After one week, it’s fair to ask whether baseball or the weather is winning in Oregon. Many teams have had more games postponed than played so far, although that may change this week with so many in warmer climes for Spring Break.
Below, in our first Notebook of 2025, we share outlooks for almost 60 teams that completed our form. We expect many others to follow suit in the next week and be included in next Tuesday’s Notebook (Coaches: see note at the bottom).
We will present the team outlooks by classification, with the top 10 teams from the pre-season Coaches Polls listed first.
6A
1. Sunset
2. West Linn
3. South Salem
4. Jesuit
5. Barlow
6. Tualatin
7. Lake Oswego
8. Lakeridge
9. Sprague
10. McMinnville
Sunset lost in the state championship game last year after a 28-win season. The Apollos are favored to win it all in 2025 despite graduating a talented middle infield and several other starters. That’s because coach John Barnes returns one of the best seniors in the nation in LHP/1B Kruz Schoolcraft along with All-State pitchers Will Slater and Peter Raubuch, All-State catcher Dakota Chun and talented juniors Luke Sullivan and Cole Sauter. The addition of Lincoln’s best player from last year, OF Gabe Coltman, gives Sunset a middle-of-the-order bat to make up for some firepower lost with the graduation of Max Ellerbrook and Maddox Montoya. Sunset is playing a challenging schedule this spring, so don’t expect 28 wins again; but with pitching like the Apollos have, a deep playoff run and return to the state championship game are expected.
West Linn set a 6A record last year when it won the state title for the third straight year. The Lions aren’t the pre-season favorite to win again after graduating two stud starting pitchers and four-year starting catcher Ryan VandenBrink, among others, but head coach Joe Monahan has a pipeline in West Linn that should have the Lions in the mix by the end of the season. The key player returning for West Linn is INF/OF Danny Wideman, an Oregon commit and two-time First Team All-State pick. Pitchers Carson Boyer, Cole Hawkins and Roy Espinosa also return, as does middle infielder Ryan Hemsley and slugging third baseman Maverick Harper. Look for sophomore OF Sloan Baker to make a deep impact on a roster that features speed, pitching and the ability to defend all over the field.
South Salem won 25 games last year and reached the 6A semifinals for the first time since 2019. The Saxons did all this with just one senior on the roster. RHP Carter Nelson represented 36 percent of the team’s innings on the mound, and his loss will be felt, but the talent is overflowing for coach Jesse Price. Starts back include junior catcher Teagan Scott and senior OF Gavin Price, both of whom were First Team All-State last season; power-hitting senior Noah Scharer and junior SS Sawyer Nelson, a Loyola Marymount commit. Jackson Buckingham, Josh Feik, Kevin Semm, Logan Scott, Luke Erwin and Colby Raddle all are back after making major contributions last year. Look for sophomore RHP Harrison Buckingham and his low 90s fastball to replace the innings thrown by his cousin, Carter Nelson. South Salem also will be without standout 1B Brady Greer after a football knee injury. Of note: Scharer his a three-run bomb on the first pitch he saw of 2025, extending his streak of games with homers to five dating back to last year’s playoffs.
Jesuit won 21 games and was a state semifinalist a year ago. Nine Crusaders earned All-Metro League honors and four were recognized as All-State. Seven contributors graduated, but coach Colin Griffin said that he has players ready and capable of filling those graduation losses. Carter Stewart, a First Team All-State 1B, leads a talented returning group, which also includes All-Metro League INF Jake Rolling, starting pitcher Jonny Ingalls, 3B Dylan Ruchaber, OH Trey Cleeland and P/UTIL Dillon Garg. The ‘Saders also get back talented OF Kainoa Santiago, who missed last season due to injury.
Barlow won the Mount Hood Conference title last year and is a top 10 pre-season team in 6A. The Bruins graduated three; an All-State catcher, All-League pitcher and All-League outfielder. But they return one of the state’s best hurlers in righty River Hamilton (LSU) plus All-State sophomore infielder Amari Reynolds and four other All-League seniors, infielders Kiyoshi Kiokawa and Brodan Curtiss, pitcher/UTIL Dylan Sheaffer and P/OF Cole Schmidt. Look for newcomer Zaydon Marguth, a sophomore P/INF, to play a major role. Barlow’s basketball team just won the state title. This could be the year the Bruins add baseball, too.
Tualatin was 18-12 last year in the rugged TRL and won two playoff games. The Timberwolves have never won a state title but have long been regarded as one of the best 6A programs across the state. This year’s team will be talented but inexperienced. Tualatin graduated its entire staff and seven starting position players. The only returning starters are three-year catcher Isaac Pfeifer and junior RF Brayden Buck. Among new impact players, look for junior Trenton Hertzog to be a difference maker on the mound and with his lefty stroke. Jordan Araiza and Keegan Krahnke also will do good things for the Timberwolves both on the field and with their competitive spirits.
Lakeridge was 13-15 last year with a very young team (no seniors) that learned how to compete every game in preparation for this year. The Pacers have 10 seniors, nine of whom started every game in 2024, and 14 returnees overall. Key players for coach Ray Pearson include two-time All- League performer Jaden Tragesser in the middle infield, seniors Wyatt Minto and Ty Truoung, sophomore Manny Ehinger and CF Andrew Haw, a newcomer to the lineup expected to make an impact with his bat. Lakeridge returns starting pitchers Charlie Petersen and Lucas McElroy and has a strong defensive unit. The Pacers had a strong summer, capped by winning the season’s ending tournament. They play in the brutal TRL with three other pre-season top 10 teams. This could be their year.
Sprague started 15-0 last year and was No. 1 in the coaches poll before a late-season slide changed the arc of the season. The Olympians graduated only three seniors who were with the team at season’s end and return a seasoned group that includes C/RHP Boyd Messman, SS Andrew Mhoon and OF Henry Mhoon, all of whom earned All-State honors. Avery Lohrman, Jace Dalton, Riley Wilson and Cameron Van Kempen are other experienced returnees for coach Luke Buchheit, who said the team will pitch and defend at a high level while also returning a lot of at bats from last year’s squad..
McMinnville is off to a 2-0 start one year removed from a 21-8 season and the Pacific Conference title. The Grizzlies graduated All-State SS Eli Rolfe and three other starters but bring back a solid core, including LHP/OF Brayden Mix, the staff ace; junior OH Tyler Brummit, junior LHP/INF Cam Hyder, senior INF Bryce Wilson and junior OF Aaron Rolfe. Senior Nash Opitz will start at short and impact offensively and defensively after injuries cratered his junior year. This is a team that could make a long playoff run behind a strong defense and consistent pitching.
Nelson is off to a 1-1 start after going 15-13 a year ago under new head coach Cameron Sheets. The Hawks graduated only two seniors and are poised for a big step forward on their way to building a championship-level program from their short history. Nelson will be senior-heavy this year and experienced. Noah Boria, a SS and RHP, leads the seven returning starters. The Hawks also got three transfers who will add to the talent in the clubhouse. They include hurler Noah Kovac and catcher Jack Kiesel, one of the few non-seniors on varsity.
North Medford’s season began on Friday with a shutout of Lake Oswego, thanks to a five-hit, complete-game shutout spun by Dominic Daffron. That’s a strong start for a Black Tornado team that graduated four All-Conference players from last year’s 18-9 team. Two seniors, CF Easton Curtis, and RHP/INF Daffron, will lead this team after being First Team All-Conference a year ago. Others to watch include junior infielder Ben Morgan, senior OFs Jake Payton and Colton Miller and senior 3B Austin Warren.
Westview has been a top 6A team for more than a decade. Last year, the Wildcats won 20 games and reached the state quarterfinals. Seven starters, many multi-year starters and leaders in the dugout, have graduated for coach Matt Bailie’s team. Their loss opens up competition on the roster in the pre-season to see who steps up. Of the returning starters, 1B Greg Bologoff is back after being First Team All-Metro League last year. RHP/OF Maxwell Stuart, RHP Brody Rogers, RHP/INF Taisie Sasaki and OF/UTIL Holden Bybee are others to watch on a team whose strengths should be pitching and defense.
Century will have a different look after graduating six starters, including two middle-of-the-order bats and two of three starting pitchers. Coach Keean Kondo expects his Jaguars to be competitive but young. Led by junior UTIL/RHP Jace Willett, junior INF Damien Elizarraras and senior catcher/INF Sawyer Hewett. Kondo expects several newcomers not only to fill roles, but to bring new energy to a team that was 15-12-1 a year ago.
