In this edition we will take a closer look at the Sierra Vista Mountain Lions, Head Coach Thomas Maxwell as looking to resurrect the once might Sierra Vista baseball program.  At one time, the Mountain Lions had their pick of the litter.  Their rich history has produced a long line of college as well as professional players.  Coach Maxwell and his staff are hoping one day soon they can return to those glory days and his team has the dedication and work ethic to welcome the task.

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Team: Sierra Vista 

Nickname: Mountain Lions

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Southwest Division/Desert Region

Head Coach: Tom Maxwell

2018 Overall Record: 8-22

2018 League Finish: 6th

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Desert Oasis

2018 Postseason Finish: None

Number of Returning Starters: 6

Number of Returning Pitchers: 3

Top Returning Players: ’19 RHP/SS Alex Chavira; ’19 RHP/1B Zach Kriethe; ’19 OF Tyler MacIntyre

College Commits: ’19 Zach Kriethe- Colorado School of Mines (D2)

Top 2019 Players: RHP/SS Alex Chavira; RHP/1B Zach Kriethe; OF Tyler MacIntyre; UT Keanu Kinney-Jorge

Top 2020 Players: RHP/3B Casey Bochenczak; RHP Tristan Castner; RHP/1B Nathan Blazek

Other Players to Watch: ’21 C Jack Parker; ’21 OF Champ Tenorio; ’21 SS/2B Dominic Lopez; ’22 SS/2B  Ariel Rodriguez

2019 Outlook: With a difficult 2018 season behind them, finishing 8-22, the Mountain Lions and Head Coach, Thomas Maxwell are welcoming the challenge of restoring Sierra Vista to prominence.  Coach as staff are emphasizing hard work and dedication in an effort to get the most out of each of their players.  PBR Nevada had the recent opportunity to observe the Mountain Lions during intramurals and can attest to the energetic style of play of the 2019 club.  If the workout was any indication, they will rely heavily on the right arm of Alex Chavira.  The senior showed a poise on the mound that will allow him to compete with anyone.  He has a solid feel for his breaking ball that should be able to keep opposing hitters at bay.  Colorado School of Mines commit, Zach Kriethe and junior, Tristan Castner should be able to aid Chavira on the mound and provide potential rotation starters.  Coach Maxwell will have to depend on Chavira and Kriethe to bolster his lineup as well.  Junior, Casey Bochenczak may lend depth on the mound as well but was really impressive at the plate. His compact frame accompanied by strength produced consistent quality contact and will be needed to mount the Mountain Lions offensive attack.  Tyler MacIntyre and untility man, Keanu Kinney-Jorge should bring some offense as well. Jorge hit over .300 a year ago and it will be huge if he can duplicate his performance.

For Sierra Vista to accomplish what they would like to, their hard work and dedication will need to lead to production. They return six players from a team that hit under .300 as a team and fielded right at .900.  The experience gained from the 2018 season will be a valuable foundation but returners and newcomers will need to work together to compete at a higher level in the rigorous Southwest Division of the Desert Region.

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