“To win it, you not only have to be good, you must play near the top of your capabilities as well as have a lot of things go your way in a 10 team tourney with such heavy competition.“ – Coach David Shelton – Walters State 

Was this quote from a Division 1 Coach? Yes. Does this Quote still hold true for the Division 2 level? You bet it does!

As with the Division 1 Preview here are what our Preseason Picks for each District would be.

Central District – Region 24 – #6 Lincoln Land – 44-10 (2-Seed)

Path To Enid: 

Central District Tournament: W vs Danville Area 3-2, W vs John Wood 8-1, W vs John Wood 15-8

Top Pitchers:

Gavin Wahlbrink (FR) (P) – 7-1, 2 CG, 70.2 IP, 2.67 ERA, 79 K

TJ Painter (SO) (P) – 7-2, 1 CG, 60.2 IP, 5.49 ERA, 69 K

Nathan Hardman (FR) (INF/P) (Evansville Commit) – 6-1, 49.0 IP, 4.22 ERA, 63 K

Riley Bradshaw (FR) (P) – 12 App, 4-1, 18 IP, 3.50 ERA, 23 K

Top Hitters:

Jacob Curtis (FR) (INF/RHP) – .450/.595/.815, 15 2B, 2 3B, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 15 SB

Jayden Myren (FR) (INF) – .405/.487/.816, 11 2B, 6 3B, 14 HR, 67 RBI

Kyle Werries (FR) (INF) – .396/.464/.683, 18 2B, 1 3B, 9 HR, 69 RBI

Jalen Ping (FR) (OF/C) – .346/.454/.553, 7 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 47 RBI

World Series History:(Since 2001)

4 Trips

2014, 2015, 2019, 2021

East District – Region 19 – #11 Lackawanna – 30-14 (10-Seed) 

Path To Enid: 

Region 19 Tournament: @ vs Delaware Tech 9-3, W vs Delaware Tech 22-8

East District Championship Tournament: W vs Monroe CC 10-3, W vs Monroe CC 6-4

#DogPileSeason

Cc:@FalconsBase pic.twitter.com/w65vGyDy6k

— Noah Sharp (@The_Noah_Sharp) May 22, 2021

Top Pitchers:

Kyle Scott (FR) – 8-1, 3 CG, 58.0 IP, 3.72 ERA, 104 K

Zach Klapak (SO) – 7-4, 3 CG, 52.1 IP, 4.99 ERA, 80 K

Matt Stam (FR) – 12 App, 17.0 IP, 2.65 ERA, 21 K

Top Hitters:

Brandon Ernst (SO) (C) – .500/.568/.833, 14 2B, 8 HR, 47 RBI

Quinn Hanafin (FR) (INF) – .343/.434/.618, 7 2B, 7 HR, 32 RBI

Raymond Vorhees (SO) (INF) – .383/.480/.742, 16 2B, 9 HR, 41 RBI

World Series History:(Since 2001)

4 Trips

2012, 2013, 2019, 2021

Great Lakes District – Region 12 – #5 Kellogg – 35-11 (4-Seed)

Path To Enid:

Region 12 Quarter-Finals: L vs Ivy Tech Northeast 1-12, W vs Ivy Tech Northeast 6-4, W vs Ivy Tech Northeast 6-4

Region 12 Semi-Finals: W vs Kalamazoo Valley 8-4, W vs Kalamazoo Valley 10-5

Region 12/Great Lakes District Finals: L vs #2 Lansing 0-4, W vs #2 Lansing 4-3, W vs #2 Lansing 14-9

#DogPileSeason!!!!

Cc: @BaseballKellogg pic.twitter.com/pv8g8Suu0Y

— Noah Sharp (@The_Noah_Sharp) May 22, 2021

Top Pitchers

Al Thorington (FR) (LHP) – 10-0, 54.0 IP, 3.33 ERA, 64 K

Jaden Dentler (FR) (RHP/INF) – 6-3, 2 CG, 56.2 IP, 2.54 ERA, 80 K

Zachary Marshall (FR) (RHP) – 3-2, 49.0 IP, 3.31 ERA, 44 K

Ben Hubert (FR) (RHP) – 15 App, 1-1, 20 IP, 2.05 ERA, 16 K

Top Hitters

Tate Peterson (FR) (OF) – .447/.534/.698, 9 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 22 SB

Connor Hnilo (SO) (INF) – .396/.486/.532, 11 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 10 RBI

Kyle VanLiere (FR) (OF) – .348/.473/.689, 6 2B, 6 3B, 9 HR, 42 RBI

With a Midseason Covid Protocol scare Kellogg knew they had to. Guys stepped up when they needed to and they are here now. 

