The Missouri Class 6 quarterfinals begin on Saturday, May 27th, with these eight teams competing for their chance at capturing high school baseball's most coveted prize.

Learn everything about this year's field, including top performers, program history, and standout prospects, below.

BLUE SPRINGS

Getting through their District wasn’t easy, but the Wildcats are a resilient, competitive group that toppled two top-five ranked teams on their way to these quarterfinals. They’re 24-14 on the year and have another top test ahead of them, matching up with Nixa this Saturday at 1:00 PM.

The Wildcats have three horses on the mound, all of whom have had successful seasons in 2023. Cole Gibler (2024; Arkansas) is one of the nation’s top southpaws, and his twin brother, Nick Gibler (2024) has been extremely dominant on the mound this spring, too. Lincoln Stephenson (2024) rounds out this trio with his own success as an arm, but he’s been an integral part of their offense too, showing out as the hero with his bat throughout District play.

It’s a deep offensive group, with Gibler and Stephenson a part of it, and they’re experienced too, featuring several upperclassmen in key roles throughout. Gabe Rogers (2024), Gavin Smith (2023), Peyton Mitchell (2023) are three athletes that regularly slot towards the top of this group, and all three have seen success this spring. Names like Aiden Neuweg (2023) and Drew McConnell (2024) are each assets too, extending an offense that isn’t an easy out from top to bottom.

DESMET

The Spartans grinded their way through a competitive District, taking down SLUH and one of the state’s top junior arms, while no-hitting the Jr Billikens, in the semi-final. Then, they squared up against host CBC and bested the Cadets potent offense, setting themselves up for this Saturday’s 1:00 PM matchup against Francis Howell.

Offensively, DeSmet is a scrappy, competitive group that pesters opposing arms and does the little things right. Quinn Argetsinger (2023; SWIC), Landon Edmonds (2025), and Charlie Wortham (2025) are all having strong seasons at the plate, with names like Luke Burns (2023; William Jewell), Caynen Patterson (2025), Myles Wessels (2024), and Jake Panagos (2024) adding much needed depth. 

Ultimately, the strength of this Spartans’ squad lies on the mound. They have three horses that enter these quarterfinals with plenty of past success under their belts - Josh Cunningham (2023; St. Louis), Sam Cardwell (2023; Maryville), and Jason Smith (2023). Cunningham is coming off a no-hitter in his most recent start, and he’s pitched to a 1.37 ERA over 41 innings this spring, punching out 65. Cardwell’s 63 strikeouts over 44 ⅔ innings isn’t too far behind, and Smith’s 1.32 ERA over 37 innings leads this trio, and he’s struck out 50 total thus far.

FRANCIS HOWELL

It’s May and, once again, Francis Howell is finding themselves playing for a spot in Ozark. Coming off a ‘Final Four’ appearance last year, the Vikings navigated their way through a tough District, besting a pesky Liberty - Wentzville squad in the semi-final and taking down Fort Zumwalt West 6-1 in the title game. This year’s group is as deep and talented as any team you’ll find in Missouri, entering Saturday’s matchup against DeSmet at 29-10 on the year.

This offense is a fierce, relentless group that doesn’t have an easy out from top to bottom. Tytus Cissell (2024; Missouri) is the ideal table setter, slashing .375/.448/.516 with 13 extra-base hits and 24 stolen bases on the year. Brett Norfleet (2023; Missouri) unquestionably swings one of the state’s loudest right-handed bats, blasting seven home runs this spring, and driving in a team-high 39 RBIs. Sophomores Jackson Vaughn (2025) and Leo Humbert (2025) are each raking - Vaughn is batting .390 with a 1.059 OPS and Humbert’s .383/.489/.678 slash line and 21 extra-base hits are as loud as any in the St. Louis’ area. Aden Johnson (2023; Purdue - Northwest) has a team-high .409 batting average in 120 plate appearances, with names like Brady Wilson (2023; Jefferson JC), Brennon Wibbenmeyer (2024), and Caleb Miller (2023; Missouri Southern) adding even more talent to a group full of it.

