Arkansas high school baseball state finals preview
By Kevin Bohannon
The Arkansas high school baseball season culminates. starting on Thursday running through Saturday, with six state championship games at Conway on the campus of the University of Central. Below is a preview of every game from Class 6A-1A.
6A
When: Thursday 1 p.m.
Teams: Springdale Har-Ber (27-6) vs. Bentonville (20-12)
Springdale Har-Ber
Head Coach: Dustin Helmkamp
The Wildcats started the season ranked No. 1 in our SBLive preseason rankings, and they look to finish the season in the same spot. The road to Conway had its fair share of peaks and valleys and head coach Dustin Helmkamp thinks his team is playing their best baseball right now. Helmkamp pointed to a loss to their cross-town rival as the turning point. “After the loss to Springdale, we just started swinging it better,” he said. Bentonville ended the Wildcats 2022 campaign in the semifinals and while it is something that is not talked about much, the players know this time means more. While he may not claim to be superstitious, Helmkamp has not counted the number of games won during the current streak, which sits at 14.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Ross Felder: .387 BA/.443 OBP, 12 2B, 26 RBI. 9-0 record, 62.2 IP 103 K, 0.47 ERA, .120 BAA
Jeff Zachry: .371 BA/.685 SLG, 11 2B, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 3 saves 31 K, 160 BAA
Luke Cornelison: .337 BA/ .439 OBP/.604 SLG, 13 2B, 4 HR, 30 RBI
Ty Ridley: 5-0 record, 52 IP, 65 K, 10 BB, 1.62 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
Bentonville
Head Coach: Todd Abbott
Bentonville is back in the state title game after upsetting Conway and Rogers on consecutive night last week in Cabot. It was nothing flashy. They went out and did their job inning after inning, day after day. Some things are bigger than baseball and this Bentonville team has shown that over the last two weeks. A former teammate died in a lake accident, and you can see this team playing for their fallen comrade. Eli McCall took his game to the next level in the state tournament last week at Cabot, as did Carter Nye, as did JJ Spafford. In an era where everyone is looking out for number one, the 2023 Tigers are playing for No. 30.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Bryson DeLozier: .333 BA 5 2B 12 RBI
Eli McCall: .299 BA/ .540 SLG, 10 2B, 3 HR, 24 RBI
Carter Nye: .301 BA, 5 2B, 16 RBI, 14 RS
Body Gist: .351 BA/ .435 OBP/ .500 SLG, 4 2B, 21 RS
Ethan Payne: 6-2 record 53.2 IP 46 K 3.39 ERA
5A
When: Saturday 7 p.m.
Teams: Valley View (29-4) vs. Little Rock Christian (30-3)
Valley View
Head Coach: Josh Allison
Valley View found themselves in unfamiliar territory against Mountain Home last Thursday. They were down 3-0 to the Bombers and already changing pitchers. That is usually not a good recipe for teams, but this is Valley View. Five innings later, the Blazers had won 13-3 and were moving on to the quarterfinals to face Benton.
This team has a lot of contributors from last year’s team that finished runner-up to Harrison in Class 4A. They only have a handful of seniors so expect them to be in a similar position this time next season. The difference between this year and last year is this team does not panic. They have one of the deepest pitching staffs in the state and even start a few freshmen. They have beaten Little Rock Christian once this season, and head coach Josh Allison knows if they are behind early in the championship game, there will be zero panic.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Slade Caldwell: .518 BA/.661 OBP/ .940 SLG, 6 2B, 5 HR 29 RBI, 40 SB
Lawson Ward: .427 BA/.556 OBP/.573 SLG, 9 2B, 37 RBI
Owen Roach: .346 BA/ .423 OBP, 7 2B, 21 RBI
Eli Crecelius: 8-1 record, 55.2 IP, 88 K, 1.89 ERA
Little Rock Christian
Head Coach: Brandon Eller
Warriors head coach Brandon Eller knew this team had a chance to win a state championship. They are one of the strongest teams in the state up the middle. It starts with Oklahoma State signee and four-year starter Charlie Carter. Then they have lefthanded starter Reece Tarini on the mound carving up hitters at will. At shortstop, Cade Bowman has smooth hands and is the consummate leadoff hitter, who routinely gets on base. Finally, in centerfield is Nate Gross, who also doubles as a reliable starter behind Tarini. The best baseball teams are solid up the middle, and the Warriors have been one of the best in the state all season.
The phrase “here we go again” could have gone through Eller’s mind as his team entered the seventh inning against Hot Springs Lakeside down 2-0. After all, it is human nature to think of the past when the present resembles recent history. Eller’s 2021 and 2022 teams lost in the first round each season after winning their conference, but there was something different this year: Experience. Seniors Charlie Carter and Reece Tarini knocked in three runs and the proverbial monkey disappeared. One more win would give the program a first state championship. Eller will be doing it against a coach he used to work for as well. Eller was an assistant coach on Josh Allison’s first staff at Valley View.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Cade Bowman: .495 BA 15 XBH, 42 RS, 15 SB
Jackson Kircher: .440 BA, 7 2B, 6 3B, 16 SB
Charlie Carter: .361 BA, 7 2B, 5 HR 35 RBI
Tate Collins: .326 BA 27 RS, 25 RBI. 59 K in 35 IP, 0.80 ERA
Reece Tarini: 11-0 record 65 IP 101 K 15 BB 0.64 ERA
Nate Gross: 7-0 record 63 K 1.19 ERA 35 IP. .328 BA 25 RS
4A
When: Friday 10 a.m.
Teams: Lonoke (28-2) vs. Ashdown (18-11)
Lonoke
Head Coach: Bryan Eagle
Lonoke has produced some good teams in the past 20 years. The 2011 team made it to the state championship before losing to Shiloh Christian. The 2017 team led by former University of Arkansas star Casey Martin made the quarterfinals. Last year’s team set the record for most wins in a season with 29. In my opinion, the 2023 Lonoke Jackrabbits are the best team in school history. Yes, they can tie the school record for wins in a season with a victory on Friday. The 29th win this season will mean a lot more than last year.
This is one of the deepest 4A teams in recent memory. Juniors Cole Spears, Tripp Sullivan and Steele Eaves are already committed to play for Dave Van Horn after high school. Juniors Jaxson Ingle and Cutter Colvert are high division one prospects. Drake Aycock has emerged as one of the top catchers in the 2023 class. Every team has weaknesses, but you must look hard to find them on this team. Eaves will get the ball on Friday. He has only allowed one hit in his last 14 innings. Cole Spears has 10 homeruns on the season and Cutter Colvert hit .750 in the regional tournament.
Lonoke’s only two losses this season are by a combined three runs. Both of those teams are playing in the 5A state championship game.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Steele Eaves: .351 BA, 8 2B, 6 HR, 37 RBI. 12-0 record, 69.2 IP, 123 K, 16 BB, 0.70 ERA, .101 BAA
Cutter Colvert: .467 BA/.557 OBP/.728 SLG, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 12 2B
Cole Spears: .429 BA/.588 OBP/.957 SLG, 10 HR 40 RBI
Jaxson Ingle: .360 BA/.512 OBP/.551 SLG, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 20 SB. 6-0 record with 3 saves, 86 K 14 BB, 0.91 ERA, 154 BAA
Tripp Sullivan: .308 BA/.465 OBP, 23 RBI, 34 RS. 6-1 record 76 K, 1.30 ERA, .100 BAA
Ashdown
Head Coach: Austin Cross
Ashdown was not supposed to be here. The 2022 Class 3A finalist lost too much production to graduation, and they were moving up to Class 4A in one of the toughest conferences in the state. A tough early-season schedule against out of state teams prepared the Panthers for the postseason and they have never looked better. After finishing second in the 4A-7 conference to rival Nashville, the Panthers returned the favor in the 4A-South regional championship game defeating the Scrapper 15-2. That win not only cemented Ashdown as a favorite in last week’s state tournament, but it also gave them confidence that they can play with anyone in the state. Sophomore Walt Jones has been superb at shortstop and shut down a good Morrilton team on the mound last week. Junior Caleb Blankenship is a solid backstop and one of the best deep snappers in the nation. A handful of sophomores and juniors have stepped up and replaced the production lost from a year ago. This team has proven they belong.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Nash Brown: .445 BA, 41 H, 30 RBI, 30 RS
Caleb Blankenship: .390 BA/.574 OBP, 30 H, 30 BB
Derek Hilton: .480 BA, 40 H
Braeden Walton: .332 BA. 2nd in State Championship 400-meter run
Mason Washington: .412 BA
3A
When: Saturday 4 p.m.
