Preseason Preview - Sandra Day O'Connor

Wed February 1, 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: Sandra Day O’Connor 

Classification: Desert Valley 6A

Head Coach: Jeff Baumgartner

2022 Season Record: 22-10

Team Strengths: Veteran Returners 


TOP Returning Players:

Josh Butler RHP (Arizona State)

Jake Sanko SS (Grand Canyon)

Ky McGary OF (Arizona State)

Hustyn Wheeler P/OF (Oregon State)

Nathan Bayus C 

Brody Jacobs OF

Caleb Nieman (Central AZ)

Nico Rijo-Berger (BYU)

Names To Know:

Carter Daly  RHP/3B 2025

Aiden Woolwine RHP/1B  2025

Cody Stoller RHP 2025

The Sandra Day O’Connor Eagles are coming off of a solid year in 2022, where they lost in the Quarterfinal to Perry high school by a score of 3-5. The Eagles are returning 6 of their starters this spring, with one of them being Ky McGary. McGary was a standout at this past summers Future Games where he was the starting CF for a loaded Arizona team. In McGary’s Sophomore season he hit .414 with 6 doubles, 3 triples , a homerun and 23 RBI’s. Another stand out from this past year's Future Games is recent Grand Canyon Commit shortstop Jake Sanko. Sanko is coming off a solid Sophomore season where he hit .386 with 10 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homeruns and 24 RBI’s. Sanko will likely be the starting shortstop for the Eagles this season. Locking down the outfield for the Eagles is Oregon State commit Hustyn Wheeler. In his Sophomore season Wheeler hit .261 with 3 doubles and 17 RBI’s. Wheeler has high level speed and tracking ability in the outfield with a 60 time in the sub 6.7’s. On the mound, the Eagles are lead by Ace and Arizona State Commit Josh Butler. The 6-foot-6 Butler had a lights out Junior season with a 1.03 ERA in 14 appearances showcasing a high ¾ slot delivery and low 90’s FB. With veteran depth in the field, the Eagles will be top contenders for a state title in the 2023 season. While the spring season is looking bright for the Eagles, some newcomers to look forward to include 2025 grad Carter Daly, Aiden Woolwine and Cody Stoller. The Arizona Staff is looking forward to following Sandra Day O’Connor as they go into their 2023 camplain.