CLASS 4A BASEBALL CAPSULES
CLASS 4A BASEBALL CAPSULES
SUNRISE REGION
SOUTHEAST DIVISION
BASIC
Coach: David Gallegos
2007 record: 18-10
Returning starters: Eight
Top players: Brett Wellman (Sr., P/IF/C); John Anderson (Sr., P/UT); Marcus Romero (Sr., OF); Darren Parke (Sr., P/IF/C)
Outlook: Longtime assistant Gallegos takes over the program from Mike Kazek, who stepped down following last season. Gallegos has been an assistant for nine years and inherits an experienced group that should again be in the mix for a playoff berth.
CORONADO
Coach: Dave Padilla
2007 record: 23-10
Returning starters: Six
Top players: Tim Arthur (Sr., OF/P); Ryan McIntyre (Sr., OF); Josh Bryan (Sr., 1B); Brandon Evans (Sr., P/OF); Cory Ginther (Sr., P/IF)
Outlook: Padilla takes over a program that finished third in the Southeast last season. Bryan (.410, 5 HRs) returns to lead the offense, and Padilla expects Evans and Ginther to be his top starting pitchers. If they pitch well and other pitchers come through, the Cougars could challenge for the league title.
DEL SOL
Coach: Zenon Brooks
2007 record: 19-12
Returning starters: Three
Top players: Matt Burge (Sr., IF/OF/P); Tyler Giunta (Sr., C/P); Brian Madrid (Sr., OF/P); Scottie Dobbins (Jr., IF/P); Randy Klabacka (Jr., OF)
Outlook: Only Burge (.400), Giunta (.325) and Madrid (.300) return as starters from last year's squad, so Brooks will lean on his senior trio for leadership. The Dragons are coming off a strong season but may have trouble equaling last year's success.
FOOTHILL
Coach: Magg Iglitz
2007 record: 9-17
Returning starters: Four
Top players: Jordan Mathis (Jr., IF/P); Jordan Stewart (So., C/IF); Tony Gibellina (Sr., OF/P); Mike Gibellina (Jr., IF)
Outlook: An inexperienced group struggled last season but should be more equipped to compete in the tough Southeast Division this season. Stewart, who batted .389 with two homers as a freshman, returns to lead the offense. The team still is young with four sophomores and might be a year away from making a playoff run.
GREEN VALLEY
Coach: Nick Garritano
2007 record: 25-12
Returning starters: Six
Top players: Nick Melino (Sr., LF/C); Jordan Van Hoosier (Jr., 3B/2B); Matt Harrison (Sr., SS/P); Kevin Stethem (Sr., RF); Mark Johnson (Sr., P); Joe Robinson (Sr., P)
Outlook: The defending Sunrise champs should be in the mix for league and region titles again. North Carolina-bound Harrison again will be a key on offense (.347, 6 HRs) and on the mound (7-2). Melino (.457), Van Hoosier (.419) and Stethem (.408) also will play key roles offensively for a team that probably will start two freshmen.
LIBERTY
Coach: Nick Didier
2007 record: 4-22
Returning starters: Four
Top players: David Kinan (Sr., SS); Danny Brundage (Sr., 1B); Gordon Dove (Sr., LF); Kyle Rynearson (Jr., 3B/P)
Outlook: Didier hopes this is the year the team takes a step forward and competes for a playoff spot. Rynearson is experienced and leads what Didier hopes is a solid pitching staff, and the coach said the defense is solid.
SILVERADO
Coach: Brian Whitaker
2007 record: 20-11
Returning starters: Five
Top players: Jordan Keegan (Sr., CF); Trevor Kirk (Sr., SS); Pierce Belaustegui (Jr., 3B); Justin Rainville (Sr., P/RF); Adam Koglin (Sr., 2B); Stefan Norman (Sr., DH/LF); Nick Underwood (Sr., P)
Outlook: The defending Southeast champs lost three tremendous seniors in catcher Mike McDade (.458, 13 HRs), first baseman/pitcher Kevin Rath (.380, 11 HRs; 8-2, 2.35 ERA) and third baseman/pitcher Chase Bradford (.396; 5-4, 1.99 ERA). But all-state center fielder Keegan (.472, five HRs) leads the returnees, and Norman (eight HRs), Rainville (four HRs) and Belaustegui (four HRs) add pop to the lineup. Rainville (7-1, 2.63 ERA) is the top returning starter, and if he gets help, the Skyhawks could repeat as league champs.
