Jefferson eyes baseball state semifinal win on J98
(Ozark) The Jefferson Blue Jays have added some lofty honors to this record-setting baseball season, but now they want the big prize.
Jefferson plays for a spot in a state championship game when they take on St. Pius of Kansas City in the Class 3 semifinals Wednesday on J98.
Jefferson is 17-8, winners of 15 of their last 18, including the first district championship in program history and now the first trip to the Final 4 in school history.
Blue Jays head coach Robert Kuehnle says it’s gratifying to finally reach this milestone, but to his players, it’s another business trip.
Seniors Colby Ott, Daylen Whitener and Dylan Schnitzler have added to their star-studded final seasons in the postseason, including combining for 2 home runs, 2 doubles and 6 runs batted in during the quarterfinal victory over Kelly.
But other players like Colton Richardson, Dawson Jakoubek and Nolan Roth have been at their best in the playoffs.
It will take all hands on deck to beat seventh-ranked St. Pius, who is 21-3 and boasts a team batting average of just under .400 and over 200 runs scored.
But Kuehnle knows he’s riding into battle with an unflappable squad.
The Blue Jays will try to deny St. Pius a shot at a fourth state title and move on to face either Linn or Elsberry.
Jefferson plays in the Class 3 baseball state semifinals Wednesday morning.
Pregame coverage starts at 10:45 on 98.5 FM J98.
