The 2020 high school baseball season gets underway this week for teams in Class 4A. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 4A. 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 4A this year: Justin Abbott (Crimson Cliffs), Jason Miller (Ben Lomond), Tim Miller (Cedar Valley), Taylor Berg (Juan Diego) and Wes Padilla (Ogden).
Here are the 4A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 9
1. Snow Canyon Warriors
Head coach: Reed Secrist (16th year)
2019 record: 18-10 (third in Region 9 with a 7-5 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Park City in 4A first round: Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Mason Strong, C, Jr.
· Landon Frei, SS, Jr.
· Mayze Mosher, 3B, Jr.
· Luke Anderson, UT, Soph.
· Isaac Lyon, SS/P, Soph.
Coach comment: “We’ll be young, but this team works hard. They are fun to coach and will be ready to compete in a tough region.”
2. Desert Hills Thunder
Head coach: Chris Allred (4th year)
2019 record: 27-3 (second in Region 9 with a 10-2 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Dixie in 4A championship
Returning cntributors:
· Bryker Hurdsman, IF/P, Sr.
· Chandler Reber, OF, Jr.
· Payton Gubler, IF/P, Soph.
· Dillon Gubler, IF/P, Jr.
· Reggie Newby, IF/P, Jr.
3. Dixie Flyers
Head coach: Danny Ipson (10th year)
2019 record: 25-5 (first in Region 9 with an 11-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills in 4A second round: Eliminated by Desert Hills in 4A championship
Returning contributors:
· Cooper Vest, P/OF
· Reggie Graff, P/OF
· Hunter Knighton, IF
· Brieten Oaks, OF
Coach comment: “Our focus this year will continue to be on pitching and defense. We have some opportunities in our lineup for some of our underclassman to step up and fill. We think they are in a good position to do that, and look forward to the internal competition for those spots and opportunities.”
4. Cedar City Reds
Head coach: Eric Fieldsted (8th year)
2019 record: 15-14 (fourth in Region 9 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Juan Diego in 4A first round: Eliminated by Bear River in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Andre Castaneda, P/3B, Sr.
· Teague Speakman LF/P, Sr.
· Tanner Esplin OF/C, Sr.
· Dalton Gronning P, Sr.
· Gavin Imlay P, Sr.
· Kolby White SS, Jr.
Coach comment: “We have a good core of returning position players and some quality arms returning. We look forward to competing at a high level this year with an always loaded Region 9 and the new playoff format should be a lot of fun.”
5. Pine View Panthers
Head coach: Glenn MacLellan (3rd year)
2019 record: 8-13 (tied for fifth in Region 9 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Coach comment: “We are excited for this year’s baseball season and look forward to getting underway here shortly. This year we are a relatively young team with a small but strong showing from our upperclassmen. We will continue look to our seniors to lead their younger teammates while getting the needed support and lift from the talent of the underclassmen. The boys have been working hard and are focused on the development of the team through their individual abilities and contributions. Team camaraderie and chemistry are coming together, and the boys are enjoying the team-building process. We will come out hitting and playing to the best of our abilities and pull together a great season for us and our competition. We will earn every out. We don’t want to underestimate the competitiveness of this year’s Region 9 teams but feel that it will be a very open and competitive season for all. We are confident we will be able to compete and do well this year. We wish everyone a great season and we will see you soon.”
6. Canyon View Falcons
Head coach: Jason Jacobsen (17th year)
2019 record: 8-16 (tied for fifth in Region 9 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Trevor Farrow, P/OF, Sr.
· Carson Hopkins, P/3B, Jr.
· Hayden Zobell, SS, Jr.
· Madsen Rigby, P/IF, Sr.
Coach Comment: “Looking forward to the season. A lot of really good teams and players throughout 4A.”
7. Hurricane Tigers
Head coach: Shane Johanson (3rd year)
2019 record: 10-15 (tied for fifth in Region 9 with a 3-9 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Brock Starley, C, Sr.
· Jagger Hadley, P, Sr.
· Brian Long, SS, Sr.
· Zane McKeehan, LF, Sr.
· Austin Wright, P, Sr.
· Kel Webb, 3B, Jr.
Coach comment: “I’m excited for our team this season. We have deep senior leadership, many of whom have been starters since their sophomore year. The boys have worked hard, put in the time and really grown over the last year. I look forward to great things from our team.”
8. Crimson Cliffs Mustangs
Head Coach: Justin Abbott (1st year)
2019 record: New school
Additional info not provided
Region 10
1. Juan Diego Soaring Eagles
Head coach: Taylor Berg (1st year)
2019 record: 19-8 (first in Region 11 with a 16-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lehi in 4A second round: Eliminated by Tooele in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Adam Kessler, SS/RHP, Sr.
· Lorenzo Soto, CF/RHP, Sr.
· Joe Richardson, C, Sr.
· Cartur Gray, 3B/RHP, Sr.
· Jase Llewelyn, 2B/OF/RH, Sr.
Coach comment: “We are very excited for the 2020 season as a program and have a lot to look forward to. We have 11 seniors this year and a very talented group of underclassmen. As a first-year head coach I am humbled to be able to coach such an amazing group. Juan Diego is looking to get back on track and prove to the 4A classification, and the rest of the state, that we can compete with anyone. Baseball is the greatest game in the world, and we could not be more proud to play and represent Juan Diego Catholic High School.”
