Crossroads Report – HCC Player & Pitcher of the Year Watchlist (Preseason 2026)

The Hoosier Crossroads Conference once again features some of the top individual talent in the state. From established Division I commits to emerging underclassmen, the race for HCC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

This preseason watchlist highlights the players most likely to be in that conversation. As always, performance will ultimately determine the winners—but these are the names to know entering the season.

Pitcher of the Year Watchlist

Davis Moore (Zionsville) – Vanderbilt

5-1, 1.84 ERA, 48 K, 7 BB

Moore enters the season as the early frontrunner. He is currently ranked as the #3 player overall and the #1 pitcher in the 2027 class by PBR. The Vanderbilt commit anchors a Zionsville staff on a team projected to finish at the top of the conference. His ability to control games and dominate lineups puts him squarely in the spotlight. He was among the top 10 in ERA and 5th in strikeouts in the HCC in 2025 and finished the season with a one-hit shutout of Noblesville in the sectional.

Beckett Doane (Noblesville) – Mississippi State

4-4, 2.01 ERA, 68 K, 22 BB

Doane gives Noblesville a true ace and one of the most reliable arms in the conference. He enters 2026 as the Millers’ ace for the third consecutive season. PBR lists Doane as the top left-handed pitcher in his class and the #7 pitcher among seniors, featuring a fastball that has topped out at 92. He returns as the conference leader in strikeouts. If the Millers contend for the top spot, his impact on the mound will be a major reason why.

Ryan Murphy (Brownsburg) – Creighton

4-1, 2.70 ERA, 47 K, 23 BB

Murphy is the #2 left-handed pitcher in the 2026 class and ranked #21 overall. He leads a Brownsburg staff that could outperform expectations this season. His presence alone gives the Bulldogs a chance in any matchup.

Sam Flickinger (Westfield) – Wright State

4-3, 2.84 ERA, 32 K, 16 BB

Flickinger is a key piece for a Westfield team with championship expectations. His consistency and experience make him one of the top returning pitchers in the HCC. Look for him to take a step forward in 2026 as he leads the Rocks’ conference rotation.

Hayden Werner (Fishers) – Maryville

4-2, 3.18 ERA, 44 K, 22 BB

Werner will be relied upon to help anchor a staff replacing key contributors. He returns the most innings on the staff from 2025, logging 44 innings. His ability to handle volume will be critical for Fishers early in the season.

Player of the Year Watchlist

Aiden Reynolds (Noblesville) – Indiana

.309, 3 HR, 1.041 OPS

Reynolds is one of the most complete players in the conference. The PBR #8 ranked player in Indiana, he combines 6.7 speed with the ability to change the game at the plate. His ability to impact the game offensively and defensively makes him a strong Player of the Year candidate.

Canyon Koonce (Brownsburg) – Class of 2028

.411, 20 SB, 30 R

One of the most exciting young players in the conference, Koonce combines speed and offensive production at a high level. His 32 runs scored led the HCC in 2025 as a freshman. Already ranked as the #1 outfielder in his class in Indiana, he has the potential to be one of the breakout players of the season.

Camden Moore (Zionsville) – Notre Dame

.291, 25 RBI

A key part of Zionsville’s lineup and the #6 overall player in his class, Moore brings consistency and experience to a team with championship expectations. His 25 RBI last season ranked second in the conference.

Beck Jordan (Westfield) – Wabash

.337, 10 2B

Jordan is one of the most productive hitters returning in the conference. His ability to drive extra-base hits makes him a constant threat at the plate.

Blake Cope (Zionsville) – Wichita State

.446, 9 3B, 4 HR

Cope transfers in from Covenant Christian and brings elite offensive production with him. While the jump in competition will be significant, there is no question he can play at this level. He gives Zionsville another weapon and reinforces their position as the team to beat in the HCC.

Names to Watch

These players could quickly work their way into the Player or Pitcher of the Year conversation with a strong start:

Brayden Ring (Zionsville)

Jackson Gilley (Zionsville)

Elijah Hall (Noblesville)

Griffin Snider (Noblesville)

Clark Bucher (Hamilton Southeastern)

Owen Lukac (Fishers)

Final Thoughts

As always, preseason watchlists are just a starting point. In a conference as deep as the HCC, new names will emerge and roles will evolve as the season progresses.

The race for Player and Pitcher of the Year will be shaped by performance, consistency, and team success—but these are the players to watch as the 2026 season begins.