2025 Richland County Baseball Media Guide: Your one-stop shop for everything you need to know
Jake Furr
MANSFIELD — Welcome to your home for everything Richland County baseball for the 2025 season.
Take a look through each team and see which ones have shots to add trophies to the case this season with the 2025 Richland County Baseball Media Guide.
Clear Fork Colts
Conference: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
OHSAA Division: Division IV
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 26-5 (10-4)
Number of returning letter winners: 8
Number of returning starters from: 5
Number of players lost to graduation: 6
Head Coach: Gabe Kennedy (44-13, Entering third season)
Probable Lineup (Including Kennedy's words)
C: Dawson Staley, senior - He will be a 3-year starter at catcher and will be batting in the middle of our lineup. He is tough, works hard and leads by example.
1B: Chandler Ball, senior - Second Team MOAC and HM District. Will be a 3-year starter at 1B for us. Has power with 2 HR last season.
2B: Jacob Brokaw, junior - Jacob would have gotten varsity time last season if not for an All-Ohio second baseman starting in front of him. He is extremely fast and understands the game well.
3B: Hunter Rahall, junior - Hunter will be asked to play multiple positions in the infield and will also be logging a good amount of innings for us this season. He has hit the weight room in the off-season and looks like he is ready to compete for everyday time.
SS: Jay Jackson, senior- Jay was first Team MOAC and District, and All-Ohio Honorable Mention. Jay had 46 hits, 6 2B, 6 3B, 3HR, 34 RBI, 36 R, 29 SB and a .467 BA. We will be looking for Jay to take that next step in his game and give us quality innings on the mound as well as hold down SS like he did a year ago. Jay has clearly been in the weight room and looks to improve on his already stellar high school baseball career.
LF: Landen Perry, junior - Landen will be a newcomer with a great attitude and work ethic. He has good speed and instincts. He works extremely hard and continues to gain knowledge and improve his skills on the field and in the cage.CF: Porter Schmidt, junior - Porter will be holding down CF and in the bottom of our lineup as he has good instincts and understands situational baseball. His base running is a huge part of his games. His speed and IQ continue to improve.RF: Mason Sansom senior - Mason was second Team MOAC as a sophomore and batted .314, with 27 hits, 26 RBI and 27 Runs scored last season. Mason is looking to take over the lead-off spot for us this year as he has bounced all around the lineup the past two seasons.
P: Garett Hotz, senior - Garett is a competitor on the mound and wants to pitch in big games as he was the winning pitcher to help us win the district last season. He was 7-3 last season with two saves and a 1.75 ERA along with a 1.161 WHIP. He will be our Tuesday-Wednesday starter for our conference opponents. He also has a ton of power at the plate.
P: Jay Jackson, senior - Jay did not pitch as much as we would have liked last season because our starters went so deep into games. We are looking for Jay to be a Tuesday-Wednesday starter this year for us as he throws hard and understands how to attack hitters.
P: Mason Sansom, senior - Mason is another player we wanted to throw more last year but it did not work out that way. He played extremely well in RF, and CF when Luke Schlosser pitched. He is looking comfortable and competitive on the mound so far this Spring.
P: Mason Ball, sophomore - Mason pitched 15 innings for varsity last season and performed well. He will be competing for the 3B spot along with coming into the game as a relief pitcher. He is looking consistent both on the mound and in the cage this Spring.
P: Hunter Rahall, junior - Hunter is looking like he belongs so far this Spring. He has put in the work this Fall and Winter and is poised to help us out on the mound as a potential RP or Non-League starter.
Other Contributors:
Judah Chamberlain, senior - Judah was a Clear Fork kid growing up then transferred to Lucas after his freshman year and has now come back for his senior season. He caught a lot last year for Lucas and was All-District batting over .400. He has been bouncing around to different positions so far this Spring. He has a great attitude and we look for him to be a big part of any success we have this season.
Brooks Craw, senior, DH - Brooks looked to be a contributor on the mound in his early years but then ran into arm issues that had previously limited his defensive availability. He can hit well and his base running has improved quite a bit going into his final season.
Myles Sharp, junior - Myles has looked great this Spring and is settling in as a pitcher who could crack into the varsity plans and has been making a case for himself.
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"Our league is loaded once again with great coaches, quality hitters and pitchers that can throw complete games. As usual, we are all chasing Highland. They have it going on down there. They play the game the right way and personally, I like to measure ourselves up against them. Highland is the favorite but teams like Galion, Ontario and Shelby will also be mentioned with what the players they have coming back and the coaches they have. There are no days off with this conference as everybody has a 1 and a 2 and some teams have a couple number 1’s. I am hoping our kids continue to compete and are playing meaningful conference games in May. Our schedule to start is going to reveal what our team is very quickly. The league and nonleague opponents early on will test our abilities that is for sure. But I am excited to see how we compete against these great schools."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Jay Jackson is a stud player and, great kid. Works hard and leads by example. Doesn’t stop working even when things are going well. Captain last season and All-Ohio honorable mention at shortstop, which he was robbed of not being 1st Team All-Ohio.
Mason Sansom is a great young man, productive, and emerging as more of a vocal leader. Mason will be batting lead-off for us this year with huge shoes to fill as All-Ohio second baseman Nate Lind did extremely well in that role last season. Mason is going to be expected to pitch much more than he has in the past. When he is not pitching, he will be playing in the outfield and helping the newcomers alongside him.
Garett Hotz just came off an excellent senior year of basketball and we are hoping he can keep that mojo going. Garett will be our Pitcher/DH type of guy who is a powerful bat in the middle of the lineup and a competitive pitcher who will give us all he has. Second Team MOAC last year has put him on the map this year so I am excited to see how he responds to this being his final season to prove himself.
Dawson Staley doesn’t get the praise others do as he has the tough duty of catching everyday and staying in our lineup. Dawson does a great job getting on base and/or moving base runners over. He is coachable and willing to do whatever his coaches and teammates ask of him. He has started at catcher since his sophomore year and we are hoping this is his best year yet.
Chandler Ball will be a first baseman for the third straight year where he does a great job for us. Chandler is a quiet kid but can get very hot at the plate as he came up with clutch hit after clutch hit for us a year ago. His defense has been outstanding and at this moment, he will be batting at the top half of the lineup. His job this year is to drive in runs which he has had plenty of success doing in his high school career so far."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Judah Chamberlain is a Lucas transfer but a Clear Fork kid. We are not sure yet where he will play defensively but if he can hit as well as he has in the past, we will find a place for him. If a player can get on base then there will be someplace on the lineup card. Judah has shown a willingness to play different positions early on which only helps his chances of playing as often as possible.
Jacob Brokaw, Landen Perry and Hunter Rahall are all players that could have gotten primarily varsity time last year but had great players in front of them. Hopefully, they are ready to be the guy instead of having an up-close look at the players producing that start over them. I am excited to see these guys compete and get more comfortable with the] more experience they get."
Crestview Cougars
Conference: Firelands Conference
OHSAA Division: Division VI
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 12-12 (9-5)
Number of returning letter winners: Six
Number of returning starters: Five
Number of players lost to graduation: Five
Head Coach: Don Keener (122-112 in 11 years as head coach)
Probable Lineup
C: Kayn Patton (So) - .259 11 RBIs 10 Runs-2nd year lettermen and Brayden Parrigan (So.)
1B: Drew Spoerr (Jr.)-(Returning Lettermen)-2nd year or Kaden Stutz (So.)
2B: Jeb Workman (Sr.) - (Returning Lettermen)-3rd year
3B: Gavin Barker (Sr.)- .432 20 RBIs 16 Runs 7 SBs-(1st FC, HM District-9)-4th year lettermen andKaden Stutz (So.)
SS: Tyson Ringler (Sr.)- .373 26 RBIs 23 Runs 13 SBs 1-HR-(1st FC, HM District-9)-4th year lettermen
LF: Brayden Parrigan (So.) and Kayn Patton (So.)
CF: Carson Keener (So.)- .303 15 RBIs 13 Runs 15 SBs-2nd year lettermen (HM-FC)
RF: Landon Fulk (Jr.) or Brayden Parrigan (So.)
P: Tyson Ringler (Sr.)- 3-3 39.2 IP 1.94 ERA 1 Save 60 Ks
P: Gavin Barker (Sr.)- 1-4 22.2 IP 4.01 ERA 16 Ks
P: Jeb Workman (Sr.)- 1-3 18.2 IPs 5.25 ERA 14 Ks
P: Drew Spoerr (Jr.)
P: Carson Keener (So.)
P: Kaden Stutz (So.)
Other Contributors:
Tyler Aumend (Sr.)
Carson White (Sr.)
Noah Martin (Sr.)
Troy Weaver (So.)
Colton Ernandez (So.)
Coach's Corner
Who are the players we should watch for from your team and why?
"We have five returning starters, of which two have started for four years: Gavin Barker and Tyson Ringler. Both Gavin and Tyson have been key contributors to our team for the previous three years. They will be expected to be our team leaders on and off the field to help bring our younger players along."
How does the league look and where does your team fit in?
"The Firelands Conference brings back a very balanced league from top to bottom. Any number of teams could win the league this year. We also bring back a good amount of experience and we hope to compete for the FC title."
What is the biggest X-factor for your team to have a successful season?
"Our biggest X-factor is to stay healthy and to find pitching depth. With a very challenging non-league schedule, we hope it will prepare us for the conference and post-season. We will need younger players to step up since we have graduated some very good players from the previous season."
Lexington Minutemen
Conference: Ohio Cardinal Conference
OHSAA Division: Division III
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 11-18; 6-8
Number of returning letter winners: 5
Number of returning starters from: 2
Number of players lost to graduation: 10
Head Coach: Jeff Strickler (197-163 in 14 years)
Probable Lineup
C: Cole Eichorn (Jr); 14 GP, 36 AB, .278 BA, .438 OBP, .899 FPCT, 10 R, 8 RBI, 9 BB, 4 K, 4 SB, 17% CS
1B: Graham Clark (Jr); no varsity stats
2B: Evan Mathias (Sr); 4 GP, 6 AB, .000 BA, .250 OBP, 1.000 FPCT, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3B: Nick Hamler (Sr); 2 GP, 3 AB, .333 BA, .333 OBP, .667 FPCT, 1 R
SS: Gage Powell (Sr); 26 GP, 54 AB, .185 BA, .329 OBP, .817 FPCT, 9 R, 8 RBI, 1 2B, 10 BB, 16 K, 5 SB
LF: Max Montgomery (Sr); 25 GP, 43 AB, .233 BA, .300 OBP, 1.000 FPCT, 3 R, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 5 BB, 12 K, 1 SB
CF: Markale Martin (Jr); 29 GP, 75 AB, .280 BA, .402 OBP, .971 FPCT, 14 R, 11 RBI, 6 2B, 1 HR, 15 BB,17 K, 6 SB; HONORS: MNJ Wildcard Team
RF: still up for grabs
P: Gage Powell (Sr); 8 APP, 4 GS, 1 CG, 26.2 IP, 129 BF, 1-4 REC, 3.150 ERA, .274 BAA, 30 K, 10 BB, 11 HP
P: Max Montgomery (Sr); 7 APP, 3 GS, 1 CG, 20 IP, 97 BF, 2-0 REC, 3.150 ERA, .247 BAA, 13 K, 10 BB,5 HP
P: Tyler Galownia (Jr); 6 APP, 1 GS, 15 IP, 75 BF, 1-2 REC, 1 SAVE, 6.533 ERA, .339 BAA, 6 K, 8 BB, 4 HP
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"I have always said the OCC is a tremendous baseball conference. You must bring your “A” game against every team in this conference if you want to be successful. I am not sure who would be considered the favorite this year since just about every team lost some great players from last year and have some really good players returning. As for us, though we are inexperienced at the varsity level, we do have experienced pitchers returning. Our success will depend on them doing their jobs well and allowing the younger players to develop and then contribute at a high level. I fully expect Lexington to be competitive and be in on the conference title race."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Junior Markale Martin, a 2-year letterman, returns to start in the outfield for the third year. Markale has great speed and gets great reads of the ball off the bat as well as having a tremendous arm. Offensively, Markale has good power and after hitting .280 as a sophomore, we are looking for him to have a really good season offensively. Senior letterman, Gage Powell returns to play shortstop and pitch. Possessing a strong arm and good glove, along with being faster and quicker this year, Gage looks to have an even better season at short this season. He will be one of our starting conference pitchers and has looked very good thus far in practice. Gage pitched well last year—he did a great job keeping us in games—but he got very little offensive support in all but one of his appearances. Senior letterman, Max Montgomery returns to play outfield and pitch. A solid outfielder, Max can cover a lot of ground and gets great reads off the bat. As a pitcher last year, Max really improved as the season went along. In his last 4 appearances, Max did not allow a run and finished with a shutout versus state semifinalist Hillsdale. Max does a great job mixing speeds and locations and makes hitters mishit the ball and allows the defense to make plays."
Lucas Cubs
Conference: Mid-Buckeye Conference
OHSAA Division: Division VII
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 9-14 (6-2 conference)
Number of returning letter winners: 8
Number of returning starters from: 7
Number of players lost to graduation: 3
Head Coach: Dean George (First-year head coach)
Probable Lineup
C: Open Competition
1B: Open Competition
2B: Anthony Fanello, sophomore, Division IV Second Team All-District 9, First Team All-Mid-Buckeye Conference, First Team MNJ
3B: Ray Caudill, senior, Second Team All-Mid-Buckeye Conference, Honorable Mention MNJ
SS: Bobby Grover, senior, Division IV Honorable Mention All-District 9, Honorable Mention All-Mid-Buckeye Conference, Second Team MNJ
LF: Open Competition
CF: Will Whitesel, senior
RF: Open Competition
P: Jack DiBartolomeo, junior, Division IV Honorable Mention All-District 9, First Team All-Mid-Buckeye Conference, Second Team MNJ
P: Brady Anschutz, freshman
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"Last year we finished second in the Mid-Buckeye Conference so that obviously gives us a pretty clear goal for this year. We feel as if we can compete any given day and make a good run at it this season."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Anthony Fanello is a name to watch. He had a great freshman season and earned a few honors to prove that. I’m looking forward to seeing how he follows that up. He’s a guy that I expect to take over at SS next year after Bobby graduates and lead our infield. Any time you can have two talented middle infielders like him and Bobby it really makes your team better. Jack DiBartolomeo is another name to watch. He’ll be our No. 1 starting pitcher and is a guy who can do a lot of things for us. He plays multiple positions on the infield, catches, is a top-of-the-rotation pitcher, and can hit with the best of them. Guys like him make my job easier knowing I can pencil them in anytime, anywhere and they’ll produce."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Brady Anschutz is a player I’m very excited about. He’s a freshman this year but has played on some pretty competitive travel ball teams and has shown a lot of promise for us in camp so far. He’ll slot in as one of our outfielders giving us a solid lefty at the plate and will be a nice left-handed pitcher on the mound for us this season."
Madison Rams
Conference: Ohio Cardinal Conference
OHSAA Division: Division III
Last year's record: 6-20 (2-12)
Number of returning lettermen: 9
Number of returning starter: 8
Number of players lost to graduation: 1
Head Coach: Nick Milton (21-55, third-year coach)
Probable Lineup
C: Cameron Kuhn, senior - first team All-OCC, second team All-District, .368 BA, 10 2B, 2 HR.
1B: Bryce Braden, junior / Liam Stone, junior
2B: Ashton Taylor, junior / Liam Stone, junior
3B: Kylor Steagall, freshman / Liam Stone, junior
SS: EJ Fox, senior, honorable mention OCC / Kylor Steagall, freshman.
LF: Aiden Proctor, sophomore
CF: Owen Morrow, junior, honorable mention All-OCC, honorable mention All-District, 10 2Bs
RF: Colton Adkins, junior / Julian Washington, sophomore / Grady Spurlock, junior
P: EJ Fox, senior, 3 wins
P: Liam Stone, junior
P: Ashton Taylor, junior
P: Kylor Steagall, freshman
P: Aiden Proctor, sophomore
P: Lucas Swanger, junior
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"The OCC will be deep and competitive this year. Many teams across the league bring back key contributors from a year ago. I see our team being competitive in our leave. We were in a lot of close games last year and just weren't able to get over the hump and complete those games. Hopefully, with the experience we gained a year ago, we are able to take the next step and complete those games this year and that results in more wins. Wooster will probably be favored to win the league bringing back a number of college commits fresh off a second district championship in as many years."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Cameron Kuhn is back for his senior season. He has started every game in his high school career. He has gotten better offensively each year while being an ironman behind the plate. He hit .368 a year ago with 10 doubles and two home runs. A solid year from Cameron could push him over 100 hits in his high school career. Cameron will also get a chance to pitch in spots this year. Liam Stone and Owen Morrow will be three-year starters in their own capacities. Liam has pitched a lot of big games over the past two years and is the most efficient pitcher on our staff. Owen tied for the team lead in doubles last year and will patrol centerfield again. EJ Fox is back as a conference pitcher and in his second year as the team's shortstop. EJ earned three wins on the mound last season including wins over top district seeds Shelby and Ontario."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Kylor Steagall comes in as a freshman with all the measurables. He is athletic enough to play anywhere, but we expect to see him in roles on the left side of the infield. He will also pitch some innings for us."
