Today, PBR Nevada will delve into its first 3A program, SLAM Academy. SLAM (Sports Leadership and Management Academy) is an associate member of the South Region’s Sunrise Division.  Presently they offer independent status but will be eligible to apply for full membership for the 2019-2020 school year. Their status does not provide a post season opportunity this season as they will compete with just 3 classes composing their student body, 2022-2020. Nevertheless, you can count on this group to play hard under the leadership of head coach , Brad Fogal.

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Team: SLAM Academy 

Nickname: Bulls

NIAA Classification: 3A

League: South Region/Sunrise Division

Head Coach: Brad Fogal

2018 Overall Record: 11-10

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Boulder City

2018 Postseason Finish:

Number of Returning Starters: 8

Number of Returning Pitchers: 7

Top Returning Players: ’20 P Anthony Kopecky; ’20 OF Jareyn Yamaguchi; ’21 INF/C Ozzy Zawislak; ’21 INF/C/P Zeus Gonzales; ’21 1B Donovan Escobar;

Team Strengths: Pitching and at times our defense

Team Weaknesses: Hitting quality off speed pitches

College Commits: None

Top 2019 Players: N/A

Top 2020 Players: P Anthony Kopecky: Jareyn Yamaguchi OF; P Josh Balsterholt; P, Jake Balsterholt;  3B/P Daemein Hargrove

Other Players to Watch: ’21 INF/C Ozzy Zawislak; ’21 C/INF/P Zeus Gonzales; ’21 1B Donovan Escobar; ’21 P/INF JonLuke Hobdy; ’21  OF/P Austin Martin; ’21 3B/P Ysmael Zamora

2019 Outlook: SLAM competed honorably a year ago, finishing the 2018 season just above .500 at 11-10.  This year they play having added another class to their student body with athletes ranging from the 2022-2020 classes. With vast experience being gained by their transitioning classes, Coach Fogal and his staff have every reason to be optimistic for what the future holds. Their compact roster provides opportunity for two-way athletes to hone their position as well as pitching skills. Outfielder, Jareyn Yamaguchi is a “pesky” offender and a fearless defender that will be relied on heavily to provide the Bulls a spark throughout the season. Pitching was definitely a strength for SLAM during their 2018 campaign and will need to continue for any sustained success.  Anthony Kopecky as well as Jake and Josh Balsterholt will play an important part on the mound. The Bulls will need to establish some consistency on defense as well as offense to become a team to be reckoned with.

As the Bulls continue to gain valuable experience, look for them to get better and better as the 2019 season progresses.  I expect them to really make strides in the second half of the upcoming season. Although SLAM will not be eligible for post-season play until the 2019-2020 school year, this year’s second half could provide a glimpse of what is to come for the Bulls and their future post season aspirations.