Arizona State Rankings Update: 2023 Class
September 1, 2021
With the summer coming to a close, the PBR Arizona staff has updated and expanded the top 130 players from the 2023 class in the state. Eager to continue following and reporting the development of the group, PBR's "boots on the ground" is committed to providing the most credible and up-to-date information for all things amateur baseball in the Grand Canyon State. Players in Arizona are evaluated by PBR Staff at high school practices/games, tournaments around the Valley, showcases/events, as well as our PBR Showcases. Evaluations are not limited to just PBR Staff, we often are in touch with college recruiters, pro scouts, and local high school and club coaches. All player recommendations are taken into consideration, and all lists are subject to change as we continue to be "hyper local" while delivering a national presence for all things Arizona.
CLICK TO SEE THE FULL LIST
If you feel you deserve to be on this list or positioned differently, feel free to tag us on social media with highlights/game film. Those videos will be seen, and we aim to always be accurate in our reporting. Events through the fall and winter will also be held, where you can get in front of PBR Staff so we can get to know more about you. These lists are constantly changing as players continue to develop, and we promise that we will never stop being out and evaluating.
A look at the Top 10:
| RANK | NAME | STATE | SCHOOL | CLASS | POS | COMMITMENT |
| 1 | Roch Cholowsky | AZ | Hamilton | 2023 | SS | UCLA |
| 2 | Derek Schaefer | AZ | Cactus Shadows | 2023 | RHP | Washington |
| 3 | Grant Smith | AZ | Pinnacle | 2023 | RHP | |
| 4 | Carson McEntire | AZ | Mountain Ridge | 2023 | OF | Oregon State |
| 5 | Joshua Tiedemann | AZ | Hamilton | 2023 | SS | Texas Christian |
| 6 | Justin Chambers | AZ | Higley | 2023 | LHP | Washington State |
| 7 | Cole Carlon | AZ | Corona del Sol | 2023 | LHP | Arizona State |
| 8 | Bryce McKnight | AZ | Desert Vista | 2023 | RHP | |
| 9 | Zach Wadas | AZ | Hamilton | 2023 | 1B | Texas Christian |
| 10 | James DeCremer III | AZ | Brophy College Prep | 2023 | RHP | Oregon State |
NOTABLE MOVERS:
No.1 Roch Cholowsky
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ROCH CHOLOWSKY SS / 3B / HAMILTON , AZ / 2023At 6-foot-2 180 lbs, Cholowsky has followed the path most thought he would upon the first evaluation. Physical build with much athleticism. Cholowsky is a two sport athlete, starting at quarterback for the Hamilton Huskies, as well as a presence on the baseball diamond. The UCLA commit has graceful actions in the infield paired with a strong arm across the diamond and great defensive instincts. Present gap-to-gap power is seen with a loose swing and advanced plate discipline. We're very excited to continue following Cholowsky throughout his career as he one of the biggest risers in the country after a monster summer on the national circuit.
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No. 7 Cole Carlon
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COLE CARLON LHP / 1B / CORONA DEL SOL, AZ / 2023At 6-foot-4 185 lbs, Carlon plays with a mix of power and finesse. Carlon did not take long making a name for himself here in Arizona, making his way into a well put together Corona Del Sol lineup as a two way player. The Arizona State commit features a heavy fastball on the mound, proving to be too much for most hitters. Also, a smooth fielding first basemen with graceful footwork. Offensively, Carlon has a flat swing with a middle of the field approach. Most of his damage is done towards the middle of the field. The state of Arizona has the treat of watching Carlon through at least the year 2026.
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No. 8 Bryce McKnight
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BRYCE MCKNIGHT RHP / RHP / DESERT VISTA, AZ / 20236-foot-1 180 lbs, McKnight is a notable uncommitted prospect in the 2023 class on the mound. Right handed arm delivering from a 3/4 slot, has pitch-ability, able to command 3 pitches for a strike. McKnight features an upper 80s fastball, toughing 90, with some arm side run. A breaking ball that sits 72-76 mph, and changeup that sits 80-82 mph. McKnight has shown the ability to work both side of the plate with all pitches, keeping hitters off-balance. Expect McKnight to find a home soon with September 1st approaching, and universities making calls to 2023s for the first time.
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No. 20 OF/RHP Justin Corless (Corona Del Sol, 2023)
6-foot-2 215 lbs, another bright spot from Corona Del Sol, Corless has true two way potential. Possessing some big time bat speed, when Corless is in the box, theres a chance for some loud contact. Has a bit of an inside out path to the ball, but when he gets it, it goes. Currently playing a corner outfield spot, Corless takes clean routes to the ball, and has an above average arm with true 4 seam carry. Fastball was clocked at 89 this past summer, sitting 85-87 mph. Slider sits 72-75 mph with some late break.
NO. 32 SS/RHP Derek Montijo (Nogales, 2023)
6-foot-3 190 lbs, Montijo is a new addition to the 2023 rankings. Montijo possesses long limbs with a projectable body. Attending the Tucson Summer Review on Aug. 29th, Montijo opened some eyes. Still growing into his body; however, has smooth and fluid actions for his length. Backspinning balls to the gaps during batting practice, and posting a peak distance of 352 feet and an exit velocity of 93 mph. Approaches the baseball quiet and gracefully in the infield, with an easy arm across the diamond. Montijo has also shown promise on the mound.
SS/RHP Derek Montijo @d_montijo22 (Nogales, 2023) 6-foot-3 190lbs. Projectable body, long levers with smooth actions. Recorded a max distance of 352 feet and 93 mph exit velocity. @prepbaseball @PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/N7AXnPRnVj
— PBR Arizona (@PBRArizona) August 31, 2021