Nevada Preps Boys Athlete of the Week: Coronado’s Evan Festa

Coronado’s Evan Festa went into last offseason focused on improving his swing.

The junior outfielder said he’s noticing his hard work pay off. Festa and Coronado are riding a 10-game winning streak with an increased offensive output.

“I became more calm at the plate,” Festa said. “I made my swing a little more simple and efficient, where it’s helping me have a better batting average and hitting the ball harder.”

Festa went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run in the Cougars’ 9-7 win over Cimarron-Memorial on Thursday. For his efforts, he was named Nevada Preps Boys Athlete of the Week.

“We’re definitely exceeding our expectations for this year,” Festa said. “A 10-game win streak is awesome.”

Festa hit his home run in the bottom of the second to give the Cougars an early 4-0 lead.

“I remember going up and hoping he was going to throw me a fastball,” Festa said. “I was ready for it. He threw it, and I hit it well and it went over the fence.”

In a back-and-forth game against Cimarron-Memorial, Festa said the team’s depth shined to pull out the victory. That offensive depth was on display again Saturday as Coronado piled up 20 hits in a 19-7 win against Palo Verde. Festa added two hits and an RBI.

The Cougars entered Tuesday with an 18-5 record and hold a two-game lead over second-place Green Valley in the Class 5A Desert League standings.

Festa said the team’s chemistry has helped with its success this season and will be key to making a run in the playoffs.

“The energy is great in the dugout, and I think it really feeds into us playing well,” Festa said. “When you like the guys you’re around, it makes it a fun time. And when you’re having fun, you play well.”

Contact Alex Wright at awright@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AlexWright1028 on Twitter.