Hawken enters the 2026 season with a championship foundation—and a new challenge.
After going 19-6 overall and winning the Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division, the Hawks return one of the deepest pitching staffs in the area while working to replace key offensive production.
“With an experienced pitching staff and solid newcomers ready to step into key roles, we expect to continue competing for the conference title as well as a deep postseason run,” said Hawken head coach Aaron Brandt.
That confidence starts on the mound.
“Our pitching staff returns the top two arms from 2025, plus we have three or four others that we feel really comfortable handing the ball to in clutch situations,” Brandt said.
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Replacing production at the plate will be the early test.
“We graduated a large portion of our offensive production, but do return four players who had double-digit RBI, plus some younger players ready to step into their new spots.”
Pitching and Defense Set the Tone
Hawken’s identity is clear—pitching depth backed by reliable defense.
“Defensively, we need to remain solid, making the routine plays, with an occasional outstanding play to support our pitchers,” Brandt said. “In the long run, coming together as a cohesive defensive unit, being in the right places at the right times will help us be successful.”
Senior Ethan Gipson (6-2, 1.48 ERA, 63 strikeouts) leads the staff, with junior Cole Twardokus (4-0, 1.62 ERA) forming a strong one-two punch.
Lineup Breakdown
Behind the plate, Tanner Brandt looks ready to step into a major role after an injury-shortened season.
“He had just been called up to varsity and was off to a good start when he suffered a broken thumb that ended his season,” Coach Brandt said. “I look forward to Tanner stepping into a big role this year.”
At first base, Gipson anchors both the lineup and defense.
“After a productive junior season, Ethan looks to step into the main run-producer role this year in addition to anchoring the infield from first base when he isn’t pitching,” Brandt said. “He is a very versatile player who will affect the game from many areas.”
Second base will feature a competition between Rees Mitchell and Graham Shaheen.
“Both players could earn time at shortstop or third base as well,” Brandt said. “They served as backups in 2025, and worked hard to be ready for 2026.”
Twardokus settles in at shortstop after moving around early in his career.
“Cole has been our do-it-all player his first two seasons, playing catcher, outfield, pitcher, and a little bit of infield,” Brandt said, “Now he gets a chance to settle in at his best position. He has a really strong arm from shortstop and will be one of the main cogs in the middle of our lineup.”
Third base remains open, with several players competing for the spot.
In the outfield, Hawken blends experience with new energy, including newcomer Patrick Murphy.
“He joined us this year and has really impressed with his offseason work,” Brandt said. “He possesses a good bat and excellent speed, gets good jumps in left field, and can play centerfield when needed.”
Eli Mester steps into a leadership role in center field.
“Eli moves into the leadership role this year as co-captain and is taking over in centerfield,” Brandt said, “He has started in the outfield for the past two years and looks to continue his solid offensive performance.”
Louis Dinovi-McDonald will see expanded time in right field.
“Louis earned his first opportunity, demonstrating good instincts as an outfielder in drills,” Brandt said, “As a senior, I’m looking for him to provide impact on both sides.”
Kevin Oster brings versatility across the field.
“He fills multiple spots for us,” Brandt said. “He will play catcher, first base, and pitcher at various points. He’s a smart player with a solid bat and good defensive skills.”
Deep Rotation
Gipson returns as the ace.
“He became our number one pitcher last year and looks just as solid this year,” Brandt said, “He’s a power arm who developed a good mentality for attacking the zone.”
Twardokus follows closely behind.
“He finished the year with some of his best outings, including a no-hitter that clinched the conference title,” Brandt said, “He has a solid fastball and good command of multiple pitches.”
Tanner Brandt adds another quality arm.
“He had an injured thumb that prevented him from pitching as a freshman,” Brandt said, “He has looked good in preseason outings. He has good control and an above-average fastball that should make him effective.”
Mester is expected to take on more innings.
“He will step up to throw more innings this year and has shown that he is ready,” Brandt said, “Maintaining control in the strike zone will be key.”
Oster rounds out the rotation as a developing arm.
“Young arm with lots of movement on his pitches,” Brandt said, “He will pitch a lot of the weekend and non-conference games. I’m looking for him to continue to develop for the next few years.”
Outlook
Hawken has the arms to compete with anyone on its schedule. If the lineup develops and the defense holds steady behind its pitching staff, the Hawks are well-positioned to make another run at the CVC title—and beyond.
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