RENO, NV – The Northern Nevada Baseball Coaches Association hosted its annual Junior/Senior All-Star Game and it did not disappoint. The underclass game featured a number of rising starts from throughout the area. The grey team hosted players from Carson, Galena, McQueen, Spanish Springs, Douglas and Wooster high schools, while the white team was composed primarily of players from Damonte Ranch, Bishop Manogue, and Reno.  Players from Reed High School manned both teams for pitching purposes.  Coaches representing a number of schools, including conferences such as the Big 12 were on hand to observe Northern Nevada’s elite.

Underclass Game 

The White team struck first when Reno High shortstop, ’20 Gunner Gouldsmith (#6) singled to lead off the bottom of first and scored on a double down the left line by ’20 Everett Williams (Damonte Ranch).  They would tack on another run on fielder’s choice from ’20 Coleman Schmidt (#12). Grey starter, ’22 Rob Snelling pitched comfortably 82-83 with his fastball, touching 85. Each team transitioned through a pitcher every one or two innings throughout the game. White team right-hander ’20 Jadon Berkovich (#7-San Diego State commit) topped out at 89. ’20 Caedon Kottinger and ’20 Skylar Hales both pitch with their fastball 83-85 and made quick work of opposing hitters. White won the game 8-1.

Senior Game

The senior game started a bit rough as players familiarized themselves with each other. Grey starter, ’19 Brian Baker (Galena) remains uncommitted was an easy 84-86, touching 89. White left-hander, ’19 John Barry was equal to the task throwing a scoreless first.  The game was a bit of a see saw battle in two halves.  White led the way jumping out to a 6-0 lead through 5 innings, ’19 Calvin Bailey drove balls to both the left-center and centerfield walls. Speedster, '19 Paul Vossen (Utah) was 3.6 to first on a bunt back to the pitcher. Right hander, ’19 Tyler Hopper (Damonte Ranch) pitched mostly 84-85 with his fastball and touched 87.  The uncommitted Hopper was much stronger than previously seen throughout the season in his outing.  The grey team came roaring back, outscoring white 10-1 in the final four frames with the big blow coming from ’19 Connor Culp (UNLV).  The game tied at seven in the top of the ninth, Culp drove a ball off ’19 Andrew Rangel (Douglas) deep over the left-centerfield fence for a two-run homerun, making it 9-7.  Grey added another run in the inning and held on to win the game 10-7.