Prep Baseball Report

2019 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division I


Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout

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To view the Regional Previews, click below:
Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV

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Division I | Division II | Division III | Division IV

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2019 OHSAA Tournament: Regional Preview - Division I

***** Email has been sent out to every head coach, that we have contact information for, who has made regionals and once we get all the information in, we will get out HUGE 64-team Regional Preview online. If you don't see your info, please send to [email protected]

We will add information for the teams that have not sent information into us on Wednesday, by doing research via newspaper articles.

We are holding a fan vote via twitter that will end Wednesday night and we will add those results below after the vote is completed.

Division I - Louisville Regional

  • No. 10 Mentor vs No. 36 Brunswick
  • No. 4 Walsh Jesuit vs No. 5 Massillon Jackson

Region Overview: Three of the top 10 teams in the state are in the field. Walsh Jesuit-Jackson semifinal features two of the favorites on paper and a pitching match-up of WJ's Nate Stahl and Jackson's Yianni Skeriotis. Walsh Jesuit has outscored the opposition 24-3 in the post-season. Mentor has dominated to the tune of 17-3 while Brunswick is hoping to end 30-plus year state appearance drought.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Mentor over Brunswick
  • Walsh Jesuit over Massillon Jackson
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit

Fan Vote:

  • Brunswick over Mentor
  • Walsh Jesuit over Massillon Jackson
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Walsh Jesuit


Mentor

Record: 19-5
Final Ranking: No. 10
Preseason Ranking: No. 16
Highest Ranking: No. 10 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Won district title the last three years
  • Five state appearances (2007, 2005, 2004, 1989, 1986)
  • Two state runners-up (2007, 2004)

Top Players:

  • Noah Gladish CF, Soph
  • Eric Coode, C, Soph
  • Andrew Witte, SS, Junior
  • Matt Sabin 3B, Senior
  • Hal Walker 1B Soph
  • Kyle Beller DH/RHP Senior, (2-1) 2 Saves
  • Howie Cavell RF Senior
  • Zach Mezget 2B Senior
  • Tim Eppich LF Senior
  • Justin Wilson, LHP, Senior (5-0)
  • Chad Rogers, RHP, Junior (4-1)
  • Charlie Hawley, RHP, Junior, (3-1)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are a team who does the little things right. We pride ourselves on pitching and defense. I like the way we play as a unit. There are no egos. Just 23 guys working towards a common goal.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was exciting. Each time we have won it is a different feeling because each year we have had a different type of team.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are looking forward to the challenge. Being there the last couple of years has been great but we are looking to take it to the next level.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Really tough regional. Jackson is fantastic and so is Walsh and Brunswick. Whoever wins it will definitely have earned it.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We have a great support staff that includes our parents and administrators. Our student section is fantastic and I hope they travel down to see us play. They really get our guys fired up.

Brunswick

Record: 17-12
Final Ranking: No. 36
Preseason Ranking: No. 44
Highest Ranking: No. 36 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Lost in semifinals in only state appearance in 1988

Top Players:

  • Kyle Goessler, SS, Senior .329 BA 28 H 8 2B 15 RBIs 15 Rs
  • Mike Williams, 1B, Senior .333 BA 30 H 7 2B 4 HR 20 RBIs 20 Rs
  • Josh Kross, C, Sophomore .286 BA 26 H 7 2B 16 RBIs 6 Rs
  • Mike McFadden, 3B, Junior . 313 BA 26 H 2 2B 1 HR 14 RBIs 10 Rs
  • Jacob Dye, RF, Sophomore .279 BA 24 H 5 2B 10 RBIs 15 Rs
  • Jacob Scherette, DH Sophomore .319 BA 29 H 2 2B 11 RBIs 13 Rs
  • Derek Kutrubs, CF, Senior .200 BA 9 H 1 HR 5 RBIs 6 Rs (missed 15 games w/injury)
  • Scott Rouse, LF, Junior .276 BA 16 H 3 2B 6 RBIs 13 Rs | (4-3) 1 save
  • Kyle Kuchta, 2B, Senior .216 BA 11 H 8 RBIs 11 Rs
  • Noah Herron, RHP, Senior (2-3) 1 Save
  • Cooper Fox, LHP, Junior (3-1) 1 Save
  • Andrew Haber, RHP, Sophomore (3-4) 1 Save

