Mountain Ridge senior Stockton Fowlks has played baseball since before he started kindergarten. And though his high school career came to an end, he’s not finished with the sport yet. 

Not by a long shot. 

Fowlks and his Sentinels played admirably this season in a challenging Region 2, finishing 9-6 in league play, tied for third place with Bingham. Mountain Ridge was just a game behind region champions Riverton and Corner Canyon. The Sentinels went 16-9 overall during the regular season and grabbed the No. 4 seed in the Class 6A state tournament. At state, the Sentinels defeated Layton two games to one in the super regionals. Mountain Ridge won 5-0 on May 14 and then overcame a 6-4 loss on May 15 to eliminate Layton in game three later that day by the score of 9-7. 

Fowlks was brilliant in the clinching victory over Layton in the regionals.

In game three of the series, Fowlks filled up the stat sheet with a home run, a triple, a double and four RBI. His efforts in the victory were among his best of the season. Up to that point, heading into the team’s bracket-play game against region rival Riverton on May 19, Fowlks had totaled a home run, a triple, 10 doubles and 15 RBI. As a junior, the standout recorded six home runs, two triples, 13 doubles and 29 RBI. Fowlks was productive as a sophomore too. That season, he hit a home run and a triple as well as 10 doubles and 15 RBI. 

Soon, he’ll take his talents to the next level. Fowlks will attend the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls after high school to continue his baseball career at the two-year institution. 

“I hope to have a very successful college career and play baseball at a high level for a long time,” he said. 

Fowlks began his baseball journey 14 years ago when his father, who had played baseball for several years in his youth, signed him up to play t-ball. 

“I have been in love with [baseball] ever since,” Fowlks said. 

Some athletes—maybe many—struggle to perform when expectations are high and when the challenges are big. However, Fowlks said he thrives in these situations. He has found a lot of satisfaction in playing baseball because it gives him the chance to set and achieve goals. 

“I enjoy the pressure that comes with competing and being able to step up in those big moments,” he said. “I love the feeling of accomplishing what you’ve been working so hard for. It’s what keeps me coming back every time.”

Though even bigger challenges and opportunities await Fowlks as he prepares to play in college, he’ll always be grateful for his time at Mountain Ridge. 

“The games are always super fun with your team cheering you on, but hanging out with each other outside of baseball is my favorite time,” he said. “Being able to create a brotherhood with every person on the team is what is special to me.”

Mountain Ridge head coach Brock Whitney has relied on Fowlks for both his production and leadership. Fowlks is a dependable hitter, but he also has been a good example for his teammates. 

“My strengths in baseball are hitting and being a leader on my team,” he said. “I love being able to get a great hit and put my team in a position to have success. And also, my strength is teaching the younger guys skills to keep the winning culture throughout the team.”

During Fowlks’ career at Mountain Ridge, the Sentinels had a combined record of 70-46. Mountain Ridge had winning records (and at least 18 victories) in his final three seasons. Though he had had success and achieved accolades, Fowlks is not complacent. 

“I want to improve on getting bigger and stronger every year,” he said. “There is no better feeling than seeing all of your hard work you have put in pay off and seeing yourself become a better player because of it. Individually, I want to become the best player I can be.”

Like other sports, baseball requires more than physical tools to be successful. Fowlks understands this and knows his mental strength will help him to be a good teammate and key contributor at the college level. 

“The most challenging part is having a strong mental game,” he said. “Mentality is huge and being able to stay positive every day, and giving yourself the confidence to be the best is a massive part in being successful. Striking out or making an error can be hard on you mentally and you have to learn how to bounce back and move on.”

Fowlks’ presence will be missed in the Sentinels’ lineup in 2026. He left his mark on the program—a program that Fowlks hopes will continue to be a factor in the region and state race for years to come.  λ