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AIA Scout Blog: 5/12 Playoffs

May 14, 2025
Antonio Torres
Arizona Director

The Arizona Scout Blog shifts into playoff mode as the AIA State Tournament gets underway. Throughout each round, the Prep Baseball Arizona staff will be on the ground covering matchups across all classifications, highlighting standout performances and key prospect evaluations. From impact underclassmen to uncommitted seniors and draft follow arms, this running blog will feature detailed scouting notes, game insights, and data-driven breakdowns from the state’s top postseason action. Expect player evaluations, velocities, offensive metrics, and more as we follow the road to the championship.

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May 12th

Game 1 Player Notes:

(No. 3) Centennial Coyotes vs. (No. 6) Nogales Apaches

*Bobby Villa III, 2027 SS, Centennial, Uncommitted

Arizona’s top ranked 2027 prospect continues to separate himself with a refined skill set well beyond his years. A true switch-hitter, Villa showcased his right-handed stroke with a crisp base hit to left in the 5th, staying inside the ball and showing an advanced approach with two strikes. His operation in the box is balanced and compact from both sides, consistently producing line drives with minimal effort. Defensively, Villa displays natural instincts and fluidity at shortstop, with quick-twitch actions, soft hands, and the ability to throw from multiple angles on the move. His internal clock and pace stand out, giving him the look of a long term defender at the position. On the bases, he continues to impact the game with intelligent reads and plus acceleration, turning routine opportunities into pressure on the defense. Villa’s athleticism, poise, and well rounded toolset make him one of the most complete players in the Southwest's 2027 class, a name that will command national attention moving forward.

Cohen Baack, 2025 RHP/OF, Centennial, Utah Valley Commit

Baack turned in a complete game effort in a big playoff moment, allowing just one run on five hits while punching out seven. The senior sat 87–90 and touched 91 with his fastball, working with tempo and commanding the zone throughout. He showed confidence in his secondary mix, featuring a changeup at 81–84 with late depth and arm-side run that played well off his fastball. His curveball showed tight 11–5 shape in the 75–77 range, flashing sharp bite and feel to land it in all counts. Baack’s composure and pitchability stood out on a night where he controlled the pace from start to finish. He also chipped in with a go-ahead RBI single in the third, continuing to provide value on both sides of the ball. A competitive, well rounded performer with polish and mound presence.

J.T. Price, 2025 3B/RHP, Centennial, New Mexico State Commit

In a playoff game, J.T. demonstrated his strong offensive capabilities with two doubles, one of which tied the game in the third inning with a hit down the left field line. The physically imposing right-handed hitter displayed both strength and quick bat speed, consistently driving the ball with power to his pull side. His compact swing and controlled approach enables him to effectively recognize pitches early, decreasing the amount of pitches chased outside of the zone. Price's power at the plate and potential to drive in runs make him a vital offensive contributor for Centennial, particularly in the middle of their batting order.

Liu Rodriguez Jr., 2025 INF, Centennial, Uncommitted

In a pivotal moment during the fourth inning, Liu delivered a clutch 2 RBI single, extending Centennial's lead. This hit punctuated a productive night at the plate for the uncommitted senior, who recorded multiple hits throughout the game. Demonstrating a mature and assured demeanor within the batter's box, Rodriguez showcased a compact, efficient swing path coupled with excellent balance. His consistent ability to make contact and his keen understanding of game situations at the plate underscore his value as a noteworthy uncommitted prospect as the high school season draws to a close and the summer baseball circuit approaches. Rodriguez's performance suggests a player with both present skills and significant potential for future development.

Game Recap:

Centennial defeated Nogales 6-1 behind a dominant outing from Cohen Baack, who threw a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while striking out 7. JT Price and Liu Rodriguez Jr each collected two hits, with Rodriguez and Baack driving in two runs apiece. Diego Gomez led Nogales with an RBI single in the first.

Game 2 Player Notes:

(No. 5) Cienega Bobcats vs. (No. 4) Catalina Foothills Falcons

Lute Chavez, 2025 RHP, Cienega, Salt Lake Community College Commit

Chavez kept Catalina Foothills off the board through four innings, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 6. His fastball ranged from 87-90, working well within the strike zone, while his curveball (73-75) showed sharp, downward action. Chavez’s changeup (79-81) had late fade, effectively keeping hitters off balance. His delivery is clean, with good direction toward the plate and a consistent frontside, allowing him to repeat his mechanics well. The high 3/4 arm slot creates some natural life on his fastball, and his arm whips through the zone with ease. While he continues to develop, Chavez has a solid foundation and control over his offerings.

Anthony Montez, 2025 OF, Cienega, New Mexico State Commit

Montez showed his strength at the plate with an RBI double in the 6th, driving the ball into the gap and extending the Bobcats’ lead. The physical outfielder consistently generates solid contact, though he tends to sit on his backside a bit, which can occasionally affect his timing. His swing is compact and efficient with minimal moving parts, allowing him to stay through the ball with authority. While he needs to refine his pitch recognition and make adjustments to breaking balls, his swing mechanics remain consistent, and the potential for more power is evident as he continues to develop.

Tristan Cruz, 2028 C, Cienega, Uncommitted

Cruz plays the game with a lot of energy and presence, making a strong impact for a freshman. At the plate, he has a wide setup that allows him to use his legs effectively, showing solid bat to ball skills and making adjustments with two strikes to put pressure on the defense. His approach is scrappy, and he competes in every at-bat. Behind the plate, Cruz stands out as a leader, showing good reactions and quick side to side movement. His blocking ability is solid, and he works well to keep pitches in front of him. Though small at 5'5", Cruz plays the game with maturity and the physicality of a much larger player. His tenacity and skill set give him a strong foundation to develop into a reliable backstop.

Game Recap:

Cienega shut out Catalina Foothills 5-0, led by Lute Chavez, who threw six scoreless innings, allowing just 3 hits while striking out 8. Anthony Montez closed it out with a clean seventh, and both Chavez and Montez added an RBI at the plate. Carlos Davila chipped in with a hit and an RBI to help pace the offense.

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