High school baseball has a lot of proven stars who have had monumental careers, but every successful team has players who are just proving themselves this year to be major contributors. Here are 15 players who have broken out to be key contributors for top teams this season, plus five outstanding freshmen.
Griffin Adams, Indian Hill
The junior has been a big part of the rotation for the Braves, who are 11-3 and trying for another run at a Division IV state title. He is 3-0 with a 2.47 ERA. He has league wins over Wyoming and a one-hit shutout of Taylor.
Collin Bloomfield, Turpin
The senior has stepped up to have some big hits for the Spartans, who are tied for the Eastern Cincinnati Conference lead and 14-1 overall. He is hitting .279 with a home run, four doubles and 15 RBIs, second on the team.
Hudson Edwards, Beechwood
The senior has been a key additional bat in the potent Tigers lineup, as they are 19-7 and top contenders in the Ninth Region. He is hitting .375 with 22 RBIs and 20 runs, with three home runs and eight doubles.
Luke Gabbard, Simon Kenton
The junior has emerged as the Pioneers’ ace and one of the best pitchers in Northern Kentucky. He is 7-0 with a 1.56 ERA and has allowed 22 hits in 31 innings for the Pioneers, who are 15-7.
Weston Glass, Madeira
The junior has been a key two-way player for the Mustangs, who are 12-3 and contending for the Cincinnati Hills League title. He is 2-0 on the mound with a 0.93 ERA with wins over Reading and Wyoming, and hitting .419 with 17 runs scored and a team-high 13 RBIs.
Tyler Groff, Mason
The senior has been a key addition to the Comets lineup as they are 11-7 and trying for another Greater Miami Conference crown and deep postseason run. He is the team’s best hitter with a .453 average, and has 12 RBIs and 14 runs scored.
William Hurles, Walton-Verona
The senior has stepped up his production this season, helping the Bearcats to a 16-9 record and the All “A” state tournament. He is batting .368 with 25 runs scored and a team-high 24 RBIs, with 13 extra-base hits. He is 2-3 on the mound in seven starts.
Vince Laugle, Badin
The senior has been one of the top additions to the Rams lineup, helping them to a 13-3 record as they try to get back to the Division III state tournament. He is batting .471 with a home run, six extra-base hits, 15 RBIs and 12 runs scored.
Nathan Lisk, Fairfield
The sophomore has been a key addition to the Indians lineup as they are 11-5 and chasing the Greater Miami Conference title. He is hitting .341 with 11 runs scored and 11 RBIs.
Connor Magato, Lakota East
He has been a top newcomer for the Thunderhawks, who are 10-6 and in the mix of the GMC race. He is batting .497 with 11 runs scored, 19 RBIs and six doubles. He had a big series in a two-game sweep of Mason, including a walkoff hit.
Seth Maybury, Moeller
The sophomore has been a key part of the Crusaders’ rotation, going 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA. He has two wins in league play in April, including a one-hit shutout against La Salle in five innings.
Dalton Schottmiller, Loveland
The senior has become a key pitcher for the Tigers, who are 14-2 and aiming for the ECC title and another run in the Division II playoffs. He is 3-1 with a 2.41 ERA and is coming off a complete-game shutout of Kings in league play. He also has wins over West Clermont and Covington Catholic.
Reggie Watson, Moeller
The junior has been a key addition to the Crusaders lineup, hitting .442 with a team-high 17 runs and 14 stolen bases while playing the outfield.
Clayton Wilguess, Springboro
The junior has been one of multiple key additions to the Panthers lineup as they try to get back to the Division I state final. He hit hitting .415 with 12 runs scored and eight RBIs.
Dylan Wullenweber, Elder
The senior has stepped up to be a two-way success for the Panthers as they battle for the GCL-South title. He is batting .392 with 13 runs scored and 10 RBIs, and is 2-1 with a 1.95 ERA on the mound.
Five freshmen who are stepping up in high school baseball
Landen Brandenburg, Williamsburg
He is the Wildcats’ top player this season. He is hitting .583 with 23 runs scored, two home runs, six doubles and 19 RBIs. He is 4-2 on the mound with a 1.50 ERA. Williamsburg is 9-6 this season.
Benjamin Brown, Heritage Academy
The freshman stars with two eighth-graders for the small-school Eagles, who are 10-10 and have won five straight. Brown is hitting .440 with 21 runs scored and 19 RBIs, and is 4-2 with a 2.53 ERA on the mound. Eighth-graders Jacob Muse and Gavin Hensley have also had big seasons.
Coleman Carmichael, Waynesville
He is one of several freshmen who have stepped up and become big contributors for the 5-9 Spartans. He is hitting .311 with 16 RBIs, and has a 3-0 record on the mound with a 2.47 ERA.
Case Craddock, Calvary Christian
He is hitting .385 with 15 runs scored and 11 RBIs, and 3-2 with a 2.85 ERA on the mound for the Cougars, who are 8-7.
Cy Parento, St. Henry
He is 2-1 with a 1.68 ERA on the mound for the Crusaders, and batting .323 with nine runs scored for the 6-16 Crusaders.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 15 high school baseball players who have become key contributors
Reporting by James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
