Preseason Preview: Desert Ridge

Opening Day is around the corner, try outs have been held, and rosters are soon to be set. The Arizona Interscholastic Association has announced that opening day of the 2022 season will commence on Wednesday, February 23rd. The PBR Arizona staff begins its 2022 season coverage starting with our preseason team previews, where we will take notes from coaches, and highlight returning players, newcomers, and some sleepers. Over the next couple weeks and leading up to opening day, we will be highlighting some of the top programs in state in our team previews. PBR will also be publishing its state Power 25 rankings that will be updated every Monday once the season begins. Throughout the season, PBR will be pumping out coverage, highlighting individual players, games, rankings, scouting reports and nominating a player of the week. PBR looks forward to getting out there this spring to see some great baseball. 

Today, we look into:

Team: Desert Ridge High School (6A, Central)
2021 Record: 8-12
Head Coach: Joe Ponce
Returning Starters: 7
Returning Pitchers: 7

OUTLOOK

As we gather info from coaching staffs, and come to a conclusion with our Preseason Power 25 Rankings, we expect Desert Ridge High School to be some sort of a wildcard team. This is a group made up of some experienced players, and talented underclassmen. We know they will be led by upperclassmen: Matthew D'Amato OF/RHP (CGCC), Gio Melchione C (Gonzaga), Jaydan Israel SS (uncommitted), and Cade Bleeker RHP/1B (CSU-Pueblo). These pieces will definitely have to carry the load for this roster, but what we do know is that they are strong defensively up the middle, which plays a big role to a teams success. Melchione behind the plate, Israel/Truman in the middle infield, and D'Amato in CF. Their success on the mound will also play a huge role to their success. Their two main arms; Bleeker/D'Amato, are going to get significant innings in big games for this club. If they can limit opposing offenses, Desert Ridge's defense/bats should be able to do enough to get them in the win column. If Desert Ridge can get some help from their underclassmen, we think this could be a team to sneak up on some opponents in the 2022 season. 

KEY PLAYERS LOST: