Tucson will have its own version of March Madness going on this week and the main attraction will be the AMSA Transportation Lancer Baseball Classic at the Reid Park Annex.
The 20-team event kicks off Monday and includes 14 local programs, along with others from California, Colorado and Oklahoma.
The Lancer Baseball Classic isn’t the only show in town this week: Empire’s baseball program is holding an eight-team tournament starting Wednesday, the same day Tucson High’s softball team opens up the four-day Badger Invitational at Cherry Field. Track and field teams will also be competing at the Willie Williams Invitational hosted by the UA at Drachman Stadium.
Tucson-area baseball coaches agree that the level of competition in town is down this season compared to last, but this tournament will allow squads to see where they stack up against one another so they can make the necessary adjustments following spring break.
Here’s a breakdown looking at five of the local teams to watch:
Nogales
Record: 6-4
What they did last year: The Apaches were eliminated in the first round of the state tournament, a season after advancing to the Division II state championship game in 2014.
Star players: Senior Edgar Ambriz; sophomore Kevin Jimenez; junior Gera Lopez.
Team strengths: The Apaches are a versatile senior-laden squad and have shown early in the season they can win close games.
Big question: Can the the Nogales bats manufacture enough runs this year?
By the numbers: Through seven games, the Apaches are averaging four hits and have recorded just one stolen base.
Sabino
Record: 4-7
What they did last year: The Sabercats ended the season 10-16 and missed the Division II state tournament.
Star players: Senior Maximillian Christoff; senior Peyton Payne; senior Jaime Garcia.
Team strengths: Sabino has a deep pitching staff, a solid top-half of the lineup and team speed.
Big question: Do the Sabercats have enough depth to make a postseason run?
By the numbers: In 11 games, seven Sabercat pitchers have combined for a 2.70 team ERA, with four complete games and two shutouts.
Sahuaro
Record: 7-2
What they did last year: The Cougars ended the season on a five-game losing streak to a finish 16-11 and miss the Division II state playoffs.
Star players: Junior Sam Kalberer; junior Stockon Pringle; freshman Preston Clifford.
Team strengths: The Cougars feature a power-hitting lineup and a formidable backend of the bullpen.
Big question: Will there be an ace to emerge and lead the Sahuaro back to the playoffs?
By the numbers: Seven different players have logged an extra-base hit, the Cougars have combined for 15.
Salpointe Catholic
Record: 8-2
What they did last year: The Lancers posted a 27-7 record and came within one win of playing in the Division II state championship game. Salpointe’s season ended with an epic 10-inning loss to Tucson High in the semifinals.
Star players: Senior Robby Campillo; senior Tommy Garcia; senior Branden Hance.
Team strengths: The Lancers can hit for average, power, steal bases and have one of the better starting pitching combos in Southern Arizona.
Big question: Is there a bullpen to hand the game over to?
By the numbers: Salpointe’s offense is averaging 9.9 runs per game. It has clubbed 38 extra-base hits and tallied 30 stolen bases.
Sunnyside
Record: 4-3
What they did last year: Finished the year 23-10, lost to Salpointe in the Division II state quarterfinals.
Star players: Senior Adam Moraga; junior Joseph Molina; senior Marcos Larranaga.
Team strengths: Strong starting pitching that can work deep into games and a lineup that will make contact and hit for average.
Big question: Is there enough power in the Blue Devils lineup?
By the numbers: In seven games, Sunnyside’s pitching staff has combined for 49 strikeouts and 17 walks.