When it came to the post season this year they lost game one in both the Regional and District Tournament before coming back. 

As a few others in this year’s group they have returning guys that were on their past World Series team in 2019. Kellogg boasts 4 of them all who contribute in major ways.

World Series History:(Since 2001)

7 Trips

2002, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021

Gulf District – Region 23 – #1 LSU-Eunice – 46-6 (1-Seed)

Path To Enid: 

Region 23/Gulf Coast District Tournament: W vs #21 East Central 8-5, W vs #3 Pearl River 8-6, W vs #3 Pearl River 5-2, L vs #21 East Central 8-9, W vs #21 East Central 7-5

Top Pitchers

Jerry Couch (SO) (RHP) (Charleston Southern Commit) – 10-1, 3 CG, 78 IP, 3.69 ERA, 64 K

Drew Lasseigne (FR) (RHP) – 5-0, 2 CG, 56.1 IP, 4.95 ERA, 60 K

Austin Andrishok (SO) (LHP) (Butler Commit)  – 27 App, 6-0, 1 SV, 44.1 IP, 2.03 ERA, 45 K

Jacob Hammond (SO) (RHP) – 18 App, 4-0, 6 Sv, 33.1 IP, .81 ERA, 48 K

Top Hitters

Jack Merrifield (SO) (INF) (LSU Commit) – .420/.532/.604, 11 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 64 RBI

Scott Jones (FR) (OF) – .421/.518/.645, 9 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 30 SB

Peyton Lejeune (FR) (INF) – .352/.512/.541, 18 2B, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 14 SB

Jarrett McDonald (SO) (OF) (Dallas Baptist Commit) – .350/515/.671, 12 2B, 11 HR, 47 RBI

LSU-Eunice came into the season with a sour taste in their mouth after the success they had last season in a year that got cut short. 

With that being said LSU-Eunice by far has one of the oldest teams in the country. They have 25 guys returning from the 2020 Season. And then they have 10 guys returning from the 2019 Season. Any time you can have that much vetrian leadership on a team it is easy to see why LSU-Eunice did what they did this season. 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

9 Trips 

2004, 2006 (National Champs), 2008 (National Champs), 2009, 2010 (National Champs), 2012 (National Champs), 2013, 2015 (National Champs), 2018 (National Champs), 2021

Mid-Atlantic District – Region 20 – #23 Frederick (MD) – 20-9 

Path To Enid:

Region 20/Mid-Atlantic District Final 4: W vs CCBC Catonsville 16-9, W vs Chesapeake 15-5, W vs Chesapeake 10-9

Top Pitchers

AJ Cieslinksi (SO) (RHP) (Uncommitted) – 5-1, 3 CG, 45.0 IP, 4.40 ERA, 40 K

Max Proctor (SO) (RHP) (Uncommitted) – 4-1, 2 CG, 33.0 IP, 3.27 ERA, 35 K

John Cummings (FR) (RHP/OF) (Uncommitted) – 3-1, 23.0 IP,  4.30 ERA, 28 K

David Gingras (FR) (RHP/INF) (Uncommitted) – 3-0, 4 SV, 23.2 IP, 1.14 ERA, 24 K

Top Hitters

Justin Acal (FR) (INF) (Uncommitted) – .420/.536/.670, 10 2B, 5 HR, 24 RBI. 10 SB

Michigan Daub (FR) (OF) (Uncommitted) – .360/.467/.533, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 16 RBI

Wyatt Miles (FR) (INF) (Uncommitted) – .347/.407/.604, 7 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 25 RBI

Nicco German (SO) (INF) (Uncommitted) – .348/.442/.652, 9 2B, 6 HR. 26 RBI

Brodey Neveker (SO) (INF) (Uncommitted) – .358/.479/.621, 4 2B, 7 HR, 39 RBI

Much like every team this year Frederick has had to deal with their fair share of “Covid” Related issues. For them one of the biggest hurdles was the fact that they were not allowed to practice as a team until February 15th, just 33 days before their first game. Then they were only aloud to play teams that were inside their “Conference” which hurt them a tad, but Maryland does have a vast group of Junior College teams that compete at a high level.  

When talking with Coach Bennett about this season he said the biggest thing was that all 30 of his guys bought in and believed in what they were doing all year. They knew that it was going to be difficult but they did it together. 