Roosevelt won just three times last year, but the Roughriders are off to a 2-0 start to 2025. Could they return to the playoffs this year, after earning a playoff berth in 2023 after a 17-year drought? Senior captains Max Nebel (C/RHP), Dean Fillinger (RHP/IB) and Landon Collar (SS/RHP) will lead the way, as will three talented freshmen, 1B/LHP Callahan Hare, INF/RHO Ezra Arp and OF/RHP Quincy Jensen.
Southridge looks to be rebuilding in 2025 after graduating 11 seniors, including most of its infield and a handful of arms, from a 9-18 team. Four seniors will help the rebuild: OF/RHP Hudsen Hauck, SS/RHP Dominic Eddins and OFs Jadon Clouston and WesLe Steele. This is a team that is athletic and will put pressure on opponents with its speed. Hitting is an area of concern.
Liberty was 14-13 last year and made a playoff appearance. The Eagles graduated a ton of starters and will be young and inexperienced but with significant upside. Among the players back for coach Ryan Raagas are SS/RHP Ben James, a First Team All-Conference pitcher; senior catcher Nate Scharringhausen and sophomore utility player Liam Heaphy.
Mountainside’s 2024 season highlights include winning the Jesuit series and making the 6A quarterfinals before losing to South Salem. The Mavericks graduated eight regulars whose impact will be felt mainly on the pitching side. Infielder Landen Sigler is Mountainside’s top returning player. Catcher Kellen Wood, LHP Cole Crossley and OF Kellen Hicks also are potential impact players on a team that should hit and should field.
Lincoln was 19-8 a year ago and PIL champions. This year’s Cardinal team, without 10 graduated seniors, could have some growing pains, especially on the mound, where only 10+ varsity innings return. Senior SS Nolan Winthrop, a switch hitter who led 6A in steals last year, will be a cornerstone player for coach C.J. Watson. Senior 1B Quinn Stevens, transfer RHP Elliott Bakke, sophomore LHP Jack Aleskus, junior OF/RHP Graeme Warner-McGee and C Liam Eldridge are others expect to make a significant impact on this Lincoln team.
McDaniel has started 2-1 in 2025 after winning only eight times last season. The Mountain Lions are primed to make big improvements after graduating very few off of last year’s roster. Senior INF/RHP Owen Sonne leads a now-experienced group. OFs Cody Brewer and Brady Davis and senior INF/RHP Sam Robinson also return for coach Chase Franks, who expects dynamic newcomer Riley Flynn to make an immediate impact in his junior year.
Clackamas won 18 games last year and made the state quarterfinals. The Cavaliers graduated four starters, including two starting pitchers and an All-State performer. JJ Winkle’s team will be young, but competitive behind junior catcher Nolan Foglio, sophomore OH Jonah Lam, junior 3B Justin Larsen sophomore pitcher Ben Foglio, sophomore SS Luke Brady and junior OF Jacob Strube. The offense should be good, but pitching could be a question mark. With only three seniors on the roster, 2025 may be a dress rehearsal for a big push in 2026.
Ida B. Wells won 20 games last year for the second consecutive season. The Guardians go into 2025 down 80 percent of their innings on the mound and two standout hitters in Quinn Dufort and Griffin Scott, both of whom are playing DI collegiately. Ida B. Wells should remain a good hitting team, however, with the return of four who have been starting since they were sophomores: catcher Cody Roletto, SS Cam Hammer, OF Ian Kolmeer, who also will be a force on the mound; and OF Jackson Poole, who missed half of last year due to injury. Pitching and defense may be an issue for the Guardians, who could compete for a PIL title if they emerge with momentum and confidence from the pre-season.
5A
1. Thurston
2. Summit
3. Ridgeview
4. West Albany
5. Wilsonville
6. Canby
7. Crescent Valley
8. Central
9. Silverton
10. Ashland
10. Bend
Thurston is the first school in 5A history to win back-to-back state titles. The Colts graduated three off of last year’s 28-3 squad, including 5A POY Eli Crist and First Team All-State OF Adam Elliott, but the cupboard remains filled with the return of five First Team All-State players, including senior LH Collin Hernandez, junior SS/RHP Brock Johnson, senior 1B/3B/RHP Connor Molony, senior CF/RHP Kyle Miller and junior UTIL/RHP Grady Saunders, the 5A Pitcher of the Year. Coach Dennis Minium also has a deep and talented freshman class that will be impactful in the future and is returning three-sport star Noah Blair, after two years off from baseball. Blair will be an athletic stopper defensively and another big bat in the middle of a deep and talented roster.
