The 2020 high school baseball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 6A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There is one new baseball coaches in 6A this year: Richard Webster (West Jordan).
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 1
1. Fremont Silverwolves
Head Coach: Garrett Clark (5th year)
2019 Record: 20-10 (tied for first in Region 1 with a 13-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Syracuse in 6A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Lone Peak in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Brayden Clark, CF/Sr.
· Jack Arevalo, C/P, Sr.
· Drake Grange, SS/P, Sr.
· Mason Memmott, 3B/P, Jr.
· Wyatt Howell, 1B, Sr.
· Mason McCloy, P, Sr.
Coach comment: “We are very senior-heavy. We have five guys who have started close to 55 varsity games and everyone else about 30. These guys show up early, they hang out together, they work extremely hard and we laugh a lot. Our offense will be very experienced with solid defense. We have lots of pitchers that we will sort out with two key starters returning. We have put in the work, we will be prepared, and we will let the chips fall where they may.”
2. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Robert Ferneau (27th year)
2019 record: 12-13 (fifth in Region 1 with a 9-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Carson Shaffer, P/1B, Sr.
· Caleb Brown, IF/P, Sr.
· Tanner Kofoed, P/OF
· Riley Hill, C, Sr.
· Cam Day, P, Jr.
· Collin Haygood, P/OF, Sr.
· Kobe Talbot, OF, Sr.
· Carter Robinson, DH/C, Jr.
· Landon Brant, OF, Sr.
· Jackson Hoffman, IF, Jr.
Coach Comment: “We are experienced and have a lot of players returning. I feel we have the opportunity to compete and hopefully be a part of the final eight in the end.”
3. Davis Darts
Head coach: Josh Godfrey (3rd year)
2019 record: 17-11 (tied for first in Region 1 with a 13-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A second round: Eliminated by Bingham in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Brighton Cooper, 3B/2B, Sr., 3-year starter
· Garret Larson, C/OF/1B, Sr., 3-year starter
· Adam Hackmeister, C, Sr., 3-year starter
· Phil Zahn, LF, Sr., 3-year starter
· Bryson Hales, RF, Sr., 3-year starter
· Brock Holmes, P, Sr., 2-year starter
Coach comment: “We are excited about the upcoming season as we return a very experienced team that has been to the state playoffs the last two years and seen success. We have couple of junior pitchers that will need to step up and complement our senior position players and if we can continue to hit the ball like the past few years we believe we can make a strong run in the tournament.”
4. Roy Royals
Head coach: Monty Vorwaller (2nd year)
2019 record: 18-10 (First in Region 5 with a 10-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Timpanogos in 5A second round: Eliminated by Farmington in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Chris Porm, OF/P, Sr.
· AJ Estes, 1B/3B/P, Sr.
· Miles Gage, SS/C, Sr.
· Weston White, 2B/P, Sr.
· Jaden Harris, 3B/P, Jr.
· Cade Harris, OF, Jr.
· Sean Walker, C/3B, Jr.
Coach comment: “We’ve got a few returning contributors from last year’s team but we are pretty deep overall with a lot of young talent.”
5. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Trent Howell (6th year)
2019 record: 8-17 (seventh in Region 1 with a 3-15 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Nic Erickson, IF, Sr.
· Caden Oborn, P, Sr.
· Jake Lindsay, IF, Soph.
· Josh Howell, C, Sr.
· Dyllan Jimenez, IF, Sr.
Coach comment: “We are very excited to compete this upcoming season in Region 1. We have a great group of young men that have worked hard in the weight room this last year. They are willing and coachable and love the game of baseball. We return a lot of experience from last year and have several guys in the lineup that we expect good things from. As in most years, the key for us will be to throw strikes and catch the ball defensively.”
6. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Trevor Thomas (3rd year)
2019 record: 17-12 (tied for third in Region 1 with a 10-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A semifinals: Eliminated by Lone Peak in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Trey Schofield, INF/OF
· Caden Mitchell, SS
· Jaxson Christiansen, P/INF
· Brennick Call, P
· Cooper Bearnson, OF
Coach comment: “We are going to be young this year as far as varsity time for my players. We return some players from last year’s team that will help with our youth. The players have been working hard this offseason and doing everything that we have asked them to do.”
7. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Steve Ross (3rd year)
2019 record: 12-15 (tied for third in Region 1 with a 10-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Riverton in 6A first round: Eliminated by Cyprus in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Taylor Sato, SS/OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “We’re excited for the upcoming season at Clearfield. With four-year starter Taylor Sato returning and a strong group of underclassmen, we’re looking forward to competing in a very talented Region 1.”
8. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Shad McCord (8th year)
2019 record: 5-19 (sixth in Region 1 with a 5-13 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Bodee Wright, SS/P, Jr.
· Garrett Davis, 1B/P, Sr.
· Bronson Brown, C, Sr.
· Jed Hadley, 3B/C, Soph.
Coach comment: “We will be young and inexperienced this year, however this is a tightknit group and they love the game of baseball. They work hard and they want to get better every day. I look forward to seeing them grow throughout the year.”
Region 2
1. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Bob Fratto (31st year)
2019 record: 22-6 (first in Region 2 with a 15-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in 6A first round: Eliminated by American Fork in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Tyken Wren, SS/P, Sr.
· Parker Meldrum, P/UTL, Sr.
· Mason Miller, C, Sr.
· Andrew White, P/1B, Sr.
· Rush Monsen, P/UTL, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have 22 of 24 players returning. I believe with the new RPI system we have as difficult a preseason as I can ever remember. We are excited for the challenge and opportunity to prove ourselves.”
2. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Dave Ballard (12th year)
2019 record: 16-12 (second in Region 2 with an 11-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Syracuse in 6A second round: Eliminated by Herriman in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Jacob Wood, IF, Jr.
· Eli Holguin, C, Sr.
· Juan Zapata, IF, Sr.
· Aviry Kelly, P/IF, Soph.
Coach comment: “We are very young, but our youngsters are pretty good baseball players and great kids. As always, the big question is our pitching. If our youngsters can learn to handle the pressure of pitching in varsity games, I think we will compete well.”
3. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: Glen Spencer (3rd year)
2019 record: 4-21 (fifth in Region 3 with a 2-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Conner Evans, OF/RHP, Sr.
· Hunter Smith, RHP/SS, Sr.
· Luke Paulson, RHP/3B, Sr.
· Gabe Johnson, C, Sr.
· Marcus Domgaard, RHP, Sr.
Coach comment: “This group has excelled in the two most important rooms for a high school athlete — the classroom and the weight room. Consistency, on a day-to-day basis, will be the determining factor for how far this team goes. It’s a talented group and when they play ‘all as one’, they will compete against the best teams.”
4. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Richard Webster (1st year)
2019 record: 11-17 (fourth in Region 3 with a 4-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont in 6A first round: Eliminated by Bingham in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Kameron Bartholomew, P/1B, Soph.
· Mason Alcaraz, 3B, Soph.
Coach comment: “We are young this year, but our underclassman love to compete and we expect to compete well in Region 2 this year.”
5. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Quinn Downard (4th year)
2019 record: 9-18 (fourth in Region 2 with a 7-10 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A first round: Eliminated by Herriman in 6A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
6. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Gene Jaramillo (5th year)
2019 record: 0-25 (fifth in Region 2 with a 0-16 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Zackry Parkin, SS, Sr.
· Kaleb Breeze, 1B/P, Jr.
· Fabian Perez, 2B/C, Jr.
· Braxton Tuckey, P/DH, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are young and lack depth, but we have some players and will compete daily. I believe we will be able to score some runs and our starting pitching will be strong. Our lack of depth will be a challenge especially in the bullpen. We look forward to a much-improved season.”
Region 3
1. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Joey Sato (28th year)
2019 record: 13-14 (tied for 3rd in Region 4 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Kearns in 6A first round: Eliminated by Fremont in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Joey Dixon, RHP/SS, Sr.
· Owen Mortensen, RHP/C, Sr.
· Justis Reiser, LHP/OF, Jr.
· Jackson Wheeler, RHP/OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Hoping to rebound and have a better 2020 season. Pitching should be a strength, hoping to do a better job catching it and throwing it when its hit. Also hoping to have a better offensive season than in 2019. Should be interesting year with the new RPI and tournament format.”
2. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Joel Sundquist (4th year)
2019 record: 15-10 (first in Region 3 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Syracuse in 6A first round: Eliminated by Bingham in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Brayden Taylor, SS, Sr.
· Kyle Hoffman, P/OF, Sr.
· Braden Campbell, IF, Sr.
· Cameron Ostmark, OF/P, Sr.
· River Gatten, P/IF/OF, Jr.
· Mason Olson, P
Coach comment: “Copper Hills is excited for another spring baseball season. We have worked hard this offseason and we are excited to get the guys on the diamond and let them compete against the other great programs in the state.”
3. Jordan Beetdiggers
Head coach: Chad Fife (7th year)
2019 record: 20-10 (second in Region 7 with a 13-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A semifinals: Eliminated by Timpanogos in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
- Payton Yack, IF, Sr.
- Camden Stephens, P/1B, Sr.