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Right now we are playing inspired team baseball, our guys are all playing for one another and buying into the idea that every small detail can be the difference between a close win and a close lose.  We have several young players who it took some time for them to get used to Varsity baseball and now we are clicking at the right time.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Emotional, especially with Noah Herron throwing a complete game shutout after everything his family has been through with the loss of his brother (former Brusnwick Pitcher and current JV assistant coach) Josh Herron to a 7 year battle with cancer.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited not only for our seniors to get this opportunity but for our young guys to get a taste of how fun a run like this in HS sports can be.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Talk about a loaded region with not only ourselves and Mentor facing off but then to have two teams like Jackson and Walsh Jesuit in there as well is going to be a meat grinder for sure.  I think all 4 teams have challenged themselves schedule wise to get to this point and everyone will be up for the challenge. If anything, if you like HS baseball it is a fun region to watch.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We are in this position because of the hard work are players and coaches have put in along with the support of our parents and fans.  We hope to keep putting a smile on everyone’s face with the way we will compete this coming week and hopefully beyond. More importantly we are playing in Coach Josh Herron's honor!

Walsh Jesuit

Record: 25-3
Final Ranking: No. 4
Preseason Ranking: No. 4
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • Seven Final Four appearances, all in Division II
  • Four state titles in a 10-year period from 1999-2008
  • Runners-up last two trips to state in 2009-2010
  • In search of first Division I regional championship

Top Players:

  • Nick Vaccaro, senior RF (.371)
  • Evan Swan, senior 2B (.393)
  • Jake Armsey, sophomore 3B (.507)
  • Nate Stahl, senior P (.388) | (8-0, 0.31 ERA)
  • Jamie Perebzak, junior DH (.338)
  • Riley Feltner, senior DH (.316)
  • Stanley Kaczmar, junior C (.538)
  • Henry Kaczmar, freshman SS (.370)
  • Erik Stern, sophomore 1B (.344)
  • Bobby Perebzak, sophomore LF (.296) | (0.40 ERA, 1 save)
  • Yassir Kahook, senior RHP
  • Connor Bailey, junior RHP
  • Nick Leonatti, junior RHP

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have really been throwing the ball very well, and playing solid defense.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a very challenging district, and I am so very happy for this group that has such great chemistry.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are thrilled to have another week of baseball with these remarkable kids!

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: It is once again a very tough Regional with multiple state championship contenders, we are honored to be in the group.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Our senior leadership of Nate Stahl, Nick Vaccaro, Yassir Kahook, Evan Swan, Riley Feltner, Nick Padd, and Aamir Qadri have just been outstanding all year and I’m so proud of their guiding our program to the Sweet 16!

Massillon Jackson

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 5
Preseason Ranking: No. 1
Highest Ranking: No. 1 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Won Division I championship in two state trips this decade in 2014 and 2017
  • Only other state appearance came in 1947
  • Sixth consecutive regional trip; 12th overall

Team Stats:

  • .352 AVG, 209 Runs
  • 1.83 ERA, 201 Ks

Top Players:

  • Yianni Skeriotis - 10-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 unearned runs, 52 innings
  • Trent Jones - 6-0, 1 sv, 0.61 ERA, 35.1 innings
  • Taylor Johnson - 4-0, 31.1 innings, 1.56 ERA
  • Trey Wright - .466 AVG
  • Ben Hymes - .421 AVG
  • Matt Hicks - .388 AVG
  • Spencer Stanton - .371 AVG
  • Petey Taylor - .362 AVG
  • Jake Aleman - .340 AVG
  • Josh Romans - .338 AVG
  • Drew Feucht - .485 AVG

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the District Title was extremely difficult and intense game.  We had to defeat our rival North Canton Hoover on thier field for our 6th straight District Title. This 2019 team shows amazing resiliency and grit... This group plays the game with passion and heart and energy.

Division I - Dublin Regional

  • No. 6 Lancaster vs No. 20 Hilliard Darby
  • No 2 New Albany vs No. 22 Upper Arlington

Region Overview: There is a new look to the region with one regional title this century out of the four teams in the field. Lancaster has not allowed a run in three tournament outings while Hilliard Darby has shut out two of three opponents. New Albany also has blanked the opposition twice in the postseason while Upper Arlington is in the regional for the first time since rookie head coach Sam Clark was a senior at the school in 2010 after knocking off defending state champion Olentangy Liberty.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Lancaster over Hilliard Darby
  • New Albany over Upper Arlington
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - New Albany

Fan Vote:

  • Hilliard Darby over Lancaster
  • New Albany over Upper Arlington
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - New Albany

Lancaster

Record: 26-3
Final Ranking: No. 6
Preseason Ranking: No. 35
Highest Ranking: No. 3 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • State participant six times
  • Lone win at state came in semifinals in 1982
  • Last time to qualify for state was in 1985

Top Players:

  • Garrett Davis, RHP, Senior (8-1)
  • Evan Sines, 2B, Junior, .443
  • Casey Finck, 1B/LHP, Junior, .451 | (8-1)
  • Tyler Monk, SS, Senior, .342
  • Wes Ward, 3B, Junior, .325
  • Jake Richards, LF, Senior, .311
  • AJ Cook, RF, Senior, .293
  • Lucas Gauerke, DH, Senior, .318
  • David Hill, C, Senior, .214
  • Max Hamilton, CF, Junior, .302
  • Spencer Knight, RHP, Senior, (5-0)
  • Brendan Hutton, RHP, Junior, Relief, 2.40 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I love the team chemistry that we have. This is a close, veteran group with clarity in their goals. They have put in an insane amount of work to get to this point. They are awesome to be around everyday.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was awesome. We went back to back for the first time since '92, '93. Extremely proud of this group because of all of the work that they put in.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Grateful. A lot of things need to happen and we are gracious to be in the regional tournament again. We feel like we were really close last year and we are excited to get back on the field at Dublin Coffman.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: All four teams could win a state title and we feel honored to be in it once again.

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: We won our 1st outright OCC-Ohio division league championship this season. Our community has been unwavering and amazing in their support.

Hilliard Darby

Record: 22-7
Final Ranking: No. 20
Preseason Ranking: No. 49
Highest Ranking: No. 20 - Final
Postseason History:

  • In search of first trip to state 
  • 5th district title
  • 5 straight OCC-Cardinal titles

Top Players:

  • Andrew Patrick, CF/RHP, Sophomore, (6-0) 1.70 ERA
  • Paxton Schwandt, SS, Sophomore
  • Mason Bowers, LF, Senior
  • Kyle Miller, 3B, Senior
  • Garrett Mudgett, RF, Junior
  • Drew Snyder, 2B, Senior
  • Seth Schmidt, DH/RHP, Senior, (4-2) 2.38 ERA
  • Ryan Eatherton, C, Senior
  • Nick Skelskey, 1B/RHP, Junior, 0.57 ERA
  • Connor Maruniak, LHP, Junior, (7-2) 1.37 ERA
  • Scott Bugg, RHP, Senior, 1.47 ERA

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: So far: our Pitchers throw strikes, our defense makes the routine play, offensively we put the ball in play. We do those 3 things we will give ourselves a chance to win each game we play.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: I was very happy for our players, parents, and school, especially the ten seniors in the program.

New Albany

Record: 27-1
Final Ranking: No. 2
Preseason Ranking: No. 14
Highest Ranking: No. 2 - Week 2
Postseason History:

  • Only state appearance was in 2004 when New Albany won state title (Division III)

Team Stats:

  • .334 AVG, 223 Runs
  • 1.27 ERA, 230 Ks

Top Players:

  • Jack Sokol, RHP, Junior (8-0)
  • Mike Sokol, RHP, Junior (7-0)
  • Jimmy Stevens, 2B, Junior
  • Spencer Tammaro, LF, Junior
  • Parker Thompson, 3B, Senior
  • Ethan Swincicki, C, Senior
  • Brock Tibbitts, RF, Sophomore
  • Spencer Hill, CF/RHP, Senior
  • Kevin Fee, 1B/RHP, Junior
  • Nick Shroyer, SS, Senior
  • Jacob Cooper, DH, Junior
  • Vaughn “Ricky” Hoff, RHP, Senior, Closer, (3-0) 7 saves
  • Dillon Masters, LHP, Junior, Relief, 6 holds
  • Austin Erdely, RHP, Senior, Relief

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team Chemistry 

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Excited for these young men, they have worked hard for this.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: It is an honor to get to that point. It is not an easy thing to do.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: Nobody gets to this point by mistake. Everyone is playing solid baseball.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This community has traveled really well and have been very supportive of these young men.


