Nevada Diamond Notes: Week One

Zachary Bender RHP / 1B / Palo Verde, NV / 2024

Bender got the ball for Palo Verde in a big matchup against No. 1 Bishop Gorman and went 4.2 strong inninings en route to a 5-1 victory for the Panthers. The Loyola Marymount commit allowed six hits and just one run while striking out three and walking three. It was a pivotal win for Palo Verde as it pushed them to 5-3 and they're now our 2nd-ranked team in the Nevada HS Rankings with a record of 7-3.

Zach Bender (@ZachBender14)
2024 RHP@panthers_pvhs@lmulionsBSB

The 2023 West Coast Games standout strikes out 4 through his first 3 IP, sitting 89-91 mph with this improved slider to go with it #BeSeen@ShooterHunt | @prepbaseball pic.twitter.com/Vj2nRntkPv

— Brett Harrison (@B_HarrisonPBR) March 1, 2024

Tanner Johns 1B / LHP / Palo Verde, NV / 2025

Tanner Johns (Oregon commit) picked up a hit in all three games he played last week but the big one was the go-ahead HR against Bishop Gorman in the 5th inning. The swing, along with Bender's performance on the mound, propelled the team to the win and the number two spot in our updated rankings.

🚨𝙿𝚛𝚎𝚙 𝙱𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚋𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝙱𝚘𝚖𝚋 𝚂𝚚𝚞𝚊𝚍🚨

Tanner Johns (@tannerjohns2025)
2025 OF/LHP@panthers_pvhs@OregonBaseball Commit

TANNER JOHNS!!! The 2022 Future Games alum puts the Panthers ahead with this NO DOUBT grand slam as they take a 5-1 lead in the 5th #BeSeen… pic.twitter.com/du6FssQbw1

— Brett Harrison (@B_HarrisonPBR) March 8, 2024

Brayden Lenahan RHP / OF / Spring Valley HS, NV / 2027

The young freshman churned in an eye-opening performance as he went the distance against a strong Faith Lutheran lineup. Lenahan allowed just four hits and one run over seven innings en route to a 4-1 win.

The Freshman Stands Tall!

Brayden Lenehan
2027 RHP/OF
Spring Valley@PBR_Uncommitted

The freshman goes CG, allowing 1 ER over his 7 IP, sitting 83-85 mph with this breaking ball to go with it, keeping the Faith Lutheran hitters off balance throughout #BeSeen@ShooterHunt |… pic.twitter.com/5hFXMovOMR

— Brett Harrison (@B_HarrisonPBR) March 6, 2024

Benjamin Lovering OF / 2B / Faith Lutheran, NV / 2024

Lovering was one of Faith Lutheran's top producers in their 6-0 victory on Thursday over Spring Valley. The uncommitted senior went 3-for-3 with a double, three runs scored and two RBI. Lovering is currently one of the top uncommitted players in the State.

Mickey Martinez SS / RHP / LAS VEGAS , NV / 2026

Uncommitted 2026 Mickey Martinez got the start for Las Vegas in a big matchup against Bishop Gorman and he limited the Gaels offense to just one run over six innings. Martinez allowed seven hits and just two walks while striking out five and picking up the win in the quality start.

Joseph Ponticello 3B / RHP / Las Vegas, NV / 2025

Uncommitted 2025 two-way talent Joseph Ponticello turned in one the top performances among pitchers in the entire State as he punched out 16 hitters in a complete game, 3-1 win over Reno. Ponticello allowed just five hits, one walk and one run while not surrending an extra-base hit.

Alex Scaggs 3B / 1B / Legacy, NV / 2027

Freshman infielder Alex Scaggs has been as hot as you can get to start his high school career as he's currently batting .737 through seven games for Legacy. In just two games last week, Scaggs racked up seven hits, four runs scored, four RBI and a walk. Impressive start to the year for Scaggs and will be a freshman to follow in Nevada's 4A class.

Tyler Stosich 3B / SS / Legacy, NV / 2025

Uncommitted 2025 Tyler Stosich worked five innings for Legacy on Thursday against Coronado as he allowed just three earned runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out four.