The Valley View Blazers continue to set the standard for baseball success in the region. After finishing 29 – 5 and capturing another state championship last season, the Blazers have reached five consecutive state title games and won three of them. With an impressive roster filled with collegiate talent, Valley View once again enters the season as one of the favorites in Class 5A. Offensively, the Blazers feature several experienced hitters. Owen Roach returns as a four-year starter who hit. 383 last season while scoring 34 runs and stealing 15 bases. Noah Ragsdale also returns as a four-year starter on the infield after hitting. 352 with six home runs and 35 RBIs. Cannon Driskill adds versatility across the infield while contributing offensively after hitting. 308 last season. Madden Tatum provides power at the plate and athleticism in the outfield, while Parker King brings speed and consistency after hitting. 356 with 24 stolen bases. On the mound, Keaton Mathis leads the pitching staff after going 10 – 0 with a 1.69 ERA and 75 strikeouts last season. Levi Martin also returns after contributing key innings during the postseason. Junior Will Findley proved his ability in big games during last year’ s state tournament and should play a significant role again this season. Cohen Zaffarano and King also provide additional pitching depth. Several other talented players, including Layton Holt, Beck Black, Barrett Mallett, and Keaton Rogers, add depth to an already loaded roster. With experienced leadership, depth across the roster, and a championship pedigree, Valley View once again enters the season as a favorite in the 5A East and a contender to return to the state title game.
After finishing 18 – 9 last season and placing third in conference play, the Valley View Lady Blazers enter 2026 with unfinished business. Their season ended in heartbreaking fashion with an extra-inning loss to White Hall in the first round of the state tournament— a result that has fueled the offseason focus inside the program at Valley View High School. Head coach Karen Sanders returns a strong core of experienced talent, including senior Ashlyn Beale, who looks to make a major impact after missing the second half of last season due to rotator surgery. Sophomore standout Avery Ellis, after leading the team with a blistering. 488 batting average as a freshman, will start the season on the sideline after suffering an injury during basketball. Juniors Harlee Allison, LJ Thomas, and Ellie Dawson bring a combination of power and speed to the lineup, while seniors Addison Burton and Lexee York add leadership and maturity. In the circle, Aubrey Burton— an All-State Tournament selection as a freshman— is expected to shoulder much of the workload and continue her development as the staff ace. Injuries sidelined Marley Greeno and Layni Housley last year, but both return eager and healthy, adding depth and hunger. Eight freshmen will also have opportunities to contribute as they adjust to the varsity level. With one of the toughest schedules Coach Sanders has assembled, the Lady Blazers are intentionally testing themselves early. Team chemistry, accountability, and resilience will determine how far this talented group can go— and the potential for a deep postseason run is very real.
After a 20-win campaign and strong conference finish, the Newport Greyhounds enter 2026 with high expectations and experienced leadership. With several decorated seniors returning and quality arms anchoring the staff, Newport looks poised to remain a contender in a tough league. Newport’ s lineup will be built around senior leadership and versatility. Luke Reynolds( Sr., 2025 All-State) returns as the heartbeat of the Greyhounds. A true utility player, Reynolds brings intensity, leadership, and consistency no matter where he’ s positioned. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him one of the conference’ s most valuable pieces. Jay Grady( Sr., 2025 3A-3 All-Conference) provides power at first base. A true corner bat, Grady can drive the ball to all fields and anchors the middle of the lineup with run-producing potential. Trae Henderson( Jr.) transitions from the outfield to catcher this season, stepping into the role of field general behind the plate. His defensive ability and presence in the middle of the order give Newport stability on both sides of the ball. Luke Sampson( Jr.) returns as a key infielder at second base. Known for maximum effort every play, Sampson’ s defensive reliability could be a difference-maker in tight conference matchups. Ryan Burgin( Jr.) adds offensive power and pitching depth. His raw ability at the plate and presence on the mound make him one of the most dynamic returning players. Davion Grady( Sr.) adds depth both offensively and on the mound, providing steady contributions when called upon. The Greyhounds return a strong 1 – 2 punch on the mound. Reynolds will be one of the top arms in the conference. Featuring a four-pitch mix that includes a knuckleball, Reynolds has the ability to generate swings and misses while staying composed in big moments. Burgin is the other frontline starter. With a four-pitch mix highlighted by a splitter, Burgin consistently throws strikes in any count and keeps hitters off balance. His command and poise give Newport a reliable option in conference play. Grady’ s three-pitch mix adds additional depth, helping Newport manage innings and maintain defensive efficiency. Newport adds intriguing young talent that could make an immediate impact. KeAndre Banks( Fr.) is a two-sport athlete( football and baseball) with the versatility to play infield, outfield, and pitch. His athleticism and competitiveness make him one of the key freshmen to watch. Michael Brand( Fr.) is a three-sport athlete( football, baseball, golf) and a left-handed pitcher / hitter. His ability to contribute both in the field and on the mound adds valuable flexibility to the roster. Offensively, Newport expects to be aggressive and smart. Taking extra bases, reading balls off the bat, and getting strong jumps on pitchers will be essential to generating runs in tight games. The Greyhounds’ expectations are clear: compete daily, hold each other accountable, and play the game the right way. With a competitive conference schedule ahead, continued chemistry and consistent execution will determine whether Newport can make another regional tournament appearance and build upon last season’ s success.