TECH
Coach: Bill Stuber
2007 record: 4-17
Returning starters: Eight
Top players: Chris Sambol (Jr., IF); Edward Weist (Jr., IF/P); Jason Pettit (Sr., OF); Cruz Robles (Sr., IF/P); Justin Vasquez (So., IF/P); Travis James (So., IF/P)
Outlook: The Roadrunners went 0-14 in their first year competing in the Southeast Division. But with eight starters back, Stuber hopes to see improvement. The coach expects big contributions from sophomores Vasquez and James.
NORTHEAST DIVISION
CANYON SPRINGS
Coach: Chris Armstrong
2007 record: 8-19
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: James McCoy (Sr., 3B/SS/P/OF); Brady Smith (Jr., C); Alberto Ortiz (Sr., 1B); Tony Holmes (Sr., 3B/P)
Outlook: The Pioneers finished sixth in the league last year, but with seven starters returning, Armstrong thinks his team can make the playoffs.
CHAPARRAL
Coach: Todd Faranda
2007 record: 13-16
Returning starters: Three
Top players: Chris Butler (Sr., 3B/P/C); C.J. Crone (Jr., C/P); Isiah Washington (Jr., OF); Brandon Parkinson (Sr., Util); Raul Jimenez (So., IF)
Outlook: First-year coach Faranda, who played at Bishop Gorman, has focused on grades and preparing his squad for things outside of baseball, but thinks the team has good potential. With Butler, who smacked five homers last season, leading the way, the Cowboys should be in the mix for a postseason berth.
ELDORADO
Coach: Jesse Medellin
2007 record: 10-24
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: Manuel Estrada (Sr., P/SS/3B); Ryan Taylor (Sr., SS/3B)
Outlook: The Sundevils usually battle with Las Vegas for the division's top spot but finished fourth in the league a year ago. Most of the team is back, and Medellin hope that translates to a move back toward the top of the division.
LAS VEGAS
Coach: Sam Thomas
2007 record: 25-7
Returning starters: Not available
Top players: Bryan Harper (Sr., P); Wes Grass (Jr., P); Jordan Gonzales (Sr., P); Tate Chauncey (Sr., IF); Marvin Campbell (Sr., IF); Francisco Rodarte (Sr., IF); Blayne Grondel (Sr., OF)
Outlook: Harper and Campbell were first team All-Southern Nevada picks last season, and return to lead the Wildcats. Harper posted a 1.54 ERA in 68 innings, and has signed with Cal State Northridge. Campbell, a three-sport standout, will play first base after serving as the designated hitter for most of last season. If Chauncey can handle the move from second base to shortstop, and freshman Bryce Harper, who is considered one of the nation's best players in his age group, lives up to the hype, the Wildcats again should be the class of the Northeast.
RANCHO
Coach: Tom Pletsch
2007 record: 21-13
Returning starters: Four
Top players: Justin Neubauer (Jr., P); James Cammack (Jr., OF); Seth Turner (Sr., 2B); Lance Eliason (Sr., 3B); Paul Deaver (Sr., P); Blake Pletsch (Sr., OF)
Outlook: The Rams showed great improvement last season, notching 20 wins and finishing second in the league. Graduation left the team with just four seniors, but second team all-state pitcher Neubauer (88 strikeouts in 44 innings) returns to lead the way. Center fielder Cammack batted .388 last season, and will lead the offense. The team may start as many as three freshmen but should make a return trip to the playoffs.
