Brock Netter

Brock is SOSA's primary writer and has worked for the Coshocton Tribune, the Kankakee Daily Journal (Ill.), the Vinton-Jackson Courier and the Jackson Telegram. He's a six-time award-winning journalist, a lifelong WWE fan, a suffering Bengals fan and calls the sidelines his home.

BASEBALL: 15 players to watch for this spring

April 3, 2026
, 10:21 am
, Features

These 15 players are poised for big years on the diamond.

Brock Netter, Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

Believe it or not, the end of another school year is near, and that means baseball season is back in full swing — pun intended.

After a long winter, the boys of spring are ready to take the field once again and we expect big things from an array of clubs in Southern Ohio.

As we get reacquainted with the baseball diamond, here’s a list of 15 players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep an eye on this spring if they get the chance to compete.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons and it is NOT a Top 15 list. This is simply a list of 15 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Quin Wells, Lynchburg-Clay

Cole Wells is gone, but Quin has the next three years to terrify pitchers. As a freshman, he hit .390 with a .443 on-base percentage, alongside 30 base hits, 27 runs scored and a team-high 40 RBIs in the Mustangs’ run to the Final 4. Ridiculous numbers, and he’s only getting better.

Ryan Seimetz, Jackson

Seimetz is one of the area’s best ballplayers in general. The five-tool senior constantly provides the Ironmen with quality at-bats and, if he gets on, it’s almost a given that he’s taking second or more. Nothing should change in 2026 as the Ironmen look to repeat as conference champs.

Leelind Scurlock, Portsmouth

As the top option of the Trojans’ pitching rotation, Scurlock is purely a gamer. The southpaw helped his Trojans win 18 games last spring and make a district final appearance. That same rotation is back, and a year stronger with its ace leading the charge.

Jacob Hughes, Ironton

Hughes established himself as one of the brightest young stars in the area last season. He hit .446 with 18 runs scored and 23 RBIs, leading the Tigers to a district championship. He’s back for his sophomore year, and the Tigers are, once again, loaded.

Ethan Edwards, Eastern Meigs

The second-team All-Ohioan is back for another run at more hardware after batting .394 with 18 RBIs and scoring 36 times, leading the Eagles to 18 wins and a district title last spring. He’s got the juice, and the Eagles will go as far as he can help take them.

Blake Sanders, Unioto

Unioto’s seniors were the driving force of the Shermans’ run to the Final 4 last season. However, quietly in the shadows, Sanders was proving to be the No. 1 ace in waiting. He was 6-0 last year with a 1.12 ERA in 43 2/3 innings, allowing just seven earned runs. His time is now.

Austin Brown, Miami Trace

Brown is one of the best backstops returning to the area and there’s no question about it. The senior catcher hit .380 last spring with 21 runs scored and 17 RBIs. If there are ducks on the pond and he’s at the dish, cash ‘em in.

Glavine Bigam, Circleville

Consistency. That’s Bigam’s greatest weapon. Across the board, there’s not much he can’t do on the diamond. He gets on base and scores when he gets the chance to do so, hence the .409 average and 41 runs for the district champion Tigers in 2025. If he’s on base, you’re already down 1-0.

Jackson’s Ryan Seimetz will lead his Ironmen this season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

A.J. Pluta, Westfall

Westfall made a charge to the district final last season, and Pluta was a key reason why. He finished with a .420 average and 16 RBIs. He’ll be even better entering his junior year, and that is something that should terrify opposing teams.

Luke Applegate, Manchester

Applegate has only gotten better with every year, and entering his final season as a Greyhound, he’s ready for the spotlight. He finished last year batting .431 with 12 doubles and 18 RBIs. If that production stays the same, Manchester will be a team to keep an eye on.

Nolan Barnett, Valley

It’s no secret how elite Valley’s program has become over the last 10 years. It doesn’t happen without great players, and Barnett fits the bill. He’s got the power to drive in runs, the tools to deliver in the clutch and knows how to win on the big stage.

Benaiah Andrews, South Webster

Andrews was a first-team All-Ohioan last season, and returns for one final shot at a possible state championship. He went 9-2 last year in 72 innings with 55 strikeouts and a meniscal 1.45 ERA. The Jeeps have the experience, hitting and pitching to make a run, with Andrews leading the way.

Gage Cheadle, Southeastern

Fresh off the best season in school history, Cheadle is back to add onto his legacy. The quick-footed shortstop doesn’t make mistakes in the field, nor miss any chances to get on base, hence his .402 average with 28 runs scored and 15 RBIs last season. He’ll be the engine that runs this year’s Panthers.

Kelton Bennington, Logan Elm

Bennington was a key factor in the Braves ending the 2025 season strong. He’s one of the most underrated talents in the area, but he’s no secret anymore after hitting .480 last season with 12 doubles and 23 RBIs. He knows how to get on base, and drive runs in.

Brady Doss, Wheelersburg

Doss has the power and patience at the plate to turn any pitch into a base hit or a round trip home real quick. He hit .347 last season with 13 RBIs and 23 runs scored. The Pirates are always district title threats, and this season will be no different with Doss in the lineup.