Teams: Harding Academy (25-7) vs. Rivercrest (21-3)
Harding Academy
Head Coach: Shane Fullerton
Midway through April, the Wildcats were 15-7 and had just loss two straight games, something that has not happen in Shane Fullerton’s tenure. He had a feeling things were about to take a turn for the better and he was right. Harding has reeled off 10 straight wins only allowing 14 runs during the win streak. “We are in the teens deep. We have more kids that can contribute varsity innings than any other season,” he said. Razorback signee Kade Smith has found his form on the mound. He tossed an 85-pitch complete game in the opening round win over Walnut Ridge. Senior Levi Lang shut down a hot Bismarck team in the semifinals last week and junior Kyler Hoover tossed a complete game against Booneville. The “big three” have led a younger group of Wildcats this season and they are peaking at the right time. The Wildcats are going for their third straight championship and fourth title since 2018.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Kade Smith: .494 BA/.605 OBP/.988 SLG, 16 2B, 7 HR 44 RBI
Kyler Hoover: .375 BA/.474 OBP/.594 SLG, 13 2B, 4 3B, 39 RS
Levi Lang: .468 BA/.551 OBP/.851 SLG, 14 2B, 6 HR 45 RBI, 41 RS
Baker: .500 BA/.600 OBP/.670 SLG, 10 2B, 25 RBI, 27 RS
Rivercrest
Head Coach: Stephen Elrod
When you hear the name Rivercrest, baseball is not likely the first thing you think of right away. You think of the football tradition, even track or basketball. Head coach Stephen Elrod has taken the baseball program to the next level with a chance to capture the first championship in school history.
Being away from home for six straight days is normal if you are a college or professional baseball, but not for a high school team. Rivercrest made the trip to Northwest Arkansas thinking they would be gone for the weekend and hopefully come back and prepare for a state championship game. Weather and graduation extended their stay a little longer than expected. When Elrod was offered the chance to play the semifinals game against CAC on Saturday, he did what was best for his team. Elrod chose to play the game on Monday and give one of his top pitchers the chance to throw against a Mustangs team that was primed for a rematch with Harding Academy. Sophomore Jaxon Kilburn responded with a complete-game shutout to send the Colts to their third title game in school history. Coach Elrod is hoping the third time is a charm.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Conner Vaughn: .468 BA/.641 OBP/.758 SLG, 15 2B, 34 RS. 48 IP 62 K 24 BB, 1.73 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Kevin Morris: .455 BA/.548 OBP/.818 SLG, 6 HR 31 RBI, 6 2B, 33 RS
Ian McClain: .442 BA/.522 OBP/.532 SLG, 7 2B, 31 RBI
Joe Louis Ralph: 45.2 IP, 84 K, 22 BB, 1.23 ERA, .985 WHIP
When: Friday 7 p.m.
Teams: Woodlawn (30-3) vs. Palestine-Wheatley (15-9)
Woodlawn
Head Coach: Tommy Richardson
Woodlawn baseball has become synonymous with the term dynasty just like Pulaski Academy in football and Parkview basketball teams of the 1990s under Chrles Ripley. Bears head coach Tommy Richardson won his 700th game as a head coach, and he didn’t know about it until it happened. “It was nice, I am now the proud owner of a signed baseball with 700 on it”, Richardson said. “I never count them, always trying to figure out how to get the next one.”
