HS Baseball: Balanced Division I up for grabs
Jake Yenser, Tamaqua baseball
Tamaqua enters the 2026 high school baseball season as the defending back-to-back Schuylkill League champions — but with a much different look.
The Blue Raiders graduated a loaded senior class that included current University of Pittsburgh freshman Mason Ligenza, along with key contributors Cooper Ansbach and Luke Kane. Still, Tamaqua returns enough pieces to remain relevant.
“The guys we lost from last year were obviously a huge part of the success we had the past two years,” Tamaqua coach Jeff Reading said. “Those guys who graduated also played a lot their freshman year. Last year was the best record Tamaqua baseball has ever had (21-2). But also, those guys as freshmen had one of the worst records we’ve had in the program since I’ve been here coaching.
“The point I’m getting at is that you have to get young kids involved. We’re going to be young this year — we graduated eight. Five of those players were starters and contributed to a lot of the success we had. We’re trying to develop pitchers this year and incorporate younger guys.”
Senior arms Logan Wargo and Logan Morgans bring experience, while junior Jake Yenser, part of last year’s dominant rotation, is expected to take on a larger role on the mound. Fellow juniors Gavan Hess and Brayden Witkowski are other names to watch. If new players can step in quickly and produce, the Blue Raiders have the culture to work their way back into the league and district playoff picture.
“He’s going to be our horse on the mound,” Reading said of Yenser. “He’s stepped into a leadership role as a junior, and the ironic thing is the tutelage from Mason Ligenza to him. Here is a kid we’ve noticed a difference in him from last year to this year already, and we haven’t even played a game.”
Beyond Tamaqua, Division I once again features a balanced and competitive group with several teams itching to make a deep run.
Blue Mountain returns one of the more experienced cores in the division, led by seniors Evan Setlock and Brady Strause, along with sophomore standout Riley Sebastian behind the dish. Aiden Finn, Ryan Clemas, Frankie Russo, Josh Hoover and Cohen Kirby are all key names to watch this season.
With multiple returning arms and an improved lineup, the Eagles have the balance to compete for a division title and make noise in the District 11 Class 5A field if they can rise to the challenges ahead.
North Schuylkill could be one of the biggest wild cards in the league.
The Spartans bring back a deep roster headlined by seniors Aaron Brayford, Shane Butler, Cody Osenbach and Hunter Rogers, along with a large junior class. With multiple options on the mound and experience across the field, North Schuylkill has the pieces to take a significant step forward and emerge as a dark horse contender. Chase Slotcavage and Stephen Minihan will likely play a big part in the Spartans’ pitching rotation.
Panther Valley will rely heavily on its senior core, led by one of the area’s top arms in Danny Wehr. Along with Brody Breiner and Gavin Yuricheck, the Panthers have a strong foundation on the mound. However, the loss of senior catcher Ben Baneravage due to injury is a significant setback. Developing consistency at the plate will be key if Panther Valley hopes to climb the standings.
Don’t be surprised to see some new names and faces rounding out the lineup for the Panthers.
Pottsville features one of the younger rosters in the division but may also have one of the deepest junior classes.
Players such as Andrew Allen, Max Clews, Brody Hess and Dom Rynard will be counted on to lead the way. With just two seniors, Christian Alvarez and Logan Garrity, the Crimson Tide will rely on pitching depth and fundamentals. If they play clean baseball, they have the ability to be a gritty team that can surprise opponents and local baseball followers.
Who let the Dawgs out (of D-II)
Tri-Valley, last year’s league runner-up, returns to Division I after a season that saw the Dawgs win a District 11 Class AA championship and reach the PIAA quarterfinals.
One could argue that competing against larger Division I schools throughout the regular season helped prepare Tri-Valley for that postseason success. The Dawgs bring back strong pitching depth with Braeden Doyle, Gavin Klock, Owen Miller and Jason Stewart leading the way, while younger players will look to step into expanded roles in the lineup. With experienced arms and postseason confidence, Tri-Valley enters the season as one of the favorites in both the league and district races.
Senior Gavin Scheib and sophomore Peyton Schley are other names to watch throughout the season for the Dawgs.
New era in the Grove
A new chapter begins at Pine Grove.
