Ames Area Baseball Prepares for 2026 Season
The 2026 Iowa high school baseball season is set to open on May 18, marking the start of competition for several programs in the Ames area, each with championship aspirations.
Ames enters the season aiming for its fourth consecutive Iowa Alliance Conference title, while Ballard looks to dethrone North Polk as Raccoon River Conference champions.
Gilbert hopes to improve on a 15‑15 record from a year ago, and Roland‑Story targets more than 20 wins while chasing the Heart of Iowa Conference crown.
Nevada will lean on ace pitcher Drake Hinson to make its presence felt in the HOIC, whereas Collins‑Maxwell and Colo‑NESCO could climb the South standings.
A host of standout players return with impressive statistics, including Erik Anderson’s 2.88 ERA and 63 strikeouts, Jackson Kepley’s .378 batting average and 33 RBIs, and Cooper Wierson’s 0.84 ERA with 111 strikeouts.
Other notable contributors such as Cael Faber, Landon Gjerde, and Hunter Purvis add depth on the mound and at the plate, while defensive standouts like Bryce Miller record high fielding percentages.
With a strong mix of pitching, hitting, and fielding talent, the Ames area teams are positioned to make deep runs in their respective conferences as the new season unfolds.