As the 2025 high school baseball season gets underway, Northern Indiana is poised to have a lot of talent yet again. With a strong group of college-bound athletes, this year’s campaign promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Here’s what to expect from a few of Northern Indiana’s top teams and players.
Northern Indiana continues to produce some of the state’s top talent, and this season is no exception. Logan Cotton (Crown Point, Indiana University commit) led the way on the mound, along with two dominant pitchers who will be crucial to their teams’ success. Joining them is Caden Crowell (Valparaiso, University of Notre Dame commit), a polished pitcher who adds depth to a talented group.
Crown Point High School’s Sean Dunlap (University of Tennessee commit) headlines the catching corps at the plate. At the same time, Boone Grove High School features a formidable duo in first baseman Davian Carrera (Indiana University commit) and infielder Seth Pitcock (Valparaiso University commit). Expect Munster High School’s Mason Jarrett (Triton College) and Chesterton High School’s Rob Czarniecki (University of Kentucky commit) to provide plenty of fireworks in the outfield.
Andrean High School, a perennial powerhouse, will rely on Mason Barth (Notre Dame commit) to anchor its infield. At the same time, Hanover Central High School boasts one of the most promising young infielders in Dylan Bowen (Oklahoma State University commit).
Portage High School also looks to make an impact this season. With a strong roster, the team is looking to compete in the highly competitive Duneland Athletic Conference. With talent spread across the Region, expect a fierce battle for conference supremacy.
La Porte County schools, including La Porte High School and Michigan City High School, have had strong athletic programs, including baseball, in the Region. In the 2024 season, the La Porte Slicers advanced to the sectional final but fell to Mishawaka High School with a score of 3-6. One of the team's standout players is Gage Raymond (Outfielder), named to the All-DAC team for the spring season last year. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, both schools are expected to remain competitive in the Region.
Northern Indiana programs also feature a wealth of high-caliber players. Penn High School, always a contender for a deep postseason run, boasts multiple standouts, including Louisiana State University commit Mason Braun in the outfield and versatile two-way player Dawson French.
On the mound, Westview High School's Max Engle (Huntington University commit) and Penn’s Colton Rerick (Valparaiso University commit) are poised to lead their respective staffs. South Bend Saint Joseph High School’s Brody Zielinski (Wabash Valley College commit) and Rochester High School’s Tanner Reinartz (Huntington University commit) add further depth to a talented pitching pool.
Mishawaka High School’s Shawn Nowacki and South Bend Saint Joseph’s Joe Washburn (Creighton University commit) provide strong defensive presence and offensive firepower among the position players. Meanwhile, Warsaw High School’s Grady Nelson is a name to watch as a rising star in the outfield.
Expect the Duneland Athletic Conference and Northern Indiana Conference to be battlegrounds for some of the state’s best matchups. With many first-year students already making an impact, look for players like Chesterton’s Rob Czarniecki and Hanover Central’s Dylan Bowen to elevate their play. Teams like Crown Point, Penn, Andrean, and Portage have the talent to make deep playoff runs.
Important dates for the upcoming sports season include Sectionals, which will occur from May 28 to June 2, 2025. Regionals will follow on June 7, 2025, and Semi-States are scheduled for June 14, 2025.
The Finals will be held at Victory Field on June 20-21, 2025. The Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association (IHSBCA) Futures Showcase will also take place on June 25, 2025, at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Indiana. The IHSBCA North/South All-Star Series will conclude the month on June 28-29, 2025, also at Loeb Stadium.
As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to high-level competition, standout performances, and excitement from Northwest Indiana and Michiana’s best. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling year on the diamond!