Upper Arlington

Record: 20-9
Final Ranking: No. 22
Preseason Ranking: No. 12
Highest Ranking: No. 12 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Hoping to make it to state for fifth time in school history
  • Never lost a state semifinal game, with two titles and two second-place finishes
  • Last regional championship came in 1990

Team Stats:

  • .306 AVG, 202 Runs
  • 3.04 ERA, 194 Ks

Top Players:

  • Tommy Dilz, 1B/LHP, Senior
  • Sammy Sass, C, Senior
  • Jacob Leve, INF, Junior
  • Ben Krimm, RF/P, Senior
  • Charlie Fleming, RF/P, Senior
  • Matthew Green OF, Junior
  • Andrew Whetsell, SS/RHP, Senior
  • Jake Cannon, OF, Senior
  • Daniel Jaskot, INF, Senior
  • Ethan Hammerberg, DH/P, Senior
  • Steven Bair, OF, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Experience on the mound.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Watching my players dogpile together was an indescribable feeling. It brought me back to my days as a player and winning a district title – I was happy my guys were able to have that experience together.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: This was a goal from the beginning of the season. To be one of the final 16 team standing at this point in the season is a great opportunity for our players, fans, and community.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: It’s going to be a battle. Everyone left is here for a reason. It’s an experienced field and whoever comes out on top will be positioned well for a run at a State Title.

Division I - Bowling Green/Parma Regional

  • No. 23 Anthony Wayne vs No. 40 Sylvania Southview
  • No. 12 St. Ignatius vs No. 25 Amherst Steele

Region Overview: Two teams that have never been to state in Southview and Steele will have to get by teams with experience. Anthony Wayne won regional for the first time a year ago and ended up as state runners-up while St. Ignatius has won a regional crown nine times since 2000. AW and Southview will be meeting for the third time this year with the Generals winning 5-2 and 6-2 in Northern Lakes League games.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Sylvania Southview over Anthony Wayne
  • St. Ignatius over Amherst Steele
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - St. Ignatius

Fan Vote:

  • Anthony Wayne over Sylvania Southview
  • St. Ignatius over Amherst Steele
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - St. Ignatius

Anthony Wayne

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: No. 23
Preseason Ranking: No. 21
Highest Ranking: No. 21 - Preseason
Postseason History:

  • Lone regional title came in 2018

Team Stats:

  • .293 AVG, 188 R
  • 2.66 ERA, 137 K

Top Players:

  • Hogan Heck
  • Connor Judy
  • Carter Holck
  • Conner Holck
  • Garret Pike
  • Zac Szul
  • Chip Gottschalk
  • Ty Roder
  • Austin Drewes
  • Camron Kottenbrock

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I like our team. We're young in key spots and the team has matured throughout the season.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was awesome. It's a goal we have every year to try and get to regionals.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: I think that last year (winning regionals) really helped this year. Now we know what to expect.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: What I know is we have a good opponent. The main difference this time (from two previous meetings - both win - this year with Southview) is that we face Logan Danzeisen who we have not faced. He's really good. They're really playing well. We just need to find a way to grind out some big hits.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: We always have a target on our back. Making it to state (last year) made it a bigger target, but the team seems more confident in the tournament.
 

Sylvania Southview

Record: 16-12
Final Ranking: No. 40
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 40 - Final
Postseason History:

  • 2nd regional appearance, never having won a regional title

Top Players:

  • Bailey Wietrzykowski, C, Senior
  • Logan Danzeisen, RHP/OF, Junior
  • Nick Rogenski, 2B, Junior
  • Jakob Harshman, SS/RHP, Senior
  • Michael Melville, 3B, Junior
  • Parker McClure, RF, Senior
  • Connor Bush, DH/RHP, Senior
  • Josh Vaculik, 1B, Senior
  • Cam Young, LF/RHP, Sophomore
  • Nick Harshman, CF, Sophomore

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Team Camaraderie. Loose yet Focused.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Exciting - Proud.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Exhilarating.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: At this point, all are good teams, so must pitch and play “D”, and have quality ABs.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Honored and fortunate to represent Sylvania and NW Ohio D1 Baseball

St. Ignatius

Record: 20-8
Final Ranking: No. 12
Preseason Ranking: No. 7
Highest Ranking: No. 4 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Have won 13 regional championships
  • Seeking 10th trip to state this century
  • Only won state title once, that coming in 2002
  • State runner up in 2000, 2008, 2013

Top Players:

  • AJ Gaich, 2B, Senior (Yale)
  • Jack Whelan, RF, Junior
  • Michael Holdsworth, 3B, Senior (Nebraska)
  • Michael McNamara, SS, Junior (Kent St.)
  • Flynn Lenehan, DH, Senior 9 (Case Western)
  • Austin Jones, C, Senior
  • Matt Geraci, LF, Senior
  • Connor Mays, 1B, Junior
  • Erik Daugenti, CF, Junior
  • Andrew Mulhern, RHP, Senior (5-1)
  • Nick Fletcher, RHP, Junior (5-1)
  • Luke Lashutka, RHP, Junior (St. Bonaventure)
  • Matt Ferritto, RHP, Senior

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We have great senior leadership with AJ Gaich, Michael Holdsworth, Austin Jones and Matt Geraci leading the way.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: We won in a walk off so it was very exciting.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We never take it for granted and we look forward to playing Amherst.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: All 4 teams have earned the right to play in the regional.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: 2019 has been a special year for our program and we hope to keep it going a little bit longer.


