BERLIN June 9 — Powerful starting pitching, Excellent defense, especially in the outfield. Timely hitting. Superior execution, always taking advantage of opponents’ errors.

That’s just some of the many characteristics that have become hallmarks of the Hiland Hawks baseball program, winners of three consecutive state championships.  The 24-4 squad enters Thursday’s Div. 6 state semi-final game against St. Henry High School (25-3) having won 17 of their last 18 contests. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 pm at 717 Credit Union Park (formerly Canal Park) in downtown Akron.

One of the many reasons for Hiland’s excellence is its cohort of eight seniors. They’ve seen it all. Some were on the field for the team’s 2023 Div. IV state title. Grady Monigold, one of the octet, launched a two-RBI double into right field to propel Hiland to its 2024 state crown when the team defeated Fort Recovery, 2-0.

Another, Logan Yoder, shot an RBI single into left field to give the Hawks a 5-4, come-from-behind OHSAA title over Lake Center Christian last June 15.

Those two plus six other seniors have helped guide Hiland to the state championships once again this week.

“We’re very confident in what we’re doing, both on the field and in practices,” says Yoder. “We’ve had losses, but we know we’re better than that (those games). Nothing (gets us) crazy or let down.”

One of the biggest positives for the Hawks this year is the play of their outfield. “We have some new guys out there, and we’ve learned that they’re both fast and wide ranging,” says Grady Monigold. “We’ve tossed opposing runners out at third and at home this season.”

Many of the seniors cited their excellent coaching for helping the team return to the state championship series. “Coach Richie put in a lot of extra work with us, and is just there a lot for us. Coach Kevin has helped us with lifting and infield work,” says Isaiah Wagler.

“My dad, Chad Wagler, has definitely made us all better on the mound,” Isaiah continues. “He (Coach Wagler) helped us both with small things, like mechanic tweaks, and with pitch groups,” Miller adds.

Head Coach Chris Dages praises the entire octet and the rest of his squad too.

The whole team has been working hard since last June to prepare for this moment, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Getting to the final four isn’t easy, but they have put in the work, and I expect them to put on a strong showing during the state games, Dages says. “The players and coaching staff have put in a lot of time to prepare for this, and I’m excited to see what happens in Akron.

“Grady (Monigold) currently holds several program records and has his name all over our offensive record books,” Dages adds. “He has had a career and a season that will be remembered for a long time here at Hiland.

“Ben (Hostetler) is one of the hardest workers on the team, and he’s been extremely reliable in the outfield too,” Dages adds. “Isaiah has one of the best minds on the team, and has been our defensive anchor at shortstop.”

As a team, Hiland has a .352 batting average and a .469 OBP, or on base percentage. One of the reasons for that is another of the Monigold triplets, Gerut.

“Gerut has caused chaos on the base for our opponents all season, and is an excellent defender in the outfield as well,” Dages explains. “His brother Griffin (starting catcher) does an outstanding job of managing our pitching staff, and his bat has made many teams pay for intentionally walking his brother in front of him.”

LISTEN: Hear eyeoncleveland.com’s John Kerezy interviewing the senior Hiland Hawks here:

Coach Dages also praised returnee Logan Yoder and pitchers Andre Yoder and Michael Miller.

“Logan has had to overcome a significant injury that caused him to miss a month of the season,” Dages says. “He’s played some really good ball since he came back, and we’re a better team with him in the lineup.

“Mike has had a very strong season on the mound for us, including a no-hitter, and all the hard work he has put in has really shown when he’s on the bump,” Dages adds.

“And Andre Yoder has really lengthened our lineup late in the season,” Dages says. “He has also been a dependable presence on the mound all season long.”

The usual Hiland hurlers of Yoder (6-0), Michael Miller (7-0) and Grady Monigold (5-0) shut down opponents’ offense with strong arms and with excellent situational pitching to minimize their opponents’ chances of getting on the scoreboard.

MAX PREPS: The website maxpreps.com prepared a preview of Thursday’s 1 pm OHSAA Div. 6 state semfinal game between Saint Henry’s HS and Berlin Hiland HS. You can view it here:

LISTENING AND WATCHING: You can watch the state semifinal game via the Ohio High School Athletic Association sports, live and on demand at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com OR you can hear the game at WKLM 95.3 FM or at https://wklmfm.com Click on “Game Audio” to listen.

ABOUT SAINT HENRY’S: This team won state championships in 1999, 2000, and 2003. Here are rosters for both squads:

THE OTHER DIV. 6 STATE SEMIFINAL: The Lake Center Christian Tigers, 23-4-1, will take on the 25-5 Galion Northmor Golden Knights at 10 am, also at 717 Credit Union Park. Here is Max Preps.com’s preview of that game as well: