The 2025 Arizona high school baseball season delivered everything fans could ask for—tight playoff battles, breakout stars, and championship moments that will be remembered for years. From preseason favorites to under-the-radar risers, the state’s top programs showed why Arizona continues to be a hotbed for baseball talent.
Final AZ Ranking:
1. Corona Del Sol Aztecs
2. Casteel Colts
3. Hamilton Huskies
4. Red Mountain Mountain Lions
5. O’Connor Eagles
6. Mountain View Toros
7. Brophy Broncos
8. Valley Christian Trojans
9. Desert Vista Thunder
10. Salpointe Catholic Lancers
6A Champions Corona Del Sol Finishes What It Started

At the top of the 6A mountain stood Corona del Sol, the No. 2 team in Westside Sports’ preseason rankings, who captured their first state championship in 16 years. The Aztecs played like a team on a mission, fueled by a roster loaded with college-bound talent and potential MLB Draft picks. They avenged an early-season loss to Casteel in dominant fashion, shutting them out in the title game. Behind the arm of Texas commit Brett Crossland and a deep lineup led by players like David Moss, Ben Jacobus, ASU bound Cooper Clouser, and BYU commit Jaiden LoRe, the Aztecs looked every bit the powerhouse they were expected to be.
6A Storylines: High Expectations and Hard Lessons
Preseason No. 1 Queen Creek came into the year with championship aspirations but saw their run cut short by a gritty Brophy squad in the playoffs. Despite their early exit, Queen Creek’s top-end talent reminded everyone why they were considered the state’s best on paper.
Brophy Prep, previously ranked No. 3, had an up-and-down season that didn’t quite match expectations by many. After a strong start to the season, the Broncos were knocked out by Red Mountain in the playoffs, a disappointing finish for a program that is used to making deep runs. Still, there were flashes of greatness along the way, and the foundation remains strong heading into next year.
One of the season’s most compelling stories came from the Casteel Colts, the preseason No. 4. Casteel proved they could go toe-to-toe with anyone, nearly upsetting the nation’s No. 1-ranked team earlier in the season. With a young and talented core, the Colts fought their way to the 6A championship game, showcasing maturity and resilience beyond their years. Though they fell to Corona del Sol in the final, their deep playoff run and high-ceiling roster make them a team to watch in 2026 and beyond.

Trouble in paradise: Pinnacle’s Mid Seasons Problems
In a significant development during the 2025 Arizona high school baseball season, ten senior players from Pinnacle High School departed the team following a dugout confrontation. The incident began after senior Jackson Marazzo’s home run on April 14, when a celebratory high-five with assistant coach Rex Gonzalez escalated into a verbal dispute. The players cited ongoing issues with team management and demanded changes, including the removal of Gonzalez and the principal’s involvement in team decisions. Following the incident, Gonzalez left the program, and the team continued its season with a 3-1 record post-departure.
Hamilton, who opened the season as the No. 5 team in the preseason rankings, played like a top-three team down the stretch. Behind the all-around brilliance of Boston Kellner—a Gatorade Player of the Year candidate—the Huskies had several statement wins, including a dominant 10-0 playoff victory over Casteel. Kellner’s combination of power and poise made Hamilton one of the most dangerous lineups in the state.
One of the biggest surprises of the 6A season was Mountain View. Unranked to start the year, the Toros turned heads with a deep playoff run and key upsets—including a clutch win over Hamilton. The team was anchored by multi-sport standout Beckham Barney, who’s headed to play football at Cal Berkeley but left his mark on the diamond with consistent production and leadership. Mesa Mountain View’s surge to a No. 6 finish in the final rankings reflected the hard work and depth of a team that exceeded every preseason expectation.
Other notable finishers in the final 6A rankings included Red Mountain at No. 4, O’Connor at No. 5, and preseason No. 1 Queen Creek, at No. 9 after an early playoff exit at the hands of Brophy. Desert Vista and Millennium rounded out the top 10, both programs showing flashes of elite-level play throughout the year.
Final 6A Rankings:
1. Corona Del Sol Aztecs
2. Casteel Colts
3. Hamilton Huskies
4. Red Mountain Mtn Lions
5. O’Connor Eagles
6. Mountain View Toros
7. Brophy Broncos
8. Desert Vista Thunder
9. Queen Creek Bulldogs
10. Millennium Tigers
5A: Centennial Delivers, While Preseason Favorites Falter

Coming into the 2025 season, Sunrise Mountain, Centennial, and Horizon occupied the top three spots in Westside Sports’ preseason rankings. By the time the playoffs rolled around, only one of them lived up to the billing—and they finished the job.
Centennial, ranked No. 2, proved to be the king of 5A. The Coyotes played tough all year and peaked when it mattered most, capturing the 5A state title behind a deep, college-ready roster. The Utah Valley commit Cohen Baack was outstanding both on the mound and at the plate, while players like JT Price and Isaac Flores helped power a balanced lineup that made Centennial a complete, championship-caliber team.
On the other side, Sunrise Mountain, who was ranked No. 1 to start the year, was never able to find their rhythm. Creating a disappointing regular season that led to a first-round playoff exit, a stunning fall for a program that entered the year with championship expectations.
Horizon, previously ranked No. 3, was upset early in the playoffs. A frustrating result for a team that had the pieces to make a deep run. The brutal play in loss left many of the Huskies’ seniors with a bitter taste, as the season didn’t match the talent on the roster.
One of the most impressive regular-season stories came out of Canyon View. Behind Gonzaga commit Landon Hood, the Jaguars stormed to an 18-1 regular season record, showcasing dominance from start to finish. Hood’s presence at the top of the mound and in the lineup made Canyon View a threat every game. Though their playoff run came up short, the Jaguars established themselves as a legitimate power and a team to watch next year.
Final 5A Ranking:
1. Centennial Coyotes
2. Canyon View Jaguars
3. CDO Dorados
4. Cienega Bobcats
5. Catalina Foothills Falcons
6. Nogales Apaches
7. NDP Saints
8. Verrado Vipers
9. Chaparral Firebirds
10. Sunrise Mountain Mustangs
4A: Salpointe Leaves No Doubt

In 4A, there was no suspense. Salpointe Catholic dominated from game to game, owning the No. 1 seed and steamrolling through the playoffs. The Lancers capped their campaign with an 8-0 shutout of Flagstaff in the state championship game, a performance that highlighted their depth, discipline, and poise.
Led by ace Lucas Shannon (USD Commit) , who threw a complete-game two-hit shutout in the title game, Salpointe controlled games with efficient pitching and timely offense. Colton Raetzman and Aciel Guillen provided the bats, while the Lancers’ defense played clean, mistake-free baseball throughout the postseason.
Salpointe didn’t just win, they ran 4A baseball in 2025. No team came close to matching their consistency, and their postseason dominance solidified their spot as one of Arizona’s most complete programs.
A Season to Remember

The 2025 AZHS baseball season was a showcase of grit, growth, and game-changing talent. From state champions who met the moment to contenders who learned hard lessons, this year’s action only deepened Arizona’s reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.
With so many key players returning, including underclassmen who shined in pressure situations, 2026 promises even more. One thing’s for sure: Arizona high school baseball is in good hands.






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