- Ricky Medina, IF/P, Sr.
- Ethan He, IF/P, Jr.
- Tyler Fitch, P/IF, Jr.
- Micah Ashman, P/OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “Our team will be well balanced this year. We are counting on good production from all age groups (12th down to ninth). Our pitching will be good this year. We have some very good battles going on at multiple positions so far. I am excited to see who steps up at the plate for us.”
4. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Jay Applegate (21st year)
2019 record: 13-13 (tied for second in Region 3 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in 6A second round: Eliminated by West Jordan in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Parker Applegate, Sr.
· Jacob Houston, Sr.
· Easton Norris, Sr.
· Brant Butterfield, Sr.
· Carter Miller, Sr.
Coach comment: “Looking forward to the start of the season. We have a lot of players ready to step up and compete for playing time. We have a close-knit group of young men that are excited to go thru the ups and downs of a season and enjoy the experience.”
5. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Jason DeHerrera (10th year)
2019 record: 15-11 (tied for second in Region 3 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Davis in 6A first round: Eliminated by American Fork in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Cody Atkinson, P/OF, Sr.
· Bronson Chapple, P/SS, Sr.
· Bryson Clayton, OF, Sr.
· Braxton Ortiz, 2B/SS, Sr.
· Brittian Rose, P/3B, Sr.
Coach comment: “I love the way our kids compete! Our seniors are seasoned, gritty, and ready for the year to start. If we can get some help from the underclassmen, we are going to be a tough out in May.”
6. West Panthers
Head coach: Jayson Kisselburg
2019 record: 6-18 (sixth in Region 6 with a 3-12 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 4
1. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Jarod Ingersoll
2019 record: 19-10 (tied for first in Region 4 with an 8-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Fremont in 6A second round: Eliminated by Lone Peak in 6A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
2. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Jeremy Berg (3rd year)
2019 record: 17-14 (tied for third in Region 4 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Pleasant Grove in 6A championship
Returning contributors:
· Trey Gambill, OF, Sr.
· Chip Beck, SS/P, Sr.
· Ethan Lamb, UTIL, Sr.
Coach comment: “We have a team with a lot of experience coming back from last year. There are no cupcakes on our schedule, especially when we are in region play. Every game will be a battle and every win will be earned. We are looking to take this challenge head-on and become a better team as a result.”
3. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Darrin Henry (10th year)
2019 record: 22-8 (tied for first in Region 4 with an 8-4 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Lone Peak in 6A championship
Returning contributors:
· Kyler Lester, SS/P, — Jr. (BYU commit)
· Ernesto Lugo-Canchola, P/1B, Sr.
· Kreed Trane, P/1B/3B, Sr.
· Ty Johnsen, C, Jr.
· Jordan Pace, 3B/P, Jr.
· Riley Thomas, P, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are looking forward to competing this season with some new position players eager to make their mark, and four experienced pitchers from last year’s state championship team.”
4. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Ryan Roberts (4th year)
2019 record: 24-6 (first in Region 8 with a 12-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 6A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Timpanogos in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Kai Roberts, IF/C, Sr.
· Bryant Ball, C/IF/P
· Nick Holland, LHP/OF
· Mitch Adamson, OF
· Colby Carter, RHP
· Garret Bauer, IF/OF
· Matt Garside, C/IF
Coach comment: “Skyridge needs to replace 14 seniors from last year. Skyridge has three pitchers returning that pitched significant innings last year. Skyridge returns quality offensive players that have state tournament experience the last three years. Losing many players from last year will be tough, but a good group of younger players will help Skyridge in a tough region this year.”
5. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Jeff Eure (3rd year)
2019 record: 12-16 (third in Region 7 with a 7-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A second round: Eliminated by Timpanogos in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Preston Winget, SS, Sr.
· Jeremy Tilby, RHP/1B, Jr.
· Easton Putnam, RHP, Sr.
· Noah Garff, OF/RHP, Sr.
· Derek Astin, 2B, Sr.
Coach comment: “Moving to 6A will be definitely be a challenge for our program. Our success will be determined by how well we gel as a team and certainly we will need to play fundamental hard-nosed baseball.”
6. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Taylor McFarland (3rd year)
2019 record: 15-10 (fifth in Region 4 with a 4-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Jaxon Fullmer, UTL, Jr.
· Garrison Sumner, 3B, Soph.
· Mason White, P/OF, Sr.
· Devin Hill, P/OF, Sr.
· Jame Jepsen, INF, Sr.
Coach comment: “We graduated a handful of starters, but we return a talented group of young players who give us the opportunity to be very competitive. Our players are highly motivated and hungry to compete in region and state.”