By Nick Gerhardt
There’s a lot to unpack with this year’s Class C state tournament. Take the returners to Class C with Fairmont, Luverne and Ada, then take a look at the returners from last year’s state tournament with Hanska, Glencoe, Courtland and the rest. The bottom half of the bracket is stacked this year and you can throw the rankings out this time of the year.
We tapped our pollsters once more their their insight on the tournament and thank them again for their dedication and hard work all year. We’ll leave it to them for their hot takes with this year’s tournament.
Brandon Johnson — Detroit Lake Ligers
It’s that time of year when the bats are hot, the coolers are full and every town in the tourney is convinced their boys have a shot at the Class C state title. The bracket is set, small town legends are soon to be made and we all made sure to get those NSPN subscriptions renewed. Thank you to all of the teams, fans, managers, state board members, umpires and wives for another great year of the best townball in the nation. Here is the Class C state tourney landscape as I see it!
Quad I
Favorite: Morris Eagles — The Eagles have been in the conversation all season and after a first-round upset in the region tournament, they battled all the way back to earn this trip. Despite that setback, it may show more to the Eagles strength to battle all the way back through, which shows depth and flexibility to navigate that path.
Dark Horse: Leavenworth Orioles — Region 2C was a powerhouse, and for Leavenworth to be the third team to round out their four bids, proves that ability to compete against the toughest of competition. Last year, they took a win at the state tournament as well, so the experience is there.
Sleeper: Cologne Hollanders — As the only team in this quad besides Leavenworth to win a state tournament game last year, they can’t be slept on despite the first-round matchup with Morris. They’ve hovered just outside of the conversation all year and look to play hot at the right time.
Upset: Fairmont Martins — Being a region runner-up, facing a region champ makes you the underdog, especially when you’re facing a team in their second straight state tournament. With the format Region 10 uses, any team who comes out of those series’ has proven depth, and Fairmont beat state tournament quality teams to get here.
Quad II
Favorite: Courtland Cubs — Since the beginning of this class alignment, Courtland has been the one name at or near the top five of every prognosticators’ list. Their loss in last years’ state tournament? To the eventual state champions. This is a team that has been given respect, and earned that respect for two years straight.
Dark Horse: Ada Athletics — Veterans with experience can guide talent through the state tournament, and Ada is a club with state tournament experience most recently in the 2025 Class B tournament, after many years of appearing in the Class C tournament. With top quality pitching, and offense, this is a team that will surprise no one if they make a deep run.
Sleeper: Luxemburg Brewers — This is a club I have continued to have on my radar coming off of their 2025 tourney appearance, but had not seen that string of big wins you like to make a case for. Then the Region 6 tournament came. They rallied through to earn the final spot with a commanding 10-0 win over the previously ranked No. 8 Howard Lake Orphans.
Upset: Urbank Bombers — Urbank entered the Region 11C tournament as the Resorters’ League No. 1 seed. After a one-run loss in the semifinals to Perham, they rattled off three wins in two days with wins over the 2025 region champion Sauk Centre 2-0, 2-1 on two solo home runs over Detroit Lakes, and the revenge win with the walk-off over Perham, in Perham. They can pitch, they can hit and they’re playing right at the right time.
Quad III
Favorite: Hanska Lakers — Short and sweet: They’ve been at the top of the last couple of rankings, and took care of business at the region tournament. Why the nod to favorite? Region 2 is chock full of state tournament contenders and they came out on top.
Dark Horse: Windom Pirates — Short and sweet: They’ve been at the top of the last couple rankings, and took care of business at the region tournament. This is one I’d rather call favorite 1B, as the Pirates have the No. 1 team in state in the last two rankings. Tied with Hanska in the last rankings.
Sleeper: Litchfield Blues — If you don’t know, I’m a big Talkin’ Townball fan. We have two-thirds of the pod represented on this team, so I’m sold. If you need on the field reasoning, Litchfield has been a contending team and in the mix, just looking to put a run together for some time now. Last year, they faced the early exit. Quality draft picks also help prime them for a deep run.
Upset: Granite Falls Kilowatts — If you don’t know, I’m a big Talkin’ Townball fan, so [Ryan] Hayes has me fully aboard the Kilowatts’ EV bandwagon. If you need an on the field reasoning, they were seen as a top team in that power cell of a region in Region 2 and came out with the fourth bid. They know how to play good ball, against the top level of competition.
Quad IV
Favorite: Glencoe Brewers — After a heartbreaking loss last year to miss out on a trip to the semifinals in 2025, the Brew Crew has taken care of business all year. They have everything you need to win any ball game. They can pitch, field, and hit, they have young bucks being guided by talented vets.
Dark Horse: New York Mills Millers — A young, brash group who may feel a bit slept on after watching Perham get flowers all year despite the Millers being the Hi-10 No. 1 seed entering the region tournament. After a 14-4, and 12-6 win, they capped off their championship by walking off Perham in Perham. They’re hungry, and not looking to quit. Veteran and young arms on the mound, and a lineup that can hit Nos. 1 through 9, make this a powerful team to look out for.
Sleeper: Pierz Brewers — These Brewers have to have a slight chip on their shoulder after watching the Pierz Lakers win a state title last year, and set a three-team hierarchy within the city of Pierz. Townball is full of competition, but competition within one city for pride and honor, well it just means more. Don’t forget they were here last year, and took a tough 2-0 loss to Hanska in the second round.
Upset: Elrosa Saints — Throughout this year Elrosa has taken some big wins against good teams, and a first-round matchup with Pierz on paper calls them the underdog. As you can see, on paper it’s a possible “upset.” As you can also see, it’s the best opening round matchup of the whole tournament.
John Anderson — Litchfield Blues
Quad I
The Favorite: Richmond Royals — A somewhat under-the-radar powerhouse this season, the Royals took care of business in the Stearns County League.
The Dark Horse: Cologne Hollanders — I struggled not to put Cologne as my favorite. I think this quadrant is up for grabs, and the boys out of the Crow can do some damage.
The Upset: Fairmont Martins over Quamba Cubs — The Cubs are back in the dance two years in a row and they’re rewarded with a matchup against Fairmont, who is just six years removed from a state title.
The Sleeper: Cold Spring Rockies — If vibes alone won baseball games, the Rockies might never lose. Good group, talented up and down the roster. Sweet Uni’s.
Quad II
The Favorite: Courtland Cubs — A favorite in the 2026 rankings and a team that tripped up last year, I expect the Cubs to bounce back strong in this year’s tournament.
The Dark Horse: Brownton Bruins — A gritty team out of the CRVL whose back was against the wall in the region. They have the makings to make a run. “Crow-tested”
The Upset: Luxemburg Brewers over St. Peter Saints — I saw the Brewers firsthand in Region 6C, and they are solid top to bottom. I also know next to nothing about St. Peter. Pin it on the bulletin board.
The Sleeper: Starbuck Stars — When you have a top-end starting pitcher like Austin Ver Steeg, you can no doubt find yourself in the final weekend. Keep an eye on the Stars.
Quad III
The Favorite: Hanska Lakers — My No. 1 in the rankings all year. I look at this quadrant and think… did I do something to piss off the board to have my Blues land here? Nasty ballclubs all over Quad III and it starts with Hanska.
The Dark Horse: Windom Pirates — Can’t jam all these damn teams into my favorite category. Windom was another top team all year; they win ballgames and are eager to represent southern Minnesota.
The Upset: Waterville Indians over Hanska Lakers — Boom, changeup. You thought you were comfortable and then something like this smacks you in the face. Waterville can and will win big games. I expect a close one.
The Sleeper: Atwater Chuckers — Josh Kingery is the Shohei Ohtani of the County Line League. Might go 4-for-5 with six RBI’s and throw a CGSO to boot.
