Our preseason previews continue with the Shadow Ridge Mustangs. Head Coach, Frank Tousa and the Mustangs have their sights set on the post season. After missing out a year ago, the Mustangs will return eight starters and are anxious to pursue their goals.

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Team: Shadow Ridge 

Nickname: Mustangs

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Northwest Division/Mountain Region

Head Coach: Frank Tousa

2018 Overall Record: 15-16

2018 League Finish: 5th

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Centennial

2018 Postseason Finish: None

Number of Returning Starters: 8

Number of Returning Pitchers: 6

Top Returning Players: ’19 P Mason Rhiner; ’19 SS Kristian Saldana; ’19 CF Austin Cullor; ’20 C/P/OF Jax Holzem; ’20 1B Branson Tressler; ’20 IF/OF/P Andrue Sanchez

College Commits: ’19 P Mason Rhiner- Salt Lake Community College

Top 2019 Players: P Mason Rhiner; SS Kristian Saldana; CF Austin Cullor; 3B Brennen Lyman; RF/1B Tyler Black; 2B/3B Kadin McDonald

Top 2020 Players: 1B Branson Tressler; IF/OF/P Andrue Sanchez; C/P/OF Branson Tressler

2019 Outlook: After finishing fifth in the division a year ago, the Mustang returners gained valuable experience. Leading hitter ’20 Branson Tressler (.415/1/16) will pace the offense accompanied by ’20 Andrue Sanchez (.395/0/10) and ’19 Austin Cullor (.329/0/15).  Defensively, the Mustangs should be strong up the middle with ’20 Jax Holzem behind the dish, Kristian Saldana at shortstop and Austin Cullor in centerfield. Holzem has a ton of arm strength and should be able to shut down the run game of opposing teams. Saldana is a two-year starter with a solid glove and good range. Cullor shows good instincts in the outfield, covering a lot of ground with solid jumps and reads. The return of Kadin McDonald after missing last season due to injury along with Brennan Lymon and Tyler Black provide experienced offense and defense. Keep a close eye on Tressler and Holzem, both possess the tools to play at the next level and play important roles in the overall success of the Mustangs.

On the mound, Shadow ridge will undoubtedly rely heavily on Mason Rhiner. The Salt Lake Community College commit will pitch with a fastball ranging mid to upper 80s. Lymon, Sanchez, and Holzem will be expected to help out on the mound as well. Pitching depth could be the achilles heel, but if the Mustangs are able to solidify their staff and pitch at an acceptable level, the upcoming campaign holds promise.

NEXT UP: Bishop Gorman