HCC Pitcher of the Year Watchlist Update (5/19/2026)
HCC Pitcher of the Year Update
The HCC Pitcher of the Year race remains one of the deepest battles in the conference, and with the regular season entering its final stretch, the separation at the top is beginning to take shape.
This week’s update also reflects an adjustment to the evaluation model. While performance metrics remain the foundation, workload, role, and team success now carry greater weight to better reflect each pitcher’s value to team wins as pitching roles have become more defined. Conference aces taking the ball in big games and delivering wins now receive additional credit, while relievers continue to be recognized for impact within their role.
It is important to note that this evaluation is intended to help frame the Pitcher of the Year conversation, not determine the award on its own. The model is designed to provide context and highlight candidates, but the award discussion extends beyond any single evaluation system.
The result? The race tightened, and the top tier became even more compelling.
1. Austin Conley (Fishers) – 71.1
Conley remains in the top spot after putting together one of the most complete resumes in the conference.
0.74 ERA | 5-0 | 28.1 IP | 31 K | 0.93 WHIP | Conference Starter
The junior has done a little bit of everything. He owns five wins, has worked as both a starter and late-game weapon, and has already recorded a complete game and two shutouts. His combination of run prevention, strikeout production, and team success gives him a narrow edge in the race.
2. Beckett Doane (Noblesville) – 68.9
Doane remains firmly in the hunt and continues to build one of the strongest workload profiles in the conference.
2.91 ERA | 5-1 | 33.2 IP | 65 K | 41.1% K Rate
No pitcher in the conference has generated more swings and misses. Doane’s strikeout numbers are eye-opening, and his ability to miss bats while consistently taking the ball against top competition keeps him squarely in the title chase.
3. Corey Wilhelm (Westfield) – 66.7
Wilhelm continues to quietly put together an outstanding season.
1.87 ERA | 3-1 | 33.2 IP | 46 K | 7 Starts
The senior has been one of the conference’s most reliable starters, combining strong run prevention with consistent workload. Westfield has leaned heavily on him throughout the season, and that value is reflected in this week’s update.
4. Spencer Mohr (HSE) – 66.4
Mohr remains right in the middle of the race despite a tougher stretch of results.
1.88 ERA | 5-3 | 48.1 IP | 50 K | 1.02 WHIP
No pitcher near the top has carried a larger workload. Mohr has repeatedly worked deep into games and has been the definition of a staff ace for the Royals. The recent results created movement in the standings, but his overall body of work remains among the conference’s best.
5. Davis Moore (Zionsville) – 59.7
Moore rounds out the top five behind one of the heaviest workloads in the conference.
2.87 ERA | 5-4 | 46.1 IP | 43 K
The record may not jump off the page, but the innings certainly do. Moore has consistently carried the load for the Eagles and remains one of the conference leaders in workload.
Movers and Names to Watch
Carter Strole (Fishers) – 52.7
Strole remains one of the conference’s most valuable multi-role arms.
1.52 ERA | 23 IP | 28 K | 2 Saves
The junior continues to impact games in multiple ways and remains firmly in the conversation despite working primarily outside the traditional ace role.
Christian Wessel (Avon) – 52.4
The freshman continues to impress.
3.14 ERA | 3-2 | 35.2 IP | 33 K
The freshmen continues to impress. Wessel’s workload and production have made him one of the breakout arms in the HCC.
Clayton Walther (Westfield) – 50.4
Walther continues to provide value in multiple roles.
2.42 ERA | 2-0 | 1 Save | 17.1 IP
Westfield’s pitching depth has been a major factor in its push, and Walther remains an important piece of that equation.
The race is far from over.
Conley holds the lead for now, but Doane, Wilhelm, and Mohr remain within striking distance, and several pitchers still have major conference series remaining to shape the final outcome.
With conference titles still hanging in the balance and key series remaining, these final appearances may make the difference.