Quad IV
The Favorite: Glencoe Brewers — How can you not pick the Brewers out of this quadrant? They’ve been consistently dominant in a very competitive CRVL all summer. Expectations are high, but their talent might be higher.
The Dark Horse: Luverne Redbirds — The Redbirds were one of many teams who transitioned back to Class C after spending time in B. They’re a solid group and could challenge anyone on any given day.
The Upset: El Rosa Saints over Pierz Brewers — “El Rosa,” a term I learned during the bracket selection show, is Spanish for “The Pink.” A Boy named Sue type of situation — these guys know how to fight.
The Sleeper: New York Mills Millers — The Millers are back in that tournament and ready to roll. I expect the boys from up north to make a splash.
AJ Hadley — Elrosa Saints [Ed’s note: we spelled it right, here]
Quad I
The Favorite: ROCORI — Things have been going pretty good in that hamlet of a baseball community. The 15U beats up the 16U team in the DI VFW State Championship, Richmond, the Rockies, and Class B Springers all make the state tourney. Will we see a Richmond vs. Cold Spring Rockies matchup in the Elite 8? Both of those teams have been playing some clutch baseball heading into the state tournament.
The Dark Horse: Morris — Traditional wisdom would say the Land O’ Ducks strength of schedule isn’t exactly a wow factor, but these aren’t your uncle’s Eagles. How far can Alex Ausmus take them? Will Gannon Reidinger be available?
The Upset: Fairmont — Wow, great upset pick. Fairmont as a No. 2 seed over the No. 1 Quamba in the first round isn’t much of an upset, but Fairmont should win their first-round matchup and get a date with the Cold Spring Rockies.
The Sleeper: Leavenworth — Rattled off five wins and four of them to get through wrestlebacks in Region 2C. Any team playing winning baseball this time of year is not someone to sleep on. The O’s WAG’s should have them ready to go on Sunday in Chaska.
Quad II
The Favorite: Courtland — Have been here before and said this before, is this their year? Will face solid arms no matter who they see in the 1st couple of rounds. The push for Labor Day weekend starts now.
The Dark Horse: Urbank — Played some steady baseball all year long combined with a lot of close ball game wins. Alex Koep back on the mound this year is a formidable lefty arm combined with a Parkers Prairie baseball pedigree in the Bombers.
The Upset: Brownton — They are Crow River Valley League tested and a first-round upset over Waseca isn’t one that would shock the world, but more than capable of making a final weekend.
The Sleeper: Luxemburg — Gave Litchfield all they wanted in Region 6C, and even more to Howard Lake in the seeding game. Reed Pfannenstein and JT Harren are a nice little 1-2 punch.
Quad III
The Favorite: Hanska — Have really stepped up their game both on and off the field in the Twittersphere. Winners of nine in a row and a 3-2 win over Courtland in the Region 2C championship. Can’t sleep on Waterville or a Josh Kingery second-round matchup.
Dark Horse: Litchfield — This might be the quadrant of death to consider the Blues a dark horse. They have the arms, will have to score and play tough defense. You know, good baseball stuff.
The Upset: Atwater — Josh Kingery says “hop on my back” boys. Region 8C got a first-hand look at his capabilities and can do it single handedly if needed. Combine that with a bunch of other gritty ballplayers and Hanska looms in the second round.
The Sleeper: Windom — Did I say quadrant of death? A 26-3 team as a sleeper. Good call. All they have done is mowed through Region 10 all year long. They have the pieces to be there at the end.
Quad IV
The Favorite: Glencoe — A casual 25-6 record and ran through the Crow River Valley, with four of those losses to Class B teams. They will be there when it matters.
Dark Horse: Elrosa — Just a matter of which team shows up. Tough lineup, pitching availability, and a run will be based on which defensive team comes to play. Internal bulletin board material.
The Upset: New York Mills — Added some nice pitching depth after the Region 11C Championship after beating Perham in 11 innings. Could see Glencoe in round two to determine their Labor Day weekend fate.
The Sleeper: Luverne — Coming down from Class B, adding some arms in the draft will make them a formidable opponent.
That’s as far as we are going to prognosticate with a dog in the fight. To the best three weekends of the summer, everyone good luck and may you be playing for an opportunity to hoist the trophy come Labor Day Monday!
Chad Knutson — Heron Lake Lakers
Quad I
Quamba Cubs vs. Fairmont Martins
Cold Spring Rockies vs. Aitkin Steam
Richmond Royals vs. Leavenworth Orioles
Cologne Hollanders vs. Morris Eagles
Favorites: Cologne with Schefers and the Clemenson boys leading the way. Richmond is playing well now Thelan is their ace and lineup led by Prom, Goose and Notch
Dark Horse: Fairmont is back after a year in Class B. They are a little younger. But if they bring their full quad. They are a problem. Led by Chirpich and the Becker boys
Upset: Aitkin — They are a little unknown. They have been getting better all season long. Pitching and defense led to their region run. They can surprise a good Rockies team.
Sleeper: Leavenworth — They have been hitting the ball all over the yard lately. They are built for a tourney run. Well known on Twitter. Marko, Richert and Hurias lead them.
Fairmont vs. Richmond
Quad II
Ada Athletics vs. Urbank Bombers
Courtland Cubs vs. Starbuck Stars
St. Peter Saints vs. Luxemburg Brewers
Waseca Braves vs. Brownton Bruins
Favorite: Courtland — It’s their time to make a run again. Tough out last year versus the Pierz Lakers. Some good teams in this quad. I think they are best and should make the semis
Drill and Giefer boys get it done.
Dark Horse: Urbank Bombers play close games and win them. Added depth in the draft and team no one wants face. Koep and Haggenmiller are two of their good pitchers
Upset: St. Peter over Lux. The Saints are playing well and play a tough Brewer squad. Robb and Regner can pull off this upset.
Sleeper: Waseca — Region champs and no one has talked about them all year. Tyson Reger has been lights out for them. Keith Meyers joins them too
Courtland vs. Waseca
Quad III
Hanska Lakers vs. Waterville Indians
Atwater Chuckers vs. Nimrod Gnats
Windom Pirates vs. Clearwater River Cats
Litchfield Blues vs. Granite Falls Kilowatts
Favorite: Windom or Hanska
This is a tough one. Might be the two best teams in the state. Likely to meet in quarters. I will give slight edge to the Pirates. They have a deeper pitching staff and have a stacked lineup Nos. 1-9. Rothenberger, McDaniel, Tauer and Tietz boys have been leading them at the plate. Added some good pieces the draft that will potentially will help them. Lakers will have a say. especially if the Knowles and Olson boys are swinging it well and if Portner is locked in.
Dark Horse: Waterville — Always a contender and their record was not a good as previous years. A ninth-inning rally over Cannon got them in the dance and Grose and McBroom will keep them in any game
Upset: Granite Falls. Bennett Knapper can shut down a great Litchfield squad. Litchfield also one of the best. Could be the best first-round game. I got the Kilowatts upsetting the Blues.
Sleeper: Atwater. Kingery-led team. Lots of other good pieces. They are capable of knocking out one of my favorites.
Windom vs. Hanska
Quad IV
Glencoe Brewers vs. Howard Lake Orphans
New York Mills Millers vs. New Prague Orioles
Pierz Brewers vs. Elrosa Saints
Dumont Saints vs. Luverne Redbirds
Favorite: Glencoe — Best team in this quad. They will have to prove it. Howard Lake will be a tough out.
Dark Horse: New York Mills — Team from the north. Always good. Roder, Gaudette and Maneval lead them
Upset: Howard Lake — The Orphans always find a way and will give Glencoe a great game. Can they knock out the Brewers?
Sleeper: Luverne — Birds have been getting great play from Sehr and Wenninger boys. Not as deep in pitching as in past years. A team team than can make a run of you look past them
Glencoe vs. Luverne
Final Four
Richmond vs. Courtland
Windom vs. Glencoe
Finals
Windom over Courtland