Canby won 25 times last year and the Northwest Oregon Conference title. Seven seniors graduated, including First Team All-State pitcher Joe Scott; but lots of offense returns for coach J.J. Stolsig, including senior All-State 1B Brady Ackerman, senior INF Hayden Davis, senior INF Dylan Nelson and senior DH Colby Herren. Sophomore Jack Brauckmiller will anchor the staff as a 6-6 righty.
Crescent Valley won 22 games last year and reached the 5A quarterfinals, where it lost in the bottom of the last to state finalist West Albany. The Raiders graduated half of their roster, but has talented players returning and many talented newcomers. Players to watch include senior RHP/OF Luke Schoeffler, a First Team All-State performer; junior 1B/RHP Quinn Sissel, senior catcher Mikey Terry and junior pitcher Jacob Fritz. Freshman Zeke Thomas complements an already-talented pitching staff that should be the strength of this team.
Bend was under .500 a year ago, but the Lava Bears have made the state playoffs 30 times over the past 32 years. They won state in 1987 and have lost in the semifinals twice over the past decade. Quinn Clair’s team appears poised to challenge for the title in 2025 after graduating just one starter. Nine key players return, including senior RHP/OF Fischer Barber, senior INF Cash Hattenhauer, junior 1B Spencer Dildine and junior catcher Kaen Cooper. This is a team that can throw it and hit it. If it can find a vocal leader or two, the sky is the limit for Bend, whose season commenced with an impressive 11-2 win over McDaniel.
Mountain View was 18-10 a year ago and made an appearance in the 5A quarterfinals. The Cougars have made three straight playoff appearances and are a program on the rise under coach Ryan Johnson. Five starters have graduated and the losses, which include IMC POY Connor Crum and pitching ace Gavin Derr, are significant. This year’s team will be relatively young but versatile and athletic. Sophomore Ryder Carpenter and seniors Brady Kennedy, Landen Schwerbel and Ethan Bruce lead the returning players. All will pitch and contribute offensively. Sophomore newcomer Krew Harrison, an outfielder, is one of several newcomers expected to make a significant impact in the field and at the plate.
La Salle Prep has opened the season with two nail biters, a 3-2 loss to Clackamas and a 3-2 walk off win over Oregon City. The Falcons were 14-14 a year ago, but made the playoffs for the eighth straight season. That said, coach Trey Norton said that LSP needs to break through with a deep playoff run. That might be tough in 2025, as only eight of 19 varsity players return. Two, however, are standout pitchers Max Bishop and Declan O’Brien. The team also returns HM All-State DH Roscoe Mithoefer and expects sophomores Evan Hamlin (INF) and Ethan Kissee (P) to begin to establish themselves as among the state’s best at their respective positions.
Parkrose is a young team with only three seniors on the roster this year. The Broncs were 10-11 last year and graduated five starters whose loss will be deeply felt. Seniors Jaiden Blair (OF/P) and Julius Blair (SS/P) will lead the returning players. Three freshmen are among five new players that the staff is excited about. This team should be gritty and fight to be competitive day in and day out.
Hood River Valley won just nine times last year, but had a core group of sophomores who were growing into the game. Coach Max Reitz expects that group led by OF/RHP Maverick Hockett, INF/RHP Bodie Stuben, catcher Kingston McAdam and INF/RHP Trevor Jacobs to help this team compete for a playoff spot this season.
McKay suffered through a one-win season in 2024. The Royal Scots have a new head coach, Elijah Enomoto-Haole, and a despite to work hard to achieve success on the field. Two seniors, Jeremy Toy and Tenson John, and two juniors, Isaac Reynolds and Gavin Aguero, will lead the resurgence, with help from newcomers Jason McGowan, Angel Martinez-Hernandez and Santiago Garcia.
Churchill was 9-16 a year ago, but landed six on All-League teams. The Lancers graduated five, including an All-State infielder and All-League OF, but has high expectations with a season roster, the return of four standouts, Donovan Jackson, Blake Mikel, Jace Litten and Brady Bousquet. And the transfer, from Sheldon, of good hitting junior OF Chase Hartley. Churchill also returns its entire starting pitching staff and adds junior RHP Lucas Gansen, who has the potential to be a solid closer.