Mansfield Christian Flames
Conference: Mid-Buckeye Conference
OHSAA Division: Division VI
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 5–19 (0-6)
Number of returning letter winners: 10
Number of returning starters from: 5
Number of players lost to graduation: 6
Head Coach: Cory Branham Sr. (19-55 in fifth year)
Probable Lineup
C: Josh Hillman, Sophomore, returning HM MBC selection.
1B: Blayne Morrow, returning starter and letterman
2B: JR Reeder, returning starter and letterman
3B: Caleb Ricker, returning starter and letterman
SS: Landan McRae, returning starter and letterman
LF: Josiah Schleusener
CF: Landan Bishop, returning starter and letterman
RF: Raiden Kiger, returning starter and letterman / Noah Reeder
P: Blayne Morrow
P: Josiah Schleusner
P: Caleb Ricker
P: Bryson Winemiller
P: Noah Reeder
P: JR Reeder
Other Contributors:
2B/RF/P: Gavin Webb
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"Good question. We were a senior heavy team last year and that is changing this year with a big underclassmen movement. This is our first year without Loudonville in the league and Lucas has received an official invite to the N10. Lucas has a new head coach - Friend and former MSHS assistant Coach George. To say the MBC landscape has changed in the past couple of seasons is an understatement. Team departures, potential departures, and coaching changes have outweighed the graduation of talent this past year. No one’s fault, just a unique time in our league. That is to say nothing about the change from four divisions to seven – which was long overdue. Lucas will be tough, always disciplined, some good arms coming back that will keep them solid even if offensive pieces need time to click in those early cold games. Have to say that on paper Central Christian and Lucas might be favored over MCS and Crestline. But Crestline, also with a new coach, brings back some solid pitching. Look for us to be Fast. We may not have 1-2 power bats but we will have 5-6 contact hitters with speed and baserunning smarts. As many as three guys will have “green lights.” We could have won some conference games last year (losing by 1 at Crestline the night before my son was born). A couple of early-inning deficits gave us an uphill battle from time to time but I would not expect a repeat conference performance out of this club. In short, probably an early nod to Central – they bring back players and staff. But don’t be surprised if the other teams, including MCS, are nipping at their heels. If the Flames build early momentum, look for this youth movement here to play with confidence."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
Look at JR Reeder, junior and 2-time letterman. We call him the “Swiss army knife” because he can and will do everything, except suit up at catcher ... yet. JR is a prototype top-of-the-order hitter and looks to return to the 1 or 2 spot again this year. He is joined by his little brother this year, freshman Noah Reeder. You know how sibling rivalries can push siblings to reach new heights and we might see this out of these guys. Look at Freshman Matthew Kalashnik. Like fellow Frosh Noah Reeder, Matthew is every bit of 6 feet and is a natural. Frosh Shelby Richards is flashing the leather early, very capable and competent third baseman with grit and hustle. Sophomores Landan Bishop, Adam Shelton, and Raiden Kiger have all gotten taller, stronger, and put on weight this offseason. All return as lettermen. Fellow-sophomore Jude Zerby returns to bring depth at First Base but is also a potential power bat. Juniors are solid and 2 new faces join the team this year that will give pitching and fielding depth. Josiah “Joe” Schleusener is a favorite amongst his teammates and Bryson Winemiller is looking good in early practices. Blayne Morrow is a pick-machine at first base. Really becoming a pillar for us at first. Mechanically sound. His bat was streaky at times as an underclassman but he’s really shown some pop in BP so far. Senior Landan McRae took off his sophomore year, notably dropping a game-winning bunt down against Oberlin. He's been in the weight room and looks to add power to his game. Seniors Caleb Ricker and Gavin Webb will patrol the infield and pitch for us. Caleb’s bat really was heating up toward the end of last year and Gavin is ready to take a step as well. Look for Senior Elijah Beere to work his way into some second base time. With a 20-man team this year, I could go on and on. We hope to have a few stand-alone JV games and a full varsity schedule so lots of room for guys to work their way onto the field this year."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
Hard not to love “Joe.” But I’ll also defer to a big ninth-grade class. We’re looking at six freshmen on this team and 10 combined players just in the 9th and 10th grades. Yes, they’ll learn on the fly and learn the hard way at times, but if these guys stay together a few years, it could be a special special group."
