Preseason Preview: Notre Dame Prep
February 10, 2023
The 2023 High School season is approaching and it's that time of year to bring out our preseason previews. Coaches and players have been working non stop since the conclusion of the 2022 season in preparation for a highly talked about 2023 spring. Through preseason previews we look to give you an inside scoop on some of the most highly talked about teams going into the spring season. We will take you right up to the first pitch of this season with these team previews and we'll continue providing coverage throughout the Spring.
Continue to check back throughout the season and stay tuned into our social media channels, as we strive to be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball in Arizona. Each week following opening day we will release the PBR Arizona Top 10 Team Rankings with the initial preseason rankings set to drop in February!
High School: Notre Dame Prep
Classification: Northeast Valley 5A
Head Coach: Brian Fischer
2022 Season Record: 23-7
TOP Returning Players:
Names To Know:
Matt Gahan
TJ Stottlemyre
The Notre Dame Prep Saints are looking to make a comeback this spring season as they were eliminated in the 2022 quarterfinals by a score of 8-6 to the number 1 seeded Canyon Del Oro. Coming off a solid 2022 campaign and going into his senior season is middle infielder Griffin Nee. Nee batted .341 with 6 doubles, a home run and 16RBI’s while looking to improve on that this spring. At 3rd base it will likely be senior Erick Dessens, Dessens is also coming off a great junior season where he batted .333 with 7 doubles, a triple and 16RBI’s. On the mound, the Saints are likely to be led by Junior Will Jenkins and Junior Aaron Kniffin. Jenkins is coming off a 5-2 record in 2022 with a 3.28 ERA and will be a dominant force on the pitching staff this spring. Kniffin was mr. reliable out of the pen during his 2022 season, with 12 appearances and a .52 ERA. Whether or not Kniffin will be starting for the Saints or coming in relief he is a viable arm for the Saints and their success this spring. One to watch out for is middle infielder and 2025 grad Jace Terry. While we don't know if Terry will be playing on the Varsity squad this spring, the Left handed hitting middle infielder will play a big role in his high school career for the Saints. The Saints will be returning 11 of their starters from last season. the Arizona staff looks forward to seeing senior leadership play a big role in Notre Dame success this spring as they look to make a run at the state title.
2023 LHH 3B Erick Dessens crushes this ball to CF for @DingerTeam. Large lanky build with athleticism and bat speed. Hips work and stayed on baseball well today. Solid 3B with carry across diamond. #PBRFallChamps @PBRTournaments pic.twitter.com/cFTCnUYBF5
— PBR Arizona (@PBRArizona) September 28, 2019
SS/RHP ‘25 Jace Terry
— PBR Arizona (@PBRArizona) October 25, 2022
(Notre Dame)#Uncommitted Lean build with projection for added strength. Athletic actions at SS with clean glove. Produced hard contact to the gaps for @usaprimearizona@jaceterry7@prepbaseball@PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/wWj6nPffNu
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