The 2025 Arizona High School baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams throughout the state.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons by raising the 2025 AIA State Championship trophy, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams throughout Arizona and will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Top 10 Rankings that’ll carry us into the opening week of action.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our Players of the Week and updating the Top 10 Rankings.

Click HERE to Registered for Upcoming Prep Baseball ARIZONA Events!

High School: Brophy High School
Head Coach: Josh Garcia
AIA Classification: 6A
2024 Record (Playoff Finish): 24-7 (Premier Champs 8-0)
Returning Pitchers: 3
Returning Position Players: 6

TOP PROSPECTS

Jack Lafflam RHP (Arizona)

Jack Lafflam 25’
(Brophy)@JackLafflam @ArizonaBaseball commit
6’6 lengthy frame with big upside for continued Velo gains. Quick 1-2-3 inning of work showing command of the FB to both sides of the plate.

FB 90-92 T93 (2445)
BB 77-79 (2670)@ShooterHunt @PrepBaseballAZ pic.twitter.com/3ZnWWlU5iY

— Shea Sbranti (@SheaSbranti) September 12, 2024

Benton Hickman RHP (Arizona)

25’ RHP Benton Hickman
(Brophy)

Fun look 👀 at @PBR_Uncommitted RHP Hickman in last nights matchup between Brophy vs Basha. The RHP came into relief in the bottom of the 3rd with an 88-90mph fastball that showed to get on a strong Basha lineup with some arm side ↙️.

5.1… pic.twitter.com/EUFrm9feRh

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 12, 2024

Brandon Wirtz SS

‘26 SS Brandon Wirtz (Brophy College Prep, @PBRArizona)

Wirtz flashing his power with a home run. Showed plenty of tools on the field with advanced run tool. Showed defensive range as well! pic.twitter.com/VTQloGl46T

— Prep Baseball Scouting (@pbtscouting) June 16, 2023

Jonah Castle C

26’ C Jonah Castle
(Brophy)

@PBR_Uncommitted with a backside shot for an RBI single. The Broncos went on to add 3 more in the inning off a safety squeeze and past balls. We head into the bottom half with brophy up 4-1.@prepbaseball ll @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/UOrWBhHLm1

— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) April 11, 2024

UNDER THE RADAR PROSPECTS:

- Isaac Holder (3B)

- Dreson Ethier (2B)

- Nico Lara (CF)

UNDERCLASSMAN TO KNOW:

-Braden Harmon 27'

-Sam Ryan 27'

-Ethan Fox 27'

-Noah Casale 28'

-Noah Stewert 28'

TEAM OVERVIEW 

The Brophy Broncos enter the 2025 season with high expectations after a dominant 2024 campaign in which they swept the Premier Region with a perfect 8-0 record. Led by a strong returning core, the Broncos will once again be a top contender in Arizona’s 6A division. Anchoring the pitching staff are University of Arizona commits Jack Lafflam and Benton Hickman, two of the state’s top right-handed arms who will provide the Broncos with a formidable one-two punch on the mound. Offensively, the lineup features a wealth of experience with shortstop Brandon Wirtz, center fielder Nico Lara, second baseman Dreson Ethier, and third baseman Isaac Holder all returning to solidify the infield and outfield. Behind the plate, Jonah Castle brings leadership and defensive prowess to handle the talented pitching staff.

While Brophy lost key contributors such as Jack Meissner (UCSB), George Smith (Regis), Jack Ohman (Yale) and a duo of LMU commits in Willie Cornejo-Farmer, Johnny Casale, they have a promising group of newcomers ready to step up. Dreson Ethier, son of former MLB star Andre Ethier, is expected to be a standout player with his versatility across the infield, outfield, and on the mound. Chris Sinacori and Charlie Borchard provide additional depth on the mound, both showing strong velocity in recent outings. Grady Openden made headlines by shutting down Orange Lutheran last weekend, proving he’s ready to be a key contributor. Freshman Ian Palumbo is another name to watch, as he looks primed to make an impact in the outfield. With an elite mix of experienced veterans and high-upside underclassmen, the Broncos are poised for another deep playoff run in 2025.

Upcoming Events

Showcase	State	Date	Location
Phoenix Rising Stars ID - Session 1	AZ	03/15	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Rising Stars ID - Session 2	AZ	04/05	Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Mesa Rising Stars ID	AZ	04/26	Mountain View High School - Mesa, AZ

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