By Terry Douglass – For the Nebraska School Activities Association
The Nebraska School Activities Association’s state baseball tournament begins its week-long run in Omaha on Friday morning when the Class A state tournament gets underway. For the fourth year, teams will play double-elimination pods to determine finalists that will be in winner-take-all championship games that will be broadcast statewide.
Defending champions Lincoln East (Class A) and Gretna East (Class B) will return to defend their titles. There will be a new champion in Class C as Malcolm was unable to survive a wild district weekend that saw the Clippers lose to St. Paul/Palmer in the district final and they were unable to secure one of the two wild card spots after the finals were played.
Play begins at four sites across the Omaha metro with Class A action on Friday, with Classes B and C playing opening-round games on Saturday, May 16. The championship games will be at Werner Park in Omaha on Friday, May 22.
People are also reading…
Class A: New-look Lincoln East eyeing another trip to the state final
Despite making the program’s sixth consecutive state tournament appearance, Lincoln East appears to have mastered the art of staying hungry.
The Spartans (29-2), who earned the No. 2 seed in the Class A state baseball tournament, will open their title defense against seventh-seeded Grand Island at 9 a.m. Friday at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha. Lincoln East has advanced to the championship game in each of the last three seasons, taking home the trophy in 2023 and 2025.
Despite the recent success, coach Mychal Lanik said this year’s squad had to find its own way after graduating a large and talented senior class.
“It’s been a tall task to replace those guys, but the cool thing is that this group has been super hungry to do so,” said Lanik, who took over the program in 2019. “They are their own team and they kind of have their own identity. There’s a lot of things from the past that they are trying to uphold and live up to, but they’re also trying to forge their own path and be their own team, too.
“They’ve just been a joy to coach because they’re so hungry. They want to represent East and do what they can to live up to the legacy that’s been placed before them.”
The road back to the state tournament has been paved by a pitching staff that has been difficult to crack. The Spartans carry a 1.59 team ERA, led by Santino Arranaga (7-0 with a 0.21 ERA) along with Greyson Bjorkman (6-0, 0.70 ERA) and Fisher Irons, who has carved out a 0.68 ERA and has a 3-1 record with two saves.
The Spartans also count on a pair of junior arms in Kalai Larsen (5-1, 1.27 ERA) and Keyan Schadwinkel (5-0, 2.24 ERA).
“We definitely feel blessed with the guys that we can put out there on the mound,” Lanik said. “They’re all a little bit different, but I think the one thing they all have in common is they fill up the strike zone with multiple pitches.
“They’re super competitive — they all want the ball.”
Offensively, Lincoln East has combined power with an ultra-efficient running game. Not only are the Spartans batting .331 with 27 home runs as a team, but they’ve also stolen 147 bases in 154 attempts. Senior Dele Odulate leads the charge with 36 steals, while junior Bryson Rhodes has 29.
“This group runs better than the groups we’ve had before,” Lanik said. “We have really tried to hang our hat on that and tailor our offense around that a little bit.”
The lineup received a late-season boost with the return of senior Brodie McIntire, who missed the first 18 games with a broken wrist. McIntire has been a force since his return, batting .431 with a .566 on-base percentage, and joins a core of producers including sophomore Cade Anderson, who is hitting .341 with five home runs and leads the team with 33 RBIs.
Sam Sutko (.368 batting average with a .507 on-base percentage) and Huxton Katt (.364 average with 24 RBIs) help McIntire set the table. Rhodes (.356 average with five home runs and 22 RBIs), Odulate (.307 average with five home runs and 23 RBIs), Bradyn Erickson (.319 average with four homers and 21 RBIs) and Trevor Roach (.303 average with three homers and 27 RBIs) give the Spartans run producers up and down their lineup.
While Lincoln East has stumbled just twice this season — losses to Omaha Westside and Lincoln Southwest — Lanik said the Spartans are taking an underdog mentality into their first-round matchup with Grand Island. The Spartans are on the bottom side of the bracket with the city rival Silver Hawks. Westside, with unbeaten pitcher Ben Weiss (5-0, 1.38 ERA), is the top seed with a 31-3 mark.
“That’s where all of our focus is at — it’s Grand Island,” Lanik said. “We know that’s what seven other teams are going to do, too. That’s what makes this time of the year so fun.”
Other players to watch: Ty Hanna, Omaha Westside (.438 BA, .538 on-base percentage); Brady Perich, Millard South (.366 BA, 18 XBH, 36 RBIs); Collin Driffill, Millard North (7-1, 0.73 ERA); Hank Vosik, Creighton Prep (.436 average, .540 OBP, 33 R); Santino Arranaga, Lincoln East (7-0, 0.21 ERA); Sam Schroeder, Grand Island (.360 BA, 3 HR, 19 RBIs); Luke Mitchell, Lincoln Southwest (.362 BA, 23 RBIs); Matthew Gorman, Papillion-La Vista South (2-1, 2.10 ERA, .333 BA).
