The wait is almost over. High school baseball began March 2nd, and while a few teams may ease in as basketball wraps up, make no mistake — the race to May starts now.
Across the area, talent is stacked in every class. Muskogee remains in 6A. In 4A, Fort Gibson and Wagoner land in separate districts, while Hilldale and Eufaula share another. Checotah competes in 3A. Oktaha and Warner line up in the upper division of 2A, Porter and Haskell in 2A-II. Gore sits in Class A’s upper division, with Okay, Porum and Webbers Falls in A-II. Braggs battles in Class B.
And there’s no shortage of storylines.
Oktaha: Reloaded and still Dangerous The Tigers are coming off a 17-14 campaign that ended with a state runner-up finish after winning it all in 2024. Coach Kevin Rodden graduated key pieces, but Oktaha doesn’t rebuild — it reloads.
All-Phoenix senior infielder Nic Tolbert (.405, 6 HRs, 28 RBIs) headlines a deep roster. Juniors Lastyn Taylor, Brody Brock and Conner Ward give the Tigers versatility, handling both the mound and defensive duties. Sophomores Luke Edwards and Ryker McCoy are poised for breakout seasons, and freshman Carter McKinzie adds young firepower. Mc-Coy will anchor things behind the plate.
Oktaha expects to be right back in the title conversation.
Checotah: Wildcats looking to roar back The Wildcats finished 13-16 last year and lost All-Phoenix Co-Newcomer of the Year Logan Crawford to transfer, but there’s plenty of bite left.
Senior Cale Thompson (.387, 5 HRs) brings power to the lineup, while junior ace Mason Rainbolt returns after a dominant 6-1 season with a 2.76 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 43 innings. If Checotah finds consistency around that core, they could surprise people in 3A.
Wagoner: Loaded lineup eyes deeper run After a 17-14 season that ended in regionals, Coach Johnny Hutchens’ Bulldogs are hungry for more.
Senior Stavery James (.398) earned All-Phoenix honors at first base and leads a lineup that can rake. Junior catcher Judd Edwards (.404) was electric at the plate, while junior shortstop Levi Hopping (.394) adds production up the middle. Karson Klinger, Aven Goodwin and Kolby Gardenhire round out a roster with depth and experience.
Wagoner has the pieces to make noise.
Haskell: Balanced and battle-tested The Haymakers split even at 16-16 a year ago, but they return a steady core.
Senior catcher Jacob Yochum (.317) and junior shortstop Baxter Neal (.317) anchor the infield. Junior outfielder Jaxon Drain (.298, 9 doubles, 32 RBIs) was on the brink of .300, while senior DH Ryker Porter (.283, 4 HRs, 26 RBIs) and junior second baseman Elias Gonzales (.283, 22 RBIs) provide run production. On the mound, senior Nevis Sheedy posted a 3.50 ERA in 26 innings.
Experience could push Haskell forward in 2A-II.
Warner: A season of questions
The Eagles enter the spring with plenty of uncertainty following graduation losses and off-field challenges involving suspensions and transfers. The answers won’t come overnight — Warner’s season may be one of patience and growth.
Webbers Falls: Warriors built around Robinson For Webbers Falls, it starts with Brutus Robinson.
Robinson hit .357 at the plate and posted a 5-1 record with a 3.30 ERA on the mound. He’ll be a fixture on the left side of the infield and behind the plate when needed. His leadership and versatility will be key if the Warriors want to contend in A-II.
No information on Eufaula as they are still playing basketball as of press time The opening pitch is almost here.
The grass is greening. The bats are waking up.
Across eastern Oklahoma, the chase for gold is officially on.