2. Tooele Buffaloes
Head coach: Nolan Stouder (4th year)
2019 record: 14-12 (third in Region 11 with a 12-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Desert Hills in 4A first round: Eliminated by Dixie in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Brett Porthan, RHP/OF/3B, Sr., (2019: .369 BA, 11 Runs, 17 RBI, 6-3, 2.38 ERA, 61.2 IP, 68 K’s, 4 complete games, 1 shutout)
· Griffen Bate, 1B, Sr., (2019: .325 BA, 11 runs, 22 RBI)
· Clay Freeman, RHP/INF (2019: 3-3, 1.83 ERA, 38.1 IP, 31 K’s, 1 complete game, 1 shutout)
Coach comment: “Expectations are high for our program this year. The work ethic in the preseason has been the best we have had in my four years at Tooele. After losing multiple key players from last year’s team, we are expecting a good mix of our veteran seniors and underclassmen to step up and take control of the open positions. We return three of our main arms from a year ago (Porthan, Freeman and Hervat) along with first baseman Griffen Bate on the offensive side. This team has the talent to make a deep run in the playoffs and will be exciting to watch this season.”
3. Stansbury Stallions
Head coach: Jason Jones (2nd year)
2019 record: 14-13 (fourth in Region 11 with a 10-8 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Dixie in 4A first round: Eliminated by Bear River in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Braydon Allie, C, Jr.
· Cayden Clark, OF/P, Jr.
· Colton Sundloff, IF/P, Jr.
· Gage Miller, IF/P, Jr.
· Tyler Harris, IF/P, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are excited for the upcoming 2020 season and have a solid group returning to our program. Our nonregion schedule will be a great test for us as we prepare for region play and the challenging 4A state tournament.”
4. Uintah Utes
Head coach: Brent Labrum (31st year)
2019 record: 8-14 (fifth in Region 10 with a 4-8 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Korbet Pope, Sr.
· Beau’de Reary, Sr.
· Jon LeBeau, Sr.
· Weston Ivins, Sr.
Additional info not provided
5. Cedar Valley Aviators
Head coach: Tim Miller (1st year)
2019 record: New school
Returning contributors:
· Zach Boersma, Jr.
· Max Simmons, Jr.
· Kade Beckstrom, Sr.
· Mason Grow, Soph.
· Carter Peterson, Jr.
Coach comment: “We are excited to start our first season, we had a great summer and fall and the boys have been working hard in the weight room this winter. They are ready to get out on the field and play ball. Our fall and winter programs have done a great job building an amazing culture here and we hope to build on that.”
6. Ogden Tigers
Head coach: Wes Padilla (1st year)
2019 record: 3-18 (sixth in Region 11 with a 3-15 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Additional info not provided
7. Ben Lomond Scots
Head coach: Jason Miller (1st year)
2019 record: 0-20 (seventh in Region 11 with a 0-18 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Connor Walton, INF/P, Sr.
· Ryder Wilcox, C/P, Jr.
· Garren Gooda, INF/C/P, Jr.
Coach comment: “We’ve got a group that has been working hard all offseason. I think we have the potential to surprise a lot of people.”
Region 11
1. Mountain Crest Mustangs
Head coach: Steve Hansen (19th year)
2019 record: 16-10 (tied for first in Region 12 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Orem in 4A first round: Eliminated by Tooele in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Tadon Burbank, C, Sr., 2019 Region MVP, 2nd Team All-State, AVG. .386, 19 RBI
· Caleb Archibald, P, Sr., ERA 2.16
· Hayden Simper, UTIL, Sr., ERA 2.22
· Taylor Bitton, OF, Sr. Avg. .343
· Cooper Murphy, 2B, Sr.,
· Lance Welch, P, Jr., 2019 2nd Team All State, ERA .778
Coach comment: “Mountain Crest is looking to have a very successful 2020 season. Coming off a 2019 region championship with only one senior, expectations are very high for the Mustangs. Mountain Crest should have a good deep pitching staff. They are returning all their pitchers from last year that had a team ERA of 1.81. If the Mustangs can score some runs, play defense and stay healthy, 2020 should be a great year for Mountain Crest.”
2. Ridgeline Riverhawks
Head coach: Paul Bowler (2nd year)
2019 record: 12-13 (tied for third in Region 12 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Spanish Fork in 4A first round: Eliminated by Snow Canyon in 4A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
3. Bear River Bears
Head Coach: Donald Hawes (10th year)
2019 Record: 21-9 (tied for first in Region 12 with an 11-4 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Salem Hills in 4A first round: Eliminated by Spanish Fork in 4A one-loss bracket
Returning contributors:
· Easton Lish, P/IF, Jr.
· Ashton Rhodes, IF, Sr.
· Dillon Marble, UTIL, Sr.
· Tannor Orton, IF/P, Sr.
Coach comment: “After graduating 10 seniors a year ago, we bring back a young and hungry ball club. We bring back three returners that got big time innings for us and a group of young and talented juniors and sophomores. This group loves to compete and is excited for the opportunity to compete in a very competitive region and classification.”
4. Green Canyon Wolves
Head coach: Ryan Eborn (2nd year)
2019 record: 16-11 (tied for third in Region 12 with a 9-6 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lehi in 4A first round: Eliminated by Cedar City in 4A one-loss bracket
Additional info not provided
5. Sky View Bobcats
Head coach: Todd Phillips (3rd year)
2019 record: 5-17 (fifth in Region 12 with a 3-12 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Scout Morris, P/OF
· Taydem Neal, SS
Coach comment: “We are a young team that will need to prove ourselves.”
6. Logan Grizzlies
Head coach: Britton Coil (2nd year)
2019 record: 4-21 (sixth in Region 12 with a 2-13 record)
2019 postseason: Did not qualify
Returning contributors:
· Chris Shopbell, IF/P, Sr.
· Ethan Wilson, OF/P, Sr.
Coach comment: “We have a good group of pitchers that will keep us in games throughout the season.”