First-round matchups (Friday): At Werner Park | Omaha Westside (31-3) vs. Millard South (18-13), 9 a.m.; Millard North (22-10) vs. Omaha Creighton Prep (24-13), noon. At Tal Anderson Field | Lincoln East (29-2) vs. Grand Island (19-9), 9 a.m.; Lincoln Southwest (21-6) vs. Papillion-La Vista South (18-8), noon.
Class B: Team chemistry powers Platte Valley
Considering that Platte Valley is a three-school baseball co-op encompassing four different towns, team chemistry wouldn’t figure to be the Patriots’ biggest strength.
However, 11th-year coach Shawn Emanuel would argue otherwise for his program, which includes players from Ashland-Greenwood, Mead and Yutan.
“They have a love for each other, a love for the game and I just really think they enjoy hanging out together,” Emanuel said. “Whether it’s in the dugout, walking in from the parking lot of the field or going out to eat, they love being together.
“There just seems to be a joy and a passion for the game of baseball that has kind of been showing up, which is really cool to see.”
Third-seeded Platte Valley (22-3) is set to face No. 6 seed Lincoln Standing Bear (20-9) in the first round at noon on Saturday at Tal Anderson Field in Omaha. While this marks the program’s third trip to state — following appearances in 2015 and 2023 — the Patriots are still hunting for the first state tournament victory in program history.
Platte Valley’s pitching staff has stifled opponents all spring, led by Carson Hollst. The junior enters the tournament with a perfect 8-0 record and a microscopic 0.38 ERA.
“Carson is just tough as nails,” Emanuel said. “He’s not going to overpower you, but he can throw four pitches for a strike. He doesn’t walk guys, he doesn’t hit guys and he challenges you.”
The depth behind Hollst is impressive. Nolan Roberts (5-0, 1.91 ERA) provides a different look with a unique arm angle, while Richie Hayes (3-0, 2.54 ERA) and Wave Cerny (2-1, 0.86 ERA) have helped bolster a pitching staff that Emanuel calls the team’s biggest strength.
“We have a lot of pitchers who we really trust and we really like,” Emanuel said. “Getting them all innings has been challenging. We need to get them out on the mound more and other guys are doing so well that it’s been difficult to take them out of games.”
Offensively, the Patriots rely on a high-pressure approach led by Cael Smith. The standout hitter is batting .383 with 10 doubles and 24 RBIs and has been a factor on the basepaths with 31 stolen bases this season.
While Smith sets the table, Hunter Hatzenbuelher (.329 average with a team-high 29 RBIs), Johnson (.350 average and a .545 on-base percentage with 17 RBIs) and Cerny (.397 average with 14 RBIs) provide added muscle. The Patriots have a balanced lineup that Emanuel said has the versatility to do whatever it takes to win.
“Like every program, really, it all starts with guys who have the ability to get on base,” Emanuel said. “We’ll do anything to get on base — a bunt, getting hit by a pitch or taking a walk — we don’t care how it gets done.
“We just want to put the ball in play and make the other team make plays, defensively.”
The Patriots will be on the bottom side of the bracket with second-seeded Elkhorn North (23-5), which won titles in 2022 and 2023. Connor Wurdeman leads the Wolves’ attack with a .407 batting average and 21 RBIs on the season.
The top side has No. 1 seed Omaha Skutt Catholic (24-5) as well as defending champion Gretna East (19-9). Skutt’s Bubba Day is one of the top all-around players in the state with a .439 batting average, 24 RBIs and a 5-0 record on the hill with a 0.60 ERA. Kasen Brown leads the Griffins with a .392 batting average and 26 RBIs.
While Platte Valley enters the tournament as one of the top seeds, Emanuel is wary of a field he describes as “unbelievably competitive.” However, he said he likes the competitive spirit the Patriots have displayed all season.
“This group is just tough and resilient,” Emanuel said. “We’ve been losing in a lot of games and we’ve made a lot of comebacks. We’ve won a lot of close games.
“No moment seems to really be too big for them.”
Other players to watch: Easton Elam, Omaha Skutt Catholic (7-0, 0.49 ERA); Kai Vanis, Lincoln Pius X (.382 BA, 9 HR, 25 RBIs); Carson Herman, Gretna East (.323 BA, 10 XBH, 24 RBIs); Kayo Rempe, Omaha Gross Catholic (8-0, 1.43 ERA); Cael Smith, Platte Valley (.383 BA, 10 2B, 24 RBIs); Gavin Bullock, Lincoln Standing Bear (.425 BA, 23 RBIs, 2-1, 0.93 ERA, six SV); Jack Settles, Elkhorn North (6-1, 1.01 ERA); Brycen Burt, Seward (.387 BA, .530 OBP, 3 HR, 26 RBIs, 20 SB).
