LAS VEGAS, NV – Wintery day at Diamondback field, overcast with cool temps as the Blue Sox took on the Aces.  The contest just one of the last “brush up” opportunities for players from two high schools, Basic and Desert Oasis, that could very well find themselves opposing each other come May in the state championship. The game had all the makings of just that for almost six innings.

The Aces, like the Blue Sox would staff the day, using their arsenal of arms, starting with staff ace, Josh Sharman who would give way to Campbell Holt, followed by Aaron Roberts, DJ Jefferson, and Tyler Montoya.  Blue Sox first baseman, John Howard Bobo would leadoff the game with a double right-centerfield to spark a two run first inning.  The Blue Sox would manage just one more run the rest of the way.  The Aces would strike for three runs of their own in the fourth ignited by the “red hot”, Colby Smith.  The Aces infielder has been swinging the bat well and could find himself right in the thick of a potent lineup come spring time.  The game remained knotted at three through five and a half. However, the Aces would score seven times in the sixth and go on to defeat the Blue Sox.

The Blue Sox started Shane Spencer.  Spencer’s fastball ranged 87-89, pitching comfortably at 88.  His breaking ball was tight and he made quick work of Aces hitters in his limited work. PBR Nevada also got some snapshots of Trace Evans, Kai Symonds and Hunter Katschke on the mound.  The Blue Sox were true to form, pitching with their fastball and throwing strikes for the most part until the sixth inning when they ran into a bit of trouble.  A bright spot for the Blue Sox was their offense.  In addition to Bobo, the Blue Sox showed the ability to swing the bat throughout the lineup against a number of quality arms from the Aces. Junior Dalton Miller and sophomores, Hunter Katschke and Dominik Tavares appeared ready to assume important roles come spring.

Below PBR Nevada features an uncommitted player from each team worth a closer look.

’20 Colby Smith, INF (Desert Oasis) 

Athletic, 5-foot-11, 165, Smith is still physically developing and projectable.  His youthful appearance reveals that there is plenty of time and room to add weight and strength.  He has good infield actions with the ability and feel for multiple angle throws and enough arm to stay on the left side of the infield.  In the box, he maintains a solid hitting rhythm and loads his hands back to a good launch position.  He has some natural loft to his swing which makes it easy to see signs of future power.  Size and strength increases accompanied by present range and speed, may lend better to third base.

’20 John Howard Bobo (Basic Academy)

Lean, 6-foot-1 160, Bobo has an athletic build with room for weight and strength gains. He possesses present wiry strength with some whip in his barrel.  He is an aggressive hitter looking to get his swing off and runs well underway. The former UNLV commit could be considered a commodity at this point.  His athleticism, arm strength and length to his movements likely lend better to an outfield position but there is some low-end value to his utility. He is a definite Division 1 prospect with power potential and size and strength gains could posiition him for draft consideration down the line.