The Wildcats made history last Spring winning their first State Championship in program history. Cashion went 33-3 with all three losses coming from state tournament teams as well as all being within two runs. They also outscored their opponents in the state tournament 32-5. After a chat with Coach Mounce, it makes sense why these two guys were brought up.

Brody Nichols, P/IF (2026) Eastern Oklahoma State College Commit

Coach Mounce’s Thoughts:

“Brody is a kid that loves everything about baseball. He works his tail off all year long to get better. He is a very polite, nice kid until he is on the mound. When he is on the mound he has this swagger/confidence about him. In the infield he has a great glove and a strong arm.”

Brody’s Interview:

• Tell me about yourself on & off the field. -> “On the field I’d say that I’m an ultra competitor and a fiery guy. I love the process and baseball in general. Off the field, I am pretty down to Earth and kind of goofy. I’m pretty simple as I love golfing, playing poker, and hanging out with the guys.”
• How do you feel heading into this season compared to last year? -> “Last year, we were very unsure where we stood; we lost 4 of our top 5 arms and a lot of big sticks. Whereas this year, we bring almost everything back. The confidence we will bring into this year will be so much different than last.”
• What personal goals have you set for yourself? -> “I don’t really like having “personal” goals going into a season. It’s a team game and if we take care of our business, the awards/accolades/“goals” will sort themselves out.”
• What does a successful season look like for you? -> “A successful season for me is to win it again. We have all of the pieces we need to run it back. I don’t think I’d be satisfied with anything else.”
• What’s the biggest challenge you expect this season? -> “Our biggest challenge this year will be ourselves. Every single year, Cashion has been written off early. We’re a school that doesn’t play fall baseball in a class that is dominated by fall baseball schools. This year, we enter 2026 as defending champs and the favorite. There will be a big target on our backs that we aren’t necessarily used to having. Unfamiliarity will be a big challenge.”
• What do you want to be remembered for as a player at Cashion? -> “I want to be remembered as a hard worker and a teammate that did everything he could for his team to win. Also, a teammate that showed everyone that you can overcome any battle.”
  

Ryder Lykins, 1B/P (2026)

Coach Mounce’s Thoughts:

“Ryder is a kid who is passionate about the game. Works hard. Hates to fail. He’s a power hitter and a tuff out. Great defensively at first base. Very competitive kids at every thing he does. Loves to have while playing. Competes extremely well on the mound and has a great Curve ball.”

Ryder’s Interview:

• Tell me about yourself on & off the field. -> “I would describe myself as as a hard worker I pride myself on perfecting my craft in and off the field, and not just baseball just being an overall better person.”
• How do you feel heading into this season compared to last year? -> “I’m excited we gotta a lot of athletes that will all provide for the team and will take us deep into the season just like we did last year.”
• What personal goals have you set for yourself? -> “I think some personal goals I’ve set for myself is to sign before the season ends, and to just leave it out in the field. It’s my last year so just enjoy every moment I got left.”
• What does a successful season look like for you? -> “Successful seasons can be many things personally it would be awesome if we could beat our win record from last year and win it again that would be awesome.”
• What’s the biggest challenge you expect this season? -> “Definitely injuries and staying consistent, If you look at our stats from last year consistency was the key for us and that eventually led us to win a state title. And the injuries, just being able to stay healthy.”
• What do you want to be remembered for as a player at Cashion? -> “Just being a notable player; not someone who was just good at baseball, but someone who makes an impact on more than sports. And after winning our school’s first baseball title we would love to win another one”

Coach Mounce left a combined statement about Brody and Ryder as well.

“Both of these guys were huge in our state championship run last year. Brody started the quarterfinals against Dibble and didn’t give up a run. Ryder came in and closed the same game and didn’t give up a run either. Ryder also closed out the semifinals game against Calera and threw extremely well. Brody threw again in the state championship game against Oktaha and didn’t allow a run while throwing all 7 innings.”

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