A highly competitive 2A baseball state playoff bracket in 2023 included eight one-run games in a week-long frenzy that churned out a No. 8-seeded champion bodes well for the 2024 version this week.

Or does it?

All top-seeded clubs won their state play-in round April 24, meaning we’ll have a true No. 1-16 seeded tournament come first pitch May 3 in Goodyear.

Nevertheless, last spring’s wild tournament produced only three games decided by four runs or more and with Scottsdale Prep defeating No. 6-seeded Horizon Honors 10-9 in eight innings, 2A baseball fans are primed for another excited week.

HORIZON HONORS

The No. 6-seeded Eagles (20-6, 10-0 2A South) won a region title this spring and are eager to return to the 2A finals and hoist a title trophy this time around.

Coach Kevin Burdette said there are a few things his club needs to accomplish if they are to come out on top May 11 at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

“For Horizon Honors to compete for a state title, we need to have the right attitude, a strong mindset and a solid work ethic,” Burdette said. “Continued growth as a team is key.”

Horizon Honors has won 11 of its last 13 games, losing close ones to Benson (4-3 on April 10) and Scottsdale Prep Academy (7-3 on April 15).

Senior catcher Diego Torres leads the Eagles with a .535 average to go along with his 11 doubles and 29 RBIs. Senior shortstop Austin Ragsdale has five homers, 32 RBIs, leading the team in both categories, but his pitching is what Burdette said his club leans on.

Ragsdale is 8-1 this season with a 1.13 ERA in 49-2/3 innings pitched to go along with 71 strikeouts and 37 walks. He’s allowed only eight earned runs all season.

“The strengths of this team are pitching and defense,” Burdette said. “I honestly believe that any team that makes the playoffs this year has a chance to win state.”

PHOENIX CHRISTIAN

The No. 1-seeded Eagles (23-2, 6-0 2A Central) have won four straight heading into the state playoffs and are determined to right the ship after losing 2-1 to No. 8-seeded and eventual state champion Scottsdale Prep in the 2A state semifinals a season ago.

Key wins this year include Bisbee (6-5 on Feb. 24), Fountain Hills (6-0 on March 2), Pima (7-2 on March 29) and Arizona Lutheran (5-4 on April 8). Phoenix Christian was close to adding to that resume before losing 11-7 to Round Valley in extra innings April 16.

Arizona Lutheran, Bisbee, Pima and Round Valley are all Top 8 seeds in the 2A state bracket this season, and Fountain Hills is a Top 8 in 3A.

“Even though we are currently ranked No. 1, I do not believe we are the best team. There are other teams that are stronger and have a deeper lineup,” coach Mark Band said. “I think the state tournament should be fun this year. Several teams could take home the prize if things bounce their way. Even some of the lower ranked teams could surprise as they have strong pitching.”

Sophomore catcher Kevin Palafox is the “most consistent player on the team” Band said, and leads the club with a .492 average, four home runs, nine doubles and 34 RBIs.

Band stated that if his club is to overcome some of the great teams in 2A this year, they’ll need to be better in “all aspects” of the game.

“Most of all our hitting. We have not been consistent at the plate this year,” Band said.

ST. JOHNS

The No. 13-seeded Redskins (16-10, 6-1 2A North) may be a dark horse when it’s all said and done, coming second in their region having lost only to Round Valley 12-2 on April 19. St. Johns beat the Elks to open the season 4-3 in a “freedom” game.

Led by Clance Wiltbank, who sports a 1.71 ERA in 45 innings pitched this season to go along with his 76 strikeouts and only 13 walks, St. Johns will need to play a “relaxed” style of play come state playoff time.

“We need to go back to the relaxed style that we were playing at the beginning of the season,” coach Kenny Blank said. “Focus on doing the little things right and executing clean each opportunity.”

Other players to watch for St. Johns include Brennon Leslie and Everett McFee.

OTHER TEAM NOTES

Round Valley won 17 games and a 2A North title this year thanks largely to the play of Ryker Marble, who hit .600 this year with six homers, 14 doubles, 10 triples and 66 RBIs. The outfielder had 23 more RBIs than the next closest player in 2A (Bryceton Meyer-Bisbee, 43) and according to MaxPreps.com, is the top RBI man in high school baseball across the country. … Tombstone earned a Top 8 seed featuring D.J. Elias, who leads all of 2A with seven home runs. Arizona Lutheran features one of the best arms in 2A with Ryan Pufahl going 5-0 with a 1.12 ERA in 31-1/3 innings pitched this season, striking out 33 batters and walking only six. … Defending champ Scottsdale Prep did not make the playoffs this season, winning only eight games.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.