"Additional note: a big thanks to former assistant coach Bryce Courser. Bryce was an assistant for the last two years and had to step back this year due to work commitments. A big thanks to our Athletic Department, Facilities staff, and softball program. Getting our playing surfaces up to standard and coordinating practices in High School and Elementary Gyms are not fun but we navigated these challenges with grace and it was very much appreciated."
Mansfield Senior Tygers
Conference: Ohio Cardinal Conference
OHSAA Division: Division III
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 7-19 (0-14)
Number of returning letter winners: 7
Number of returning starters from: 7
Number of players lost to graduation: 4
Head Coach: J.R. Davis (20-73 in sixth year)
Probable Lineup
C: Joshua Malone - Sr
1B: Maurice Bradley Jr. - Sr. / Sr, Sean Tanner - Fr.
2B: Mathew Santana - Jr. / Nic Redman - Jr. / D.J. Beard - Soph. (All in competition for position)
3B: Nash Nicholson - Sr. / Guy Trader - Jr.
SS: Guy Trader - Jr.
LF: Grayson Sanders - Sr.
CF: Griffin Debolt - Sr.
RF: Peyton Page - Sr.
P: Guy Trader - Jr.
P: Joshua Malone - Sr.
P: Sean Tanner - Fr.
P: Grayson Sanders - Sr.DH: Will Fortner - Sr.
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"The OCC is probably the toughest conference in the area so being competitive in this league is the toughest challenge we will face all year. We hope to steal a couple of wins in conference play and hopefully shake some things up for other teams during the season. Wooster is always the favorite every year."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
" Senior Joshua Malone is a three-year starter at cater and pitcher. Junior Guy Trader is a two-year starter and will be our No. 1 pitcher and our utility player. Senior Grayson Sanders is a three-year starter in the outfield."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Freshman Sean Tanner is one I have been excited for him to finally be in high school after the last few years watching him play in our middle school program. He will be a big-time pitcher in this area by the time he is a senior. Excited to work with him for the next 4 years."
Ontario Warriors
Conference: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
OHSAA Division: Division IV
Last year’s record: 15-11
Number of returning letter winners: 7
Number of returning starters from: 5
Number of players lost to graduation: 5
Head Coach: Mike Ellis (47-32 with eight years on staff)
Probable Lineup
C: Dane Kearns - So., avg. 231, limited at-bats
1B: Carter Walters - Sr., avg. 387, First Team MOAC, Second Team All-District 9
2B: Ian Rachel - Sr., avg. 260
3B: Gavynn Barnhart - So., played JV last year
SS: James Mahon - Sr, avg. .278, Second Team MOAC
LF: Landon Sowards - Sr., avg. .338
CF: Jaren Holden - So., avg .409 , limited at-bats
RF: Max Ciroli - Fr.
P: Carter Walters - SR
P: James Mahon - SR
P: Jaren Holden - So
P: Dom Cantrell - So
P: Rocco Peterson - So
"This team has to be able to play multiple positions. Whoever is pitching will determine where everyone will be playing." - Ellis.
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"The MOAC is a tough league and if you don’t bring your A-game you will get beat. Our team is going to be young and inexperienced. We have to do all the little things very well. Highland is the team to beat. They have won the MOAC the last two years."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Carter Walters, James Mahon, Ian Rachel and Landon Sowards. These guys are seniors and we are expecting big things from them this year."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Jaren Holden and Dane Kearns and two sophomores, who we are expecting good things from."
Plymouth Big Red
Conference: Firelands Conference
OHSAA Division: Division VII
Last year’s record (overall and conference): 11-13 Overall 7-7 Conference
Number of returning letter winners: 7
Number of returning starters from: 7
Number of players lost to graduation: 5
Head Coach: Adam Beverly (First Year)
Probable Lineup
C: Keegan Beverly- sophomore -Batted .176, 126 innings caught, 7 CS
1B: Lex Grose - junior – Batted .300, 1 HR - Pitching- 30 SO 3.69 ERA 30.1 IP- FC HM and HM District 9
2B: Hunter McClure- senior- Batted .216
3B: Isaiah Miller- sophomore - First Year
SS: Lincoln Distl- sophomore - Batted .303, 23 Hits,19 RBIs. Pitching - 14.2 IP with 19 Ks.
