Arizona Diamond Notes: Playoff Edition
May 11, 2026
💎 DIAMOND NOTES: Playoff Edition
Statistical standouts and notable performances from across the state. These players have produced elite numbers on the diamond during the Spring season.
The Arizona Diamond Notes is evolving. While box scores and nominations are a huge part of our process, this weekly blog is shifting focus toward what our staff sees with our own eyes.
Every week, our scouts are out at ballparks across the Valley and beyond, from the 6A powerhouses in the East Valley to the deep talent pools in Tucson and the West Valley. This notebook serves as a running log of the standout performances and breakout prospects who caught our attention in person over the past seven days.
The Diamond Notes is where you’ll find the raw scouting boots on the ground perspective. If a player made an impact on the field this week, you’ll find them here.
CLASS OF 2026
Grady Poulsen SS / 3B / American Leadership Academy Gilbert North K-12, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 120 / POS: 25
Poulsen continues to show up in big moments with a mature offensive approach and present pull side impact. The swing works with rhythm and intent, allowing him to get the barrel out front and drive the baseball with authority. Competitive player who consistently impacts winning on both sides of the ball. Offensive production continues to trend upward this spring.
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Cash Groppenbacher C / SS / Arizona College Prep, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 100 / POS: 13
Groppenbacher continues to show present strength and impact at the plate with the ability to elevate and drive the baseball to the pull side. The swing works with aggression and intent while maintaining balance through contact. Behind the dish, shows confidence controlling the run game and consistently keeps pressure on opposing runners. Competitive catcher with leadership traits and steady defensive presence.
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Gionni Montoya-Boncore OF / RHP / Sandra Day Oconner, AZ / 2026Montoya-Boncore showed one of the more electric bullpen looks of the week with a live arm and ability to attack the zone. Fastball jumped out of the hand at 91-93 with strong spin traits while the splitter played effectively off the heater. Filled up the zone and showed confidence closing out a playoff win. Arm strength and aggressiveness continue to stand out.
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Ryne Barker SS / 3B / Casteel, AZ / 2026Barker has shown a polished offensive look with quiet hands and a tight, efficient turn through contact all season long. From the an outstanding Summer that lead to a dominant Spring beginning at Super 60, Barker has made his presence felt and should keep his phone close come draft day. Athletic mover with plus speed and controlled actions on both sides of the ball. Offensive profile built around timing, athleticism, and barrel feel.
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Kellan Tom 1B / RHP / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 40 / POS: 1
Tom continues to produce one of the louder offensive seasons in the state with legitimate power showing up consistently in game. Strong, physical frame with advanced feel for leverage and ability to impact the baseball to all fields. The swing works with intent and controlled aggression, allowing the power to translate naturally. True middle of the order threat with impact ability on both sides. Tom has even dominated on the bump this year securring himself as Corona del Sol's unlikely ace with a heater up to 91 accompannied by a sharp breaking ball that can be thrown in any count.
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Quinn Atwood C / Corona del Sol, AZ / 2026Atwood has shown a steady defensive presence behind the dish who handles the pitching staff with confidence and maturity. The offensive profile continues to trend upward with improved impact. Reliable backstop with leadership traits.
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Jordan Ransom SS / 2B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Ransom continues to show one of the cleaner offensive profiles in the senior class with advanced athleticism and adjustability in the box. Uses the lower half well and stays balanced through contact, allowing the bat speed to play consistently in game. The lefty swing is loose and repeatable with feel for the barrel to all fields. High level athlete who impacts the game offensively and defensively.
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Kobe Gomez RHP / OF / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 95 / POS: 14
Gomez continues to show a steady offensive approach with the ability to deliver in big spots. Stays short to the baseball with a direct path and enough strength to drive balls into the gaps consistently. Athletic profile translates on both sides with competitive traits throughout the game. Reliable producer who continues to trend upward on both sides of the ball.
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Tyke Daniels RHP / OF / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 69 / POS: 8
Daniels continues to prove he is one of the top uncommitted seniors in the state (after decommitting from Yavapai) with impact ability on both sides of the ball. Athletic mover with strength and bat speed that translate in game, capable of changing momentum with one swing. It is safe to say Daniels has had a breakout year. Competitive presence stands out with consistent production in high leverage spots. Tools, athleticism, and versatility all continue to play.
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Jet Berry SS / 2B / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Berry continues to show why he remains the top shortstop in Arizona’s senior class. Twitchy athlete with advanced defensive actions, plus speed, and effortless body control on both sides of the ball. At the plate, maintains a relaxed, confident look with quick hands and consistent barrel feel. Dynamic player who impacts every phase of the game.
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Thomas Pascanu LHP / 1B / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 15 / POS: 2
Pascanu turned in one of the premier playoff starts of the spring, shutting down a nationally ranked lineup with poise and maturity. Fastball showed heavy life with quality spin traits, particularly making left handed hitters uncomfortable throughout the outing. Controlled tempo, attacked ahead in counts, and consistently forced weak contact. Polished left handed profile with advanced pitchability.
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Jack Scully 3B / RHP / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 4
Scully delivered one of the biggest swings of the postseason with a clutch two out double to flip the game late. Physical offensive profile with strength through contact and ability to produce in high leverage situations. Competitive player who consistently rises to the moment. Offensive impact continues to show up when needed most.
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Jackson Weber SS / C / Horizon, AZ / 2026Weber continues to anchor the Horizon lineup with a polished offensive profile and present power. Large framed backstop with ability to be plugged in anywhere on the field. Shows easy strength and leverage that allows the ball to carry naturally off the barrel. Consistently produces loud contact without selling out for power. Middle of the order bat with advanced offensive traits.
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Kanon Faseler OF / LHP / Horizon, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 22 / POS: 5
Faseler showed an athletic, aggressive offensive approach with intent throughout the swing. Quick hands and athletic movements allow him to turn on pitches and impact the baseball to the pull side. Former Senior Future Gamer who continues to show tools that translate in game. Athletic outfielder with upside remaining.
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Regen Mazura LHP / OF / Canyon Del Oro, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 23 / POS: 3
Mazura showed advanced pitchability with tempo, command, and the ability to consistently miss barrels. Relied heavily on a quality FB/CH combination while holding velocity deep into the outing. Hides the baseball well and competes aggressively in the zone. Polished left handed profile entering the next level with momentum.
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Francisco Rivero C / 3B / Canyon Del Oro, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 46 / POS: 7
Rivero looks the part of one of the premier defensive catchers in the class paired with some thump in the stick. Advanced catch and throw skills with arm strength and awareness that impact the game immediately behind the dish. Command of the staff and overall baseball IQ stand out consistently. Defensive leader with strong intangibles heading into college.
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Peyton Carson 3B / C / Canyon Del Oro, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 79 / POS: 7
Carson continues to produce on both sides with a highly competitive two way profile. Lean, projectable frame with offensive production built around gap power and barrel feel. Also showed the ability to close out games in high leverage situations on the mound. Tough competitor with steady impact all spring.
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Diego Armenta OF / RHP / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 76 / POS: 19
Armenta continues to impact games in multiple ways with a steady offensive approach and athletic defensive profile. Gets the barrel out front consistently and creates leverage through contact with pull side power. Defensively, shows instincts and awareness in the outfield. Reliable contributor with strong baseball instincts.
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Wyatt Bundy OF / 1B / EVIT - Red Mountain High School, AZ / 2026Bundy showed a strong move through contact with the ability to stay inside the baseball and use the opposite field effectively. Physical offensive profile with strength and balance throughout the swing. Produces consistent hard contact with a mature approach. Offensive game continues to trend upward.
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Brent Sollars OF / RHP / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 71 / POS: 16
Sollars continues to show simple, repeatable offensive actions with speed that impacts the game. Keeps the operation compact and under control while using athleticism effectively on the bases and in the outfield. Plus runner who consistently pressures defenses. Reliable offensive contributor with athletic upside.
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Benjamin Ball OF / SS / Hamilton , AZ / 2026Ball continues to show a polished offensive approach with the ability to produce quality at bats in big spots. The swing works with rhythm and timing, allowing him to stay through the baseball and use the whole field. Athletic offensive profile with feel for contact and developing impact. Consistent performer against quality competition.
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Kristopher De Santiago C / SS / Hamilton, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 2
DeSantiago continues to show up in clutch moments with confidence and offensive impact. Quick hands and strong barrel control allow him to produce quality contact against velocity. Behind the dish, remains a steady presence who handles the staff well. Competitive catcher who consistently contributes to winning.
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Tyler Nelson 1B / RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2026Rankings StateRank: 133 / POS: 9
Nelson showed one of the better at bats of the postseason, staying under control and driving a bases clearing double to center field. Physical offensive profile with strength and leverage through contact. Competitive player who consistently delivers in key moments. Offensive upside continues to show up in game with more power to come.
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CLASS OF 2027
EJ Mayer SS / 2B / Sahuarita, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 34 / POS: 10
Mayer showed a confident, athletic look with a loose moving frame and projection remaining. The swing works with rhythm and looseness, allowing him to drive the baseball with authority into the gaps. The former Future Gamer showed a comfortable presence both in the box and at shortstop. Athletic. smooth middle infielder with upside still ahead.
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Tate Clarkson OF / 1B / American Leadership Academy Gilbert North, AZ / 2027Clarkson continues to put together one of the more productive offensive seasons in 4A. Loose, calm setup with a simple swing that consistently finds barrels and produces quality contact. Advanced feel for the strike zone and mature at bats continue to stand out. Reliable offensive table setter with steady production.
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Robbie Garcia C / OF / Sahuarita, AZ / 2027Garcia showed a quality offensive approach from the leadoff spot with multiple loud barrels throughout the night. Keeps the swing simple and under control with feel for contact. Competitive offensive profile that continues to trend upward. Catcher who impacts the game with consistency.
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Tyson Webster 1B / 3B / American Leadership Academy - Gilbert North, AZ / 2027Webster showed an athletic, physical profile with the ability to impact the baseball to the pull side gap. Two sport athlete who moves well and competes with energy. Offensive profile built around strength and leverage. Continues to impact games in key moments.
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Ricardo Yuriar Jr 3B / 1B / Canyon View, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 5
Yuriar continues to show one of the more physical offensive profiles in the class with quick hands and plus bat to ball skills. Strong framed hitter who consistently impacts the baseball with authority and has produced throughout the spring. Competitive presence in the box with advanced barrel feel. Offensive upside continues to trend upward. One of the top uncommitted Juniors in the state.
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Clayton Sheets 3B / 2B / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2027Sheets continues to show a mature offensive approach with the ability to stay through the baseball and use the whole field. Can hit velocity effectively and consistently produces quality at bats. Offensive profile built around simplicity and feel for contact. Reliable contributor who continues to produce.
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Ben Jacobus OF / 1B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Jacobus continues to show elite hand speed and advanced timing at the plate. The swing works explosively through the zone with impact power that translates naturally in game. Athletic mover with polished offensive traits and the ability to change momentum quickly. One of the premier bats in the class nationally.
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Derek Wilson OF / LHP / Red Mountain , AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 46 / POS: 10
Wilson has put together one of the louder offensive seasons in the state with arguablly the most conistent bat in the state. Loose, athletic setup with advanced bat speed and ability to consistently impact the baseball. Strong statistical profile backed by real bat to ball ability and strike zone awareness. Offensive upside continues to trend strongly upward and still uncommitted.
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Maximus Pena SS / 2B / Saguaro High School, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 54 / POS: 14
Pena continues to establish himself as one of the more electric leadoff hitters in the state. Twitchy athlete with speed, instincts, and ability to impact the game offensively and defensively. Advanced feel for contact with strong extra base production. High energy player who consistently changes games.
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Owen Konerko 3B / OF / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2027Konerko continues to trend upward with a projectable 6’2 frame and athletic offensive profile. Loose movements and developing strength allow the ball to carry naturally off the barrel. Offensive upside remains significant with more physical projection ahead. High ceiling follow.
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Dre Ethier SS / Brophy, AZ / 2027Ethier continues to show steady offensive impact with competitive at bats and mature feel for the moment. Produces quality contact consistently and delivers in leverage situations. Strong spring with reliable offensive production throughout. Competitive infielder with winning traits.