There’s no shortage on the mound, either. Brysen Nepute (2023; San Jacinto JC) anchors this group once again, pitching to a 1.46 ERA over 57 ⅔ innings, fanning 67 with a 1.06 WHIP. Alex Bryan (2024) has been stellar in his first full season at the varsity level, hurling 45 innings with a 1.87 ERA, and his complete game effort in the District title game propelled them to victory. Eli Skidmore (2025) has only allowed two earned runs (0.68 ERA) over 20 ⅓ innings of work in his sophomore campaign, while others like Miller, Evan Piwowarski (2023), Adam Shipley (2024; St. Louis), and Jake Brettschneider (2026) have thrown well this spring.

JACKSON

Jackson’s arguably been the hottest team in the state over the last month. They haven’t lost a game since April 22nd, winners of 16 straight, and they rolled through their District, scoring 25 runs while allowing only two. On Saturday, the Indians square up against Lafayette, who they split a two-game set with earlier in the year.

As a unit, this offense is a healthy blend of consistency, experience, and potency. Henley Parker (2023; Jefferson JC), Baden Hackworth (2023; St. Louis), Caden Bogenpohl (2023; Missouri State), and Quinton Borders (2023; Crowder JC) are all seniors having strong seasons that hit towards the top or middle of this lineup. Cooper Rhodes (2025) has made himself an asset offensively in his sophomore year, hitting in the two-hole for a large stretch of this winning streak, while names like Steven Schneider (2023; Maryville), Landon Watkins (2023; Fontbonne), Jack Wyatt (2023), and Grant Dotson (2023; Three Rivers CC) extend an extremely deep lineup.

Jackson’s one-two punch on the mound is as good as any, with Bogenpohl and John-Paul Sauer (2024; Tulane) each serving as true frontline arms throughout the spring. Recently, Bogenpohl threw a no-hitter and struck out 18 in the semi-final, while Sauer has hurled a handful of no-nos this spring, dominating essentially each time he toes the rubber. Carson McDaniel (2024) and Kaden Kendle (2023; State Fair CC) have each provided valuable contributions for Jackson on the mound this spring.

LAFAYETTE

Lafayette fought their way through arguably the most difficult District at Class 6, besting Marquette 3-1 in the opener, and up-ending top-seeded Eureka 5-3 in the semi-final action. They beat Vianney in extra-innings to capture the crown and are now set to face Jackson on Saturday at 2:30 PM, which will be a rematch between two squads that split a double-header in late April.

The Lancers strength lies at the plate, with a group that’s proven they’re capable of creating runs from top to bottom. Xander Schmitt (2024; Kansas) is the headliner, as the PBR Future Games MVP is backing up his performance at LakePoint with a .434/.556/.747 triple-slash, swatting six home runs, driving in 25 runs, and swiping 22 bags total. Juniors Will Gebhart (2024) and Paul Pratte (2024) are two more top-of-the-order bats that consistently hit, and sophomore Michael Callahan (2025) has really come on this season as a key cog for this offense. Names like Charlie Berry (2023; Truman State), Aiden Brey (2023), Tripp Johns (2023; State Fair CC), Aiden Cizek (2023; Missouri S&T), and PJ Rogan (2023; Parkland) add depth and experience to this team.

Lafayette has six arms that have all thrown more than 24 innings this spring, led by Rogan, Sam Williams (2023), and Tyson Oswald (2024). Rogan’s the leader in the clubhouse in terms of workload, logging 37 ⅔ innings on the hill, with 42 strikeouts and a 3.35 ERA. Williams and Oswald have each thrown 34 innings - Williams owns a 3.09 ERA with 37 strikeouts, while Oswald’s 2.47 ERA is the lowest amongst these arms, and he, like Rogan, has also fanned 42 this year. Jack Burckhardt (2024), Landon Matthews (2026), and Jack Stauss (2023) are all quality arms having strong seasons for the Lancers, too.

