ROXANA — Columbia High freshman Connor Basinski answers when the call is made for him to start.

The right-hander threw a three-hit shutout, leading the Eagles to a 3-0 win over the Roxana Shells in the Class 2A Roxana Regional championship game Saturday at Roxana Park.

Basinski played a huge role in making it happen.

He walked one batter and hit two. Basinski struck out eight.

“It was a pretty big job for a freshman to start in this game,” Basinski said. “I knew my stuff was good warming up but I was a little nervous. My defense helped me a lot.”

Eagles coach Neal O’Donnell was impressed.

“Obviously, Connor was dynamite on the mound today,” O'Donnell said. “He’s been as solid for us as any pitcher we’ve had all year long. He’s basically answered the call every time.”

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A big key for Basinski in the game was throwing strikes on the first pitch to many hitters. That helped keep his pitch count low throughout the game.

“You’ve got to get ahead of the batters,” Basinski said. “That’s big for me.”

Senior Cash Bailey had three hits, drove in two runs and score one praised Basinski’s role in the victory.

“We couldn’t have done it without him,” Bailey said. “He was dealing.”

How did Basinski think he played?

“I’d rate it nine out of 10, maybe 10 out of 10,” Basinski said.

Regional success

It was the fifth consecutive regional title for Columbia (17-13).

“I’m glad it’s over, O’Donnell said. “I’m really happy with the effort. Overall, this was one of our best efforts of the year.”

Cash is money at the plate

Bailey went 6-for-6 at the plate in the regional semifinal and championship games for the Eagles.

“He’s been swinging a really hot bat,” O’Donnell said. “The ball just shoots off his bat.”

In the first inning, Shells senior starter Mason Crump hit senior leadoff batter Micah James. A throwing error by junior catcher Max Autery trying to pick James off first sent him to second. Crump walked Mason Voegele. A wild pitch moved the runners up base.

“That was very un-Crump like,” Roxana coach Jerry Wheaton said. “He’s a strike thrower. He does not walk a lot of guys and to that start the game was very unlike him. He got a strikeout, but the Bailey kid is a good hitter. He’s one of their best for a reason.”

Bailey, who entered the game with a .378 average, cleared the bases with a single to the gap in left center.

“That was huge,” Bailey said. “That was a good pitcher over there. We came out strong and got two and then we held them.”

The start was great for his squad, O’Donnell said.

“I thought if we scored early, the pressure would go to them,” O'Donnell said. “For us to get those two in the first inning, I thought that played right into our game plan if you will.”

Columbia baserunner Andrew Colyer, right, begins his slide as Roxana Lucas Hartman sets to put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Fourth inning

Bailey scored the Eagles' final run. He led off with a double to left. Senior Logan Bosch singled Bailey to third. Bosch took off to steal second and an errant throw allowed Bailey to come in for the run.

“It was exactly what we thought it would be — a tight game,” Wheaton said. “We knew runs would be at a premium today. It was who’s going to get a play and a break their way and who’s not. They made a few more plays than we did and maybe got a couple more breaks than we did.”

Roxana chances

The Shells (20-10-1) had two on base after Basinski hit two batters with one out in the fourth inning.

However, Autery was thrown out by senior catcher Logan Bosch at third. Basinski then struck out junior Sean Mayberry, who singled in his first at-bat.

“We ran ourselves into an out there,” Wheaton said. “That’s part of baseball.”

In the sixth, Roxana had a runner reach third. Junior Dalton Carriker walked and advanced on a groundout before stealing third base.

Basinski then recorded a strikeout and a flyout to escape unscathed.

Shells' seventh

Senior Kael Hester led off with a double to right.

Basinski didn’t blink. He got two consecutive groundouts to Bailey at third. Senior pinch hitter Caiden Davis took a called third strike to end the game.

“Offensively, we just couldn’t put things together today,” Wheaton said. “These nine seniors mean lot of me and our entire program. This one will sting for a little bit.”

Defensive gems

Bailey showed his versality. He made several standout plays at third.

But don’t call him a defensive specialist.

“I’d say I’m more of a hitter,” Bailey said with a laugh.

But he’s solid at third. He flawlessly handled five chances at the hot corner.

Junior first baseman Brody Landgraf helped Bailey by picking a couple of low throws while stretching to record the out.

“I’m glad he’s 6-foot-7,” Bailey said about Landgraf.

Bailey’s defense is important to the team’s success, O’Donnell said.

“I’m as impressed with the defense he plays as with his hitting,” O’Donnell said about Bailey. “He’s been our third baseman the last two years. Day in and day out, he makes some great plays. He had a couple of great ones that saved us today and Brody saved him on a couple over there as well.”

How Basinski joined varsity

Bosch played a big role in Basinski moving from the junior varsity to the varsity roster this spring.

“If it wasn’t for the suggestion of my teammate that I should pitch because I got pulled up from JV,” Basinski.

Bosch caught him and thought he needed to play on the varsity.

“He said we need a pitcher. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be in this situation today,” Basinski said. “He has a lot of confidence in me.”

Bosch said he saw Basinski’s bullpens and liked how he was throwing.

“It’s a big deal having a freshman on varsity, but when he’s special and his ball moves like that, you've got to have him,” Bosch said.

His performance against Roxana justified Bosch’s confidence in him.

“He was calm and collected out there,” Bosch said. “Earlier this week, we were messing with him. We kept asking him if he was pumped. He’s super cool. He doesn’t get too high or too low.”

How they got here

In the regional semifinal games, Columbia defeated Alton Marquette 5-0 while Roxana rolled to a 10-0 win over Althoff.

Earlier this season

Roxana split a pair of games with the Eagles this season in Cahokia Conference Mississippi Division games. The Shells lost 7-1 to visiting Columbia in eight innings on April 15. The next day, Roxana scored a 2-1 victory in Columbia.

Up next

Columbia will face Effingham St. Anthony in a sectional semifinal at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Teutopolis. St. Anthony defeated Marshall 10-0 on Saturday morning.

Bailey is optimistic about the Eagles’ chances to continue playing.

“I honestly think we have a shot,” Bailey said. “This was a lot of fun today. It was electric.”

Class 1A Roxana Regional: Columbia 3, Roxana 0

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to tag out Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker but dropped the ball as he put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Cash Bailey was called out after this pickoff throw to Roxana first baseman Cooper Harris. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia catcher Logan Bosch returns the ball to the pitcher. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana shortstop Dalton Carriker leaps over Columbia baserunner Brady Hemminghaus after Carriker dropped the ball and Hemminghaus slid safely into second. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to retrieve the ball after he tried to tag out Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker then Bailiey dropped the ball. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski checks the sign from the catcher. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski yells after getting the last out. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia batter Cash Bailey. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia centerfielder Sully Bonaldi gets underneath this Roxana fly for the out. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker dives safely back to first base as Columbia first baseman Brody Landgraf catches the pickoff throw. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski yells after getting the last out. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana pitcher Landon Sitze throws in relief late in the game. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to intercept a grounder down the third baseline. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to tag out Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker but dropped the ball as he put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Brady Hemminghaus dives to second base as Roxana shortstop Dalton Carriker makes the catch. Hemminghaus was safe after Carriker dropped the ball. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski throws late in the game. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to tag out Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker but dropped the ball as he put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey scoops up this grounder up the baseline. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana baserunner Kael Hester is safe at third as Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey stretches and tries for the tag. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to tag out Roxana baserunner Dalton Carriker but dropped the ball as he put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baseruner Cash Bailey, right, is all smiles as he is congratulated by teammate Sully Bonaldi as he scores. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia third baseman Cash Bailey moves to intercept a grounder down the third baseline. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Andrew Colyer reacts as the official calls him out at second base. .Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Andrew Colyer, left, is tagged out by Roxana second baseman Lucas Hartman at second base. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Cash Bailey acknowledges teammates after he advanced to second base. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski throws his glove to the ground after getting the last out. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia centerfielder Sully Bonaldi throws in from the outfield. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Cash Bailey dives safely back to first base as Roxana first baseman Cooper Harris grabs for the throw from the catcher which went wide. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana starter Mason Crump throws early in the game. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Andrew Colyer, right, begins his slide as Roxana Lucas Hartman sets to put the tag on him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana left outfielder Kadin Carlisle, left, watches as centerfielder Sean Maberry scoops up a Columbia hit. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana second baseman Lucas Hartman secures a bouncer up the middle. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Micah James takes a leadoff from second base. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia shortstop Micah James throws to first for the out as second baseman Andrew Colyer runs to back him. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia pitcher Connor Basinski begins his pitch. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana starter Mason Crump throws early in the game. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Roxana centerfielder Sean Maberry throws in to the infield after a Columbia hit. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia batter Brady Hemminghaus bunts. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia batter Mason Voegele shows to bunt. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

Columbia baserunner Mason Voegele, left, is congratulated by teammate Will Kleinschmidt as he scores. Columbia defeated Roxana 3-0 in the championship game of the Class 2A Roxana regional at Roxana High School in Roxana on May 24, 2025.

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