla, C, Junior - .363 BA, 11 2B, 21 RBIs
  5. Tony Chairo, LF, Junior - .313 BA, 6 2B, 13 RBIs
  6. Dan Klase, P, Junior - .354 BA, 7 2B, 1 3B, 14 RBIs
  7. Jared Burkert, 2nd, Senior - .320 BA, 2 2B, 9 RBIs
  8. Matt Baker, RF, Senior - .352 BA, 2 2B, 7 RBIs
  9. Don Drummond, DH, Junior - .333 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 14 RBIs / Braeden O’Shaughnessy, 3rd, Freshman

The Arms:  

  1. Dan Klase, RHP, Junior - 45 IP, 8-1, 1.55 ERA, 37 K
  2. Mike Maillis, RHP, Senior - 30.1 IP, 3-0, 2.53 ERA, 18 K
  3. Jared Burkert, RHP, Senior (Will be starter in semi if his arm feel better, has been hurt for 5 weeks) - 21 IP, 3-0, 2.33 ERA, 25 K
  4. Matt Baker, LHP, Senior - 23 IP, 4-0, 2.73 ERA, 17 K
  5. Eric White, LHP, Senior - 20.2 IP, 3-1, 24 K
  6. Don Drummond, RHP, Junior - 28.1 IP, 3-0, 26 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We’ve been hitting extremely well 1-9. Not just one player is standing out, this has been a complete team effort. The kids work hard and are very dedicated. They deserve everything they’ve earned.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a relief. We felt a lot of pressure to get back to state. Every time you talked to someone in the community, they’d always say, “Oh you guys will make it back, won’t you?” That’s a tough comment to answer. So to actually do it made us feel like we are now where we need to be. The kids have worked very hard to get back here.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It’s why we play baseball. It’s why the kids work hard. It’s why we coach. Being down in Columbus is a great experience and if you can get hot you never know where you can end up. Hopefully we can finish what we started last year, we feel like we can compete with anyone with the team we have.

 

Hamilton Badin (21-11)


Head Coach: Brion Treadwell

School Facts:

  • State champion in 1991 and 1996.
  • 12th time in the state final four (1975, 1984, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016)

Possible Lineup:

  1. Cole Heflin, CF, 2016 - .232 BA, 1 HR, 19 R, 9 RBIs, 11 SB
  2. David Begley, 2B, 2016 - .346 BA, 7 2B, 16 R, 12 RBIs, 7 SB
  3. Cody Boxrucker, C, 2016 - .365 BA, 8 2B, 4 3B, 24 R, 25 RBIs, 12 SB
  4. Zach Larkin, 1B, 2016 - .429 BA, 5 2B, 1 3B, 8 R, 22 RBIs
  5. Mitchell Raley, DH, 2016 - .288 BA, 6 2B, 6 R, 7 RBIs
  6. Ross Mulcare, RF, 2016 - .453 BA, 8 2B, 25 R, 17 RBIs, 10 SB
  7. Daunte DeCello, SS, 2018 - .283 BA, 4 2B, 23 R, 12 RBIs, 9 SB
  8. Andrew Walsh, LF, 2017 - .310 BA / Gavin Matthews, LF, 2017 - .259 BA
  9. Garrett Hogan, 3B, 2016 - .324 BA, 3 2B, 17 R, 13 RBIs, 7 SB

The Arms:

  1. Logan Heintzman, 2016, RHP - 56.2 IP, 7-2, 1.24 ERA, 60 K
  2. Nick Taylor, RHP, 2017 - 29 IP, 4-1, 2.41 ERA, 30 K
  3. Cameron Madden, RHP, 2017 - 25.1 IP, 1-1, 1 SV, 1.38 ERA, 33 K
  4. Devon Valentino, RHP, 2018 - 24.1 IP, 5-2, 2.01 ERA, 16 K
  5. Jeff Beadle, RHP, 2016 - 11 IP, 2 SV, 1.91 ERA, 7 K
  6. Seth Klaiber, RHP, 2018 - 10.1 IP, 9 K
  7. Luke Fischer, RHP, 2016 - 22.2 IP, 18 K
  8. Zac Wilson, RHP, 2018 - 11.1 IP, 7 K
  9. Kyle McGill, RHP, 2016
  10. Andrew Roell, RHP, 2017

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing selfless baseball. It’s fun to watch a group of guys playing for each other and not themselves. 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was very rewarding to see the players enjoy the success of their hard work. Very enjoyable moment for the players and parents. 

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: There is no better place to be this time of year. Huntington Park is a beautiful place and the OHSAA puts on a wonderful tournament. 

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: I am very proud of our team and our coaching staff. There is no better place to play baseball or coach at than at Badin High School.

 

2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division III State Final Four Preview

****Rankings are based on PBR Ohio's Final Team Power Rankings

Division III

Home team listed first

#7 Versailles (23-4) vs. #1 Berlin Hiland (28-2) Friday, June 3, 10 a.m. 
Clear Fork (19-12) vs. #14 Waynedale (25-5) Friday, June 3, 1 p.m.
Div. III State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 4 p.m.

State Final Four Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division III:

#7 Versailles (23-4)


Head Coach: Ryan Schlater

School Facts:

  • State Final Four appearance in 2016, 2000, 1996, 1994, 1997, 1965.
  • State Champions in 1965.
  • Runner up in 1977, 1994, and 2000.

Top Hitters:

  1. Kyle Suber, C, 2017 - .367 BA, 3 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 32 R, 16 RBIs
  2. Keaton McEldowney, CF, 2018 - .390 BA, 5 2B, 1 HR, 18 R, 23 RBIs
  3. Brett McEldowney, P, 2016 - .359 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 19 R, 23 RBIs
  4. Kyle Rutschilling, 2B, 2018 - .385 BA, 9 2B, 1 3B, 14 R, 16 RBIs
  5. Austin Knapke, SS, 2017 - .333 BA, 4 2B, 10 R, 17 RBIs
  6. Cole Niekamp, 3B, 2018 - .329 BA, 3 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 18 R, 18 RBIs
  7. Collin Peters, LF, 2016 - .276 BA, 5 2B, 14 R, 9 RBIs
  8. Jacob Watren, RF, 2016 - 8 R, 5 RBIs
  9. Jared Niekamp, 1B, 2016 - .299 BA, 20 R, 14 RBIs

The Arms:

  1. Brett McEldowney, RHP, 2016 - 60 IP, 10-0, 1 SV, 1.40 ERA, 57 K
  2. Cole Niekamp, RHP, 2018 - 40 IP, 5-1, 2.78 ERA, 36 K
  3. Jacob Heitkamp, RHP, 2017 - 31 IP, 3-0, 1.36 ERA, 28 K
  4. Keaton McEldowney, RHP, 2018 - 25 IP, 4-1, 2.46 ERA, 20 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like how we are approaching our at-bats. We are getting ourselves in good hitting counts and even when we get down in the count they are fighting off pitches until they get a pitch they can handle. We have a lot of great at-bats in the regionals with 2-out hits and RBIs.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was a great feeling know how hard the boys have worked to get to that point. We haven’t been back to state in 16 years so to get back means a lot to our program and community. We have great support with our fans.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It’s going to be very exciting. I have also came to watch these games every year and even in high school. I have never gotten to this point in my career so it is great to get to experience it. Huntington Park is a beautiful stadium and we are looking forward to getting to play there.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it.. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: The boys are extremely excited to make it here but they are not satisfied in just getting here. They are working extremely hard to make sure we don’t just play one game.

 

#1 Berlin Hiland (28-2)


Head Coach: Tom Gibson

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state four times (2016, 2012, 2008, 2000).
  • Eric Mullet set an Ohio HS record for most consecutive innings without giving up an earned run, he's at 102 innings going back to last season.

Top Players:

  1. Eric Mullet, 2016 - 8-0, 0.00 ERA, 77 K, 11 BB
  2. Bryan Yoder, C, 2017 - .327 BA
  3. Mitchell Massaro, 2017 - 4-0, 0.832 ERA, 24 K
  4. Tyson Gingerich, 2B, 2017 - .411 BA
  5. Braden Mast, 3B, 2017 - .417 BA
  6. Chris Kline, SS, 2017 - .337 BA

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Great team unity. Although we are younger and senior light, these guys love playing together. We have many versatile players that can change positions.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: Very happy for the players. They work extremely hard at baseball fundamentals and deserve success. Very satisfying watching them celebrate and being happy they won.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It is a goal every year. We've been close a large number of times, suffered a heart breaking 10 inning loss in regional final last year and this team remembers how that felt. They have been focused to get to state this year. Again very happy for the players.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our team is an extension and a reflection of our community. We get a tremendous amount of support from our community. The kids play for each other, their families and community. There is a real pride among the players that they work hard. Play hard and represent in a quality manner. Character and hard work are the benchmark of East Holmes.

 

Clear Fork (19-12)


Head Coach: Rusty Staab

School Facts:

  • 2nd time advancing to state (2010 - champs).

Top Players:

  1. Mitchell Dulin, RHP, 2019 - 5-1, 2.20 ERA, 44 K
  2. Shane Klenk, RHP, 2016 - 3-3, 3.50 ERA, 15 K
  3. Luke Clark, C, 2017 - .379 BA
  4. Thomas Staab, CF, 2018 - .375 BA
  5. Hunter Boyer, SS, 2017 - .313 BA

 

#14 Waynedale (25-5)


Head Coach: Justin McDowell

School Facts:

  • First regional championship in school history.
  • First conference championship and district title since 1999.
  • Tied the school record for most wins.

Top Hitters:

  1. Evan Reidenbach, SR - .404 BA, 4 2B, 22 R, 19 RBIs
  2. Aaron Spidell, SR - .390 BA, 5 2B, 3 3B, 24 R, 22 RBIs
  3. Shayne Weaver, SR - .404 BA, 14 2B, 1 HR, 24 R, 21 RBIs
  4. Nick Strausbaugh, SR - .378 BA, 9 2B, 1 3B, 34 R, 13 RBIs
  5. Jarrett Wonsick SR - .333 BA, 4 2B, 17 R, 10 RBIs
  6. Ryan Weaver, SR - .329 BA, 5 2B, 24 R, 17 RBIs
  7. Markus Schlabach, SR - .310 BA, 7 2B, 13 R, 19 RBIs

The Arms:

  1. Markus Schlabach, SR - 66 IP, 9-0, 2 SV, 0.85 ERA, 78 K
  2. Evan Reidenbach, SR - 44.1 IP, 4-3, 1.74 ERA, 33 K
  3. Parker Snyder, SR - 28.2 IP, 5-0, 1.71 ERA, 24 K
  4. Manny Camacho, SOPH - 43.2 IP, 4-1, 2.24 ERA, 28 K
  5. Stephen Spidell, JR - 15 IP, 1-0, 3.27 ERA

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing extremely hard and smart right now. As a team, everyone is contributing and helping us win.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It was exciting and I was proud for our players. We had never won one before so it was a cool experience.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: It will be great. I always tell our players to enjoy the moment and rise to the occasion. It doesn’t get much bigger or better than playing in the state final four.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add, feel free to send it.. Remember, this is for your players, your coaching staff and your community.
Coach: This is the first time any Waynedale sport has made it to state (besides wrestling). We are beyond happy and excited to be there but we still want to win two more games. May as well make it even more memorable.

 

2016 OHSAA Tournament: Road To Huntington Park - Division IV State Final Four Preview

****Rankings are based on PBR Ohio's Final Team Power Rankings

Division IV

Home team listed first

#7  Fort Recovery (22-9) vs. #2 Newark Catholic (22-9) Friday, June 3, 4 p.m.
#10  Triad (25-7) vs. Cuyahoga Heights (14-10) Friday, June 3, 7 p.m.
Div. IV State Championship: Saturday, June 4, 7 p.m.

State Final Four Team Previews

PBR Rankings Overview of Division IV:

#7 Fort Recovery (22-9)


Head Coach: Jerry Kaup

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state three times, including back-to-back years (2016, 2015, 1953) 
  • Jackson Hobbs has most career wins in school history with 30

Top Hitters:

  1. Nick Thwaits, OF/P, 2018 - .370 BA, 16 R, 15 SB
  2. Cade Wendel, IF/P, 2018 - .330 BA, 30 R, 19 RBIs, 11 SB
  3. Jackson Hobbs, 1B/P, 2016 - .319 BA, 10 2B, 26 R, 31 RBIs
  4. Jacob Homan, SS/P, 2016 - .337 BA, 10 2B, 2 HR, 16 R, 34 RBIs
  5. Ben Homan, 2B/P, 2018
  6. Kyle Schroer, OF, 2016
  7. Chase Bruns, C/P, 2016
  8. Ross Homan, OF, 2016
  9. Will Homan, OF, 2018
  10. Hunter Boughman, 1B/P, 2017
  11. Davis Will, OF, 2017
  12. Reece Rogers, 1B, 2018

Rotation:

  1. Jackson Hobbs, RHP, 2016 - 7-2, 1.09 ERA, 49 K, 9 BB
  2. Nick Thwaits, RHP, 2018 - 3-0, 1.07 ERA, 40 K, 14 BB
  3. Cade Wendel, RHP, 2018
  4. Hunter Boughman, LHP, 2017
  5. Jacob Homan, RHP, 2016
  6. Chase Bruns, RHP, 2016
  7. Reece Rogers, RHP, 2018

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have had to replace 5 solid seniors from the 2015 state final four team. We feel the pieces are coming together at the right time. Our team chemistry is outstanding as the team plays for each other.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It felt great since we were in such a tough regional. We played two of the best teams in the state and out team responded to the challenge very well.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: The kids just love Huntington Park, as it is beautiful. The underground batting cages are a neat experience as well. Just excited to be one of the final four teams remaining.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Last year, we brought over 2,000 fans to Huntington Park. We will do that again this year. Our community is all about small town pride and we want to win for them.

 

#2 Newark Catholic (22-9)


Head Coach: John Cannizzaro

School Facts:

  • Has advanced to state 16 times (2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1980).

