Arizona Power 25: Week 8 Update
April 15, 2024
Arizona Power 25 Rankings Update: Spotlight on Top Teams
As the Arizona high school baseball season barrels towards its climax, the intensity on the diamond is palpable. With the regular season winding down and the postseason looming, teams are jockeying for position, striving to cement their status among the state's elite. In this eighth week of the rankings cycle, we're witnessing teams making their mark and solidifying their positions as contenders for the coveted state title.
Last week, every team in the top 25 demonstrated their prowess, justifying their presence and affirming their place among Arizona's finest. As we delve into today's update, our focus shifts to the cream of the crop, the top 5 teams in the state, each boasting its own compelling narrative and aspirations for glory.
1. Hamilton Huskies Sitting atop the rankings is none other than the Hamilton Huskies. Despite a recent stumble against Perry, the consensus remains: the Huskies are a force to be reckoned with. Boasting a formidable lineup anchored by standouts like Liam Wilson, Boston Kellner, and Drew Rogers, Hamilton's depth is a testament to their strength. If they can fortify their pitching staff, there's little doubt they'll be in contention to defend their 2023 state title.
🚨Prep Baseball Nuke Cam
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) February 29, 2024
25’ MIF Boston Kellner
(Hamilton)@LouisvilleBSB commit starts this one off with a bang 👀 sending this one deep over the left field wall. @bkellner_9 ll @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/bi3iCmodky
2. Queen Creek Bulldogs In the second spot, we find the Queen Creek Bulldogs. Despite losing key players in the previous season, the Bulldogs have surged ahead with an impressive 13-2 record. Victories against formidable opponents like Brophy, Liberty, and Mountain Ridge have solidified their standing as Hamilton's chief rivals for the 2024 title.
🚨Walk-Off Winner!!🚨
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 4, 2022
Freshmen Ryker Waite doubles down the line to tie things at 3. Then Senior Marcos Carrasco walks it off.
Queen Creek tops Basha 4-3@RykerWaite5@marcoscar24@prepbaseball@QCHS_Baseball pic.twitter.com/m4AxTE2R9k
3. Saguaro Sabercats With an unblemished 16-0 record, the Saguaro Sabercats claim the third spot. Sporting one of the state's most formidable starting rotations led by top prospect Cam Caminiti and Cade Shumard, the Sabercats are setting the standard in the 4A conference. Opponents beware, Saguaro is a force that is going to be hard to beat.
LHP/OF Cam Caminiti
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) March 14, 2024
2024, @SaguaroBaseball
A pair of single to the pullside from Caminiti as he’s 2-for-2 to start this one.
Reigning National Player of the Week doing it with the bat today.@LSUbaseball commit.@CamCaminiti || @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/3Myiq7Ht7X
4. Brophy Broncos The Brophy Broncos, despite a rocky start to the season, have rallied in recent weeks to clinch the fourth spot. Impressive victories over Basha, SDO, and Desert Vista have showcased the true potential of their lineup. With a daunting two-game series against the reigning champions, the Hamilton Huskies, looming, the Broncos face a critical test that could further solidify their credentials.
🚨Prep Baseball Nuke Cam
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 12, 2024
24’ 1B Willie Cornejo-Farmer
(Brophy)@lmulionsBSB commit with a 🌙 shot over the left field wall for a solo Jack. Brophy adds 3 in the top half of the 5th taking a 7-4 lead. @wcornejofarmer ll @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/lBLLy9z7gN
5. Casteel Colts Rounding out the top five are the defending 5A state champions, the Casteel Colts. While they encountered a rough patch midway through the season, recent performances have seen them surge back into contention. A commendable showing at the prestigious NHSI tournament in Cary, North Carolina, including a memorable no-hitter by left-handed pitcher Mason Russell, underscores their championship pedigree. As favorites to repeat in this year's 5A state title game, the Colts remain a formidable force in Arizona baseball.
24’ LHP Mason Russell
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) February 22, 2024
(Casteel)@ArizonaBaseball commit in mid season form right out of the gate for the Colts. Smooth repeatable delivery with +balance and body awareness on the mound.
4IP/0H/6K/1BB
FB 90-92 T93
SL 76-77 (2350)@MasonRussell27 ll @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/xHt2JJwtNQ
As the regular season draws to a close and the postseason beckons, these top teams will undoubtedly continue to captivate audiences with their skill, determination, and championship aspirations. With each game, the stakes grow higher, and the race for state supremacy becomes increasingly intense. Only time will tell which team will emerge triumphant, etching their name into Arizona high school baseball lore.
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 |
| Mesa Summer ID | AZ | 05/29 | Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ |
| 2024 ProCase - West | AZ | 06/02 | Pepperdine University |
| Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/03 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/10 | American Family Fields of Phoenix |
| West Side Summer ID | AZ | 06/18 | Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ |
| Glendale Summer ID | AZ | 07/16 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Future Games (Class of 2026/27) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |