Colville Baseball Eyes Breakthrough Season with Veteran Core, ‘Finish’ Mentality

“Our expectations are always high in this baseball program, shared by everyone involved,” Head Coach Shane Roy said. “We have the belief that our preparation and work ethic allows us to compete with anyone in the state.”

Colville returns a roster that has come close to breaking through in recent years, with many players gaining valuable experience against top-level competition, Roy said. That exposure has shaped the team’s approach this spring.

“Having been on the doorstep a few times over the recent years, the majority of our varsity players have seen what that higher-end state level looks like and what they need to do to combat that,” Roy said.

The focus this season is simple.

“The operative buzz word for us this year is ‘finish,’ as we lost eight one-run games a season ago…we feel good about our competitive maturity in flipping the script in close action,” Roy said.

The Crimson Hawks field a 26-player roster split between varsity and junior varsity, drawn from a total turnout of 32 athletes. The group includes three seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and 10 freshmen – offering a blend of veteran leadership and young talent.

Roy said leading the way are seniors Kyle Bradfield, Jet Bateman, and Luke Bateman, all three-year starters who anchor the lineup.

“We believe all three of our seniors…will have tremendous seasons,” Roy said. “Kyle and Jet have been WSBCA (Washington State Baseball Coaches Association) all-state selections the past two seasons.”

Bradfield headlines the pitching staff as the team’s ace.

“Bradfield is a bonafide number one starter in the district and across the state and has displayed an improved approach at the plate early this spring,” Roy said.

Roy also feels they will have a steady presence in the middle infield.

“Jet Bateman is one of the best pure hitters in the state of Washington and has progressed to become a high-end defensive shortstop,” Roy said.

Meanwhile, consistency and athleticism in the center field was emphasized.

“Luke Bateman’s defense in centerfield and offensive intangibles, both hitting and running the bases, make for an easy entry into the everyday lineup,” Roy said.

Behind the plate, Fischer Hilderbrandt steps into a larger role.

“He will continue to grow in his role and is a great leader,” Roy said.

Colville’s pitching depth will be a key storyline early in the season. Roy said Colton Hansen, Conor Lyng, and Gunnar Baker are all competing for the second starter role.

“The situation is fluid as to who will be the number two starter as the season progresses,” he said. “They are all getting pitching starts/extended work at the front end of the season to see who that will be.”

Additional contributors include juniors Cooper Haynes and Braxton Brown, along with sophomore outfielder Zack Bateman, all expected to play important roles throughout the season.

League play presents its own unique challenges. Roy said the four-team format features three-game series, typically with doubleheaders on Saturdays and a single game on Tuesdays.

“With this structure, if aces throw over 75 pitches on a Saturday they will not be available on a Tuesday,” Roy said.

Lakeside and Medical Lake headline the competition, each returning key players after strong 2025 seasons.

“Lakeside won our district championship in ‘25 and Medical Lake our league championship that same season,” Roy said. “Both return a number of key contributors to provide steady league competition.”

The Crimson Hawks’ goal in league play is straightforward.

“The goal with all of these series is to win two out of three at a minimum to get yourself in a position to host a best-of-three semifinal series against the fourth-place team,” Roy said.

Colville will also host a midseason spring break tournament April 8-9 in conjunction with Lakeside and Medical Lake, culminating with games at Gonzaga University.

“Lots of moving parts to get the tournament going for the first time, but I was really pleased at how the schedule ended up,” Roy said.