LF: Dasean Winfield- freshman - First Year
CF: Bobby Bowman - junior - Batted .148
RF: Colton Hass - senior - Batted .265
P: Jarret Burrer - junior - Batted .314, 22 Hits,2 HR, 20 RBIs. Pitching - 60 Ks 46.1 IP - first team FC and HM District 9
P: Lex Grose - junior
P: Colton Hass - senior
P: Lincoln Distl - sophomore
P: Bobby Bowman - junior
P: Isaiah Miller - sophomore
Other Contributors:
Hunter McClure -senior
Zack Miller -senior
Seth Love -sophomore
Anthony Moore - sophomore
Ben Trimmer - junior
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"I see Plymouth being right there in Top 3 this year in the conference. We have some strong arms coming back this year and the core is a very talented bunch of ballplayers and have a lot to prove. Our numbers are low, but I feel with what we have, we can make a strong statement in the conference. South Central will be strong again this year being a younger team last year and the run they did was impressive. Knowing a few kids on that team and how they play they, will be a strong contender again for conference title."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Jarret Burrer is a first team All-Firelands Conference and honorable mention All-District 9 player returning to ur lineup. He will be one to watch as a junior this season coming off a stellar sophomore season. The key piece on the mound and in the lineup. Lex Grose earned honorable mention All-FC and District 9 last year and is one of those quite key pieces to have on the baseball field. Having a stellar sophomore year last season, I see him making waves on the mound and at the plate in his junior season. An all-around great kid and teammate. Senior Colton Hass, I see him this year being a key contributor on the mound as a starter. He will be part of a very deep talented group of pitchers we have. Lincoln Distl, I felt as a freshman didn’t get the recognition he deserved. He was one of the best bats we had in the lineup batting a .303 with the most hits and was Top 3 in RBIs last season. I see him staying hot at the plate and he will be in the mix on the mound also. Keegan Beverly, as a freshman, did the bulk of the catching last season and did an outstanding good behind the plate. See him in his sophomore year turning the curve and being a key piece of the team leading behind the plate. Bobby Bowman, he has worked hard in the preseason so far and has really been showing some strengths from his sophomore year. I see him having a good year for us and will see time on the mound also this year."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"Dasean Winfield as a freshman first year of playing has shown some positive steps in the preseason so far and can see him being a key contributor this season. Isaiah Miller, he is a kid that just comes ready to play and has raw talent he’s going dual sport between track and baseball as a sophomore, but I see him being a key piece when he’s on the field for baseball."
Shelby Whippets
Conference: Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference
OHSAA Division: Division IV
Last year’s record: 15-8
Number of returning letter winners: 5
Number of returning starters: 3
Number of players lost to graduation: 8
Head Coach: Jon Amicone (156-69 in ninth year)
Probable Lineup
C: _Cole Dorsey (JR)
1B: _Quinton Albert (JR)
2B: Brock Fisher
3B: Maverick Noal (SR) Honorable Mention All-MOAC
SS: Nic Eyster (SR)
LF: Travis Slone (JR)
CF: Brady Bowman (SO)
RF: Brody Baker (SR)
P: Nik Eyster - First team All-MOAC, first team All-District 9
P: Sam Gwirtz (JR)
P: Tavis Slone
P: Kaleb Stairs (JR)
P: Conner Hartz (So)
Coach's Corner
Analyze the league and where you see your team fitting in. Who is the favorite and why?
"You have to start with Highland, they are the reigning champions and bring back both Tuesday and Wednesday starters. Galion is a team with a lot of talent that brings back some very talented players led by Alex Prosser. There are some very special baseball players throughout the league from Jay Jackson in Clear Fork to Raymond Scott-Harbolt in Harding, it is a very deep league. Our team will be starting some new players at key positions so we will need to mature quickly to give ourselves a chance in the league race."
Who are a few players from your own team we should keep our eyes on? Why?
"Nic Eyster is a two-time all-league and district player, he has signed on to play at Heidelberg and he is a wonderful leader for our team. He will need to have big year for us in all aspects of the game. Quinton Albert has been a starter since his freshmen year at first base and we expect him to take the next step in his game during his junior year."
Who is the biggest newcomer you expect to contribute this season?
"We bring in three left-handed pitchers in Sam Gwirtz, Kaleb Stairs, and Travis Slone that will have the opportunity to be key players for us this year."
jfurr@gannett.com
740-244-9934
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