As the echoes of bat cracks and cheers resonate across the Notre Dame Prep baseball field, anticipation for the upcoming season is building. Under the leadership of Coach Brian Fischer, the Saints are gearing up for another campaign in the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) 5A classification. Boasting a roster laden with seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Notre Dame Prep is poised to make a statement on the diamond.

TEAM OVERVIEW

High School: Notre Dame Prep
Coach: Brian Fischer
AIA Classification: 5A
Conference: Northeast Valley

Returning Strengths: The Saints return with a formidable lineup, featuring an impressive 10 returning starters and five pitchers. Notre Dame Prep's depth and experience lay a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

Key Players: Identified as the catalysts for the team's success this season are standout players CJ Bott, Matthew Gahan, Aaron Kniffin, Chase Wagner, and TJ Stottlemyre. Bott, a recent UCLA commit following the conclusion of the summer, will likely be the ace of the staff with a big time No. 2 man in Arizona State commit Chase Wagner, both with the ability to work in the low to mid 90's with their fastballs.

24’ RHP CJ Bott
(Notre Dame Prep)@PBR_Uncommitted prospect has made big time jumps in velo since the summer. Impressive 3-pitch mix with the ability to work inside with the FB ⬅️.

5IP/1ER/2BB/6Ks

FB 89-91 T.92 (2400+)
SL 78-80
CH 83-84#BESEEN ll @NDP_Athletics pic.twitter.com/WqPaQI3MjC

— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) April 14, 2023

Who to watch out for: Among the overlooked gems on the roster is Jace Terry, a player with the potential to surprise opponents and make valuable contributions to the team's success, was a participant in this years Future Games in Atlanta Georgia, showing a strong glove up the middle and an impressive contact tool from the left side. 

SS/RHP ‘25 Jace Terry
(Notre Dame)#Uncommitted Lean build with projection for added strength. Athletic actions at SS with clean glove. Produced hard contact to the gaps for @usaprimearizona@jaceterry7@prepbaseball@PBR_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/wWj6nPffNu

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PBRArizona) October 25, 2022

Top Returning Players: The core of Notre Dame Prep's lineup includes a stellar group of seniors. CJ Bott (P, UCLA commit), Aaron Kniffin (OF/P, San Diego St. commit), Chase Wagner (P/1st, Arizona St. commit), TJ Stottlemyre (SS, Rice commit), and Matt Gahn (P/C) bring a wealth of experience and talent to the squad.

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24’ RHP Chase Wagner
(Notre Dame Prep)@PBR_Uncommitted

6-3 frame with quick over the top action. Velo leader of the event with a 92mph FB peak. Late depth on the SL at 2600+ spin. @cwagner_24

FB 87-90 T.92 (2500)
SL… pic.twitter.com/uCImueSMzX

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PBRArizona) August 7, 2023

Preseason All-State Picks: In anticipation of the upcoming season, Notre Dame Prep puts forward their Preseason All-State watch list including the trio of CJ Bott, Chase Wagner, and TJ Stottlemyre, along with Aaron Kniffin, are expected to showcase their skills on the state's highest stage.

24’ MIF TJ Stottlemyre
(Notre Dame Prep)

Good looking swing here from @PBR_Uncommitted with a hard shot into left for a single. Stottlemyre shows his athleticism on both sides of the ball with a clean glove up the middle. @PBRArizona pic.twitter.com/aeO2YUqoqe

— Prep Baseball Tournaments Scouting (@pbrtscouting) June 25, 2023

Key Departures and Newcomers: The Saints bid farewell to Erick Dessens (PVCC), a key player now contributing at the collegiate level. Among the new faces, Brayden Higby joins the team, adding a fresh dynamic to the roster.

As Notre Dame Prep's baseball team prepares to step onto the diamond, there is a sense of anticipation and determination in the air. Coach Brian Fischer and his Saints, armed with a mix of experienced seniors and promising newcomers, are poised to navigate a rebuilding phase with a keen eye on future success. Keep a close eye on Notre Dame Prep as they embark on a season filled with challenges, triumphs, and are top contenders for a 5A state title this season. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Arizona Rising Stars ID	AZ	04/13	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Rising Stars ID - Session 2	AZ	04/27	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ

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