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Preseason Preview #3 Ranked: Brophy Broncos

February 19, 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: Brophy

Classification: Premier Region 6A

Head Coach: Josh Garcia 

2022 Season Record: 15-13


TOP Returning Players:

James DeCremer ‘23 RHP (Oregon State)

Jack Lafflam '25 RHP (Arizona)

Johnny Casale '24 LHP/OF

Lucas Franz '23 C 

Nuri Todd '23 SS (Long Beach State)

Willie Cornejo-Farmer ‘24 1B

JT Craig '23 CF (Army)


Names To Know: 

Jack Ryan '24 OF 

Matt Niezgodzki ‘24 OF/RHP 

Brandon Wirtz ‘26 INF 

Jonah Castle ‘26 C 

Isaac Holder ‘26 SS

Nico Lara ‘26 SS 

Maddux Berraras ‘26 SS

Eli Friedman ‘26 C/SS 

Vinny Noble ‘26 C 


Coming in at the #3 spot in the PBR Arizona Preseason High School Rankings is the Brophy Broncos. The Broncos are coming off a loss in the second round of the 2022 playoffs to the Alhambra Lions by a score of 8-2. The 2023 Broncos are looking to make a statement this season returning 11 starters in the field and 7 on the mound. Leading the Broncos on the mound is the #1 ranked pitcher in the state of Arizona, James DeCremer. DeCremer will be a force for the Broncos, displaying a 4-pitch mix and the ability to pound the zone. DeCremer’s 96 mph fastball is a hard enough pitch to hit for any hitter, however with a wipe out slider sitting 82-85 and a fall off the table changeup at 80-82, it will be a tall task for any lineup to get past DeCremer. James was a standout in the 2022 Area Code Games and is a high level draft prospect in the state of Arizona. While DeCremer will be the headliner for the Broncos this season on the mound, the pitching rotation for the Broncos does not let up. Between Jack Lafflam and Johnny Casale who would be aces at the majority of schools in the valley, opponents are going to have struggles getting past a loaded Broncos staff. At the plate for the Broncos they have a deadly mix of power and speed. Willie Cornejo-Farmer and JT Craig are two of the biggest long ball threats for the Broncos while Nuri Todd, Johnny Casale and Matt Niezgodski will be your burners on the bases. While the Broncos are looking for a big season there is some notable underclassman looking to make an impact in the years to come those include, Jonah Castle, Issac Holder, Nico Lara, Maddux Berraras, Eli Friedman, Brandon Wirtz and Vinny Noble. The Arizona staff is looking forward to following Brophy this season as they are high contenders to bring home a state title in 2023.

 


James DeCremer