(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

RIPLEY — Ripley has gone from the hunter to the hunted.

That’s what happens when you win a state championship return and eight starters.

The Vikings finished 27-5 last season, blanking Frankfort 5-0 in the Class AAA state final.

“It’s a completely different mindset this year,” said Ripley head coach Shane Casto. “We’ve got the same goals. Everybody wants to hold the trophy up at the end of the year, and we were blessed to be able to do that last year. That’s the goal again this year. I like our chances to be right there in the hunt, but you still got to go out and play.”

The Vikings are led by standout shortstop Bryson Casto, who was the first team all-state captain as a sophomore. He batted .432 with nine doubles, 25 runs-batted-in and 25 stolen bases.

“He is a special player,” coach Casto said. “What he’s done for us the last two years, you don’t get many kids like that. It’s special having a kid like him that can do the things he does.

Bryson Casto will also team with Parker Keller and Landon Meadows to form one of the top pitching rotations in the state. The Vikings graduated ace Jackson Curry, but the returning trio combined to go 18-2 on the mound in 2025.

“We’ve talked a lot about last year,” coach Casto said. “It was a great, historic season for our school and program, but it’s a whole new year. You can’t live off the success of that.”

Back behind the dish is Peyton Keller, a second team all-stater last year.

Meadows will be at first base, John Cummings will start at second and Parker Keller will man the hot corner.

Starting in the outfield, from left to right, will be Brady McVay, Eli Phalen and Kyler Doss.

Doss will also be utilized in a super-utility role, moving around the diamond based on who is pitching on a given day.

Cash Clendenin, Brenton Scholl and Chris Patterson will provide depth in the outfield.

Bryson Casto will set the table offensively, with Peyton and Parker Keller batting second and third, respectively.

McVay has been Ripley’s cleanup hitter in the past, but coach Casto said Meadows will be another candidate to bat fourth.

“We have a lot of options when it comes to those middle-of-the-order spots,” he said.

Base-running is going to be a major element to Ripley’s game as well.

“That’s our strength,” Casto said. “We like to put pressure on people. Sure, we’ll steal bases, but if that outfielder takes a false step or bobbles the ball, we’re going to take a second base on you. We run pretty well as a team. I tell our guys, ‘Every time you hear the crack of the bat, think two bases.'”

The triple-A field in the state is stacked, with teams like Bridgeport, Spring Valley, St. Albans and more hoping to knock Ripley off the throne.

“The key for us is to stay level headed and respect the other team in the dugout,” Casto said. “We know nothing is going to be handed to us. We’ve got to earn it again. We want to take it one day at a time and go 1-0 every day. Forget yesterday, win today. Stay humble. Stay hungry.”