The 2026 WPIAL Class 3A baseball championship, organized by the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League, will pit two of the league’s most consistent programs against each other at EQT Park in Washington, Pennsylvania. South Park arrives with a 15‑5 record, while Ellwood City sits at 18‑3, setting the stage for a highly anticipated contest.
A Historic Matchup
Coached by Corey Fischer, South Park has built its reputation on a relentless defense that has yielded just three runs throughout the playoffs. The team’s ace, Cooper Hochendoner, demonstrated his poise in a recent outing against Avonworth, delivering a strong performance that underscored the team’s depth.
Ellwood City, under the guidance of Christopher Weisz, counters with a powerful lineup that averages 8.5 runs per game in the postseason. Key contributors include Jordan Keller, who is batting .527 and has amassed 22 RBIs, and Aaron Lake, who has driven in 21 runs with five home runs. The offensive firepower is complemented by a supporting cast that includes players such as Andrew Mittleider, Robert Lenzi, Gino Biondi, Cameron Mills, Jake Biskup, Nate Kennedy, Maykel Cuevas, Geordon Bokor, Anthony Barberio and Matt Kelly, all of whom have contributed to the team’s surge.
Both squads carry deep championship pedigrees. South Park captured WPIAL titles in 2022 and 2013, while Ellwood City boasts five overall championships. The upcoming game at EQT Park will add another chapter to a rivalry that has produced memorable moments, including a standout effort by Cooper Hochendoner against Avonworth earlier in the tournament.
As the final approaches, the narrative centers on whether South Park’s disciplined pitching can contain Ellwood City’s explosive hitting. The outcome will not only decide the immediate champion but also influence recruiting and future seasons for both programs. Fans from across the region are expected to fill the stands, making the event a showcase for high school baseball in the area.