Tag: Release Baseball

Rising Underclassmen Standouts to Watch for Ohio High School Baseball

Kent, OH- Over the past couple of weeks, SmeeSports has covered numerous travel baseball games through our partnership with the 965 Midwest Challenge. While we have seen a lot of the game’s top stars at the high school level, we’ve also seen some future stars in the making. Below, we take a look at a few of these prospects

Jonny Kievman: Norton High School + Clutch Elite 15U (Class of 2028)

Jonny had a lot of lofty expectations to live up to even before stepping onto the diamond at Norton. His older brother, Jordan Kievman, is committed to play baseball at Wright State for Alex Sogard. While Jordan won MAC Pitcher of the Year honors, Jonny picked up 1st team all-conference honors as a middle-infielder. While the Panthers’ season ended in the District Finals with a 3-0 loss to Hubbard, the only way for Jonny to go was up. This summer, he has more than lived up to expectations. As the starting second baseman for Clutch Elite, Jonny leads a strong infield, which includes another player mentioned in this article. Additionally, his pitching has been strong this Summer with his fastball clocking in between 78 and 83 mph. Finally, his hitting has been tremendous. At the second Kent State Invite, we saw him crush a few baseballs.

Victor Rodriguez: Youngstown East High School + Clutch Elite 15U (Class of 2028)

When thinking of a power-hitting first baseman who also has a solid glove, a player like Victor Rodriguez comes to mind. During an 8-16 season with Youngstown East in their penultimate campaign before the merger, Rodriguez headlined the offensive talent with a .364 batting average in 20 games. That average was good enough to rank second on the team as a freshman. Beyond the average, he drove in 14 runs while hitting one home run. Finally, he had a fielding percentage of 86.4%. Rodriguez has been crushing baseballs so far this Summer for Clutch Elite. In the games we covered, his power stole the show. On top of his base hits, he also had a big triple down the left field line. While there is plenty of uncertainty about the future of the Youngstown High School’s given the merger, Rodriguez should be an easy selection to lead the joined baseball program into the next era while also wrapping up East Baseball’s legacy.

Brock Bourquin: Canton Central Catholic High School + Mashfactory Bourquin 15U (Class of 2028)

The last name Bourquin is synonymous with Stark County radio. Sam Bourquin, Brock’s distant cousin, is the ‘Voice of Stark County’ and Mount Union Football and Basketball. However, Brock is paving his own path at his cousin’s alma mater as a star baseball player. Standing at 6’0 and 180 pounds, the three-sport athlete has turned a lot of heads through one year of high school. He was a key piece of the Crusaders’ Regional Final appearance, where they lost to eventual state champions Waynedale 6-3. Heading into the second Kent State Invite of the Summer, Bourquin headlined the crop of talent. He proved why on numerous occasions en route to a championship over the #1 seed MAF Gators. In the game against Mentor, Brock climbed the ladder to make a great catch on a high throw to end an inning. He followed this up with a big triple, setting himself up as the opening run in a tight victory. He would keep up the great hitting through the championship game while also playing standout defense at first.

Benjamin Ariyajasingam: Archbishop Hoban High School + Mashfactory Bourquin 15U (Class of 2028)

With Hoban’s ace Andrew Karhoff graduated and off to Ashland, a spot in the pitching rotation has opened up. This leaves the door open for rising sophomore Ben Ariyajasingam. The 5’11, 175-pounder lists himself as a RHP and a first baseman. We saw him against the Mentor Cardinals at the second Kent State Invite as a pitcher-only, and he dominated. Through five innings of work, he didn’t allow a run en route to a 2-0 victory. He took the contact pitching approach in this game, striking out three batters. In close quarters, Ariyajasingam rose to the occasion, showcasing his great intangibles. If he can keep this up, look for him to earn a spot in Hoban’s pitching rotation for the 2026 season and beyond.

Dylan Wood: Cochoton High School + Mashfactory Bourquin 15U (Class of 2028)

Not only did Dylan Wood pitch in the second Kent State Invite semifinals and championship-earning two wins while striking out over 10 batters-he hit the game-sealing RBI double. He stepped up in a big way for Mashfactory, proving he can be elite in the clutch. While he wasn’t on the Cochocton varsity baseball roster in 2025, it would be a shock to not see him there in 2026 as a key contributor, assuming he continues to improve this Summer.

Nolan Andrejack: Perry High School + Release Baseball Hejduk 14U (Class of 2029)

Our first rising freshman on the list looked like a seasoned vet in Release Baseball’s 12-4 victory over the H24 Longhorns in the Laurie Mendenhall Memorial Showcase semifinals. Outside of a rocky second inning that saw four runs score, he was lights out. In the first inning, he struck out the side. Out of five innings, four frames were 1-2-3 innings. His high school team-the Perry Pirates-finished the 2025 season with a 22-6 record. Having a guy like Andrejack coming up next year, they have another option to use in their rotation as they look to make 2026 another unforgettable campaign.

Johnathan Kefalos: Barberton High School + H24 Longhorns 14U (Class of 2029)

Rounding out our list is a player who has the potential to transform Barberton baseball from an 11-10 squad to a final-four contender. Johnathan Kefalos started in center field for H24 in their semifinal game against Release Baseball at the Laurie Mendenhall Memorial Showcase. He was beyond impressive in the outfield as his range spanned deep into both left center and right center. He also brought plenty of power with his bat, crushing a baseball deep into the outfield. While the Longhorns didn’t get the win, he showed plenty of talent and intangible traits. If he can continue his development, there’s a good chance that he will have a great high school career for the Magics with college ball potentially following. The future looks bright for Kefalos and for Barberton.

Overall, these seven rising stars have the makings to become the big names of tomorrow. Players like Kievman, Rodriguez, and Bourquin have already broken onto their varsity squads at Norton, East, and Canton Central. Still, they have greater aspirations for the next three years. Ariyajasingam and Wood look poised to become varsity players next season as they take the next step towards stardom. Finally, Andrejack and Kefalos have the tools to enter high school and not miss a beat en route to a varsity roster spot. All in all, the future is bright for these young men and their teammates.

To see full game footage of these players, check out our coverage of Kent State Invite II and the Laurie Mendenhall Memorial Showcase 14U tournament on the SmeeSports YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@SmeeSports/streams

Release-Edwards’ Offense Dominates En Route to 18U Tim Lally Memorial Diamond League Tournament Title: Full Championships Recap

Lakewood, OH- According to head coach Jaret Edwards, Release Baseball is an organization that plays the sport “the right way.” That brand of America’s pastime was more than enough to secure Release Edwards’ first tournament win of 2025 as they knocked off #2 Ohio Mavericks 11-2 and #4 NMC Reitenbach 12-0 in the championship game.

In the first semi-finals, #1 Ohio Elite had the task of taking down #NMC Reitenbach. The odds were stacked against Reitenbach to even make it to the field of four. Heading into the final pool play game, they were sitting fifth with a record of 1-1-1. NMC Carevic held down the final spot with a 2-1-1 record. The tie breaker in pool play is the number of runs allowed. Carevic had allowed 22 through their four games, while Reitenbach had allowed 19 heading into their final game against the Midwest Stars. However, Reitenbach was able to get the job done as they took down the Stars 16-1. With two fewer runs allowed, Reitenbach made the final four.

Ohio Elite had their own adversity to face entering the final four. Only three of their actual players were available for the championship rounds. Carrollton stars Hunter Allison, Landon James, Garrett Broadwater, and Issac Husted all had their end-of-season banquet. Some of the pitchers, including Dom Marchett, were not available to pitch again. Add in injuries to the mix, and Aaron Moses still being in the state tournament with University School, the rampage of the lineup is complete. Braeden Deutsch, Spencer Siedlecki, and AJ Likowski were the three OEB 18U players who played. Brady Bowen, formerly of Wooster and Akron baseball commit, stepped in from the start this weekend, who could be classified as a fourth member of the crew.

Players from OEB Andrews and OEB Aukerman got the call-up from the 16U/17U division for the semi-finals to fill out the numbers. Additionally, siblings Chase Deutsch (Hudson ’28), and Brock Bowen (Wooster ’27) helped OEB out with some solid innings starting in left field and third base, respectively.

In the first inning, Braylon McBride of NMC was called out due to interference as he clipped Siedlecki’s outstretched glove. Initially, the decision was an error that gave McBride second base. Luca Reyes left less to the imagination as he struck out the two-hitter Owen Courtney. Back-to-back walks put two runners on for Quinton Albert. The power hitter wasted no time, hitting a two-run double. Ryan Wilkinson would bring Albert in from second with an RBI single in the following at-bat. Reyes was able to settle things down in the end as he struck out Izaak Matthews to end the top of the first.

Ohio Elite was able to get their leadoff man on by way of a second base error by McBride. B. Deutsch lined out to second, and B. Bowen hit into a fielder’s choice. With two down, Siedlecki drew a walk to keep the inning going. However, NMC’s starting pitcher Luka Pagura was able to strike out 1st team all-Ohio selection Tucker Webb to retire the side. Through one, NMC Reitenbach led 3-0.

NMC would load the bases to begin the second inning with three different methods. Brady Eckert reached on an error, Murphy Kelley walked, and Faris Thabata hit a bunt single. McBride would hit a sac fly to make it 4-0 while Courtney hit an RBI single. Just like the first go around, Pagura and Ja’Von Clayton walked back-to-back. This time, Clayton’s walk brought in the sixth run. One final sacrifice fly, this time by Wilkinson, would score the seventh run of the game for OEB. At the bottom of the inning, Pagura retired the #1 seed in order.

Reitenbach was not done yet by any stretch, as the bases would be loaded with one out after a leadoff strikeout. Courtney would walk to bring in the eighth run. Ohio Elite was able to get the final two outs with a strikeout and a lineout. However, a passed ball saw the ninth run score. After Pagura struck out C. Deutsch, he was pulled to save his arm for the championship game. Matthews came in and retired Br. Bowen and Likowski to retire the side.

Just like the prior two innings, NMC would load the bases quickly with a pair of walks and a single. Eckert brought in the 10th run for NMC on a sacrifice. Kelley walked to load the bases again for Thabata. He was able to bring in the 11th run as he reached on an E5. McBride would hit his second sac fly of the game to bring in the 12th run. Courtney added a second RBI single to score the 13th run. To end the game, OEB went in order again. This sealed the 13-0 win for #4 NMC Reitenbach. What makes this win more impressive is that Pagura and Matthews combined for a four-inning no-hitter. Additionally, including pinch hitters, all 12 players that hit for NMC would reach safely at least once.

You can watch Game 1 by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/YImyaSxytIQ?si=6xvDSMEv805RfMqE

In the second game, the Ohio Mavericks were able to strike first as back-to-back errors brought in their leadoff hitter, Ty Roediger, who began the bottom of the first with a walk. Despite the tough start, Release would quickly steal the spotlight. Write State commit Grant Lashutka, Bo Davis, and Jack Laux walked while Reece Stillings hit a sacrifice fly to score Lashutka. With the score 1-1, Zander Triplett destroyed a baseball by sending it well over the left field fence. In one swing of the bat, Release took a strong 4-1 lead. Jackson Anthony followed up the three-run shot with a solo shot of his own. Heading into the bottom of the second, Release led 5-1.

The Mavericks responded by applying some pressure to the Release defense by loading the bases as Casey Robinson singled while CJ Santagata and Charlie Capretta walked. However, Davis made up for the error he committed in the first inning and recorded a routine putout to retire the side. Through two innings, Release led 5-1.

In the third inning, Release’s leadoff man, Dan Miller, reached by way of a walk. With one down, Lashutka flew out to left field, but Miller was too far off the bag at second to get back in time. Thus, the 7-4 double play retired the side. In a more traditional fashion, the Mavericks went in order. The fourth inning had slightly more substance with Laux singling for Release, but the other six batters were retired with ease.