VALLEY
Coach: Gary Findley
2007 record: 8-17
Returning starters: Five
Top players: Larry Valdes (Sr., 2B/P); Miguel Michelangeli (Sr., OF); Dayan Oses (Jr., IF)
Outlook: The Vikings missed the playoffs last season but could compete for a spot in the postseason this year. Valdes (.427) was a second team All-Sunrise pick and should lead the way.
SUNSET REGION
SOUTHWEST DIVISION
BISHOP GORMAN
Coach: Chris Sheff
2007 record: 35-6-1
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: Jeff Malm (Jr., 1B/P); Joey Rickard (Jr., OF/P); Donn Roach (Sr., P); Brandon Garcia (Sr., OF/P); Paul Sewald (Sr., OF/P); John Rickard (Sr., C)
Outlook: The two-time defending state champs are once again the team to beat. Roach, Malm, Sewald and Garcia should lead a deep and talented pitching staff. Joey Rickard again will set the table for a potent lineup anchored by Malm, Garcia, John Rickard and Sewald in the middle of the order.
BONANZA
Coach: Derek Stafford
2007 record: 19-11
Returning starters: Three
Top players: Chasen Shreve (Sr., P/OF); Tomo Delp (Sr., SS); Nick Bryant (Sr., 1B)
Outlook: Shreve was an All-Sunset Region pitcher last year after going 3-4 with a 3.30 ERA and gives the Bengals a legitimate ace. Delp (.440) moves to shortstop from third base, where he was second team All-Sunset last season. The team will lean on some young pitchers, but should be in the hunt for a playoff berth.
CLARK
Coach: Tim Resch
2007 record: 2-20
Returning starters: Five
Top players: Manny Estrada (Jr., SS/P); James Breen (Sr., C/P); Tom Hoag (Jr., P/OF/C); Shayne Bowes (Sr., 1B); Josue Portillo (Sr., CF/2B); Carlos Becerra (Jr., 3B); Josh Ivy (Fr., 2B/OF/P)
Outlook: First-year coach Resch comes from New York to try to build a new tradition at Clark. Breen, in his fourth year on the varsity, lends experience, but the Chargers are unlikely to compete with the top teams in the division.
DURANGO
Coach: Sam Knapp
2007 record: 22-11
Returning starters: Six
Top players: Zach Hollenback (Jr., Util); Ryan Kuehl (Sr., 1B/OF); Aaron Kurcz (Sr., P/OF); Jayson McClaren (Sr., P/OF); Danny Reynolds (Jr., P/OF); Mike Stiles (Sr., IF); Niko Vasquez (Sr., IF)
Outlook: The Trailblazers are experienced and may have the talent to give Gorman a run for the division title. McClaren, Kurcz and Reynolds give Durango three solid pitchers, and Kuehl (.440, 46 RBIs) and first team all-stater Vasquez (.464, 33 RBIs) return to lead the offense.
SIERRA VISTA
Coach: Nate Selby
2007 record: 26-8
Returning starters: Four
Top players: Ryan Krasn (Sr., OF); Andrew Garcia (Sr., 3B); Thomas Godfrey (Sr., P)
Outlook: The Lions have been strong since the school opened but were hit hard by graduation. Three freshman will start, and Godfrey must go from the team's No. 3 pitcher to the staff ace. The talent is there, and the team should compete for a playoff berth.
SPRING VALLEY
Coach: Mike Gomez
2007 record: 18-16
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: Cody Collins (Sr., C); Conner McKenna (Sr., CF); Perry Martin (Sr., LF); Tyler Anderson (Sr., P); Kyle Wolak (Sr., P)
Outlook: The Grizzlies have five players entering their fourth year on the varsity, so there's plenty of experience. Collins, who has signed with Cal State Fullerton, leads the way. The team returns seven of eight starting position players, along with its top four pitchers.
WESTERN
Coach: Dave Anderson
2007 record: 2-18
Returning starters: One
Top players: Aubrey Dezarn (Sr., CF); Edward Flores (Sr., C); Keenan Shumpert (Sr., OF/3B)
Outlook: Dezarn has signed to play at Eastern Utah and will lead an inexperienced squad. Pitching will be a huge question mark for the Warriors, who may struggle to compete in one of the area's strongest divisions.
