The 2021 high school baseball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 5A. After last year’s canceled season, there’s more anticipation than ever to get the season going. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are two new baseball coaches in 5A this year: Chris Shelton (Cottonwood) and Eric Morgan (Skyline)
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 5
1. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Alex Exon (third year)
2019 record: 13-16 (tied for second in Region 5 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon in 5A first round. Eliminated by Maple Mountain in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Aaron Bornholdt, P/IF, Sr.
- Brock Brown, P/OF, Sr.
- Johnny Mortensen, P/OF, Sr.
- Mason Cook, C, Jr.
- Tucker Wall, IF, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “We are grateful to be able to get on the field and compete this Spring. Our team knows there are no guarantees and have been taking advantage of every single day. These guys love the game and I expect that will be evident from their energy on the field this year.”
2. Bountiful Braves
Head coach: Clark Stringfellow (25th year)
2019 record: 12-11 (fifth in Region 5 with a 7-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Contributors:
- Boston Malmrose, IF, Sr.
- Lincoln Duryea, IF, Sr.
- Hunter Esplin, C, Sr.
- Charlie Scholz, OF/P, Sr.
- Wyatt Smith, IF/P, Sr.
- Truman Duryea, OF/P, Jr.
- Drew Beck, OF/P, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “Despite losing the spring season to COVID-19, our core group of five seniors and two juniors stayed together and played a very solid American Legion Schedule in the summer of 2020. We are experienced up the middle at C, 2B, SS and CF with four returning starters and a solid pitching staff with a competitive mixture of both right- and left-handed pitchers. Expecting a lot from our senior leadership to help carry this team. We are excited to play again.”
3. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Paul Ayala (third year)
2019 record: 12-15 (fourth in Region 5 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A first round. Eliminated by Highland in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Jaden Gines, CF, Sr.
- Bryson Clements, C, Sr.
- Taggert Nofsinger, RHP/OF, Sr.
- Jonas Nerdin, RHP/OF, Sr.
- Taylor Ayala, SS/2B, Jr.
- Dylan Williams, RHP/SS, Jr.
- Blake Stanger, LHP/1B, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “We are definitely excited to get back on the field for the spring. We are young with very little to no varsity experience. We were able to gain some of that experience over the summer and fall. We have great senior leadership that have set high expectations for the team. The team has definitely started to buy into the program that our seniors have put in front of them. Should be a fun season to watch these young men compete.”
4. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Jesse Roberts (fourth year)
2019 record: 5-20 (sixth in Region 5 with a 2-13 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Coach’s comment: “We lost a few big-time contributors with graduation, but we have a bunch of seniors with experience that we will rely on to lead us this coming year. Our boys have been working hard in the off-season to better themselves and we are excited to get going.”
5. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Jeff Toller (eighth year)
2019 record: 10-17 (tied for second in Region 5 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A first round. Eliminated by Maple Mountain in 5A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided
6. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Scott Jorgensen (sixth year)
2019 record: 11-13 (fifth in Region 11 with a 9-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 6
1. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Corland Felts (third year)
2019 record: 17-8 (tied for first in Region 6 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A second round. Eliminated by Corner Canyon in 5A one-loss bracke.
Returning contributors:
- Ashton Johnson. P/OF, Jr.
- Mic Paul, CF, Jr.
- Josh Vandenakker, P/3B, Sr.
- Benson Tolman, P/OF, Sr.
- Jacob Hall, 1B/3B, Sr.
- Zach Goodrich, SS, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “Balanced team with some good senior leadership coupled with some talented underclassmen. Great character kids that like each other, like to play baseball, and like to compete. Really looking forward to coaching and watching this team this year. Great group of guys.”
2. Cottonwood Colts
Head coach: Chris Shelton (first year)
2019 record: 25-3 (first in Region 7 with a 14-1 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Timpanogos in 5A championship
Returning contributors:
- Hunter Neumayer, C, Sr.
- CJ Slagowski, P, Sr.
- Parker Burk, SS, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “We are very excited to get back onto the field. We have been waiting for a year to see what this group is about and can’t wait to see them play together. We are a little inexperienced without last year but believe this team will grow with time on the field.”
3. Murray Spartans
Head coach: Marce Wilson (10th year)
2019 record: 12-12 (third in Region 6 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Timpanogos in 5A first round. Eliminated by Brighton in 5A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Austin Carter, OF, Sr.
- Dan Brousseau, IF/P, Sr.
- Dylan Spencer, 1B/DH, Sr.
- Ian Winterhalder, IF/P, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “At the end of the day, our team success may reflect on how dead set this group is on getting that letter ‘I’ into ‘team.’ We could potentially be pretty good and a tough out in the playoffs. However, we could also implode, have players put themselves before the long-term success of the team, and have a less than memorable year. Time will tell.”
4. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Mark Kleven (third year)
2019 record: 12-15 (fourth in Region 7 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Roy in 5A first round: Eliminated by Corner Canyon in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Logan Castor, C, Sr.
- Brennan Potter, LHP/IF, Sr.
- Chase Wixom, RHP/IF, Sr.
- Collin Edwards, OF, Sr.
- Nic Ely, IF, Jr.,
- Sam Lowe, IF, Jr.,
- Daniel Morillo, OF, Jr.
- Cale Silcox, OF/RHP, Jr.
- Hagen Snell, RHP/OF, Jr.
- Chase Elggren, C/UTIL., Jr.
5. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Eric Morgan (first year)
2019 record: 13-14 (fourth in Region 6 with a 7-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A first round: Eliminated by Farmington in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Hudson Manwaring, SS/P, Sr.
- Kyler Jorgensen, C/IF, Sr.
- Sam Evans, P/IF, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “We couldn’t be more excited to get the season going and open up our new field. We have a talented group who lack a little depth. We have a great brotherhood that will make for a really fun team to coach.”
6. Highland Rams
Head coach: Ben Voegele (second year)
2019 record: 19-8 (tied for first in Region 6 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain in 5A first round. Eliminated by Olympus in 5A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Matthew Thomas, P/OF, Jr.
- Greg Harrold, P/1B, Jr.
- Tanner Jones, P/SS, So.
- Dax Woolf, C, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “We lost a pretty strong senior class to graduation, but we have a lot of young talent returning and as a coaching staff, we’re really looking forward to seeing how well they play and gel together. These guys have put in the work this offseason and I think we’re all just anxious to get going. That said, after the year everybody has been through, we’re just happy to be playing. Period.”
7. Hillcrest Huskies
Head coach: Daryl Hernandez (third year)
2019 record: 8-17 (third in Region 2 with an 8-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork in 6A first round. Eliminated by West Jordan in 6A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided
8. East Leopards
Head coach: Pat Treend (second year)
2019 record: 6-16 (fifth in Region 6 with a 5-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 7
1. Timpanogos Timberwolves
Head coach: Kim Nelson (25th year)
2019 record: 18-13 (second in Region 8 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A quarterfinals. Eliminated by Cottonwood in 5A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Carson Hawkes, P/OF, Sr.
- Jackson Bird, C, Sr.
- Billy Bird, P/1B, Soph.
- Trevor Herrick, OF, Sr.
- Dakoda West, 3B/P, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “Without a season last year it’s hard to know or what to expect. Pitching with Carson Hawkes, Billy Bird and Dakoda West should be one thing to rely on. Jackson Bird should be the one to rely on the most at the plate. These young men have worked hard, We are excited to see where we stack up.”
2. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Daron Connelly (fourth year)
2019 record: 13-11 (fifth in Region 7 with a 5-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Contributors:
- Colton Lingmann, OF, Sr.
- D’Andre Randolph, CF, Sr.
- Jackson Moeller, OF, Sr.
- Jaden Parsons, UTIL, Sr.
- Kaden Lapp, RHP/IF, Sr.
- Kaiden Owens, RHP/UTIL, Sr.
- Parker Joos, C, Sr.
- Pierce Young, 1B/DH, Sr.
- Preston Clark, LHP/1B/OF, Sr.
- River Terry, IF/RHP, Sr.
- Sam Roberts, RHP/IF, Sr.
- Skylar Kauffmann, UTIL, Sr.
- Tyler Nelson, RHP/IF, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “This is the fourth year of our rebuilding process at Alta. Each year has seen dramatic improvement in the quality of our players and their commitment to improving their level of play each day we take the field. Fourteen seniors will contribute in some capacity this year. Most of our boys will be four-year starters and aren’t strangers to the level of competition we’ll face each week. Five of our players have already made commitments to play college baseball next year, and we expect several more to get the same opportunity before the end of the season. Pitching depth will be our strength, with solid defensive skills at every position to back it up. We should score enough runs to support our pitching depth and give us a chance to win each day we take the field. The Alta Hawks are excited to get after it and see if we can make some noise in 2021.”
3. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Brock Whitney (second year)
2019 record: School hadn’t opened yet
Returning contributors:
- Easton Brooks, P, Sr.
- Easton Negron, OF, Sr.
- Chase Thomson, C, Sr.
- Isaac Bateman, SS, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “With last year being our first year and not having a season, there is a lot we wish we could have learned about our team. This year we are excited to get to play this season and have a chance to compete. We think we have a good group of senior leadership to start our program going in the right direction.”
4. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Jason Ingersoll (eighth year)
2019 record: 18-9 (tied for second in Region 10 with a 9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills in 4A quarterfinals. Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided
5. Orem Tigers
Head coach: Carl Hermansen (seventh year)
2019 record: 13-15 (fourth in Region 10 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A second round. Eliminated by Cedar City in 4A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Dane Hermansen, Sr.
- Taylor Gill, Sr.
- Hayden Hixson, Sr.
- Tanner Finch, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “Like so many other teams, we do not have a ton of varsity experience coming back. We will be relying on quite a few underclassmen to fill some spots. We really like this group of kids. We could take some lumps early as we get our feet wet in varsity baseball. I expect after a very difficult region schedule, we will be a very tough outcome tournament time.”
6. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Beau McCoy (second year)
2019 record: 0-22 (seventh in Region 10 with a 0-12 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
- Liam Hone, C, Sr.
- Ryder Madsen, 3B/P, Sr.
- Blake Cooper, OF/P, Sr.
- Sam Comin, OF/P, Sr.
- Gavin Jacobs, P, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “We have a great group of young men who will show up and compete daily. We have high expectations as a program and look forward to playing in one of the best regions in the state.”
7. Timpview Thunderbirds
Head coach: Morgan Ventura (second year)
2019 record: 2-23 (sixth in Region 7 with a 0-15 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 8
1. Salem Hills Sky Hawks
Head coach: Scott Haney (13th year)
2019 record: 22-8 (tied for second in Region 10 with a 9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A semifinals. Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Jarret Elmer, C/P, Sr.
- Stone Cushing, SS/P, Sr.
- Sammy Richards, C/OF, Jr.
- Nolan Miller, OF/P, Soph.
- Gavin Averett, 2B/P, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “This should be a solid team for the Skyhawks. Salem Hills has a nice pitching staff, above average team speed and solid defense and hitting. Underclassmen must contribute to go deep into the tournament.”
2. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Casey Nelson (seventh year)
2019 record: 20-9 (first in Region 10 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A quarterfinals. Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket.
Additional info not provided
3. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Gary Miner (12th year)
2019 record: 16-13 (third in Region 8 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A second round. Eliminated by Skyridge in 5A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Cole Rollins, OF, Sr.
- Nolan Bird, 2B/SS, Sr.
- Wally Averett, P, Sr.
- Cooper Littledike, P, Sr.
- Tyler Nelson, SS/P, Sr.
- Josh Crandall, P/1B
Coach’s comment: “We return an experienced team and expect to compete at a high level day in and day out.”
4. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Tyler Baird (third year)
2019 record: 11-16 (tied for fourth in Region 8 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A first round. Eliminated by Viewmont in 5A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Jackson Bolender, P/1B, Jr.
- Payton Swapp, OF, Jr.
- Riley Davis, SS, Sr.
- Cole Cloward, P, Sr.
- Jackson Collett, C, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “We are going to be very young with a lot of potential. The players on this team love to be around each other and love playing the game. Junior Jackson Bolender looks great on the mound and is an under-the-radar player. Despite our youth we feel we have a lot of depth, which will create some good competition throughout the year.”
5. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Lance Moore (22nd year)
2019 record: 14-11 (tied for fourth in Region 8 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
- Cole Mason, R/IF, Sr.
- Tyler Martinez, C/F, Sr.
- Matthew Rhinner, IF/P, Sr.
- Cole Frazier, P/OF, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “I am so excited about this season. This year’s seniors have been looking forward to this season so much, and even though last season was cancelled, Provo improved a lot in the off season. Hopefully, the off-season work will make up for some lack of varsity experience at certain positions. The Dogs have solid pitching, and they should play good defense. The seniors will have to lead the way offensively if Provo will have any postseason success.”
6. Park City Miners
Head coach: David Feasler (fifth year)
2019 record: 17-11 (second in Region 11 with a 13-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Spanish Fork in 4A second round. Eliminated by Bear River in 4A one-loss bracket.
Returning contributors:
- Ryan Hunt, C, Sr.
- Kellen Denkers, SS, Sr.
- Nick Stokes, P, Sr.
- Connor Heiden, CF, Sr.
- Braxton Lyon, P/1B, Soph.
7. Payson Lions
Head coach: Hadley Thorpe (third year)
2019 record: 8-13 (sixth in Region 10 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Contributors:
- Joel Torres, P/3B, Sr
- Mason Alvey, P/OF, Sr.
- Braxton Monroe, IF/P, Sr.
- Carter Craghead, P/1B, Sr.
- Zack Stilson, P/IF, Sr.
Coach’s comment: “We return a lot of pitching from last year. Five of our top six pitchers from last year are returning. Pitching will be the strength of our team. We will rely on some of our underclassmen to help offensively.”
8. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Brad Poulsen (third year)
2019 record: 6-19 (sixth in Region 8 with a 4-11 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning Contributors:
- Kyle Snyder, C/P, Sr.
- Sawyer Hanks, P/2B, Sr.
- Zack Graves, SS/P, Sr.
- Payton Esplin, 1B/P, Jr.
Coach’s comment: “We have a bunch of players that are looking forward to their chance at proving themselves. We are excited for the new season and seeing how our team can come together.”