Amherst Steele

Record: 20-10
Final Ranking: No. 25
Preseason Ranking: No. 17
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Week 1
Postseason History:

  • Second straight regional appearance, third in last four years
  • Never won a regional title
  • Fourth straight 20-win season
  • 91 wins over last four years, which is the most in school history.

Team Stats:

  • .275 AVG, 164 R
  • 1.99 ERA, 219 Ks

Top Players:

  • TJ Staton, RF, Senior
  • Josh Qualls, SS, Sophomore
  • Jacob Lezon, DH, Senior
  • Caleb McGee, 1B, Sophomore
  • Eric Ritter, C, Junior
  • Jason Monos, CF, Junior
  • Dylan Bailey, 2B, Sophomore
  • Blake Kendall, LF, Sophomore
  • Justin Hritsko, 3B, Junior
  • Dylan Eaton, RHP, Senior (5-1) 1 save
  • Kyle Dalzell, LHP, Senior (5-2)
  • Justin Hritsko, RHP, Junior (3-3) 2 saves
  • Brayden Willbond, RHP, Junior (1-2) 2 saves

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: After a shaky stretch in the middle of the season, I think we are playing our best baseball at the right time. The addition of three sophomores (Caleb McGee, Blake Kendall, Dylan Bailey) halfway through the year really gave us a boost offensively, and immediately made us better defensively. The three guys that have seen time on the mound so far in the tournament (Kyle Dalzell, Dylan Eaton, Justin Hritsko) have just been outstanding. If we can continue to play all facets of the game well, we’ll be right where we want to be at the end of games.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: To see how this group of young men battled through adversity this season, and game by game so far in the tournament, the win over St. Eds to win the district, might have been my most satisfying win as a coach. I was so happy for these guys, who haven’t garnered a lot of respect, to come out and get right back where we wanted to be.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Any time you can extend your season and play deep into the tournament is just an awesome feeling. Getting to coach this group of seniors for at least another week, and get the underclassmen even more experience on the big stage is just so beneficial for the entire program.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: We know the game on Thursday against St. Ignatius will be a tremendous challenge. They have a great program and will be well coached and disciplined. Anthony Wayne is also used to being in the regional, having played and lost to them in the Sweet 16 in 2016, so they always have a shot. Sylvania Southview is hot right now, and if you get hot in the postseason, you definitely have a chance.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: Having come up short in our previous two regional appearances, we are hoping to come out and play well on Thursday and see what happens. The support of the community has been fantastic, and it would be amazing to keep making the city of Amherst proud.

Division I - Cincinnati Regional

  • No. 11 Vandalia Butler vs No. 32 Turpin
  • No. 13 Springboro vs No. 16 Elder

Region Overview: The potential was there for #1 vs #3 in the regional, but Vandalia Butler and Turpin changed all that with 6-5 district final wins, Butler nipping top-ranked Mason and Turpin edging third-rated Badin. Springboro has scored 33 runs in three tourney games while Elder has produced 50 runs in four post-season outings.

For Fun Prediction:

Dylan Hefflinger:

  • Vandalia Butler over Turpin
  • Springboro over Elder
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Springboro

Fan Vote:

  • Vandalia Butler over Turpin
  • Elder over Springboro
    • REGIONAL CHAMP - Vandalia Butler

Vandalia Butler

Record: 24-6
Final Ranking: No. 11
Preseason Ranking: No. 39
Highest Ranking: No. 11 - Week 6
Postseason History:

  • One regional title came in 2000

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Cam Miller
  • Karter Peck
  • Boston Smith
  • Quinton Hall
  • Zach Fults
  • Cody Borchers
  • Cooper Harestad
  • Alex Joyners

