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Preseason Preview - Chaparral High School

January 18, 2023
Shea Sbranti
Arizona Scouting Director

The 2023 High School season is approaching and it's that time of year to bring out our preseason previews. Coaches and players have been working non stop since the conclusion of the 2022 season in preparation for a highly talked about 2023 spring. Through preseason previews we look to give you an inside scoop on some of the most highly talked about teams going into the spring season. We will take you right up to the first pitch of this season with these team previews and we'll continue providing coverage throughout the Spring. 

Continue to check back throughout the season and stay tuned into our social media channels, as we strive to be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball in Arizona.  Each week following opening day we will release the PBR Arizona Top 10 Team Rankings with the initial preseason rankings set to drop in February!

 

High School: Chaparral High School

Classification: Northeast Valley 5A

Head Coach: Troy Gerlach

2022 Season Record: 17-15

Team Strengths: Returning Pitching Staff

Team Weaknesses: Positional Inexperience at Varsity Level


TOP Returning Players:

Chris Newstrom (Tennessee)

Liu Rodriguez (Arizona)

Wyatt Halvorson (Arizona State)

Reece VanDevander 

Aydin Chippendall (Glendale)

Tyler Hansen (Pima)

Jackson Babione (PVCC)


Names To Know:

Javy Colina 

Ryan Penney

Austin Smith

Austin Falkenberg

Devin Long 

Raul Escobar (Arizona State)

Tanner Anderson

Gavin Mesa 


The Chaparral Firebirds are coming off a great season, where they lost to the Hamilton Huskies in the 6A SemiFinals by a score of 3-1. However, the Firebirds are looking to make a big impact come this spring and be state title contenders. With Junior starting shortstop Chris Newstrom (Tennessee) and Sophomore Liu Rodriguez (Arizona) up the middle. The Firebirds have one of the best middles in the state. With Newstrom coming off an injury that put him out for his Sophomore season, he is expected to make a big comeback for his Junior campaign. In the 2021 season as a true freshman Newstrom hit .286 with 5 doubles. Rodriguez, another true freshman starter in the 2022 season, hit .247 with 6 doubles and 16RBI’s. While the Firebirds are young on paper, senior infielder Jackson Babione (PVCC) is coming off of a monster junior season. Babione put up video game type numbers hitting .462 with 9 doubles, 4 triples, a homerun and 20 RBI’s and is looking to build off that performance in his final season with the Firebirds. On the mound the Firebirds are bringing back plenty of experience returning 8 arms. 2 of those arms being Wyatt Halvorson (Arizona St.) and Reece VanDevander. With veteran depth on the mound and a solid defense behind them, the Firebirds will be top contenders for a state title in the 2023 season. While the 2023 season is looking bright for the Firebirds newcomers Raul Escobar (Arizona State) , Austin Smith, Devin Long and Tanner Anderson will all be future impact makers in the bright future for Chap. 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Phoenix Preseason ID AZ 01/21 Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ
Tucson Preseason ID AZ 01/28 Kino Sports Complex - Tucson, AZ
Preseason All-State Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) AZ 02/04 Mountain View High School - Mesa, AZ
Preseason All-State Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) AZ 02/05 Mountain View High School - Mesa, AZ
Super 60 Pro Showcase NATIONAL 02/05 The MAX - McCook, IL
Phoenix Rising Stars ID AZ 04/01 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ

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