CANTON - The PBR Underclass State Games helped bring Quincy Mazeke and Cincinnati together. The GlenOak High School sophomore is now committed to the university on the other side of the state from his hometown of Canton.

“The PBR event at Chillicothe had some schools there and one was Cincinnati which enticed me,” the second-rated 2025 outfielder in Ohio reflected. “Over two days there I showed off what I could do with all my intangibles and I was lucky enough afterward to get a follow from the Cincinnati coach. It was truly a blessing. They were on my list and it sped things up. They were interested in me and me in them.”

Up until the State Games only Kent State and “a few others” were in conversations with Mazeke, who had no prior contact with UC before the PBR event in October.

“Since I was little my father was a huge Bengals’ fan and always had their games on and Bearcats’ games on,” Mazeke pointed out. “That drew me to them. I watched them in the fall and saw their practices and how they run everything and it was really smooth. Everything was fluid and it all really intrigued me. It’s a Division I program that’s going into the Big 12 next year.”

One element about the 5-9 175-pounder stood out to Cincinnati.

“The athleticism I bring to the game,” Mazeke noted about what UC liked about him. “Baseball needs athletes. I also showed off my energy and hit tool.”

An older brother helped pave the path to college baseball for Mazeke.

“My interest in college baseball didn’t start until my older brother, Myles, committed to Army West Point in 2017,” Mazeke said. “I thought if he can do that, I can do better.”

An outfielder like Quincy, the older Mazeke passed along advice to his younger sibling.

“He told me to go with my heart and pick the school you think is the best fit for you as a baseball player, that will treat you well on the field and off the field,” Mazeke explained. “He said go to a school where you’re wanted and Cincinnati definitely is a place I was wanted.”

A commitment capped off a recruiting process that “picked up” in the summer.

“I put myself on the map when I went to a couple of PBRs early in the year, one in central Ohio and another in Massillon,” Mazeke said. “I showed off my tools. Then I went to the State Games and proved myself against guys that are going to be Power 5 guys.

“Overall, for me the whole process wasn’t too stressful,” Mazeke added. “PBR really helped me get my name out there to play Division I baseball.”

A large group of individuals are also credited by the 10th-rated 2025 in the state with playing a big part in making it all happen.

“First and foremost I thank God for my ability to play at the highest level,” Mazeke said. “My mom and dad, without them, this ship wouldn’t be flowing. Myles was influential, not only on the baseball field but with life lessons.

“My summer coach, Jim Hilton, has been with me since I was nine and has also been very influential with me about baseball. Coach Aaron Triplett, a long-time coach, has taught me a bunch about how to utilize my abilities. Coach Tyler Weisel has seen me since I was four-years-old and is a great baseball mind. I also want to thank my hitting coach Tyler Mitchell. And my high school coach, Raymond Frisbee, was able to get me in contact with most of the schools I talked to and has also been a big influence on me.”

Mazeke, who carries a 4.3 GPA at GlenOak and plans to major in kinesiology at UC, is relieved to have found a college home.

“It’s like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” Mazeke said. “I’m able to reflect back on all my work, but the work doesn’t stop now, it only picks up. I want to be a starter as a freshman.”

Now 16 years of age after a birthday earlier this month, Mazeke is excited about what lies ahead at the university 31/2 hours from home.

“They’re going to get the best out of me at every practice, someone who’s consistent, brings a lot of energy and is passionate about the game of baseball,” Mazeke said. “I will do anything for my boys, I’m a good teammate and an even better baseball player.

“I’m also looking forward to the energy that college baseball has around it,’ Mazeke continued. “The fan base at Cincinnati is amazing and I’m looking forward to getting the guys to Omaha and helping bring a championship back to Cincinnati.”