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Conor Rae SS / OF / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Rae continues to stand out with effortless athletic actions and consistent offensive energy. Spark plug type player who impacts the game with rhythm, instincts, and feel for the barrel. Athleticism translates naturally across the field. High level follow with strong upside and ability to play multiple positions on the field with ease and fluidity.
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Maddon DelaCruz SS / C / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 25 / POS: 7
DelaCruz showed a composed offensive approach with a simple operation and confidence in big spots. Steady defender at shortstop with clean actions and controlled tempo. Offensive profile built around consistency and feel for contact. Continues to trend upward heading into the summer.
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Colton Floyd 3B / RHP / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Floyd continues to show one of the highest offensive ceilings in the class with a massive frame and easy juice. Strong, relaxed movements in the box allow the bat speed and leverage to translate naturally. Produces loud contact without overswinging. High end power profile with national upside.
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Gavin Hamilton OF / OF / Hamilton, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 57 / POS: 15
Hamilton continues to trend upward physically and offensively with a strong combination of athleticism and impact. Loose wrists and rhythm in the load allow him to create gap to gap power naturally. Strong athlete who moves well underway with measurable upside. Hamilton has made big strides this year and the offensive profile continues to trend upward with each look.
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Erick Jaylen Jimenez RHP / 1B / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 52 / POS: 12
Jimenez presents an intriguing athletic frame at 6’5 with projection remaining throughout the body. Stays inside velocity well and uses the opposite field with authority. Long, athletic offensive profile with barrel feel and leverage beginning to emerge. High upside follow moving forward.
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Ayden McGinnis 1B / LHP / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2027Rankings StateRank: 27 / POS: 1
McGinnis continues to show intriguing arm talent with quality spin traits and a live fastball up to 90. Athletic frame with looseness and projection remaining. Breaking ball flashes hard bite and swing and miss potential. Command and feel continue developing, but the upside is significant and still uncommitted.
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UNDERCLASS STANDOUTS (2028-2029)
Conner Hansen OF / 1B / Saguaro, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 32 / POS: 10
Hansen continues to trend upward with an athletic offensive profile and ability to impact the baseball to all fields. Gets into the lower half well and stays through contact with authority, producing multiple extra base hits. Athletic mover with developing strength and barrel feel. Sophomore follow continuing to gain momentum.
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Mattox Murray SS / RHP / Canyon View, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 10
Murray continues to impact games in multiple phases with mature feel well beyond his age. Competitive leadoff profile at the plate with ability to produce loud barrels and quality at bats. Defensively steady at third while also contributing meaningful innings on the mound. One of the more complete young players in the class.
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Jameson Mohler C / OF / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 2
Mohler continues to show one of the cleaner offensive profiles among young catchers in the state. Keeps the swing compact and direct while consistently producing quality contact to all fields. Advanced feel for timing and barrel control stand out. Offensive upside continues trending upward and the defensive ability behind the dish are refined and conistent with effortless catch and throws and ability to keep the ball in front and handle a mature pitching staff.
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Brayden Lee C / 1B / Horizon, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 51 / POS: 10
Lee showed a smooth, controlled swing with the ability to stay short and direct through the zone. Consistently found barrels and produced run scoring contact throughout the day. Offensive operation remains simple and repeatable. Young bat with developing offensive upside.
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Jacob Gabbel SS / 2B / Red Mountain, AZ / 2028Gabbel showed quick hands and an efficient move to contact with projection remaining physically. The swing works cleanly through the zone with developing strength beginning to emerge. Athletic infielder with offensive upside and looseness in the operation. Strong sophomore follow.
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Chase Waterbury SS / RHP / Sandra Day O'Connor, AZ / 2028Rankings StateRank: 53 / POS: 13
Waterbury showed a controlled, level plane swing with the ability to impact the baseball the other way. Wiry frame with projection remaining and athletic actions throughout the operation. Offensive approach remains under control with feel for contact. Young infielder continuing to develop.
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Simeon Johnson, OF / Red Mountain, AZ / 2029Johnson showed present bat speed and confidence at the plate with the ability to drive the baseball back through the middle. Athletic offensive profile with developing strength and looseness in the hands. Young player with offensive upside and physical projection remaining.
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