In the fifth, Release was able to slam the door shut on the #2 seed. Triplett began the frame with a leadoff double. Anthony reached by way of a walk to put two on for Grady Falkenstein. He was able to barrel a baseball into the outfield to put two more runs on the board. This two-RBI double was followed up by a routine flyout for the first out of the inning. Ryan Stoops singled in the following at-bat, placing runners at the corners. Stoops drew a throw over from Robinson. This pickoff move gave Falkenstein the time to take home. He was also helped out by a high throw to second from first. Stoops was able to cruise into third as a result. Lashutka brought in the final run of the inning on a sacrifice fly, making it 9-1. The Mavericks’ offense came up empty in the bottom of the frame, thus, they needed some runs in the sixth to avoid the run rule.

Release was given another break in the basepath as a failed fielder’s choice put runners at second and third. The bases would load as Stillings got hit by a pitch. Triplett would put Release into double figures with a sacrifice fly. The #3 seed would score their 11th and final run of the game on a wild throw into the outfield. With two outs, the Mavericks were able to score their second run of the game on a single that turned into an outfield error. Finally, relief pitcher Luke Doss forced a popout to Lashutka at shortstop, ending the game with Release getting the 11-2 win. Jack DeGeeter threw six great innings for Release, striking out 5 batters and allowing a few hits, depending on which scorebook is the most accurate.

You can watch Game 2 by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Br_5Sqq7ch4?si=0e7rTg5VKKvFDOqu

The championship game featured the two lower seeds in #3 Release and #4 NMC Reitenbach. As expected, Pagura would get the start for Reitenbach again. This was a chance for redemption for NMC as they lost to a different release squad a year ago in the 16U Tim Lally Memorial Diamond League Tournament Championship Game at Hudson. Courtney hit an early double, but that would be NMC’s only hit of the game. They had two other base runners due to hard 90’s.

Release’s offense found a whole host of creative ways to score. Overall, they would score 13 runs on six hits. However, past balls, free passes, and two perfectly executed squeeze plays in a row in the third did the damage. On the mound, Nick Hart got the start, throwing two innings while recording three strikeouts. Lashutka would come on to close the game out, getting two innings of work with one strikeout under his belt. Overall, this was the definition of a true team win by Release as they took home the title 12-0.

You can watch Game 3 by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/live/8NjtvaCP2ek?si=D1Ul7zC7LBteKNYy

After the game, Triplett said,

“It feels good (to win). We just played good, played really hard, did the little things right, and didn’t have any bad innings.”

The rising senior at Louisville had a total statline of 5 Hits, 2 Doubles, 1 3 Run HR, 1 Walk, 6 RBI’s across the two games. This is nothing new for the Triplett name as Zander’s father was a standout player for Canton Central Catholic a while back.

“He’s been a big part of my life, just helping me out,” Triplett remarked. “He’s my hitting coach and taught me how to play baseball.”

Coach Edwards shared the same sentiment as Triplett as he said,

“These guys played really hard. We’re at our best baseball when we throw a lot of strikes, we play good defense, and we run hard.”

Edwards is an assistant coach at Lakewood High School during the Spring and has been able to grow under Grant Graves, the Rangers’ head coach. Lakewood won their first district title since 1992 this season as they defeated Warren G Harding 1-0. In the end, they bowed out in the Regional Finals 7-0.

Release-Andrews (5-1) is back in action this weekend for their second tournament at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. They have matchups with Team Elite Midwest 17U, Marucci Spikes Showcase 17U, and USA Prime Indiana-Indy 17U in pool play. These games can be followed along on GameChanger by searching for Release 17U (Edwards).

NMC Reitenbach (3-2-1) has four scheduled games this coming weekend. First off, it’s a Friday morning battle with Bo Jackson Elite- 17U Harris in Hilliard, Ohio. Bo Jackson Elite-17U Follina, Golden Gloves Elite 17U, and Bo Jackson Elite-18U Withrow, round out the weekend with all games taking place at Hilliard Darby High School.

The Ohio Mavericks (3-1-1) have Michigan MR, 17U Tripletown Aces, Chronister 17U, and Indy Titans Caplinger 17U in Sandusky at Sports Force Park this weekend. Finally, Ohio Elite (4-1) has a tournament this weekend against opponents to be determined.