LIBERTY NORTH

The reigning state champions are once again vying for a spot in Ozark with a roster that’s more than capable of defending their crown. They’ll enter Saturday’s matchup against Rockhurst with a 31-7 record, winning their District without allowing a run over their three games.

Liberty North’s senior class has a chance to go down in Missouri high school baseball history should they repeat as champions. This 2023 group is special, led by Tate McGuire (2023; Arkansas) and Ty Wisdom (2023; Kansas). McGuire’s unquestionably one of the state’s best arms, performing in big games for Liberty North on repeat, and he’s also a key middle-of-the-order bat for this team. Wisdom, who recently set the school’s all-time hit record, competes at the plate as well as any, finding himself on base consistently to provide run scoring opportunities for the other boppers in this lineup. He’ll pitch too, serving as the Eagles’ primary option out of the ‘pen.

It doesn’t end there, however. Jackson Downing (2023; Arkansas State) is another key two-way contributor, with names like Jack Lemasters (2023; Washburn KS), Preston Denmark (2023), Cooper Philbrick (2023; Hutchinson CC), and Dakota Hanna (2023; Rockhurst) all contributing at the plate. On the hill, Camden Brashear (2023; Washburn KS) and Andrew Agnew (2023; Missouri S&T) have really elevated their games this spring to deepen a pitching staff that was already rich with talent.

Two juniors, Trey Snyder (2024; Tennessee) and Bo Jonas (2024; Oklahoma) are high impact names that were a part of last year’s title squad. Snyder, this team’s starting shortstop, and Jonas, their primary backstop, are two top talents in Missouri’s 2024 group. Joe Hall (2024) was the hero in the District championship, launching a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, and Cole Young (2024) has been a staple within this lineup for a good chunk of the season.

NIXA

Winners of eight straight, the Eagles were the first Class 6 school to win their District this year, beating Central (Springfield), Ozark, and Republic on their way to a plaque. They’ll play Blue Springs on Saturday at 1:00 PM and enter these quarterfinals with a 31-6 record.

Nixa’s offense is their strength, as the Eagles have multiple bats capable of doing damage throughout the lineup. Sophomores Wyatt Vincent (2025; Missouri State) and Caeden Cloud (2025) have been high level top of the lineup contributors all spring, with Rylan Michel (2024) and Jackson Edwards (2024) joining them. Reese Dirnberger (2023), Tanner Grant (2023), Collin Ussery (2023), and Mason Eagleburger (2023) are three seniors that bring needed experience to this group, with names like Broden Mabe (2024) and Gehrig Eoff (2024) extending the lineup moreso.

Turning to the mound, Ethan Taylor (2023), Colin Kelley (2025), and Jackson Gamble (2025) have made up a large chunk of the Eagles’ starts this spring. Rylan Evans (2023) is another arm to watch for this team that’s been key out of the ‘pen.

ROCKHURST

The Hawklets, who were the three seed in their District, bested three quality opponents to find themselves playing for a spot in Ozark. They edged out a tough Ray-Pec squad in round one and ran through Lee’s Summit and Lee’s Summit West, respectively, outscoring those two clubs by a combined score of 24-3. Now, Rockhurst draws the reigning state champion Liberty North Eagles on Saturday at 1:00 PM.

At the top of this lineup are three seniors, all of whom performed well in District play, and have been reliable names that the Hawklets can turn to - John Diamond (2023), Carter Graham (2023), and Colton Wemhoff (2023; Kansas). Pete Miroslaw (2024) and Lucas Redd (2024; St. Louis) are two juniors that’ll find themselves hitting near the heart of this lineup on a game-to-game basis. Dipping into their sophomore class, Beau Neuburger (2025), Evan Damario (2025; Missouri) and Nic Cipolla (2025) are all consistent contributors for this team.

Rockhurst has depth on the mound too, with seniors Marco Dumsky (2023; Dartmouth) and Cole Stucky (2023; Loyola Marymount) leading a group in their final season. Cooper Westra (2024), James Dulle (2024), and Redd are three more upperclassmen that’ve seen innings on the hill this spring.

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