Nickolas Cooney is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Horizon Honors High School for AZPreps365.com

Ian Armbruster is a freshman but feels right at home on the Horizon Honors varsity team. He has known his teammates virtually his whole life because the school is K-12.

“I want to let the seniors work more but I also want to be there to support them, do my job and get some hits,” Armbruster said.

He admitted feeling some pressure, but he is calm and composed.

“I just gotta get ready and get focused to do what I do every year.”

Quincy Jacobs, one of the seniors who has started since his sophomore year, has confidence in the two freshmen on the team. The other is Sam Hackelton.

“I think during practice we do a good job with the freshmen and I think they will be ready to step up if need be in the games.”

Coach Tom Kandler has high hopes for his freshmen.

“Both of them are very talented and have shown a lot so far and I’ve liked what I’ve seen from them,” Kandler said.

Horizon Honors opens the season on Feb. 27 against American Leadership Academy Gilbert North.