Top Players:

  1. Caine Whitney, RHP, 2016 - 7-1, 1.22 ERA, 46 K
  2. Tanner Marmie, RHP, 2016 - 6-2, 2.44 ERA, 39 K
  3. Tanner Lake, SS, 2017 - .400 BA
  4. Jon Erhard, LF, 2016 - .392 BA
  5. Zac Walker, RF, 2016 - .373 BA
  6. Mitch Lohr, C, 2016
  7. Jody Mummey, CF, 2017
  8. Nick Cavinee, 1B, 2016
  9. Jack Wollenburg, 2B, 2016
  10. Tyler York, 3B, 2018

 

#10 Triad (25-7)


Head Coach: Will Nichols

School Facts:

  • 3rd state appearance in school history (2nd place in 2004, 1973).
  • Mad their 5th regional appearance since 2004. 

Top Hitters:

  1. Dalton Holycross, CF, 2016 - .373 BA, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 20 R, 26 RBIs, 23 BB
  2. Shane Ford, RHP, 2017 - .341 BA, 2 2B, 1 3B, 17 R, 20 RBIs, 16 BB
  3. Trent McIntyre, RHP/SS, 2016 - .385 BA, 6 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR, 36 R, 20 RBIs, 15 BB
  4. Isaiah Bruce, DH, 2019 - .301 BA, 24 R, 19 RBIs, 12 BB
  5. Trevor Instine, C, 2018 - .309 BA, 6 2B, 12 R, 26 RBIs, 12 BB
  6. Jacob Greve, 1B, 2018 - .222 BA, 2 2B, 13 R, 11 RBIs, 9 BB
  7. Dustin Bruce, 2B, 2017 - .212 BA, 1 2B, 20 R, 10 RBIs, 10 BB
  8. Briley Harlan, 3B, 2018 - .333 BA, 4 2B, 3 3B, 24 R, 24 RBIs, 12 BB
  9. Alex Ober, LF, 2017 - 431 BA, 3 2B, 2 3B, 10 R, 19 RBIs, 6 BB
  10. Timmy Marsalis, RF, 2016 - .405 BA, 8 2B, 18 R, 20 RBIs, 14 BB

Key Reserves:

  1. Shem Pond, OF, 2016 - .310 BA
  2. Derek McCall, OF, 2017 - .283 BA
  3. Noah Unger, 1B/3B, 2017 - .342 BA

The Arms:

  1. Shane Ford, 2017 - 64 IP, 8-0, 0.55 ERA, 58 K
  2. Trent McIntyre, 2016 - 40 IP, 5-2, 2 SV, 1.40 ERA, 43 K
  3. Dalton Holycross, 2016 - 25.2 IP, 3-2, 1.91 ERA, 42 K
  4. Dustin Bruce, 2017 -  25 IP, 1-1, 1 SV, 20 K
  5. Trevor Instine, 2018 - 20 IP, 4-0, 1.40 ERA, 20 K

Coaches Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are playing our baseball of the season right now. We are playing with lots of energy and emotion.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: It’s a great feeling for the team, community, parents, and school. We last appeared at State in 2004, so everyone is excited to go back. This is a very exciting time for the program.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: This is going to be a great experience for the kids and everyone involved. We are excited and anxious to play.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our pitchers and defense have done an outstanding job during our tournament run. Through our first five tournament games, the two pitchers I have used, Ford and McIntyre have given up just one run and offense has scored 36 runs. Players are contributing in many ways and making it contagious for everyone.

 

Cuyahoga Heights (14-10)

Head Coach: Marc Lowther

Season Facts:

  • 3rd appearance at state.
  • Runner-up in 2012 and 1976.

Top Hitters: 

  1. Matt Harris, OF, 2017
  2. Dalton Skerlec, OF, 2016
  3. Brett Lowther, SS, 2017
  4. Aaron Kucia, SP, 2016
  5. Tyler Selig, 3B, 2017
  6. Austin McDonald, INF/DH, 2018 for Mason Johnnson, OF, 2016
  7. Tyler Hughes, 1B, 2018
  8. RJ Dean, 2B, 2017
  9. Nick Frye, C, 2017

The Arms:

  1. Aaron Kucia, LHP, 2016
  2. Michael Hartman, RHP, 2016
  3. RJ Dean, RHP, 2017
  4. Tyler Selig, RHP, 2017
  5. John Pesta, LHP, 2016

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: The way we are moving runners over and getting them in. Hitting and starting pitching have also been good right now. The kids are having fun and very relaxed.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won regionals?
Coach: I was very excited for this team which has come close the past few years. The players have worked very hard to get to this point.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the state final four and Huntington Park?
Coach: Very exciting time for our school. This is an experience of a lifetime for the players, to be able to play in a game like this.