Harrison Central baseball well-armed for successful season

There is an old adage that applies in many situations in life, and it comes up often in the sports world — “pressure is a privilege.”

It may seem odd to marry that motto to the Harrison Central High baseball team that will likely see half of its varsity production from underclassmen. However, a deeper look would reveal a group of now sophomores that saw significant and meaningful playing time at the varsity level as a frosh class, a host of upperclassmen that have the veteran leadership that all teams need to be successful, and a strong pitching rotation with two aces at the top.

That mix proved strong enough to finish 19-10 and as the district runner-up in 2025, and head coach Mike Valesko and his staff will be building towards those big moments again in 2026 with a nucleus of last year’s team returning this season.

“A large portion of our team is back this season. We graduated four seniors from last year’s team who were big time program pieces, but the great part about that is our guys on this year’s team got to learn from them," said Valesko, entering his 12th season.

"These seniors (Colten Rutter and Brady McAfee) have been around to see it all, they dressed on our state championship team, I expect their leadership skills to get us through adversity this season. We are excited to get this season started and compete on the field."

The Huskies are scheduled to open the 2026 season down south with a trio of games being played in the Pensacola, Florida region. “I believe this aligns with our school district’s vision of providing the best opportunities and experiences for our kids,” Valesko said. The road swing includes a trek into neighboring Alabama, as the spring break trip kicks off what will be a challenging regular season slate for the Huskies.

This should come as no surprise as Valesko has consistently crafted a grueling schedule in his 11-year run leading the program, a strategy designed to prepare the team for postseason play come the month of May. Notable additions this year from out of the area, aside from the out of state foes, include big schools Dublin Jerome and Olentangy Orange as well as Waynedale, which has won three state titles in the past four seasons. Local postseason mainstays Wheeling Central, Toronto, Indian Creek, St. Clairsville and Steubenville are also on the slate.

The pitching rotation is set to lead the way for the Huskies. Rutter returns on the mound, along with junior Gage Stoneking. The pair combined for seven victories on the bump last season, with Rutter bringing a more versatile finesse package to the rubber and Stoneking complementing that with a more power-focused approach. Rutter fanned 42 as a junior starter, Stoneking followed behind him with 33 in his sophomore season.

Opposing hitters can also expect to see plenty of Zayden Warrington, who finished 3-0 in his starts last year in his frosh campaign, along with Hunter Snyder and Brady McAfee, both of whom also earned a pair of victories a year ago. Zach Harbold, transfer Cash Meadows and freshman newcomer Colson Crothers round out what could prove to be the focal point of this year’s success, a deep pitching staff.

All of those mentioned will play large roles in the field and at the plate as well. Add in all-around athlete Lance Smith and big-bat catcher Kolton Mizer to the mix, and the Huskies have a very formidable lineup both offensively and defensively. Smith, Mizer, and classmate Snyder were all tabbed as Preseason Prep Baseball Report All-Ohio selections, coming into their sophomore seasons having started every game as freshmen.

“It means we are doing something right," Valesko said. "We want to be playing meaningful baseball.”

The home opener for the Huskies is set for April 6 at Mazeroski Field. Buckeye Local will visit with a first pitch of 5 p.m.