Mid‑season MVP race heats up in the Ames area
The 2026 Iowa high school baseball season has reached its midpoint, and the competition in the Ames corridor is already proving to be fierce. Several local programs are riding strong performances, turning the usual mid‑season chatter into a genuine buzz among players, coaches and fans alike.
In the latest rankings, Roland‑Story holds the No. 2 spot in the IHSBCA Class 2A poll, while Ballard sits at No. 9 in Class 3A. Gilbert, meanwhile, has secured third place in the Raccoon River Conference and is enjoying a winning streak that has kept its playoff hopes alive.
Collins‑Maxwell and Nevada have also posted solid records, adding depth to a landscape where multiple teams are contending for top honors. Standout individual performances have peppered the season, from dominant pitching outings to clutch hitting displays that have left observers eager to see who will rise above the rest.
The Ames Tribune is now inviting readers to weigh in on the mid‑season most valuable player from the area. Votes will be collected through an online poll, giving the community a direct hand in shaping the narrative of who has made the biggest impact so far.