In this edition we will take a closer look at the Damonte Ranch Mustangs.  The Mustangs finsished 3^rd in the Northern 4A Region a year ago and are in position to possibly improve upon that.  They return five starters and some experienced pitching. They are anxious to avenge their extra inning loss that ended their 2018 season. Coach Polson and his staff have assembled a nice combination of speed and power that should provide them a balanced lineup.

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Team: Damonte Ranch 

Nickname: Mustangs

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Northern 4A Region

Head Coach: Jon Polson

2018 Overall Record: 24-12

2018 League Finish: 3rd

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Bishop Manogue

2018 Postseason Finish: Lost 2-1 in Regional Semi-Final Game in extra innings

Number of Returning Starters: 5

Number of Returning Pitchers: 6

Top Returning Players: ’19 CF Jake Polson; ’19 C/3B Nate Guidara; ’19 RHP Rhys Finnegan; ’19 SS Zach Rigdon; ’19 RHP/1B Tyler Hopper; ’20 OF Chris Rosa; ’20 RHP/3B Everett Williams; ’20 RHP Jadon Bercovich

College Commits: CF Jake Polson – Augustana College (FB); ’19 RHP Rhys Finnegan – Doane University; ’19 SS Zach Rigdon – Dominican University; ’20 RHP Jadon Bercovich – San Diego State

Top 2019 Players: CF Jake Polson; C/3B Nate Guidara; RHP Rhys Finnegan; SS Zach Rigdon; RHP/1B Tyler Hopper

Top 2020 Players: OF Chris Rosa; RHP/3B Everett Williams; RHP Jadon Bercovich; Benny Olsen

Other Players to Watch: ’21 RHP Matthew Sigafoos; ’21 RHP Amare Canner; ’21 1B Carson Smith; ’21 C Andrew Guidara; ’21 CF Ty Polson

2019 Outlook: The Mustangs are looking forward to their 2019 campaign. Coach Polson and his staff believe they have the pitching to compete game in and game out. Right-hander, Rhys Finnegan, a Doane University commit, will be expected to provide quality innings.  In addition, Tyler Hopper is a consummate strike thrower and will eat up some innings as well.  Jadon Berkovich, a San Diego State commit, is a hard throwing right-hander with power stuff.  If Berkovich is spotting up, he can beat anyone.  Keep an eye on ‘21s Matthew Sigaofoos and Amare Canner for they could log some important innings as well.  Sigafoos has s a low to mid 80s fastball with a solid breaking ball and feel for a changeup.  Consistency is always the key for the younger arms, but should they find that consistency they could provide some depth for the Mustangs.

Offensively, Damonte Ranch has a balanced attack with speed and potential power.  Centerfielder, Jake Polson and Chris Rosa will pressure opposing defenses with their ability to run.  When on base, they are always a threat to steal which should provide pitches to hit for the middle of the order bats.  Nate Guidara and Everett Williams will provide the middle of the order pop.  Both are left-handed hitters with power potential and the ability to create some uncertainty amongst opposing pitchers.  The defense will be anchored by shortstop, Zach Rigdon.  Rigdon, a Dominican University commit, plays solid defense and possesses sneaky power at the plate.  Williams will hold down most of the third base duties but will pitch some as well.  Hopper, when not on the mound, should see some time at first base. The Mustangs lost all conference performers behind the plate and at first base but have options to fill those roles.  Look for Damonte Ranch to make some noise come playoff time. The playoff experience of the roster should bode well for a deep run.