The Rector Cougars finished last season 5-5 overall and 5-4 in conference play. Their season came to an end with a loss to Cross County on the second day of the district tournament. The Lady Cougars return nearly their entire roster from last season, losing only one senior starter, which provides continuity and experience throughout the lineup. Anna Isom returns after earning All-State honors last season. She is a key infielder and an important part of Rector’ s offense, providing consistent production at the plate. Micaela Ward is another power hitter who is expected to hit in the middle of the lineup. She also serves as the team’ s catcher and provides dependable defense behind the plate. Kendall Brandon is expected to have a strong season after putting in significant work during the offseason. She will likely hit in the two-hole and start at third base. Izabella Blount adds more power to the lineup and has the ability to drive the ball when she connects at the plate. Blount will handle pitching duties for Rector. She features a natural screwball, which gives hitters a different look and can help keep opposing offenses off balance. Adrianna Jackson moves up from junior high this season and is expected to contribute immediately. She is a versatile utility player capable of playing multiple positions, though she will likely spend most of her time in the outfield. Her speed and base-running ability should also be an asset offensively. With most of the roster returning, Rector will rely on experience, lineup power, and team chemistry throughout the season. The team features several power hitters in the lineup along with players who can provide speed on the bases, creating a balanced offensive approach. One area the team will continue working to improve is pitching consistency. Maintaining steady performances in the circle will be important to avoid putting extra pressure on the offense and defense during games.
The Rector Cougars enter the 2026 season looking to build on last year’ s 5 – 9 record under head coach Robert Dorman. With a mix of experienced leadership and a talented group of freshmen stepping into significant roles, Rector hopes to continue developing while remaining competitive throughout the season. Offensively, the Cougars will be led by senior Chance Lopez, who returns as one of the team’ s top players. Lopez batted. 378 last season and will play shortstop when he is not pitching. He is expected to hit third in the lineup and provide leadership and run production in the middle of the order. Junior Ben Schimming also returns after hitting. 257 last season. Schimming will patrol left field and is expected to bat in the fifth or sixth spot, giving Rector another experienced bat capable of driving in runs. On the mound, Lopez is expected to headline the pitching staff. He was limited to just two innings last season due to injury but returns healthy with a fastball that typically sits between 75 and 77 miles per hour and has touched 80. His presence at the top of the rotation could provide stability for a pitching staff that will feature several younger arms. Rector will rely heavily on a talented freshman class that produced a 10 – 1 record at the junior high level last season. Eli Hamm, Brennen Emery, Shane Branson, Tyson Vavak, and Bentlee Hall are all expected to see significant playing time as they transition to the varsity level. For the Cougars to find success this season, throwing consistent strikes and adjusting quickly to the varsity level will be essential. Rector’ s offensive potential and the presence of a strong top-of-the-rotation arm are encouraging signs, but developing pitching depth will be an important focus as the season unfolds.
After finishing 7 – 16 a year ago, Head Coach Stephan Elrod and the Rivercrest Colts enter the new season with a blend of youth and valuable mound experience. While several key contributors will be underclassmen, Rivercrest believes its pitching foundation and offseason growth can help accelerate the rebuilding process. The Colts return several versatile athletes who can impact the game in multiple ways. Junior Jayden Ralph( P / INF) is expected to be a steady presence both on the mound and in the infield. His experience in high-leverage situations gives Rivercrest a dependable leader in key moments. Sophomore Kayden Schwantz( P / INF) adds flexibility defensively while continuing to grow offensively. His development from last season to now has been noticeable, and he should play a bigger role at the plate. Sophomore Ashton Harris( C / OF) brings versatility behind the plate and in the outfield, while sophomore Lexx Latham( OF) provides athleticism and depth in the outfield rotation. Rivercrest will also lean on a large group of newcomers and players stepping into expanded roles. Senior Isaiah Hernandez returns after time away from the program and has impressed early. Freshman Evan McClain is expected to contribute in the infield and on the mound. Sophomore Carter Sharp has swung the bat well in preseason workouts. Freshman Trey Atchley has looked solid at first base, while Bash Grindle adds depth at catcher and outfield. Freshman Harrison Owens showed a strong bat in preseason before illness slowed him temporarily, and sophomore Brody Cooper’ s quickness could make him a factor on the base paths and in the outfield. Junior Frank Ball continues to provide work ethic and depth in the outfield. Pitching could be the Colts’ stabilizing force this season. Ralph’ s strengths include strong location and an effective breaking ball, giving Rivercrest a reliable option in big moments. Schwantz showed promise at the JV level last year and has carried that momentum into early bullpens this spring. Junior Nolan Williams returns after missing last season with elbow issues. His comeback adds valuable experience to a staff that already features pitchers who have thrown in meaningful games. Rivercrest will be young in several key spots, meaning freshmen will need to adjust quickly to the speed and physicality of varsity baseball. However, the Colts do return three pitchers who have competed in big games, providing stability and leadership. If the young players mature quickly and the pitching staff sets the tone, Rivercrest has the potential to grow significantly as the season progresses and turn last year’ s lessons into this year’ s improvement.