#4 Mountain Ridge Mountain Lions: Season Preview
February 16, 2024
Under the guidance of Head Coach Eddie Bonine, the Mountain Ridge High School baseball team, home of the Mountain Lions, is gearing up for another thrilling season after an impressive 24-6 campaign in 2023. With a first-place finish in the 6A Desert Valley Conference (9-1), the Mountain Lions are poised to make waves in the 2024 season with a highly competitive Arizona baseball landscape.
High School: Mountain Ridge
Coach: Eddie Bonine
AIA Classification: 6A
Conference: Desert Valley
Top Returning Talents: The Mountain Lions boast a roster filled with top-tier talents, setting the stage for a promising 2024 season. Among the key returners is 2024 right-handed pitcher Smith Bailey, a commit to the University of Arizona. Bailey, ranked as the No. 2 prospect in his class and the No. 1 right-handed pitcher in the state, stands out as one of Arizona's premier draft prospects. His formidable presence on the mound is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the team's success. Bailey was a standout at the inaugural ProCase in Southern California in 2023.
‘24 Smith Bailey (AZ) grabbed helium last summer & showed no stopping in this look.
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) June 5, 2023
FB: 90-91 (2300+)
CB: 72-75 (2500)
Worked downhill with lose arm stroke. Starter upside.
Athletic 6’6 frame still projects@ArizonaBaseball recruit#PBRProcase || @PBRArizona pic.twitter.com/MVxh0Sue3b
Adding to the roster's strength is 2024 middle infielder Jackson Forbes, also committed to Arizona. Forbes showcased his prowess at the inaugural ProCase held at USC in 2023, where he impressed with a home run over the right-field wall. His offensive and defensive capabilities make him a key player to watch.
?PBR NUKE CAM?
— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) June 5, 2023
‘24 SS Jackson Forbes (Mountain Ridge)
The big swing of the day coming from left-handed bat Jackson Forbes sending this hot-shot over the RF wall for a two-run bomb.@ArizonaBaseball commit.@ShooterHunt | #PBRProCase pic.twitter.com/nIOqZp9dpQ
Complementing the Arizona commits is 2025 catcher Joe Forbes, who made a mark at the inaugural ProCase. His standout performances and commitment to the Wildcats signify a bright future for the Mountain Lions behind the plate.
25’ C Joe Forbes
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PBRArizona) May 7, 2023
(Mountain Ridge)@ArizonaBaseball barrels this ball to left field for a single. Forbes continues his strong season for the Mountain Lions. He is hitting .329 on the year.#BESEEN || @JoeForbes_24 pic.twitter.com/QK161j6UKc
Other Standout Prospects: The Mountain Lions' roster is not short on talent, with several players expected to make significant contributions. Middle infielder Coby Neville, two-way player Grant McMeekin, and left-handed pitcher Ryland Sands add depth and versatility to the squad. Keep an eye on these emerging stars as they aim to leave their mark on the 2024 season.
Looking Ahead to 2024: As Mountain Ridge High School embarks on the 2024 season, expectations are high for Coach Eddie Bonine and his talented roster. The Mountain Lions aim to continue their success in the 6A Desert Valley Conference, with aspirations of making a deep run in the postseason. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging prospects positions the Mountain Lions as one of the top programs in the state to make a run at a title in 2024.
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 |