Crossroads Report – Preseason HCC Baseball Power Rankings (2026)

With the inaugural season of the Crossroads Report, we introduce our preseason HCC baseball power rankings. These rankings are built using a combination of 2025 performance, returning production (innings, plate appearances, and run production), external recognition (IHSBCA and PBR), and roster talent indicators. The goal isn’t just to reward what teams did last year, but to project who is best positioned heading into 2026.

The Hoosier Crossroads Conference once again looks like one of the deepest and most competitive leagues in the state, with multiple teams appearing in preseason polls and strong returning production across the board.

Tier 1 – The Favorite

1. Zionsville (94.4)

Zionsville enters the season as the clear preseason favorite. A strong 2025 campaign paired with elite returning production—particularly on the offensive side—gives them the most complete profile in the conference. Their dominance in conference run differential and overall balance separates them from the pack. If they perform to expectation, they set the standard everyone else is chasing.

Led by returning LHP Davis Moore (5-1, 1.84 ERA), a Vanderbilt recruit, and 3B Camden Moore (.291), a Notre Dame recruit, Zionsville returns high-end talent on both sides of the ball. Look for increased production from SS Brayden Ring (.259), Tyler Hughes (.313), OF Jackson Gilley (.333), and Peter Ward (1-0, 1.71 ERA) to contribute on the mound.

Zionsville continues to reload talent so expect some newcomers to make a name for themselves again this season. 

Tier 2 – The Main Challengers

2. Westfield (74.2)

Westfield’s profile is built on a combination of strong recent performance and consistent recognition across multiple rankings. While their returning production is solid rather than overwhelming, their ability to win games and stay competitive in a loaded conference keeps them firmly in the contender tier. They have the track record to make another run in the state tournament as they look to three-peat as Sectional 8 champions.

To do so they will rely heavily on a pair of Junior Wright State commits, RHP Sam Flickinger (4-3, 2.84 ERA) and OF Lincoln Hoffman (.278). They also return Wabash commit, INF Beck Jordan (.337, 10 2B) and LHP James Kovacs (4-1, 2.15 ERA).

Head Coach Ryan Bunnell consistently has the Rocks playing their best baseball at tournament time. We expect the same again this year as they lead a tight pack of contenders chasing Zionsville.  

3. Noblesville (72.5)

Noblesville brings back a strong core and projects as one of the more balanced teams in the conference. Their returning production and external recognition both grade out well, and they have enough offensive firepower to compete with anyone. The gap between them and the top is narrow, making them a legitimate threat to climb as the season progresses.

The Millers were up and down a year ago, but return two of the top talents in Indiana. INF Aiden Reynolds (.309, 3HR) is an Indiana recruit looking to close out his senior year with a big season, as does senior LHP and Mississippi State recruit Beckett Doane (4-4, 2.01 ERA).

The Millers have the potential to build a deep pitching staff behind Doane with juniors RHP Elijah Hall and RHP Griffin Snider.

4. Fishers (69.9)

Defending HCC Champion Fishers still has a strong 2025 résumé, despite the loss of several contributing seniors.  Coach Matt Cherry has taken two teams to the state championship game, winning in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2021. The lack of returning production, however, pulls them just behind the other contenders. That said, this is a proven program that knows how to win. If new contributors step up (they usually do for the Tigers), they have a clear path back to the top.

Key returners are RHP Hayden Werner (4-2, 3.18 ERA), LHP Owen Lukac (2-0, 1.31 ERA – Evansville) and junior 3B Carter Strole (.278 – Central Michigan). 

Tier 3 – The Next Group

5. Brownsburg (53.1)

Brownsburg sits in an interesting spot entering 2026. Their returning production is solid, and there are enough pieces in place to be competitive, but last year’s performance—particularly in conference play—holds them just outside the top tier. They have the potential to outperform this ranking if things come together early, as they were a young team in 2025.

First year coach JB McCallum has significant talent returning in LHP Ryan Murphy (4-1, 2.70 ERA) who will be playing for Creighton next season, and Sophomore OF Canyon Koonce (.411 20 SB). Koonce is currently ranked by PBR as the top OF in Indiana and the #3 player overall in the class of 2028. Look for him to continue to be an offensive nightmare for opposing coaches.

6. Avon (48.0)

Avon’s offensive production and returning lineup give them a strong foundation, but a lack of external recognition and pitching uncertainty keep them in the middle of the pack to start the season. If they can find consistency on the mound, they could quickly move up the rankings.

Avon will look to experienced hitters to carry the offense early while developing consistency on the mound.

Tier 4 – Climbing Teams

7. Hamilton Southeastern (31.8)

Hamilton Southeastern returns a fair amount of production, but their 2025 results and conference performance create a significant gap to close. The pieces are there to be more competitive, but they will need to show it early to move out of this tier.

If they can turn returning production into results early, they have the potential to climb quickly in the standings.

8. Franklin Central (10.6)

Franklin Central rounds out the preseason rankings. While they have battled in conference games they have been unable to get over the hump and turn those efforts into wins.

Their struggles in the HCC has not kept them from winning Sectional titles in 3 of the past 4 years. 

Head Coach Gary Vaught is an accomplished winner at the collegiate level, winning 975 games in his career, so look for the Flashes to make significant gains in his second year at the helm. A strong start could quickly change the narrative, but they will need to prove it on the field.

 Final Thoughts

While Zionsville enters the season as the clear No. 1, the most compelling storyline may be the battle behind them. Westfield, Noblesville, and Fishers are separated by a narrow margin, and that order could change quickly once games begin.

In a conference as deep as the HCC, preseason rankings are just a starting point. The gap between No. 2 and No. 4 is narrow enough that the order could shift quickly once games begin. By mid-April, the picture may look very different—and that’s exactly what makes this conference one of the best in the state.