Week 8 Game Recap: #1 Hamilton vs. #5 Casteel
April 18, 2024
#1 Hamilton Huskies 10 vs. #5 Casteel Colts 13
In what can only be described as a clash of titans, the reigning 6A State Title Winners, the Hamilton Huskies, went head-to-head with the reigning 5A State Title Winners, the Casteel Colts, in a highly anticipated matchup that lived up to every bit of its hype. The game, touted as perhaps the biggest of the season, showcased two of the most competitive programs in the state, both vying for Divisional State titles once again this season.
The showdown unfolded into an intense battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats as it stretched into extra innings, culminating in a nail-biting finish with a final score of 13-10 in favor of the Casteel Colts. The deciding moment came in the 8th inning when senior and Arizona commit Tyler Russell delivered a game-changing blow, smashing a three-run home run over the right-center field wall, propelling the Colts to victory in spectacular fashion.
From the outset, it was clear that neither team was willing to concede an inch. Hamilton surged ahead early, establishing a commanding 6-1 lead after the first two innings. However, true to their reputation, the resilient Colts staged a remarkable comeback, rallying with a six-run explosion in the top of the 3rd inning to level the score.
OF Ryan Harwood
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 18, 2024
2026, @CHSColtBaseball
Harwood ties this one up at 8-8 with a hard line-drive single through the right-side.@PBR_Uncommitted and the top-ranked 2026 in Arizona.@ryanharwoodd | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/4Wz60JXMGX
The game unfolded as a showcase of offensive prowess, with both teams unleashing their high-powered batting lineups. A total of 27 hits were recorded between the two programs, highlighting the offensive fireworks on display throughout the matchup. Casteel's offense, which notched an impressive 12 hits, saw standout performances from multiple players, including Landon Hairston, Tyler Hatch, Kade Thompson, and Kyler Anderson, all contributing with multi-hit performances.
C/INF Kade Thompson
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 17, 2024
2024, @CHSColtBaseball
Thompson comes through with a big RBI single for Casteel as they now trail by just one, 6-5 Hamilton.
The @ArizonaBaseball commit has been a standout all year long for the Colts.@KadeThompson24 | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/fCtsciDskw
Not to be outdone, the Huskies' offense showcased its own firepower, with five starters recording multi-hit outings. Leading the charge was AJ Diaz, who delivered a stellar four-hit performance, while Drew Rogers, Jaylen Payne, JB Feery, and Liam Wilson also made significant offensive contributions with multi-hit games.
C Liam Wilson
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 17, 2024
2024, Hamilton HS
Wilson has been swinging a hot bat all year long and comes through here with a single up the middle for the Huskies.@HarvardBaseball commit.@Liam_Wilson05 | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/cUyjrYntSr
Ultimately, it was a test of wills and defensive prowess that determined the outcome of this epic showdown. In the end, the Colts demonstrated their resilience and determination, delivering a late-game surge that proved decisive in securing the victory.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, both teams emerge as formidable contenders poised to make significant runs for the state title in the weeks to come. With their impressive display of skill and tenacity, the Hamilton Huskies and the Casteel Colts have set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying postseason journey, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the battles yet to come.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
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 |