One thing that could put them ahead of others is the fact that they have played a fraction of games compared to the others. They seemed to have found themselves and really started clicking about half way through the year so they have not had as much wear and tear on them sense they have started clicking as a team. 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

7 Trips (Over All)

1998, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2010, 2015, 2021

Midwest District – Region 4 –  #17 Madison – 43-12 (5-Seed)

Path To Enid:

Region 4 Selection Series: W vs Highland (IL) 7-3, W vs Highland (IL) 9-1

Region 4/Midwest District Tournament: W vs Lake County 4-3, W vs #18 Kankakee 7-6, W vs #16 Black Hawk-Moline 6-2

Top Pitchers

Regan Klawiter (FR) (P) – 7-1, 1 CG, 55.0 IP, 1.47 ERA, 60 K

Alex redman (FR) (P) – 9-0, 51 IP, 3.18 ERA, 49 K

Jacob Wilde (FR) (P) – 6-1, 1 CG, 52.2 IP, 2.91 ERRA, 67 K

Jett Thielke (FR) (P) – 15 App, 2-2, 8 SV, 18.2 IP, 2.41 ERA, 17 K

Top Hitters

Zach Storbakken (FR) (INF) – .409/.508/.701, 15 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 14 SB

Gunnar Doyle (FR) (OF/1B) – .347/.457/.546, 11 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 43 RBI

Eli Kramer (FR) (OF) – .246/.403/.307, 7 3B, 13 RBI, 16 SB

World Series History:(Since 2001)

10 Trips

2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021

North Plains District – Region 11 –  #22 Kirkwood – 42-20 (6-Seed)

Path To Enid:

Region 11 Tournament: W vs Des Moines Area 13-4, L vs Iowa Central 1-9, W vs Northeast 10-2, W vs Iowa Central 8-3, W vs Iowa Central 9-6 (10 Inn)

Plains District Championship: W vs #12 Miles 6-2, W vs #12 Miles 9-1

#dogPileSeason

cc: @KCC_BSB pic.twitter.com/gRP7iw4aF7

— Noah Sharp (@The_Noah_Sharp) May 22, 2021

Top Pitchers

Tyler Tscheerter (FR) – 7-1, 2 SV, 1 CG, 44.0 IP, 2.25 ERA, 31 K

Reece Beuter (FR) (RHP) – 6-2 2 CG, 59.2 IP, 3.62 ERA, 78 K

Luke Llewellyn (SO) (RHP) 4-3, 2 CG, 54.1 IP, 3.64 ERA, 74 K

Frankie Cresta (SO) (RHP) – 14 App, 5-0, 6 SV, 24 IP, 1.50 ERA, 23 K

Top Hitters

Alex Pendergast (FR) (2B) – .415/.526/.736, 16 2B, 2 3B, 16 Hr, 84 RBI, 51 BB

Joel Vaske (SO) (C) – .379/.508/.680, 16 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, 78 RBI, 44 BB, 23 SB

Josh Fitzgerald (SO) (OF) – .362/.508/.683, 13 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 40 BB, 26 SB

Trevor Burkhart (S

Kirkwood came out of the blocks this season tripping on almost everything you could think off. They started the season going 0-8. Then going 8-13 before winning 35 of their last 42 games to get where they are. 

What has really helped Kirkwood is the fact that they get on base. And the old saying is if you can get on base then you have a better chance of winning. Coming into the World Series they lead the country in Walks as well as Total Bases. 

They have scored and they score often. After that starting stretch as mentioned before their bats put their foot on the Gas and never let up. Statistically they are one of the best Offensive teams in the country. 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

2 Trips

2018, 2021

Plains District – Region 2 – #15 Western Oklahoma State – 40-12 (3-Seed)

Path To Enid:

Plains District Tournament: W vs NOC-Tonkawa 8-0, L vs UA Rich Mountain 2-7, W vs NOC-Tonkawa 8-0, W vs NOC-Enid 10-0, W vs UA Rich Mountain 9-2, W vs UA Rich Mountain 6-1

Top Pitchers:

Jose Torrealba (LHP) – 10-0, 5 CG, 69.0 IP, 3.39 ERA, 103 K

Juan Pimentel (RHP) – 8-2, 7 CG, 62.0 IP, 1.74 ERA, 83 K

Pablo Jacques (RHP) – 22 App, 4-2, 2 Sv, 45.2 IP, 3.74 ERA, 71 K

Victor Feliz (RHP) – 17 App, 0-0, 2 SV, 2.86 ERA, 32 K

Top Hitters

John Urena (CF) – .377/.451/.652, 10 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 49 RBI

Jhonny Felix – .365/.430/.707, 14 2B, 6 3B, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 15 SB

