A Season That Defined Excellence In a town where athletic pride runs deep and teamwork defines every program, the Preston Pirates and Lady Pirates once again reminded Oklahoma why their teams symbolize grit, discipline and heart. The 2025 fall season was nothing short of extraordinary, with both Preston squads advancing to their respective State Tournaments, showcasing talent and unity that elevated the entire community.

Under the steady leadership of Coach Ryan Hudson and Coach Jimmy Hurst, both programs built on a tradition of excellence. The Pirates capped off their fall baseball season with a 29-2 record, while the Lady Pirates finished their fast-pitch campaign at 29-8. Few schools in any classification can boast such dual success, and Preston’s accomplishment stands as a testament to strong coaching, deep rosters and relentless determination.

As the teams wrapped up their final innings at State, they left behind more than just impressive records – they carried forward a spirit of pride, perseverance and preparation that now fuels anticipation for the upcoming spring seasons.

— The Pirates’ Hard-Fought Battle at State The Preston Pirates, guided by Coach Ryan Hudson, entered the State Tournament as one of the most complete squads in Class 2A. With a deep pitching rotation, solid defense and balanced offense, they had stormed through the fall season with consistency and confidence. Their second-round State appearance came down to a defensive showdown against the talented Colbert Leopards, a game that embodied everything fans love about postseason baseball.

Preston fell 3-1 in a tight, pitcher- dominated contest that hinged on a few key moments. Jace Basquez got the start on the mound, working two and two-thirds innings while allowing only three hits and three runs. Though tagged with the loss, his presence kept the Pirates within striking distance. The defense behind him was spotless – no errors committed – and catcher Bryce McNac led with twelve flawless defensive chances.

Offensively, Preston actually out-hit Colbert five to four, a testament to their contact-driven approach. Nick Costanza, Kaden Dean, Hunter McElhannon, Peyton Fjeldsted and Weston Cope all contributed one hit each, with Fjeldsted driving in the Pirates’ lone run. The bats connected, but timely double plays by Colbert stalled late-inning rallies.

Despite the narrow loss, the Pirates’ performance at State reflected the focus and discipline that had defined their season from day one. They had executed the fundamentals – pitching efficiently, playing airtight defense and showing patience at the plate. For Coach Hudson and his players, the game served as both a measuring stick and a motivator for what’s to come next spring.

At the heart of Preston’s remarkable 29-2 record was Coach Ryan Hudson, whose leadership has transformed the Pirates into one of Oklahoma’s most respected 2A programs. Hudson’s approach blends structure and adaptability – creating a culture where every player understands their role but also learns to play freely and fearlessly.

Hudson’s teams are known for their attention to fundamentals: strong base running, aggressive yet disciplined hitting and precise fielding. This year’s group, loaded with versatile athletes, embodied that identity perfectly. From senior leadership to emerging underclassmen, every Pirate on the roster contributed to the season’s success.

More than wins and trophies, Hudson’s influence has extended to player development and character building. His athletes have not only grown in skill but have also learned accountability, resilience and the value of representing their community with class.

— Lady Pirates showcase determination on the State stage On the softball diamond, Coach Jimmy Hurst and his Lady Pirates brought the same level of determination and precision to Oklahoma City’s Hall of Fame Stadium. Their 3-2 victory over the Warner Lady Eagles in the opening round was one of the most thrilling games of the State Tournament, showcasing the team’s pitching power and defensive mastery.

Junior standout Taylan Starr delivered a commanding performance in the circle, striking out 11 batters across seven innings while surrendering only five hits and two runs. Her control and endurance set the tone, silencing Warner’s bats and giving her teammates confidence from the first pitch to the final out.

The Lady Pirates struck first, with Kynlee Martin roping a double in the first inning to drive home a run. In the second, Starr helped her own cause with a two-run double to extend Preston’s lead to 3-0. From there, the defense took over – Brooklyn Gertner was outstanding at shortstop, recording 11 defensive plays without a single error.

Warner mounted a late comeback attempt, scoring in the fourth and sixth innings, but Preston’s composure never wavered. The Lady Pirates’ execution under pressure – combined with Hurst’s steady ingame adjustments – secured the win and propelled them into the next round before ultimately bowing out in the semifinals.

Their State performance was a testament to balanced teamwork. Preston’s lineup featured speed, contact and clutch hitting, while their defense remained one of the most consistent in 2A. Every inning showcased the result of months of preparation and cohesion – a reflection of both the athletes’ dedication and their coach’s strategic guidance.

— Coach Jimmy Hurst’s Impact & Program Legacy Coach Jimmy Hurst, a cornerstone of Preston softball, once again demonstrated why his name has become synonymous with success. Known for his calm intensity and technical expertise, Hurst has built a program rooted in accountability and mutual respect. His teams play with purpose, focus and unity – traits that carried them to a 29-8 record and a deep State run this fall.

Hurst’s coaching philosophy emphasizes trust and fundamentals. Every player, from freshmen to seniors, is taught to understand the game on a deeper level – how to anticipate, react and communicate on the field. That attention to detail was evident all season, especially in high-pressure tournament moments when his players delivered with poise.

To see both Preston squads advance to their respective State Tournaments in the same year is an achievement that few communities ever experience. For a school of Preston’s size, it underscores the depth of athletic talent, coaching excellence and community support that define this district.

This dual success has further strengthened Preston’s athletic identity. It proved that excellence isn’t confined to one team or one season – it’s part of who Preston is, a reflection of collective effort from coaches, parents, teachers and students alike.

— Recognized Among Oklahoma’s Best: Prep Nation All-State Honorees Preston’s baseball talent received statewide recognition when Prep Nation TV announced its Class 2A Fall Baseball All-State selections. Three Pirates earned honors among the state’s elite, a clear acknowledgment of the depth and skill within the Preston program.

• Kaden Dean (OF/P, Class of 2026) – A dynamic two-way player whose power and speed made him a constant threat at the plate and on the mound. Dean’s reliability in clutch moments and leadership on the field were crucial to Preston’s success.

• Hunter McElhannon (UTL/RHP, Class of 2026) – One of the most versatile athletes in Class 2A, McElhannon’s ability to play multiple positions combined with his strong arm and sharp instincts – gave Coach Hudson a reliable difference-maker all season.

• Jace Basquez (2B/RHP, Class of 2027) – Selected as an Alternate All-State, Basquez showcased promise well beyond his years. His composure in high-pressure innings and consistency in both pitching and fielding made him a key contributor to the Pirates’ success.

Their inclusion alongside top athletes from powerhouse schools like Calera, Dale, Colbert and Silo further cemented Preston’s status as a program capable of producing next-level talent year after year.

— The Season by the Numbers

• Pirates Record: 29-2

• Lady Pirates Record: 29-8

• Combined Wins: 58

• Defensive Errors (State Games): 0

• Prep Nation All-State Selections: 3 Both teams achieved some of the top win-loss records in their class, and the clean defensive play during the State contests highlighted a shared commitment to fundamentals. That level of execution doesn’t happen by accident; it is forged through discipline and countless hours of repetition, guided by coaches who know how to get the best out of their players.

— Strength Through Fundamentals & Family The core of Preston’s success remains simple: fundamentals, teamwork and family. Each player understands that talent alone doesn’t define success; chemistry does. Throughout the fall, both the Pirates and Lady Pirates operated as cohesive units, backing each other on and off the field.

The young athletes’ maturity was evident not just in wins, but in how they handled adversity. Losses were met with reflection, not frustration. Victories were celebrated with humility. In every aspect, Preston athletes demonstrated the kind of leadership that future players will look up to.

Coaches Hudson and Hurst deserve immense credit for instilling these values. Their programs emphasize sportsmanship and academic accountability as much as athletic excellence. As a result, Preston’s reputation extends beyond district and regional lines – it’s a model for how small-school programs can achieve big-school results.

— Looking Ahead to Spring Competition

With the fall campaigns officially closed, attention now shifts toward the 2026 spring baseball and softball seasons. For the Pirates, the goal is clear: build on their near-perfect record and pursue another deep postseason run. Returning leaders like Dean, McElhannon and Basquez provide a solid foundation for another championship-caliber roster.

The Lady Pirates, meanwhile, enter spring play with experience, confidence and depth. With Starr, Martin and Gertner anchoring the lineup, Coach Hurst’s squad is poised to remain a contender in every tournament they enter. The lessons learned from this fall’s State appearance will no doubt serve as valuable preparation for the months ahead.

Both coaching staffs have already turned their focus toward refining fundamentals and conditioning, ensuring that when the first pitch of spring is thrown, Preston will again stand among Oklahoma’s elite.

— Community Pride That Never Falters

The heart of Preston’s athletic success beats strongest in its community. The support system surrounding these athletes is unmatched – parents who volunteer, boosters who raise funds and fans who travel across the state to cheer their Pirates and Lady Pirates on every step of the way.

That sense of community pride is woven into every inning and every practice. It’s visible in the banners that hang around the fields, in the student sections that erupt after every home run or strikeout and in the way players proudly wear their Preston uniforms long after the final game has ended.

The fall of 2025 wasn’t just a successful season; it was a shared celebration of what small-town sports can mean. It represented unity, tradition and the understanding that winning comes not just from talent, but from collective heart.

— A Season Worth Celebrating

As the fall chapter closes, the story of Preston’s dual State runs will stand as one of the brightest in recent memory. Both the Pirates and Lady Pirates proved that excellence is a habit – one built on preparation, humility and teamwork. Their achievements reflect the vision of their coaches, the dedication of their athletes and the unwavering belief of their supporters.

The numbers tell part of the story: 58 combined wins, zero errors in State play and multiple All-State selections. But the true legacy lies in the spirit they carried – a resilience that defines what it means to be a Pirate.

With Coach Ryan Hudson continuing to steer the Pirates and Coach Jimmy Hurst guiding the Lady Pirates, the foundation for continued success is solid. Their leadership has shaped not just winning teams, but young men and women who represent Preston with pride, respect and confidence.

As both programs turn their attention to the upcoming spring season, one sentiment echoes across the Preston campus and community: the best is yet to come.

— 2025 Prep Nation Class 2A All-State Baseball Honorees – Full List Kaden Dean (Preston), Hunter McElhannon (Preston), Logan Bumgarner (Calera), AJ Carpenter (Dale), Zaiden Craige (Calera), Luke Edwards (Oktaha), Cruz Garrett (Dale), Jaxson Gregory (Tushka), Chase Harris (Dale), Kason Hull (Tushka), Trevor Jackson (Colbert), Aiden McCarty (Silo), Bennett Posey (AmPo), Braxton Reese (Colbert), Jackson Riley (AmPo), Zane Sander (Silo), Cord Standridge (Silo), Nic Tolbert (Oktaha), Hoff Weil (Calera) and Braylon White (Dale).

Alternate Selections: Blane Beauchamp (Silo), Kane Dildine (Latta), Cruz Gillespie (OCA), Shayne Mead (Howe) and Jace Basquez (Preston) — Closing Note

With fall titles behind them and spring opportunities ahead, the Preston Pirates and Lady Pirates have proven that excellence is no accident – it’s the result of vision, leadership and belief. Guided by Coach Ryan Hudson and Coach Jimmy Hurst, these programs continue to inspire not only their school but the entire Okmulgee County sports community.