Longtime head coach Keith Lehman called it a career following last season, handing the program over to former standout Cardinal Steven Zimmerman Jr. — a transition that has been well documented on T102SportsNow.com, which is referenced below.
https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/06/26/hs-baseball-pine-grove-head-coach-keith-lehman-retires/
https://www.t102sportsnow.com/2025/08/21/hs-baseball-pine-grove-hires-zimmerman-as-next-head-coach/
On the field, Pine Grove returns a veteran-heavy roster led by seniors Wyatt Dixon, Dane Hannevig, Jake Hatter and Chandler Sirbaugh, along with multiple pitching options. The Cardinals have both experience and depth, and if they adjust quickly under new leadership, they have the tools to emerge as a serious contender in Division I and the district field.
“I’m excited while having big expectations/goals,” Zimmerman said. “I expect our group of guys to compete day in and day out, inning by inning. This group has set the goal to compete for a league, district and state title run and have put in the necessary work to have a chance. Overall, it’s going to be a fun and exciting year.”
Quarter of a century
Happy anniversary to Tamaqua coach Reading and North Schuylkill coach Nick Brayford, both celebrating 25 years at the helm for their respective schools.
Two outstanding leaders of young men, they’ve become staples of Schuylkill League baseball — and if the league is lucky, it’ll have them around for 25 more.
Schedule breakdown
Division I league play opens March 24 and runs through May 6, covering a six-week stretch of regular-season action — if the weather ever cooperates.
Each team will play a 12-game league schedule, facing division opponents in home-and-home series. With only three teams advancing to the Schuylkill League playoff tournament, every game will carry significant importance in what is expected to be a tightly contested race.
Schuylkill League Division I Capsules
Blue Mountain
Coach: Jarrod Kramer (4th season)
Last season: 13-9, 8-4 D-I, Schuylkill League Division I 3rd place, Schuylkill League semifinalist, D-11 Class 5A quarterfinalist
Returners: Aiden Finn, sr., of; Josh Hoover, sr., of; Evan Setlock, sr. p-inf; Brady Strause, sr., p-inf; Ryan Clemas, jr.p-1b; Frankie Russo, jr., p-util; Cohen Kirby, so., inf; Riley Sebastian, so., p-c-of
Newcomers: Connor Huben, sr., dh; Tyler Bensinger, jr., p-1b-of; Ethan Hartman, jr., inf; Lucas Pritiskutch, jr., p-utl; Connor Roeder, jr., p-of; Mika Torola, jr., of; Andrew Blehm, so., p-c-utl; Sonny Amato, fr., utl
Outlook: Eagles return a solid core and should be right in the mix in Division I. The battery of Evan Setlock and Riley Sebastian anchors the team, providing experience and stability. Blue Mountain must replace key innings lost from Aidan Grace and Matt Grasso, with Setlock expected to lead the rotation while younger arms will need to emerge, throw strikes and eat innings. Offensively, the Eagles look to improve after a below-average season at the plate, with a year of experience expected to help that progression. With good team speed and improved balance across the lineup, Blue Mountain has the pieces to compete for a division title, return to the league playoffs and make another push in the District 11 field.
North Schuylkill
Coach: Nick Brayford (25th season)
Last season: 7-13, 4-8 D-I
Returners: Aaron Brayford, sr., inf; Shane Butler, sr., p-inf; Aiden Oliveri, sr., p-of; Cody Osenbach, sr., p-inf; Hunter Rogers, sr., p-inf; Landen Smith, sr., of; Carson Wetzel, sr., of; Dylan Cairo, jr., of; Joseph Groody, jr., p-inf; Seth Hubler, jr., of; Stephen Minihan, jr., p-of; Mark Monahan, jr., p-c-inf; Cole Meskunas, so., p-of; Chase Slotcavage, so., p-inf; Kole Rollenhagen, so., c-inf
Newcomers: Brody Souchak, jr., p-1b
Outlook: Spartans return a large portion of last year’s roster and bring plenty of experience back to the diamond. With a deep group of returning players, North Schuylkill has the potential to take a significant step forward this season. If the Spartans can turn that experience into consistent production, they could emerge as a dark horse contender in both the league and District 11 race.