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: I obviously like how our team is playing right now.  We have won some big games the last month to win the league and advance to the regionals.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Winning the districts and knocking off No. 1 Mason was a thrill for everyone but I also sense the team feels they still have work to do.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: We are excited to be still playing and the opportunity to move on.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: It’s definitely not some of the team’s everyone expected to be there but any team that gets this far is going to be good.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This has been an uplifting season for our team as we were not expected by a lot of people to do what we have done especially after a slow start and an embarrassing loss to C-J.  We have risen above two serious injuries to two starters from last year and have hopefully have made our community proud. We have several unselfish players who are not playing their number one preferred position but are doing it without pouting for the good of the whole.  We are a true team in every sense of the word. Miller, Hall, Joynes and Borchers have been our go to guys on the mound and have exceeded my expectations and our core guys of Miller, Borchers, Smith, Harestad, Peck, Fults, Hall, Masters, Yeary, Case, Norman, B. Echeman, Dent, Greaser, Hendricks, Justice and K. Echeman have all had moments throughout this journey to shine and get us where we are.
 

Turpin

Record: 17-10
Final Ranking: No. 32
Preseason Ranking: NR
Highest Ranking: No. 32 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Seeking first regional title

Team Stats:

  • ???

Top Players:

  • ???

Coach's Thoughts: No information provided.

Springboro

Record: 23-6
Final Ranking: No. 13
Preseason Ranking: No. 18
Highest Ranking: No. 13 - Final
Postseason History:

  • Never made a state appearance

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Jake D’Amico, C, Senior
  • Tyler Kean, DH/P, Senior (4-0)
  • Calvin Walters, RF, Senior
  • Logan Zier, 1B, Senior
  • Adam Schomburg, P, Senior
  • Ben Barber, SS, Junior
  • Adam Berry, LF, Junior
  • Cam Snurr, 3B, Junior
  • Brock Bernard, 2B, Junior
  • Josh Collins, CF/P, Junior (4-2)
  • Austin Fawley, RHP, Junior (10-0)

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: Playing our best baseball right now getting contributions from lots of players

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: It was a great feeling; it has been a long time.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Excited for the opportunity.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: It will be a challenge to come out of the Cincinnati regional. Elder has a storied history and is playing well. Turpin seems to be the surprise team and are finding ways to win. Butler has a great program and are also playing really well.

PBR: Anything else you would like to add?
Coach: This group of players have worked hard throughout the year to win the District and have an opportunity to compete in the Regionals. They are supportive of each other and ready to fulfill their role to make the team successful. It has been a joy coaching this group and they are deserving of continued success.

Elder

Record: 22-9
Final Ranking: No. 16
Preseason Ranking: No. 26
Highest Ranking: No. 14 - Week 3
Postseason History:

  • Most state titles in Ohio history with 12
  • Won 20 regional championships
  • Last regional crown came in 2010

Team Stats:

Top Players:

  • Kory Klingenbeck, C, Jr. 31 hits, 29 runs,10 2B, 4 3B, 17 SB, .352 BA - Threw out 13-25 attempted steals.
  • Michael Newsom, SS, Sr. 26 hits, 21 runs, 21 SB, .292 BA - only 5 errors all year at SS
  • Miles Bush, RF, Sr. 27 hits, 28 runs, 19 RBI, 17 SB, .325 BA
  • Ryan Marr, 1B, Sr. 25 hits, 18 runs, 18 RBI, 6 2B, .379 BA
  • Zack Williams, DH, Jr. 30 hits, 27 RBI, .417 BA
  • Sean O’Conner, LF, Sr. 19 runs, 19 SB, .295 BA
  • Carmine Domenicone, 2B, Jr. 20 hits, .250 BA
  • Clayton Hodge, 3B, Sr. .351 BA – 3 errors @ 3B
  • Ben Burke, CF, Sr. .237 BA - Gap to gap coverage in CF
  • Colton Sandhas, Jr. LHP, 7-1, 47 1/3 inn. 1.77 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 53 K’s
  • Mychal Grogan, Jr. RHP, 6 saves, 1.59 ERA, .086 WHIP, relief
  • Aidan Byrne, Sr, RHP, 2.14 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, relief

Coach's Thoughts:

PBR: What are a couple of things you like about your team right now?
Coach: We are without a doubt playing our best baseball of the year. That’s all you can ask as a coach.

PBR: Talk about the feeling when your team won districts?
Coach: Just really grateful and happy for this group that have overcome quite a bit of adversity this year to still be playing.

PBR: Thoughts about being able to play in the regionals?
Coach: Humbled and excited to have the opportunity for this team to play in the regionals with so many talented and well-coached teams in the region.

PBR: Thoughts on the four-team field at the regional?
Coach: I think they are all scrappy teams that continue to find a way to win.