Southern Lyon County baseball is swinging as hot as anyone in the area this spring.
Through the first stretch of the 2026 season, SLC has powered its way to a 9-3 record, fueled by an offense that’s been tough for opposing pitchers to slow down. Head coach Dalton Laird credits the early success to the work his team put in long before opening day.
At the heart of that offensive surge is senior Brayden Lienemann, who has been one of the most productive hitters in the region. Lienemann is batting over .600 with six home runs in just 11 games, consistently delivering at the plate and setting the tone for the lineup. A recent Area Athlete of the Week says hitting has always been his favorite part of the game.
While the numbers are impressive, the group has its sights set on something bigger. In the history of the Olpe/Hartford co-op, a trip to the state tournament has remained out of reach. That’s the goal this season for Laird and his squad as they look to turn a strong start into a historic run.
The road won’t get any easier. A key matchup looms Thursday against Burlington, a perennial 3A contender. Laird knows his team will be tested as the level of competition ramps up.
For the only time this season, SLC has lost two straight after dropping a doubleheader to Anderson County on Monday.