NORTHWEST DIVISION
ARBOR VIEW
Coach: Gary White
2007 record: 24-12
Returning starters: Three
Top players: David McClure (Sr., 1B); Chad Cole (Sr., C); Greg Gloria (Sr., 2B/SS).
Outlook: The Aggies were a bit of a surprise last season, advancing to the state tournament. But graduation took many of the team's top players, and second team all-state pitcher Dustin Hobbs transferred to Shadow Ridge, leaving the team with little experience.
CENTENNIAL
Coach: Charlie Cerrone
2007 record: 17-16
Returning starters: Five
Top players: Trevor Goff (Sr., OF); Sam Friend (Jr., IF/P); Dylan Giesler (Sr., P); Nate Rink (Sr., P); Anthony Consiglio (Jr., P/IF); Jim Nelson (Sr., OF)
Outlook: The Bulldogs don't have many seniors, but many of the younger players saw time on the varsity a year ago. Expect Centennial to be among the league's top teams.
CHEYENNE
Coach: Paul Richardson
2007 record: 6-13
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: Osvaldo Perez (Sr., 3B/P); Jorge Paula (Sr., 1B/P); Steven Abbott (Sr., 2B); Tommy Spears (Sr., CF/P); Jacob Hoff (Jr., C); Marquise Hall (So., SS)
Outlook: First-year coach Richardson inherits a program with some experience. Paula slugged seven homers last season and should provide power for a team that hopes to improve on last year's total of three division wins.
CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Coach: Mike Hubel
2007 record: 22-11
Returning starters: Seven
Top players: Kody Gorden (Jr., P/OF); Dyllon Nuernberg (Jr., C/P/IF); Kris Kaplan (Jr., P/OF); Kaz Smith (Jr., C/IF); Brad Oswald (Jr., P/IF); Pat Thomas (Sr., P/IF); Taylor Doyle (Jr., OF/IF/P); Brent Swaner (Sr., P/IF)
Outlook: The Spartans won the Northwest Division title last season with a young squad featuring several sophomores. A year older, Cimarron should again be in the mix for the league title with second team all-stater Gorden leading the way.
LEGACY
Coach: Bill Dexheimer
2007 record: None
Returning starters: None
Top players: Chase Skinner (Jr., C); Austin Christiansen (Jr., P/IF); Joey Lauria (So., P/IF); Andre Ortiz (So., OF); Zach Monticelli (So., P/OF)
Outlook: The Longhorns didn't field a varsity team last season, so this will be the school's first year competing at the highest level. A young squad, Legacy probably will struggle in what is usually a competitive division.
MOJAVE
Coach: Tim Roberts
2007 record: 0-15
Returning starters: Not available
Top players: Not available
Outlook: First-year coach Roberts inherits a team that hasn't had much success in recent years, but has nowhere to go but up.
PALO VERDE
Coach: Paul Churchfield
2007 record: 14-17
Returning starters: Four
Top players: Jordan Pierce (Sr., SS); Drew Ludwig (Sr., 3B); Alex Bonczyk (Jr., OF/P)
Outlook: The usually strong Panthers fell below .500 last season but should be in the playoff hunt again this year. Pierce (.409), who has signed with the College of Southern Nevada, and Bonczyk (.402) give the team a pair of potent hitters.
SHADOW RIDGE
Coach: Chris Heiman
2007 record: 8-17
Returning starters: Six
Top players: Colton Simons (Sr., OF); Wes Hunt (Sr., SS); Dustin Hobbs (Sr., P/3B); Zach Custer (Sr., P/OF)
Outlook: Heiman hopes the team's experience will translate to more wins this season, especially in close games. Seven of the team's losses last season came by two runs or fewer. Simons (.384) returns to lead the offense, and Arbor View transfer Hobbs gives the team an ace.
NOTE: Desert Pines did not respond to requests for information about its team.
