The Indiana High School Athletic Association’s state baseball tournament opens with the sectional round, bringing together the state’s top teams in a single‑elimination format that sets the stage for the remainder of the postseason.
Sectional Favorites by Class
In Class 4A, the traditional powerhouses from Southwestern Indiana — North, Castle and Reitz — are viewed as the primary contenders, each carrying a blend of elite pitching and potent hitting that could carry them deep into the tournament.
North stands out for the depth of its rotation, boasting three starters whose earned‑run averages sit at 1.53 or better, a rarity even at the high school level.
Castle’s senior ace Preston Seidl, a committed pitcher at Cincinnati, anchors the staff and is expected to be a major factor on the mound.
Reitz counters with Landon McCutchan, who bats .508 and has compiled 15 extra‑base hits, giving the team a reliable middle‑order threat.
Class 3A features Gibson Southern, Jasper and Southridge as the leading squads, each backed by standout performances.
Gibson Southern’s right‑hander Jake Mazzier has posted a 1.57 ERA while striking out 75 batters in just 44 2/3 innings, underscoring his dominance on the mound.
Jasper’s slugger Crewe Hasenour is batting .450 and has driven in 35 runs, positioning him as a key offensive weapon.
Class 2A’s favorites — Barr‑Reeve, Sullivan and West Vigo — bring strong records into the mix, with Barr‑Reeve having endured only two defeats in May, both occurring at the Hall of Fame Classic in Jasper.
Sullivan’s Jaden Norris, a committed prospect for Indiana State, is expected to contribute significantly both on the mound and at the plate.
In Class 1A, Vincennes Rivet, Orleans and North Daviess are the teams to watch, while defending regional champion Northeast Dubois adds extra intrigue.
Vincennes Rivet’s Bo Shots is batting .427 and has recorded 16 extra‑base hits, making him a potent catalyst for his team’s offense.
The tournament’s blend of pitching depth, batting averages and high‑profile commitments creates a compelling narrative as the season progresses toward the later rounds.