I was honored to attend the Johnny Bench Awards ceremony this afternoon at the Cincinnati Reds ballpark, where two West Virginia student-athletes accepted their awards from none other than baseball legend Johnny Bench!
Olivia Masoner (softball, University HS) and Zaden Ranson (baseball, Charleston Catholic HS) represented WV well!
I am excited to compete in the NEPSAC Scholastic Showcase tomorrow with my new teammates & @DeerfieldHoops!
“Zaden Ranson (2027) 6’4, 205lb small forward, Deerfield Academy, (MA). Multi-sport athlete from Charleston, WV. 2026 MaxPreps West Virginia Athlete of the Year. 3X West Virginia state champion - basketball, baseball and soccer. 2026 WV Hardman Award Winner honoring the top school athlete in West Virginia. 2026 West Virginia Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. 3X 1st Team All-State AA basketball and baseball. 2024 Player of the Game in the State Basketball Championship. Surpassed 1000 points, 800 rebounds, 200 assists at Charleston Catholic High. Ranson is a stretch 4 position that can guard 1-5 and score in a variety of ways. He is a great offensive rebounder. Averaged double-double his junior and senior years. 4.4 gpa.”
YouTube ⬇️
https://t.co/7L7hUsF4g9
@CoachBair_DA@HunterMoles@DeerfieldHoops@douglasrscott@PHNewEngland@NEPSAC@CoachBeede
I am honored to be named to the WV 1st Team AA All-State list for 3 years in a row. Congratulations to all the other athletes who were recognized for their hard work!
I am honored to be one of this year’s recipients of the 2026 Johnny Bench Award honoring the top NCAA Division 1 male and female college catchers along with the top high school baseball and softball catchers in WV, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Thank you @JohnnyBench_5 for this amazing award & thank you to my coaches, parents, and teammates for their continued support. I would also like to congratulate the other winners who were recognized for their hard work.
"Congratulations to the 2026 Johnny Bench Award winners," said Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. "Catching is one of the toughest jobs in sports and demands leadership, toughness, quick instincts and a relentless work ethic. This year's winners are outstanding athletes that have proven they can handle every part of the game from managing a staff, controlling the field and delivering when it matters most. That's what this award is all about. I am proud of what they have accomplished and I look forward to being with them and celebrating with their families and coaches." @JohnnyBench_5@CoachBeede@bsblbluebook@CDoyle1329@HunterMoles@Deerfield@DA_Baseball1797@cchssports@switzdesign4u
🧵 The 7 things college baseball coaches evaluate that have nothing to do with your son's swing or velocity.
After 35 years on both sides of recruiting, here's what actually moves the needle:
Love the Ranson family! @Zaden07 earned the highest honor and is one of my fave players. He gave a great speech to conclude the great event. And his mom and dad, @marknjacqui@MarkRanson14 are world class people!
I went 7 for 10 on the weekend with a Grand Slam, Homerun, 5 Doubles and 10 RBI's. Proud of our team!
Uncommitted 2027 / 4.42 GPA
WV Hardman Award Winner
WV Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
Sullivan Scholarship Award
Winner
6'3" / 205 Ibs
C / 1st / 3rd
7 AP / 4 Adv. Honors / 7 Honors
Classes
CPop 1.94 / EV 102
WV State Champion ⚾️🏀⚽️
1st Team All-State ⚾️x2 🏀x3
All-Tournament Team ⚾️🏀
1st Team AlI-KV ⚾️×2 🏀x3
All Defensive Team 🏀
YouTube:
https://t.co/yAMmgv8kkR...
@BluebookBeede @DA_Baseball1797@CDoyle1329@HunterMoles@cchssports@ccirishbsbl_@Deerfield@Deerfieldteams
Thank you Kyle Wiggs & Greg Hunter for your time and the opportunity to speak to @MetroNewsSports about winning the 2026 WV Hardman Award!
Here is my interview on YouTube: ⬇️
https://t.co/EdHRumNKrH
@HunterMoles
@BluebookBeede
@CCHSontheHill@Deerfield
Charleston Catholic's Zaden Ranson claimed this year's Hardman Award, which is given to the state's top amateur athlete. He's the 2nd high H.S. athlete to take home this honor since 2000.
Here's my story w/an exclusive interview & initial reaction: https://t.co/fucHzngIgf
Charleston Catholic’s Zaden Ranson was named the recipient of the Hardman Award, which goes to the best amateur athlete in WV. Catch our exclusive interview with him tonight on 13 News at 6! @Zaden07@cchssports@ccirishbsbl_
Zaden Ranson of Charleston Catholic is the Hardman Award winner, as selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. He’s a phenomenal multi-sport athlete. He’ll be honored Sunday May 3 by the WVSWA at the 79th Victory Awards.
Photos & graphic by @switzdesign4u
Zaden Ranson of Charleston Catholic is the Hardman Award winner, as selected by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. He’s a phenomenal multi-sport athlete. He’ll be honored Sunday May 3 by the WVSWA at the 79th Victory Awards.
Photos & graphic by Michael Switzer, Switzer Design.
I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association as this year’s recipient of the “Hardman Award” which honors West Virginia’s top amateur athlete encompassing college & high school athletics. This would not be possible without God, my parents, my coaches, my teammates and the amazing community supporting me at Charleston Catholic High School. Thank you to the WVSWA for the nomination & opportunity to represent WV with this prestigious honor. I am forever grateful. ☘️
Uncommitted 2027 / 4.42 GPA
WV Hardman Award Winner
WV Male Scholar Athlete of the Year
Sullivan Scholarship Award Winner
6’3” / 205 lbs
C / 1st / 3rd
7 AP / 4 Adv. Honors / 7 Honors Classes
CPop 1.94 / EV 102
WV State Champion ⚾️🏀⚽️
1st Team All-State ⚾️x2 🏀x3
All-Tournament Team ⚾️🏀
1st Team All-KV ⚾️x2 🏀x3
All Defensive Team 🏀
YouTube: ⬇️
https://t.co/4HIOag4qgO
@HunterMoles@wwsportswv@JimWorkmanWV
@BluebookBeede
@bsblbluebook@Taylor_Kennedy7@ElmoreSports@Deerfield@switzdesign4u
1st HR of the 2026 season followed by 2 Doubles & 7 RBIs.
Uncommitted 2027 / 4.42 GPA
WV Scholar Athlete of the Year
6’3” / 205 lbs
C / 1st / 3rd
7 AP / 4 Adv. Honors / 7 Honors Classes
CPop 1.94 / EV 102
WV State Champion ⚾️🏀⚽️
1st Team All-State ⚾️x2 🏀x3
All-Tournament Team ⚾️🏀
1st Team All-KV ⚾️x2 🏀x3
All Defensive Team 🏀
YouTube: ⬇️
https://t.co/0ImFYECsOY
@BluebookBeede
@DA_Baseball1797@CDoyle1329@HunterMoles@cchssports@ccirishbsbl_@Deerfield@Deerfieldteams