The only time nine inning high school games are played in Arizona is when the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association's All-Star games are held.

But seven innings would have sufficed Saturday to help determine the outcome of the Division III-IV North-South All-Star game. The South team’s pitchers were that dominant, allowing only three hits in nine innings at Goodyear Ballpark.

The MVP award can only go to one player, but the nine pitchers the South team used also each deserved an award after shutting out the North 6-0. But Saturday’s game was more about celebrating the players who excelled during the small school season, including MVP A.J. Graffanino of Northwest Christian.

The University of Washington-bound infielder capped his high school career with a 1 for 2, 2 RBI performance. Graffanino, the son of former major leaguer Tony Graffanino, and his school team are still basking in the afterglow of winning a D-III title this season.

“I was super blessed to play with my two best friends, (Northwest Christian infielder/outfielder) Collin Ledbetter and (Northwest Christian pitcher) Stephen Butts, in this game for the last time and play the game we love,” Graffanino said.  

(Northwest Christian's A.J. Graffanino)

All-Division Academic winner

The All-Division Academic All-Star game also was held Saturday in Goodyear.

The players’ stats along with their grades stood out throughout the school year, and the player who stood out the most Saturday was Tolleson’s Tristan Rico, the MVP of the Academic All-Star game. The senior infielder/outfielder went 3 for 3, but Rico’s West team lost 5-2 to the East All-Stars.

Rico is headed to Grand Canyon University to study and hopefully earn a spot on the baseball team with a 4.3 GPA.     

“It was fun,” Rico said. “I want to thank (Tolleson coach) Scott Richardson for nominating me for the game. I just came out and played hard. I want to thank God also for giving me this opportunity.”

(Tolleson's Tristan Rico)

Coaches honored

Ray High School’s Rene Pacheco and Northwest Christian’s Rod Bair were recognized as the D-IV and D-III AzBCA Coaches of the Year, respectively.

Each coach led their team to the state title championship game this season in their division. Boulder Creek’s Gary Levine also was recognized, receiving Assistant Coach of the Year honors.