Sammy De La Cruz – .352/.445/.656, 11 2B, 2 3B, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 

Adonys Herrera (SS) – .394/.487/.517, 5 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 18 SB 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

8 Trips

2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 (National Champs), 2012, 2015, 2016, 2021

South Atlantic District – Region 10 – #14 Patrick Henry – 40-15

Path To Enid:

South Atlantic District Tournament: W vs Pasco-Hernando 5-2, L vs Brunswick 7-11, W vs Camp 6-5 (10 Inn.), W vs Pasco-Hernando 11-9, W vs Brunswick 11-1, W vs Pitt 5-4, W vs Pitt 8-6 (12 Inn)

Top Pitchers:

Magnus Ellerts (FR) (RHP) – 7-1, 3 CG, 61.2 IP, 2.77 ERA, 103 K

Spencer Rife (FR) (RHP) – 8-2, 1 CG, 66.0 IP, 4.09 ERA, 46 K

Drew Harlow (FR) (RHP) – 6-0, 2 CG, 42.1 IP, 2.13 ERA, 78K

Zach Kelly (FR) (RHP) – 19 App, 3-0, 2 CG, 47.2 IP, 4.15 ERA, 77 K

Top Hitters:

Jayson Kramer (FR) (OF) (St. Johns Commit) – .395/.481/.567, 17 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 16 SB

Tristan McAlister (FR) (OF) – .358/.437/.421, 6 2B, 2 3B, 17 RBI, 44 SB

Brandon Cleveland (SO) (INF) (Norfolk State Commit) – .269/.354/.372, 5 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 31 SB

Omar Gonzalez (FR) (MIF) – .254/.359/.358, 10 2B, 2 3B, 23 RBI, 21 SB

Max Harper (SO) (INF) (BYU Commit) – .291/.485/.664, 7 2B, 2 3B, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 31 SB

With the amount of vetran Enid teams this year Patrick Henry sits as the lone team making their first appearance this year. 

Patrick Henry started the season unranked and climbed up the rankings very fast. Making it into the top 10 by week 7 and made it as high as #5. The rest of the season they have sat in the teens. 

One of the big keys to Patrick Henry’s Success this season has been their pitching staff. They started on a hot start and with the 3-head monster of Magnus Ellerts, Spencer Rife, and Drew Harlow they have shown that they have 3 top of the line arms that should be scary for any person that has to face them. 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

1 Trip

2021

West District – Region 1 – Phoenix (AZ) – 25-21 (8-Seed)

Path To Enid:

Region 1/West District Tournament:W vs Paradise Valley 12-2, W vs Chandler-Gilbert 10-7, W vs Glendale 7-2, L vs Glendale 4-5, W vs Glendale 9-8

Top Pitchers:

Adrian Santa Cruz (SO) (RHP) – 57.1 IP, 2.20 ERA, 52 K

Jayse Burkett (FR) (RHP) – 65.1 IP, 4.96 ERA, 62 K

Brady Helgerson (FR) (RHP) 57.2 IP, 4.99 ERA, 49 K

Top Hitters:  

Evan Rice (SO) (SS) – .384/.450/.629, 11 2B, 5 3B, 6 HR, 36 RBI, 

Darren Macias (FR) (INF) – .349/.398/.487, 8 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 30 RBI

Gino Caperon (SO) (OF) – .317/.417/.460, 6 2B, 4 HR, 28 RBI

If you do not follow the Arizona Junior College scene then Phoenix record might seem a bit odd. That a team just a few games over .500 gets the bid to go to the World Series. First off Arizona is one of the few states that has both Division 1 and Division 2 teams that play in the same conference. Meaning they get beat up by all the Division 1 powers such as Central Arizona, South Mountain, Yavapai, ext. So their record does not give a good clear picture at how good Phoenix actually is. They were the team that gave Central Arizona their first loss of the season as well. 

Phoenix has been scrappy to say the least. They have had 10 wins this season come down to the final at bat including the game that punched their ticket to Enid this year. 

What is going to be fun to watch for them is their hitters. All season they have been swinging wood bats so getting to use Metal Bats for the first time in a while is going to be an adjustment but one we feel like is something that should not take too long to adjust to. 

When asked about what the key to their success in Enid is going to be Coach Kimball said that it will come down to their pitching. They have proven that they can compete against some of the top teams in the Nation so if they get what they have gotten all season then they should be sitting in a good spot. 

World Series History:(Since 2001)

3 Trips

2001, 2017, 2021

Bracket

Computer Picks

These were done via the Massey Rating Matchup Tool

LSU-Eunice is the Computers Pick for National Champion