Panther Valley
Coach: Rich Evanko (11th season)
Last season: 7-13, 2-10 D-I
Returners: Brody Breiner, sr., p-ss; Danny Wehr, sr., p-1b-3b; Gavin Yuricheck, sr., p-cf, Ben Baneravage (injured), sr., c-utl
Newcomers: Peter Kruslicky, sr., p-1b; Cameron Cooper, sr., of; Kaden Koerbler, jr., p-c-inf; Spencer Shirer, jr., p-inf, Derek Lazar, jr., p-inf; Gabe Perilli, so., p-1b-of; Michael Mazzie, so., c-utl; Grady Shellhamer so., p-utl; Carson Jones, fr., 1b-of-dh
Outlook: The Panthers will lean heavily on a small group of experienced returners as they look to take a step forward. Danny Wehr is one of the most impressive pitchers in the area and, along with Brody Breiner and Gavin Yuricheck, gives Panther Valley a strong foundation and leadership core. The loss of starting catcher Ben Baneravage to injury is a significant setback, and with several new varsity starters expected to fill roles, development will be key early in the season. The Panthers will need to throw consistent strikes, play solid defense and limit mistakes while working together as a team. Offensively, manufacturing runs and executing situational baseball will be important. If Panther Valley can grow into its roles and build chemistry, it has the potential to compete for a District 11 berth and push toward the league playoff picture.
Pine Grove
Coach: Steven Zimmerman Jr. (1st season)
Last season: 10-10, 6-6 D-I, D-11 Class 3A quarterfinalist
Returners: Wyatt Dixon, sr., c; Austin Frantz, sr., util; Dane Hannevig, sr., p-inf; Jake Hatter, sr., p-inf; Brandon Gibson, sr., util; Chandler Sirbaugh, sr., p-util; Wyatt Snyder, sr., p-1b; Quincy Allen, jr., 1b-of; Ian Brown, jr., inf; Grady Strubhar, jr., c; Kaiden Umbenhauer, so., util
Newcomers: Evan Cataldo, jr., util; Chase Nagle, so., util
Outlook: A new era begins under first-year head coach Steven Zimmerman Jr., and the Cardinals bring back a bevy of talent. Pine Grove has multiple arms available on the mound and plenty of experience across the roster. If the pieces come together quickly under new leadership, the Cardinals have the ability to be a serious contender in Division I and are a team to keep an eye on throughout the season.
Pottsville
Coach: Mike Welsh (16th season)
Last season: 6-14, 3-9 D-I
Returners: Christian Alvarez, sr., 1b-of; Logan Garrity, sr., p-1b; Andrew Allen, jr., p-inf; Harrison Ciavarella, jr., c-of; Max Clews, jr., p-inf; Brody Eroh, jr., of; Brody Hess, jr., p-inf; Gabe Indell, jr., of; Brody Kline, jr., c-of; Chase Morris, jr., 1b; Dom Rynard, jr., p-of; Trent Stair, jr., p-of; Chase Ritcher, so., of; Landon Trout, so., p-inf
Newcomers: Quincy Clews, so., c; Hudson Clews, so., of; Danny Markus, so., p-of; Austin Strokelitus, p-inf; Tyler Wagner, so., c-1b; Emerson Dalvet, fr., of; Parker Horvath, fr., p-of; Gabe Lipton, fr., p-inf; Colton Oswald, fr., p-inf; Connely Pavelko, fr., of; Nicholas Rynard, fr., p-inf; Tommy Welsh, fr., p-utl; Gabe Trovato, fr., inf
Outlook: The Crimson Tide feature a young roster with just two seniors but a deep and talented junior class. Pottsville will need to play strong, fundamental baseball to compete in a tough Division I field. Expect the Tide to be gritty and competitive, and don’t be surprised if they embrace an underdog mentality, pull off some upsets along the way and push for a playoff berth.
Tamaqua
Coach: Jeff Reading (25th season)
Last season: 21-2, 12-1 D-I, Schuylkill Division I champion, Schuylkill League champion, D-11 Class 4A runner up
Returners: Logan Wargo, sr., p-inf; Luke Frohnheiser, sr., 1b-c, Logan Morgans, sr., p-of; Jake Yenser, jr., p-util; Landon Kamant, jr., p-inf; Gavan Hess, jr., p-of; Brayden Witkowski, jr., p-c-util
Newcomers: Logan Deiter, jr., c-util; Haniel Montero, jr., p-inf, Kaden Krajcirik, jr., inf; Quinn Coleman, jr., of; Gavin Shannon, fr., p-of; Gavin Edmonds, fr., inf; Ryder Holmberg, fr., c-of
Outlook: The back-to-back league champions enter the season with a new look after graduating a loaded senior class that included Mason Ligenza, Cooper Ansbach and Luke Kane. However, the Blue Raiders return key pieces, including Jake Yenser, who was part of a dominant battery last season. If new players can step into roles quickly and produce, Tamaqua has the experience and culture to work its way back into the league and district playoff picture.
Tri-Valley
