The 2020 high school baseball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 5A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches preseason projections.
There are five new baseball coaches in 5A this year: Pat Treend (East), Ben Voegele (Hillcrest), Brock Whitney (Mountain Ridge), Beau McCoy (Mountain View) and Morgan Ventura (Timpview).
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 5
1. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Alex Exon (2nd year)
2019 record: 13-16 (tied for second in Region 5 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Corner Canyon in 5A first round: Eliminated by Maple Mountain in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Aiden Nash, IF, Sr.
· Drew Quinton, P, Sr.
· Trey Farr, IF, Sr.
· Brock Brown, P/OF, Jr.
· JP Mortensen, IF, Sr.
· Sam Rencher, P/OF, Jr.
· Logan Forbush, P/IF, Sr.
· Ethan Trump, OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “This group has high expectations as they enter their second year in school history. They bring back several players with significant varsity experience and should bring a ton of energy as they take this field this spring. These guys have worked hard for the upcoming season and are looking forward to the challenge of competing in a tough 5A classification.”
2. Bountiful Braves
Head coach: Clark Stringfellow (24th year)
2019 record: 12-11 (fifth in Region 5 with a 7-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Mason Farr, P/OF, Sr.
· Sam Jordan, 1B, Sr.
· Jackson Skidmore, IF/P, Sr.
· Boston Malmrose, IF, Jr.
· Lincoln Duryea, IF, Jr.
· Truman Duryea, P/OF, Soph.
Coach Comment: “A close-knit group with a solid pitching staff returning in 2020 with left-handers Mason Farr, a senior, and Truman Duryea a sophomore. We will also rely on senior Sam Jordan to provide some offensive firepower to a young but talented lineup.”
3. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Jesse Roberts (3rd year)
2019 record: 5-20 (sixth in Region 5 with a 2-13 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Logan Holgate, P/SS, Sr.
· Nate Wheatley, CF, Sr.
· Carson Lancaster, P/3B, Jr.
· Oscar Barrera, UTL, Jr.
· Nic Migliori, UTL, Jr.
Coach comment: “Box Elder is entering the 2020 season with a lot of excitement. Our senior leadership may be as strong as it’s ever been, and we will rely on them to guide us to a successful year. The boys have been working hard in the offseason to prepare for a tough Region 5. We look forward to getting out on the green grass and playing the greatest game.”
4. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Paul Ayala (2nd year)
2019 record: 12-15 (fourth in Region 5 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A first round: Eliminated by Highland in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Karson Bodily, CF/P, Sr.
· Carter Weierman, 2B, Sr.
· Kurtis Laing, OF, Sr.
Coach comment: “I believe we have a good mix between our classes. Good senior leadership will help with our young guys to grow quickly. We will be young in the infield but talented. Will be a fun season to watch the young guys grow alongside the seniors.”
5. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Jeff Toller (7th year)
2019 record: 10-17 (tied for second in Region 5 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A first round: Eliminated by Maple Mountain in 5A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
6. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Scott Jorgensen (5th year)
2019 record: 11-13 (fifth in Region 11 with a 9-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 6
1. Cottonwood Colts
Head coach: Jason Crawford (10th year)
2019 record: 25-3 (first in Region 7 with a 14-1 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Timpanogos in 5A championship
Returning contributors:
· Ross Dunn, P, Sr.
· Andy Okamoto, IF/P
Coach comment: “We have a bunch of players that are looking forward to their chance at proving themselves. We are excited for the new season and seeing how our team can come together.”
2. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Corland Felts (2nd year)
2019 record: 17-8 (tied for first in Region 6 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A second round: Eliminated by Corner Canyon in 5A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
3. Murray Spartans
Head coach: Marce Wilson (9th year)
2019 record: 12-12 (third in Region 6 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Timpanogos in 5A first round: Eliminated by Brighton in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Connor Preece, OF, Sr.
· Davis Foster, P/OF, Sr.
· Kaden Boyle, SS, Sr.
· Isaac Norton, P/OF, Sr.
Coach Comment: “A tough region schedule will challenge us. Any given team can put a real stud on the mound. We need to stay healthy and get consistent play day in day out from the handful of players our team will depend on throughout this season.”
4. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Curtiss Tolbert (2nd year)
2019 record: 13-14 (fourth in Region 6 with a 7-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A first round: Eliminated by Farmington in 5A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
5. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Mark Kleven (2nd year)
2019 record: 12-15 (fourth in Region 7 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Roy in 5A first round: Eliminated by Corner Canyon in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Tommy Ellis, IF
· Thomas Powley, C/P
· Ben Stearn, P/IF
· Alex Clifford, IF
· Will Wolfenbarger, UTL
6. Highland Rams
Head coach: Ben Voegele (1st year)
2019 record: 19-8 (tied for first in Region 6 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Maple Mountain in 5A first round: Eliminated by Olympus in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Andrew Thomas, SS/P, Sr.
· Viking Miller, P/1B, Sr.
· Will Poolson, C/P/2B, Sr.
· Matt Thomas, P/3B, Soph.
· Casey Morgan, OF, Sr.
Coach Comment: “Talented senior class ready to lead and a deep overall roster that if healthy and on, can compete with any team in the state/classification.”
7. Hillcrest Huskies
Head coach: Daryl Hernandez (2nd year)
2019 record: 8-17 (third in Region 2 with an 8-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to American Fork in 6A first round: Eliminated by West Jordan in 6A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Talon Yates, IF, Jr.
· Cutler Smith, OF, Sr.
· Ryder Mathis, C/IF, Soph.
· Conrad Peterson, IF, Sr.
Coach Comment: “After a successful 2019 season we look to build off the third-place 2019 region finish. We look to return the majority of the team this season and look to continue our successes. It’s going to be a tough battle within the region however we believe if we play the Husky style of baseball, we will be successful.”
8. East Leopards
Head coach: Pat Treend (1st year)
2019 record: 6-16 (fifth in Region 6 with a 5-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 7
1. Timpanogos Timberwolves
Head coach: Kim Nelson (24th year)
2019 record: 18-13 (second in Region 8 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Cottonwood in 5A championship
Returning contributors:
· Davis Kirby, SS/2B
· Paxton Richards, 1B/P
· Ky Decker, P/SS
· Carson Hawkes, P/OF
· Jackson Bird, C
Coach comment: “We lost the biggest contributors to our second-place finish from last year but are optimistic because of the return of five players who played significant time. We are hopeful that a few more can step up to a new level and compete.”
2. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Jason Ingersoll (7th year)
2019 record: 18-9 (tied for second in Region 10 with a 9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills in 4A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Mckay Wall, IF/P, Sr.
· Braxton Holland, IF/P, Sr.
· Blade Roblin, IF/P, Sr.
· Grant Ingersoll, IF/P, Sr.
· Chase Carter, IF/P
· Kannon Adams, OF/P
3. Orem Tigers
Head coach: Carl Hermansen (6th year)
2019 record: 13-15 (fourth in Region 10 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A second round: Eliminated by Cedar City in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Dalton Strickland, Sr.
· Camden Decker, Sr.
· Josh Hogge, Sr.
· Parker Hatch, Sr.
· Scotty Sargent, Sr.
· Jaxon Williams, Sr.
· Taylor Gill, Jr.
· Dane Hermansen, Jr.
· Hayden Hixson, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a strong group of kids returning. Which is a good thing because Utah baseball looks loaded this year. We have had a nice offseason and our boys are ready to get going.”
4. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Daron Connelly (3rd year)
2019 record: 13-11 (fifth in Region 7 with a 5-10 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Gavin Mason, P/IF, Sr. – 1-2, 2 saves
· Kache Williams, P/IF, Sr. – 3.15 ERA
· Parker Joos, C, Jr. – All-State Honorable Mention, .470 BA 31 hits 22 RBI
· Tyler Nelson, P/IF, Jr. – 4-4, .328 BA
· D’Andre Randolph, OF, Jr. - .279 BA, 58 PO, 2 assists
· Colton Lingmann, OF, Jr. - .286 BA
· Kaden Lapp, P/IF, Jr. – 3-2, 1.000 fielding percentage
· Jackson Moeller, OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “The Alta Hawks baseball program has expectations for a successful 2020 season. Five players who are juniors this year have seen significant playing time since their freshman year. In 2019 the Hawks started six sophomores most games and competed to a 13-11 season. With lots of hard work over the summer and a solid finish in the 2019 American Legion tournament this past August, the Hawks have been focused over the winter on improving their win total for 2020. Improved pitching depth and solid defensive play should be the Hawks’ key assets. Relying on the core that returns to the roster as well as a few key additions, Alta is looking forward to a very competitive 2020 season, punctuated by a strong showing in the UHSAA 5A state tournament in May.”
5. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Brock Whitney (1st year)
2019 record: New school
Coach comment: “We are a young team this year with no seniors. It is going to be a year of learning. If there is one thing we will do it is play hard.”
6. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Beau McCoy (1st year)
2019 record: 0-22 (seventh in Region 10 with a 0-12 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Aaron Hair, P/INF, Sr.
· Ryder Madsen, P/INF, Jr.
· Liam Hone, C, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are looking forward to a new season/new start for Bruins baseball. We have a young team and will have many players make big contributions to our team this season. Our boys have worked hard, and I think we will surprise some teams this year.”
