FIELDER’S CHOICES: Pulling my nose away from books to make the picks
I haven’t been able to see as much baseball and softball this spring as in other years.
Don’t blame me; I’ve been busy with a lot of things. Namely, trying to graduate.
Between history projects and studying for algebra exams (Me? Study? Yeah, right), I’ve been busy.
As I stack up the books and prepare for one final gauntlet of exams (hopefully … we’ll find out if I passed when grades are posted), here are my picks for the first sets of brackets.
BASEBALL
SUNSET REGION
Finals: Bishop Gorman over Arbor View
Some people want to kick the Gaels out of the NIAA, but this bracket is closer than it looks.
Arbor View, Cimarron-Memorial and Spring Valley are definitely capable of beating Gorman, and Centennial and Sierra Vista could be on the right day.
The Aggies have a huge collection of talent and seniors, and Zach Quintana and Tyler LeBaron can hit with the best of them. But the Gaels get the edge because they have the rings and a deeper pitching staff.
The real question is which streak ends first: Gorman winning 23 straight games or Arbor View’s Jordan Godman on a 31-game hitting streak?
Like a broken record (see, history) … I’ll pick the Gaels again.
SUNRISE REGION
Finals: Coronado over Silverado
The Cougars and Skyhawks are evenly matched, and don’t be surprised if Green Valley or Foothill puts together a run.
Las Vegas is capable, especially with Dillon Dove on the mound. I hear he can four-hit almost anyone.
I’ll give the edge to the Cougars because Dillon Fahr, Cody Howard and Miles Bice have been tearing the cover off the ball, and Dylan Myers and Kenny Oakley have formed an outstanding top of the rotation.
CLASS 3A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: Boulder City over Moapa Valley
The Pirates have shown they can beat the Eagles, but doing so again would be tough to see. Like me getting an “A” on my last report card.
CLASS 2A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: The Meadows over Needles
Needles has the ace of aces in Matt McAndrews, but The Meadows has a pair of kings in Garrett Gosse and Justin Diamond.
One thing is guaranteed, though.
Pick the Mustangs.
CLASS 1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: Pahranagat Valley over Indian Springs
The Panthers are hitting their stride at the right time.
SOFTBALL
SUNSET REGION
Finals: Centennial over Arbor View
With Kate Rauskin in the circle and Heather Bowen hitting her school-record who-knows-how-many home runs, I’ll take the Bulldogs to emerge from a deep pool of Northwest teams.
The Aggies have no shortage of bats, with Chelsa Baca, Letty Valenzuela and others. But Centennial has been motivated all year.
Don’t count out Palo Verde, either.
SUNRISE REGION
Finals: Foothill over Coronado
If I’ve learned one thing about Southeast softball, it’s that games should be close.
And occasionally more back-and-forth than a ping pong match.
Foothill gets the nod for pitching. Alex Petrolia can carry the Falcons to their second straight region title.
CLASS 3A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: Boulder City over Moapa Valley
The Eagles will cruise back to the state playoffs, and they’ll have extra motivation once they get there.
CLASS 2A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: Needles over Lincoln County
It’s no Virgin Valley-Moapa Valley rumble at home plate, but you can always expect a fierce rivalry when the Mustangs and Lynx meet, especially in girls sports.
I haven’t seen any 2A softball this season, but Eric has, and he tells me Needles pitcher Abby Chandler, like her older sister, can be a force.
CLASS 1A SOUTHERN LEAGUE
Finals: Indian Springs over Pahranagat Valley
Now you can’t say I always pick the Panthers.
Brandi Bryl and the Thunderbirds are in the midst of the best season in school history.