Lebanon won 14 games last year with an inexperienced team. The Warriors graduated five off of that squad, including All-State SS Bryant Starr and their entire starting staff. Seven return for veteran coach Jeff Stolsig, including junior catcher Wyatt Jenkins, junior P/1B Trenton Lewis, senior INF/P Zane Cox and junior INF/P Preston Bryan. This team has a good culture and depth and is looking to make the playoffs first, with a league title and state title being secondary goals. The key may rest with the staff, which needs to get seasoning quickly. Lebanon has yielded just two runs in a 2-0 start, so it may be happening sooner than later.
4A
1. Scappoose
2. Henley
3. Marist Catholic
4. Junction City
5. Pendleton / Nixyaawii
6. North Marion / Gervais
7. Philomath / Alsea
8. Newport
9. The Dalles / Dufur
10. La Grande
Marist Catholic made the state 4A championship game last year, but fell short of winning its first state title. Three Spartan leaders have graduated and are playing in collegiate programs, but several impact players are back, including All-State infielders Niko Leyba and Raith Huffman, All-League infielders Tanner Mullens and strong outfielders Stephen Riley and Cash Andrus. Coach Noah Breslaw said that depth and experience, plus six everyday starters returning, makes Marist hopeful of a return to the championship game.
Newport has sandwiched blowout wins around a close loss to Molalla in a 2-1 start to 2025. This, on the heels of an 18-8 2024 season, the 42nd straight winning season for the Cubs. There is tremendous excitement this year in Newport, because the team returns its entire roster. That includes eight all-league players, four of whom also earned All-State honors. Pitching and defense will key the Cubs’ season, said head coach Taylor Plesha. Sophomore SS Collin Fiero, junior RHP/IB Ryder Hockema, Sophomore INF Matt Colton and seven seniors, led by INF/RHP Ethan Bruns and INF/C Broden Langeliers; will anchor this team.
The Dalles / Dufur won 21 games last year and the Tri-Valley League title. The Riverhawks have started 2-0 in 2025, including a one-run win over La Grande, a promising start for a team that graduated the league Pitcher of the Year and an offensive anchor among four seniors. The squad returns four impact players, including bats Cody Agidius, Will Booth and Finley Corbin; and big RHP Avery Schwartz. The top of the rotation pitching should be very good. Pat Clark’s team will need to lean on a slew of inexperienced but talented newcomers, which should help the Riverhawks contend for another league title.
La Grande has been in the 4A title tilt in four of the previous six years, including titles in 2017 and 2022. The Tigers, who were 10-12 last year, graduated five starters but return several All-League players, including hitters Carter Seaquist, Ryder McIlmoil and Marshall Begin and two players, Bryce Pennington and Landon Hood, who pitch and hit. Among the newcomers are two seniors who have been in the program for four years, and three, Dean Fenley, Riley Krantz and Darek McIlmoil, who could be impactful as left-handed hurlers.
Cottage Grove / Yoncalla has started 2-0-1 after a 7-18 2024 season, which included a 7-0 start. The Lions, who won their only league title in 2018. The Lions graduated only two, but they were the team’s table setters at the top of the order and key hurlers as well. Coach Nathan Rheuban said that the 2025 team will start mostly underclassmen who are an athletic core group of players with speed on offense and some depth in the rotation. Two sophomores, Landon Vaughn and Tyson Seaman, are returning starters to watch.
Tillamook earned a post-season trip last year despite having only one senior and one junior in the program. The young talent will serve the Cheesemakers well in 2025, as the team will consist mostly of sophomores and juniors. Infielders Joshua Mann and Jakoby Goss and pitchers Wrigley Percy and Kevin Hurliman are top returning starters. Look for lone senior 3B Derek Stelzig and sophomore Sam Gomes to make impacts as newcomers. .
Sweet Home went 3-21 a year ago. Enter new coach Evan Teter, who will look to take the Huskies back to the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Six starters have graduated but the talent coming into the program is even more impressive. Sophomores Braydn McClure and Tregon Francis and freshmen Conner Northern and Damon Lawrence not only infuse talent but they also have a hunger for winning and to be part of the group that turns the program around. They will team with returning starters Kyle Zajic, a sophomore RHP./SS; senior Jason Funk and three juniors to take on a difficult schedule head on.
Marshfield was a 12-14 team a year ago, but coach Toby Ridenour’s focus on mentoring hard workers who love and appreciate the sport should prime the Pirates for a breakthrough sooner than later. Four Pirates have graduated. Two are playing at the next level, but Ridenour said that the biggest loss will be in leadership. The team returns seven starters, including seniors Ashton Fitzgerald-Thomas, Lucas Folau and Christopher Hooper. Otherwise, this is a very young team, with several key sophomores, including hard-throwing righty Lucas Trosper and a freshman, Brandon Wendelin, who should be a fixture at the top of the lineup.
St. Helens had a strong 2024 season, winning 15 times and making its first appearance in the playoffs in a decade. The Lions hope that last season will re-start a tradition of winning at the school. The challenge will be to find replacements for seven graduated seniors, including its shortstop, center fielder and all three starting pitchers. Zackary Edwards, a catcher/RHP, is coming off of a First Team All-League season and the team’s top returning player. Junior Javon Holder and sophomore Sawyer Scales also return for coach Matt Lokken, who says that there are talented young players in the fold with the potential to be varsity impact players as early as this season. “We don’t expect to win every game, but we do expect to be competitive in every game and definitely in league play,” Lokken said.
Ontario won state titles in 1995 and 2012, but the Tigers haven’t been true state contenders in a dozen years. Tanner Alexander’s team won 10 games last year and returns a lot of experience, but the graduation loss of Rayden Martinez, the team’s top arm, leadoff hitter and shortstop, is significant. There are nine seniors on this athletic team with the potential to do great things provided they gain confidence and work as one.
Klamath Union made the playoffs last year despite a 6-19 record. The Pelicans have aspirations of hosting a playoff game this year with a team that has improved their athleticism and baseball I.Q. and has an ace in junior P.J. Safford on the mound.
3A
1. Warrenton
2. Taft
3. Banks
4. Blanchet Catholic
5. Pleasant Hill
6. Sisters
7. South Umpqua
8. Santiam Christian
9. Cascade Christian
10. Brookings-Harbor
Warrenton won 25 games and the state 3A title last year with a roster filled with underclassmen. The only two losses for veteran coach Lennie Wolfe are starting pitcher Cam’Ron Daniels, who graduated; and senior Kaison Smith, who will forego his final season to concentrate on wrestling. Otherwise, the Warriors are loaded with the return of catcher Tyson McGrorty, the 3A POY; All-State INF Talor McGrorty, All-State OF Ryder Sturgell and three other returning All-League players. Pitching strength and defense will be key to a repeat for Warrenton, whose brutal pre-season schedule should harden the team for a long post-season run.
Taft’s first game of 2025 was a shutout win over Marshfield. The Tigers , who made it to the second round of the playoffs last year, will be chasing their first-ever state title with seven of nine returning starters. “We have pitching depth and experience on our side,” said coach Dustin Hankins.
South Umpqua won 17 games last year and made the post-season for the third straight season. The Lancers, who last won state in 2022, graduated four seniors, including the heartbeat of their batting order. First Team All-State lefty Drew Camp returns, making South Umpqua competitive with anyone in a single-game environment. The young middle infield combo of Brock Wells and Braxton Hamilton also returns. The Lancers should contend for a league title. How they fare in the playoffs will likely depend on how the pitching staff develops behind Camp.
Cascade Christian is on a run of three-straight 20-win seasons. The Challengers, who finished second in 3A in 2023, will have a very young roster in 2025 after graduating four impact seniors, including three-time All-State outfielder Ashton Moody and top hurler Cole Stofflet. This year’s team will build around returning All-League SS C.J. Bonner and sophomore P/C/INF Grady Sickler, who hit .386 in his first varsity campaign with 35 RBIs. Two other sophomores and three talented freshmen will be the backbone of this team, which could surprise many in 3A with their speed and pitching prowess.
Horizon Christian of Tualatin went 16-10 in 2024 and clinched a state playoff berth on a walkoff hit. The Hawks, who were a power in the previous decade while being coached by Joe Monahan (West Linn ) and Ray Pearson (Lakeridge), could return to prominence in 2025 under coach Sam Sumner, in his fourth year. That’s because the entire roster returns, save for a starting catcher. Senior infielder Joey Bergh, who was Third Team All-State, is one of five returning All-League players. Seniors Dalton Long and Shane Sullivan and juniors Grant Sumner and Drew Bergh are the others. This is an experienced team with veteran leadership that expects to compete well not just in its league but in the state.
Westside Christian has a new coach, Carlos Stevenson, after the Eagles managed just two wins a year ago. This is the fifth year back for the program after it was shut down for 10+ years, and Stevenson aims to bring the Eagles back to contending regularly. He says this season will be a turning point for the team, with improved defense and offense, thanks to a solid core of leaders and several talented youngsters..
2A/1A
1. Umpqua Valley Christian
2. Knappa
3. Kennedy
4. St. Paul
5. Regis
6. Heppner / Ione
7. Culver
8. Reedsport
9. Clatskanie
10. Country Christian / North Clackamas Christian
Knappa was 24-5 last year and placed second in the state 2A/1A tournament. The Loggers graduated four, all three-year starters. The loss of hitting, pitching and leadership is significant. Five are back for coach Jeff Miller’s team, including First Team All-State SS Jude Miller, First Team All-League 2B Braxton Hill and First Team All-League utility player Karson Casper. Oliver Stevens, a top sophomore pitcher, also returns, as does CF Gavin Barendse. In a league where every team feels it is playoff worthy, Knappa will have to fight to find its place after going 21-0 in league play a year ago.
Regis won 22 games a year ago and was undefeated in Special District 3. The Rams will look different this year, as the league POY Max Eaton has graduated and the league Pitcher of the Year, Bryson Nygren, has transferred to Silverton. Three First Team All-League performers also are gone for a Knappa team that should still have big bats, thanks to the return of Luke Castillo, Korben Schumacher, Rook Smith and Tanner Lawson, and the emergence of sophomore Owen Eaton and freshman Hayden Lulay. Pitching, however, will be a concern, as all three starters from last year are no longer in the program.
Heppner / Ione made the playoffs last year for the fourth straight season. The Mustangs have never won a state title, but could be in the mix this year due to graduating only two, albeit both were First Team All-League performers. Karver Wilkins, the league POY, and a senior pitcher, is the top returning player for coach Tim Wilkins. Other impact returnees include senior OF Mason Orem, junior 1B Ryan Haugen, junior INF Caleb George and sophomore infielders Caylan Proudfoot and Alake Rodriguez. Heppner / Ione will be looking to make the playoffs again in a competitive league where many of the teams were young a year ago.
Reedsport won 19 games a year ago and was perfect in league play. The Brace have had their first four games postponed, but when they do get started, expect to see a strong team with 10 returning players, including seven starters. Senior Nate Farris and junior Bryson Manicke are the team’s pillars and will need to have massive years to account for the absence of graduated Cody Schuttpulz, the Sunset Conference’s unanimous POY. Pitching and defense will be strengths for a team that should again make the playoffs in 2025.
Clatskanie is 1-0 in 2025 after a 20-win season in 2024 and a berth in the state quarterfinals. The Tigers will play this year down 40 percent of its at-bats last year from graduated players, plus a top arm in Ayden Boursaw. Coach Ryan Tompkins does return junior lefty Zach Mollenhour and senior catcher Ben Blackwood, both First Team All-League picks. Senior Brendan Shroll and juniors Finn McDonnell, Cash Doney and Luke Andreasen also return for a team that has experience and pitching depth, which should serve them well in a tough district.
Country Christian / North Clackamas Christian was a game better than .500 a year ago, a season in which the Cougars earned a state playoff spot for the season straight season. The team graduated All-State catcher Tanner Crandall, but returns everyone else, including star SS Tyson Smith and All-League players Caleb Norton, Ethan Hiebenthal and Jesse Hernandez. Junior Andy Ives should make an immediate impact as Crandall’s replacement behind the plate and freshman infielder Brandon Lee could quickly work his way into the lineup. The team will be pitching heavy and a definite contender in Special District 2.
Mohawk hasn’t won a league game in over 20 years. The Mustangs played as independents last year and went 3-3 in their third year back after discontinuing the sport in 2019 following an 0-25 season. All players from last year are back for Mohawk, including juniors Nathan Watkins and Caleb Ogg; and there are freshmen on the team that are hungry to play and learn.
Crosspoint Christian is fielding a team for the first time since Covid. The Warriors are freshman heavy, but show great character, said coach Casey Grimes, and hope to contend for the third playoff spot from their district.
Note to those head coaches of the 150+ schools that have yet to complete our form: there is still time to be included in next Tuesday’s Notebook. Just be sure to complete our form at this link -- https://osaa.wufoo.com/forms/zrvhb9p1hdpvs6/. Head coaches or their proxies only, please.
One final note: I am certain to have misspelled names. There were a lot of them! Please email [email protected] to get them corrected.
johnt@osaa.org
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