Final AIA Power 25 Rankings
May 20, 2024
AIA Power 25 Final Rankings: Queen Creek Bulldogs Reign Supreme in 2024
The 2024 Arizona high school baseball season was a spectacular showcase of talent and competition, culminating in thrilling championship games and outstanding team performances. The Prep Baseball Arizona Staff has released the final AIA Power 25 rankings, highlighting the top varsity baseball teams across the state. Here’s a detailed look at the top five teams that stood out this season:
1. Queen Creek Bulldogs
Record: 21-2 | 6A State Champions
The Queen Creek Bulldogs clinched the top spot in the AIA Power 25 rankings, finishing their season with an impressive 21-2 record. Their journey to the 6A state title was marked by a dramatic victory over the Sandra Day O'Connor Eagles. In an unforgettable championship game, the Bulldogs triumphed 7-6, thanks to a walk-off single by Arizona State commit Tait Reynolds in the bottom of the 10th inning. Queen Creek's combination of strong pitching, timely hitting, and resilient defense solidified their position as the best team in Arizona for the 2024 season.
‘26 Tait Reynolds 4th hit of the night wins the 6A Championship in the bottom of the 10th‼️
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
Down 5-0 early, the Bulldogs mount a big comeback and win the title by a score of 7-6.
The @ASU_Baseball commit came through for Queen Creek all night.@TaitReynoldsQC | @QCHS_Baseball pic.twitter.com/IzEQwQD1y7
2. Casteel Colts
Record: 20-3 | 5A State Champions
The Casteel Colts dominated the 5A conference, culminating in a commanding 8-1 victory over the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs in the state championship game. This win marked their second consecutive 5A state title. Under the leadership of head coach Matt Denny, the Colts demonstrated their superiority throughout the season, finishing with a 20-3 record. With their upcoming move to the 6A Premier conference in the 2025 season, the Colts are poised to continue their winning ways at an even higher level of competition.
🚨BALL GAME🚨@CasteelBaseball is your Back-2-Back 5A Champions‼️
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
FINAL: 8-1 pic.twitter.com/CGOdEUkL0h
3. Sandra Day O'Connor Eagles
Record: 17-8 | 6A State Runner-Ups
The Sandra Day O'Connor Eagles secured the third spot in the rankings after a stellar playoff run in the 6A conference. Despite their heartbreaking 7-6 loss to Queen Creek in the championship game, the Eagles showcased their tenacity and skill throughout the season. Their playoff journey included impressive victories over some of the state’s top teams, including the previously top-ranked Brophy Broncos. The Eagles' strong performance this season is a testament to their competitive spirit and resilience.
OF Ky McGary
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 15, 2024
2024, Sandra Day O’Connor
The ProCase alum scorches this ball into LF for an RBI single as O’Connor extends its lead to 5-0, heading to B2.@ASU_Baseball commit.@McgaryKy | @ShooterHunt pic.twitter.com/pntNvvGcFV
4. Saguaro Sabercats
Record: 24-0 | 4A State Champions
The Saguaro Sabercats completed an undefeated season to capture the 4A state title, earning them the fourth spot in the AIA Power 25 rankings. Their success was largely driven by an exceptional pitching staff featuring Cam Caminiti, Cade Shumard, and Billy Gregory, who dominated opponents throughout the season. The Sabercats’ perfect record and dominant pitching performances set them apart as one of the premier teams in Arizona high school baseball.
🚨BALL GAME🚨
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 14, 2024
SagU brings home the 4A title over CDO by a score of 2-1‼️ pic.twitter.com/Om9rM5K2WG
5. Sunrise Mountain Mustangs
Record: 19-4 | 5A State Runner-Ups
The Sunrise Mountain Mustangs rounded out the top five, finishing as the 5A state runner-ups. The Mustangs had a remarkable season, characterized by their hard-nosed, well-coached approach to the game. Despite their 8-1 loss to the Casteel Colts in the championship game, the Mustangs proved themselves to be a formidable team throughout the season, earning them a well-deserved place in the top five.
CINF Cory Oxford
— Prep Baseball Arizona (@PrepBaseballAZ) May 14, 2024
2024, @SMHSMustangBB @PBR_Uncommitted
After the leadoff double, Oxford send a shot into LF for a single that puts runners on the corners with no outs.@CoryOxford | @SheaSbranti pic.twitter.com/sRklsdBb39
For the complete list of the AIA Power 25 rankings and detailed recaps of the 5A and 6A state title games, please see the top of this article.
The 2024 season was a remarkable journey for Arizona high school baseball, with each of these top-ranked teams displaying exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all the teams and players for an unforgettable season!
UPCOMING EVENTS
| SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
| Mesa Summer ID | AZ | 05/29 | Desert Ridge High School - Mesa, AZ |
| 2024 ProCase - West | AZ | 06/02 | Pepperdine University |
| Top Prospect Games: Upperclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/03 | Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ |
| Top Prospect Games: Underclass (Invite-Only) | AZ | 06/10 | American Family Fields of Phoenix |
| West Side Summer ID | AZ | 06/18 | Canyon View High School - Waddell, AZ |
| Glendale Summer ID | AZ | 07/16 | Apollo High School - Glendale, AZ |
| Future Games (Class of 2026/27) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Junior Future Games (Class of 2028/29) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
| Senior Future Games (Class of 2025) | NATIONAL | 07/24 | LakePoint Sports |
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