First-round games (Saturday): At Werner Park | Omaha Skutt Catholic (24-5) vs. Lincoln Pius X (11-11), 9 a.m.; Gretna East (19-9) vs. Omaha Gross Catholic (21-6), noon. At Tal Anderson Field | Elkhorn North (23-5) vs. Seward (20-6), 9 a.m.; Platte Valley (22-3) vs. Lincoln Standing Bear (20-9), noon.
Class C: Experienced Kernels taking aim at Class C title
For the sixth consecutive year, Central City/Centura is heading to the state baseball tournament. This time, they arguably arrive as the team to beat.
The Kernels (17-5) earned the No. 1 seed in the Class C state tournament and will open play against No. 8-seeded St. Paul/Palmer (10-10) at 10 a.m. Saturday at Papillion-La Vista South High School.
While the program has become a fixture in the postseason — marking its third appearance as a Central City/Centura co-op following a three-year run that also included Fullerton — head coach Brandon Detlefsen said the consistency is never something his squad takes for granted.
“You can just never take it for granted,” Detlefsen said. “That’s why we’re fortunate here to be going six years in a row now. Every year is a different way of getting there and a different challenge and it’s just fun. Especially this year, as we saw the chaos that happened in Class C on the last day of districts, you can’t ever assume anything.”
The Kernels enter the tournament seeking redemption after finishing as the Class C state runner-up last season, a campaign that ended with a 10-0 loss to Malcolm in the championship game.
“Our kids are so motivated, especially our seniors, because they won the (American) Legion state juniors championship a couple of years ago,” Detlefsen said. “They know how to finish it.”
The charge is led by senior ace Conner Erickson, who has been dominant on the mound this spring. Erickson carries an 8-1 record with a 0.84 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 50 innings.
Detlefsen said that Erickson’s performance has been fueled by a desire to erase the memory of last year’s final.
“I think he has a little internal fire because last year in the championship game, Conner didn’t pitch the way he’s capable of,” Detlefsen said. “He’s leading the way.”
The pitching staff boasts significant depth behind Erickson. Parker Zikmund (4-1, 1.83 ERA), Luke Vakiner (3-1, 2.62 ERA) and Colby Peters (0.51 ERA with two saves) have combined to give the Kernels some of the best arms in their class.
Offensively, Central City/Centura features a balanced attack that mixes power with an occasional surprise bunt. Peters leads the team with a .422 batting average, three home runs and 26 RBIs, while Erickson (.394) and Vakiner (.350) provide consistent production in the middle of the order. Quinn Jensen has also been a threat, recording 12 extra-base hits this season.
“Our offensive identity is just to get guys on and put pressure on people,” Detlefsen said. “We can lay down bunts when we have to. It’s not our forte, but we’ve got dudes that can do it.
“We don’t mind playing some small-ball. We have a lot of athletes at the top of the order, so we’re not afraid to steal bases when we need to.”
Despite the pressure of being the top seed, Detlefsen believes the team’s chemistry will keep them grounded. Because the team is a co-op between two schools, the coaching staff has emphasized unity.
“It’s unique because our team is a co-op team, but you can’t even tell which kids are from which towns because they all hang out with each other during the games and bus rides,” Detlefsen said. “The connectivity amongst the group is more than what we’ve had in previous years.”
The Kernels face a St. Paul/Palmer team that reached the tournament by rallying to upset defending champion Malcolm in the district final. Of the top six seeds that hosted Class C districts, only the Kernels were a district champion. It resulted in a bracket that features a combined 66 losses and three teams at .500 or below in the field.
The bottom half features the two wild card survivors in second-seeded Auburn (21-6) and third-seeded Lincoln Lutheran (15-6). Jackson Warner leads Auburn with a .467 average and 34 RBIs, while Gavin Cornell powers a Lincoln Lutheran offense with a .415 average, .597 on-base percentage and 25 stolen bases.
“Class C has come a long way in the last two or three years,” Detlefsen said. “Some people might say that a lot of the top dogs got beat (in districts), but there are still some very good teams down there. I’m just looking forward to the competition.”
Other players to watch: Colby Peters, Central City/Centura (.422 BA, .543 OBP, 3 HR, 26 RBIs); Alex Meinecke, St. Paul/Palmer (.542 BA, .607 OBP, 10 2B, 19 RBIs); Isaac Guenther, GACC/West Point Beemer (.438 BA, 14 SB, 2-0, 1.94 ERA); Miles Wewell, Elkhorn Mt. Michael Benedictine (.357 BA, 18 RBIs, 10 XBH); Mason Schultz, Auburn (6-3, 2.52 ERA, 74 K, 58.1 IP); Peyton Marfisi, Arlington (.386 BA, .576 OBP, 13 XBH, 15 RBIs); Colten Portsche, Lincoln Lutheran (4-0, 1.77 ERA); Abel Jimenez-Escobar, Omaha Roncalli Catholic (.392 BA, 16 RBIs).