7. Timpview Thunderbirds
Head coach: Morgan Ventura (1st year)
2019 record: 2-23 (sixth in Region 7 with a 0-15 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
Region 8
1. Salem Hills Sky Hawks
Head coach: Scott Haney (12th year)
2019 record: 22-8 (tied for second in Region 10 with a 9-3 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A semifinals: Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Kyle Coburn, SS, Sr.
· Cooper Loveridge, P, Sr.
Coach comment: “Replacing 13 seniors from last year’s third-place team. Team speed and pitching depth a definite plus for the Skyhawks this year.”
2. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Casey Nelson (6th year)
2019 record: 20-9 (first in Region 10 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A quarterfinals: Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Mason Olson, LHP, Sr.
· Josh Dart, IF, Sr.
· Blair Neilson, C, Jr.
· Morley Bennett, OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “We should have decent pitching depth. We have a lot of unproven players with varsity inexperience. There is a lot of competition and positions up for grabs.”
3. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Gary Miner (11th year)
2019 record: 16-13 (third in Region 8 with an 8-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cottonwood in 5A second round: Eliminated by Skyridge in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Christian Bainter, IF/P, Sr.
· Orlando Corona, IF/OF, Sr.
· Tyler Nelson, IF/P, Jr.
· Wally Averett, P, Jr.
· Cooper Littledike, P/IF, Jr.
· Cole Rollins, P/OF, Jr.
Coach comment: “We return an experienced team that we expect will compete at a high level.”
4. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Lance Moore (21st year)
2019 record: 14-11 (tied for fourth in Region 8 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Walker Moore, SS/P, Sr., Two-time all-state performer, Northwest Nazarene University signee
· Ryan Harward, OF, Sr., Two-time all-state performer
· Bryan Rojas, P/SS, Lane Community College signee
Coach comment: “The Bulldogs have a lot of depth and quality on the mound and in the infield, and they have several athletic players competing for outfield positions. Their lineup will look more formidable this year than in recent years as Provo’s experienced players have become much more physical and imposing as they have come of age.”
5. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Tyler Baird (2nd year)
2019 record: 11-16 (tied for fourth in Region 8 with a 6-9 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A first round: Eliminated by Viewmont in 5A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Parker Quinton, 3B, Sr. .326 BA/20 RBI/28 hits
· Zac Webster, P/OF, Sr., 4-1/2.92 ERA
· Zak Thacker, OF, Sr. .321 BA
Coach comment: “We feel really good about our pitching staff for the upcoming season. Zac Webster has been a two-year starter on the mound and is returning after going 4-1 last year with a 2.91 ERA. Also, Noah Turley will be back playing for us this year, he is committed to play at Utah and will help us on the mound. We have some younger unknown guys that we are excited about as well. Parker Quinton hit .326 last year and is a two-year starter as well at 3B, will anchor our lineup along with Zak Thacker who received at-bats last year and time in the outfield.”
6. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Brad Poulsen (2nd year)
2019 record: 6-19 (sixth in Region 8 with a 4-11 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Jakob Dellamas, P, Sr.
· Easton Liddiard, 3B/P, Sr.
· Tyler Kelly, CF, P, Sr.
· Copper Riggs, SS, Sr.
· Sam Johnston, P, Sr.
· Nick Thorpe, 1B, Sr.
Coach comment: “With the new RPI ranking, teams have to come out ready to play each and every game. We’ve put in the offseason work necessary to be successful this season.”
7. Park City Miners
Head coach: David Feasler (4th year)
2019 record: 17-11 (second in Region 11 with a 13-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Spanish Fork in 4A second round: Eliminated by Bear River in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Zack Blaszak, SS, Sr.
· Kellen Denkers, IF, Jr.
· Ryan Jeffrey, P/IF/OF, Sr.
· Nick Stokes, P/OF, Jr.
· Ryan Hunt, C, Jr.
Coach comment: “Coaches and players are excited about the challenge of moving to 5A, in a competitive region with some of the top teams in the state. We have a solid returning core group, and some newcomers that can be difference-makers. Wishing every team a competitive, healthy and fun 2020 season.”
8. Payson Lions
Head coach: Hadley Thorpe (2nd year)
2019 record: 8-13 (sixth in Region 10 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Kyler Haveron, SS/P, Sr.
· Joel Torres, 3B/P, Jr.
· Reed Slack, 2B, Sr.
· Trey Hiatt, CF, Sr.
Coach comment: “As a coaching staff this year we really like our young talent. We have a good mix of younger kids with good senior leadership. We cannot wait to see how we stack up with one of the toughest regions in 5A this year.”