The 2026 season is here and so are the weekly SSBR awards. In 2024 we began bringing attention to individual performances turned in by those on small college (NCAA D2, NAIA, NCCAA) teams and junior colleges.

Each week we send out nomination forms to the head coaches of each team in the various divisions above. We ask them to nominate only 1 position player and 1 pitcher with their stats for the week and any context they feel would help their player. We look at those nominations and choose the player or pitcher in each category that we feel had the best week. Also, each player or pitcher nominated will get recognized even if they don’t win.

Below you will see the winners for Small College (NCAA D2, NAIA, NCCAA) and JUCO.

Let’s take a look at the winners for Week 8 (Mar 23-Mar 29).

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Small College

Player of the Week

Jailon Goodfellow, Northwestern OK State

NWOSU went 4-0 last week rising their season record to back to .500. Not only that, with the Rangers sweep of SNU, they are now only 1 game back of the 8th spot in the GAC which would put themselves in the GAC postseason tournament.

If Jailon Goodfellow can stack weeks like he had last week, the odds are good that the Rangers would move into the top 8 and make the tournament. Goodfellow was nearly impossible to get out as he got on base all but twice in his 16 plate appearances. On top of that, Goodfellow provided the slug and produced runs when given the opportunity.

Goodfellow’s line:
– (4 games) .800/.875/1.600, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 2 2B, 5 BB, HBP, 6 R, SB

Other nominees:

• Nick Oliveira, Cameron
• Pryce Jackson, ECU
• Xavier Sanchez, Northeastern Stae

Pitcher of the Week

Zach Horwith, Rogers State

Full disclosure: while this was an “easy” choice (it was a no hitter, after all), this was a week of outstanding performances on the mound in the small college ranks. However, Horwith is the choice here.

The Hillcats had their 19 game winning streak snapped on Sunday, but not before they dominated Emporia State for the first 2 games. On Friday, Horwith led the way as Rogers State run ruled the Hornets, 14-0.

So far this season, it has been several different players that have put up great individual performances from game to game, but Horwith’s stands out.

Horwith’s line
– G 1/GS 1, 1-0, CG, 7 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K (83 pitches)

Other nominees:

• Caleb Peek, ECU (CG, 7 IP, 3 H, 6 K)
• Tyson Noel, USAO (CG, 7 IP, H, 7 K)
• Jaylen Cream, Cameron (CG, 7 IP, 3 H, 7 K)
• Bryce Parlin, Northeastern State (6 IP, 4 H, ER, 7 K)
• Kyle Holzer, NWOSU (2 starts, 10 IP, 8 K)

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Junior College

Player of the Week

Cade Christenson, NOC Enid

NOC Enid went a perfect 5-0 last week and Christensen was a big reason why. In a lineup full of masher, Christensen had his turn last week to stand out.

Christensen hit 4 bombs last week and had double digit RBI (11).

Christensen’s line:
– (5 games) .500/.611/1.500, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 2 2B, 3 BB, HBP, 9 R, 2 SB

Other nominees:

Pitcher of the Week

Eli Ramirez, Murray State College

Murray State is putting together a great season as they are currently ranked in the top 10 nationally.

The Aggies were up to it again last week going 5-0 including a sweep of UA Rich Mountain. Ramirez got the start for the first game on Saturday and did not disappoint. He was nearly untouchable as he threw 14 K in 6 IP.

Ramirez’s line:
– G 1/GS 1, 1-0, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 14 K

Other nominees:

• Jack Jones, NOC Enid
• Cole Webb, Redlands

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