The 2026 high school baseball season across Iowa’s small‑class leagues delivered a mix of dominance and surprise, with four teams from the South Iowa Cedar League and the Southeast Iowa Superconference carving out memorable campaigns.
Standout Performances
Sigourney’s Savages emerged as the clear powerhouse, finishing the year at 21‑4 overall and 14‑2 in conference play. The club held a spot in the Class 1A rankings for the entire season and rattled off a ten‑game winning streak from Memorial Day through early June. Offensively, Chase Clarahan led the way with a .440 average and a 1.251 OPS, while Ryker Van Den Huevel added a .711 slugging percentage and 36 RBI, helping the lineup click.
Hillcrest Academy’s Ravens posted a respectable 11‑10 record, finishing 9‑3 in the North Division of the Superconference. Senior Rowan Miller was the catalyst, batting .383 and stealing 17 bases, while a reliable pitching duo in Lawson Schrock and Ethan Yoder each collected three wins on the mound. Eight Ravens earned All‑Superconference North honors, underscoring the team’s balanced contribution.
Highland’s Huskies concluded the season at 13‑12, securing third place in the same North Division and earning a Player of the Year nod for Bryce Hazelett. The senior’s all‑around skill set translated into a strong offensive output, while the team’s defensive consistency kept them competitive throughout a tightly contested schedule.
Keota’s Eagles, though falling short in the playoffs, mounted a late‑season surge that highlighted their potential. Brycen Horras paced the offense with a .596 average and 34 hits, and pitcher Blake Baker finished with five wins and a 2.30 ERA. Their late push added excitement to the conference race and signaled a promising future.
Across all four programs, the season was marked by a blend of individual accolades and team achievements. Ten Sigourney players earned All‑South Iowa Cedar League honors, while eight Hillcrest athletes were named All‑Superconference North. The combination of standout performances and deep playoff runs suggests that these teams will remain contenders in the next cycle.