Iowa High School Baseball 2021: Teams to watch

Seven Gazette-area teams to watch this season.

ALBURNETT

2020 record: 16-4 overall, 13-0 conference

2020 postseason: Class 1A substate quarterfinal

Coach: Ryan Stensland (5th year, 364-168 career)

Key returners: 1B/P Reed Stallman, sr.; SS/P Hunter Caves, sr.; MI/P Kale Rose, sr.; C Shane Neighbor, sr.; P/3B Cade Evans, sr.; OF/P Andrew Ossman, jr.; OF/P Gavin Soukup, jr.

Season outlook: The Pirates were state runnerup in 2019, but last season came to an abrupt unexpected ending. Alburnett has lots of experience, including four players with all-state recognition. They have strong pitching and hitting. Developing depth and balance will be key for another successful campaign.

C.R. PRAIRIE

2020 record: 12-6 overall, 8-2 conference

2020 postseason: Class 4A substate final

Coach: James Nelson (3rd year, 36-26)

Key returners: P Jackson Nove, sr.; C/OF Colton Forslund, sr.; P Aiden Moeller, sr.; P Caden Stoffer, sr.; OF/P Caden Richards, sr.; C/3B Cal Sullivan soph.; SS Maddux Frese, soph.; 2B Caden Harrison, sr.; P Collin Rockertsen, sr.; CF Bronx Lewis, sr.; OF Nate Kieper, sr.; P Luke Hougen, sr.

Season outlook: The Hawks return a large veteran group, including a deep senior class. They were division champions a year and bring back all but three letterwinners. Prairie top-end talent as well. Nine players have already committed to play college baseball, including five locally, and at least two at the NCAA Division I level. The Hawks have all the traits of a state tournament team.

C.R. XAVIER

2020 record: 14-5 overall, 9-3 conference

2020 postseason: Class 3A substate semifinal

Coach: Dan Halter (4th year, 85-17)

Key returners: IF Jack Lux, sr.; OF Jaxon Rexroth, sr.; C/1B Myles Butkowski, sr.; IF/P Alex Neal, jr.; OF Griffin Maloney, sr.; P Luke Potter, sr.; IF Sean Steffen, sr.; OF Blake Bohon, sr.; OF Chase Janssen, sr.; OF/P Quin Fandel, sr.

Season outlook: The Saints have been one of the more consistent teams recently, winning the 2019 state title. They return strong components to the defense and batting order, giving them a possibility for a more athletic lineup. Xavier will need some young pitching talent to develop to round a staff that graduated most of its experience.

IOWA CITY HIGH

2020 record: 11-9 overall, 64 conference

2020 postseason: Class 4A state quarterfinal

Coach: Brian Mitchell (9th year, 171-153)

Key returners: SS Gable Mitchell, jr.; IF Carter Seaton, jr.; P/OF Cade Obermueller, jr.; P Egan Smith, sr.; C Joey Bouska, jr.; 1B Jacob Means, sr.; Ut Cedric Dunnwald, sr.; P Jay Kennedy, jr.; P James Kriz, sr.

Season outlook: The Little Hawks were so close to being a semifinalist last season. They return a lot of depth and experience. City High has talented pitchers and a tremendous defense that will keep them in games. The offense has more power this season, giving them a chance to make a big jump. Another trip to Des Moines is possible.

LINN-MAR

2020 record: 7-9 overall, 7-9 conference

2020 postseason: Class 4A substate final

Coach: Kyle Rodenkirk (4th year, 184-138 career)

Key returners: CF/P Coy Sarsfield, sr.; Ut Kane Deutmeyer, sr.; IF/P Carson Recker, sr.; P Colin Streff, sr.; C Dylan Page, sr.; RF Isaac Anderson, sr.; C Michael Shipley sr.; OF Zach Wray, sr.; Ut Caiden Michael, sr., IF Rayce Remington, sr.

Season outlook: The Lions have a deep pitching staff and a strong defense. Those aspect will lead the way this season. If the runs can provide support Linn-Mar can be in line for a strong season. The Lions have one of the more exciting players in Coy Sarsfield but the Lions need contributions from a balance batting order.

MARION

2020 record: 11-11 overall

2020 postseason: Class 3A state semifinal

Coach: Steve Fish (21st year, 726-398 career)

Key returners: CF Gage Franck, sr.; 1B/P Owen Puk, sr.; P Boede Rahe, jr.; SS/P Myles Davis, fr.; 3B/C Jake Trca, jr.; C/2B Kaden Frommelt, soph.; Ut/P Jaqson Tejada, jr.; LF/P Cael Hodges, soph.; RF/P Lucas Unsen, sr.; DH/1B Garret Wagner, sr.; 3B Ryan Whitson, jr.; P/DH Seth Blackford, soph.; MI Ryan Paulsen, sr.

Season outlook: Senior leadership isn’t a buzz term or cliché for this season. Marion’s strength relies on a strong senior class and plenty of experience back from two consecutive state semifinal appearances. Marion has a perfect mix of upperclassmen and young talent. A deep run is within reach, if they continue to develop.

NORTH LINN

2020 record: 19-3 overall

2020 postseason: Class 2A state semifinal

Coach: Travis Griffith (14th year, 394-200)

Key returners: SS/P Austin Hilmer, jr.; C Alex Sturbaum sr.; 1B Corbin Woods, soph.; CF Cael Bridgewater, soph.; LF Ben Wheatley, soph.; IF Jarin Peyton, soph.; RF Tate Collum, jr.; 3B/P Trey McEnany, jr.; Ut Jake Van Etten, fr.; OF/P Gunner Vanourney, jr.

Season outlook: The Lynx return two-thirds of their starting lineup from a team that reach the state semifinal. Only one senior letterwinner returns, but the Lynx have much more experience than their grades indicate. North Linn has enjoyed pitching depth that will be a key for them to continue its success. They have enough talent to fill its lineup.