In this edition we will take a closer look at the Valley Vikings. Valley has a long history of producing talented players.  The Vikings are history rich with seven state titles to their credit.  Six  of those title coming at the 3A level, while one was earned at the 1A level.  The growing population, surrounding development, and plethora of new high schools over the has diluted much of the talent pool. Nevertheless, the Vikings are looking to put last year in the rear view and welcome 2019.

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Team: Valley 

Nickname: Vikings

NIAA Classification: 3A

League: Sunset Division/South Region

Head Coach:  Tyler Winters

2018 Overall Record: 1-27

2018 League Finish: 8th

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Chaparral

2018 Postseason Finish: None

Number of Returning Starters: 5

Number of Returning Pitchers: 3

Top Returning Players: ’19 1B/C/P Gustavo Donate; ’20 OF/LHP John Rex Natividad

College Commits: None

Top 2019 Players: ’19 1B/C/P Gustavo Donate

Top 2020 Players: ’20 OF/LHP John Rex Natividad; SS/RHP Dustin Thompson

Other Players to Watch: ’21 2B/P Gary Bricker; ’22 C/P Primitivo Garcia; ’22 3B/1B/P Kevin Sanchez

2019 Outlook: Head Coach, Tyler Winters and Valley are set to compete in 2019. After winning one game a season ago, the Vikings return five starters. Gustavo Donate is one of their top returning players from 2018. His athleticism allows him to play multiple positions as well as pitch. Donate made 65 plate appearance last season and Coach Winters is relying on that experience to produce dividends in 2019.  Teammate, John Rex Natividad also returns.  Natividad is a lefthanded pitcher that made 10 appearances and both he and Jovanni Donate will see important time on the mound.  Sophomore Gary Bricker saw time on the hill as a freshman and will look to build on that this season.  Newcomers, '20 Dustin Thompson (SS/RHP) as well as freshmen, Primitivo Garcia and Kevin Sanchez may surprise some people.

The Vikings feel strongly that their pitching and defense will be a strength of the team and provide the opportunity for a much improved 2019 campaign.  Offensively, they will have to improve upon their .234 team batting average to support their hopes of a better year but they remain confident they will.