The next one is Woodlawn’s 12th appearance in the state championship game since 2008. They have won eight titles during that span including five of the last six. This will be their second three-peat dating back to the 2016 season if they can beat Palestine Wheatley on Friday. The nerves are always the same no matter how many times you have played on the biggest stage. How you manage the nerves usually determines the outcome, and Woodlawn has managed very well over the last 15 seasons.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Dylan Butler: .412 BA/.554 OBP, 35 H
Garrett Weatherford: .400 BA/.517 OBP, 38 H
Jayden Wilmoth: .392 BA/.500 OBP/.639 SLG, 38 H
Jase Bishop: .358 BA/.527 OBP/.593 SLG. 7-0 record in 51 IP, 6 starts
Austin Howard: 13-0 record 59.2 IP in 14 starts
Palestine-Wheatley
Head Coach: Kevin Whitson
The motto has been simple for the Patriots in the postseason. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish”, said head coach Kevin Whitson when asked what the difference in his team over the last three weeks has been. They know they are in a “David-and=Goliath” matchup with Woodlawn, but they are only focused on what they can control during the game. I asked a conference coach what the secret sauce is for Palestine-Wheatley and this was the response, “Most teams have 4 or 5 good players then a drastic drop off, like us, but they are just solid 1 through 9 and they make the simple plays.”
Palestine-Wheatley has been average this season. As a team they are hitting only .258 and they have not have a single player hit a homerun this season. They finished second to Carlisle in the 2A-6 conference. They finished third in their regional tournament and then the magic started to work last week in Greenland. The Patriots defeated a hot Rison team before taking down the host team Greenland. In the semifinals they were in a matchup with No. 2 Episcopal who had their ace ready to go. The difference in that semifinal game was walks and errors. The Patriots took advantage of their mistakes and now they are playing for a state championship. This team knows who they are. They know they lost to Woodlawn 12-1 on March 23rd but none of that matters now because it is how you finish.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Jacob Hickman: .344 BA/.512 OBP, 12 RBI, 20 RS. Pitching: 72 K, 1.53 ERA, .188 BAA
Brody Parker: .421 OBP, 2 3B, 18 RBI, 24 RS
Austin Varner: .413 OBP, 14 RBI. Pitching: 31.2 IP 38 K, .230 BAA
1A
When: Thursday 10 a.m.
Teams: Taylor (23-4) vs. Mount Ida (17-8)
Taylor
Head Coach: Brian Fowler
The Tigers have been No. 1 since the preseason, and no one has really challenged them. They have been the most consistent team with their losses coming to out of state or out of class teams. For a team that starts five underclassmen, Head coach Brian Fowler would say his team has overachieved.
Taylor returned seven starters from its 2022 championship team so they were the logical pick to win it all again. They have faced adversity and issues like every team does but champions are like ducks. Above the water everything is smooth and calm while underneath, the legs a doing all the work at a rapid pace. Taylor will be the favorite in this game, just like they have all season. The calming influence of coach Brian Fowler will keep his team centered when things go awry.
Notable Players
#4 Peyton Smith-SAU Signee
#2 Mason Lindsey
#5 Preston Smith-SAU Signee
#15 Waylon Woodell
Mount Ida
Head Coach: Thomas Wilson
This is the first appearance in the baseball state championship game for Mount Ida. That is hard to believe considering the success the Lions have had in other sports that have won state championships. This team has really turned the corner since an early season loss to conference foe Mineral Springs cost them the regular season conference championship. They responded by winning the district championship and earning the No. 2 seed from their regional tournament. The No. 1 seed? Taylor Tigers.
These two teams are not strangers. Taylor defeated Mount Ida easily in the semifinals last season. The Tigers mercy ruled the Lions again in the regional championship this season. It is hard to beat a team three times in one season. You see it across other sports at various levels. Mount Ida played Taylor the previous times on their third game in three days. They have had a chance to rest since Sunday and bring a talented team to Conway this week. Last year was a milestone in making it to the semifinals. They took a step further making it to the finals this season, and coach Thomas Wilson hopes his team can take it one step further to give Mount Ida the first baseball state championship in school history.
Notable Statistical Leaders
Caleb White: .382 BA, 2 HR. Pitching: 7-1 with 2 saves
Karter Rowton: .291 BA. Pitching: 1-0 with 3 saves
Jacob Woodfield: .385 BA, 3 HR. Pitching 4-2 record
Ben Woodfield: .286 BA, 3 HR. Pitching: 5-2 with 2 saves
