#3 Queen Creek Bulldogs: Preseason Preview
February 20, 2024
Under the leadership of Head Coach DMikel Moreno, the Queen Creek High School baseball team, proudly known as the Bulldogs, is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season after a remarkable 28-8 campaign in 2023. The Bulldogs demonstrated their prowess by securing an 8-2 record in the 6A Central Conference and advancing to the AIA finals, where they narrowly fell to Hamilton in a hard-fought battle with a final score of 3-1.
High School: Queen Creek
Coach: Mikel Moreno
AIA Classification: 6A
Conference: Central
The Bulldogs are returning a formidable lineup that includes some of the top position players in the state. A standout among them is Vanderbilt commit Ryker Waite, who made headlines by reclassifying from a 2025 graduate to a 2024 graduate during the summer of 2023. Waite showcased his talents on a national stage as a participant in the prestigious Super 60 event. With a remarkable .423 batting average in his 2023 season, Waite is expected to be a driving force in the Bulldogs' quest for success.
?PBR NUKE CAM?
— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) May 10, 2023
25’ SS Ryker Waite
(Queen Creek) @BeaverBaseball commit putting a nail in this one for the Bulldogs sending this no doubter over the right field wall for a 3 run ?. QC leads 10-1 as we head to the bottom of the 6th.
Waite is the #4 ranked prospect in the… pic.twitter.com/RQdAtSY01h
Braden Belcastro, a versatile first baseman and left-handed pitcher, had a monstrous 2023 campaign, leaving a lasting impact with a .351 batting average, 13 home runs, 8 doubles, and an impressive 40 RBIs in just 34 games played. His power and consistency at the plate make him a key asset for the Bulldogs.
24’ OF Braden Belcastro
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PBRArizona) May 14, 2023
(Queen Creek)@PBR_Uncommitted barrels this ball to the right center field gap for a double. We are scoreless after 1.#BESEEN || @bbelcastro15 pic.twitter.com/7y4gNPsFtr
Arizona State commit Tait Reynolds is set to anchor the outfield, bringing a combination of speed, skill, and defensive prowess to the team. Reynolds is poised to be a significant contributor to the Bulldogs' success in the upcoming season.
Jet Berry, likely to secure a spot in the middle infield, boasts a contact-oriented approach at the plate and a quality glove, adding depth to the Bulldogs' lineup. Jesse Aguirre, a corner infielder with the ability to hit in the top 5 spots, showcases a premier glove at the hot corner, solidifying the team's defensive strength.
26’ 2B Jet Berry
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PBRArizona) May 17, 2023
(Queen Creek)
First knock of the night for the Bulldogs is a big one off the bat of the 26’ @PBR_Uncommitted for a lead off triple. @JetBerry5 pic.twitter.com/itXQPmNvnq
Despite their youth, the Bulldogs are a hard-nosed team that plays baseball at a remarkably high level. Known for their high-intensity play, they have the ability to create game-changing moments over the course of a 7-inning contest. With a roster loaded with talent across the diamond, the Bulldogs are a top candidate to make another appearance in the finals, driven by the goal of clinching the championship trophy this season.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Arizona Rising Stars ID | AZ | 04/13 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
Arizona Rising Stars ID - Session 2 | AZ | 04/27 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |