Arizona Diamond Notes: Week 2
March 15, 2026
💎 DIAMOND NOTES: WEEK 2
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.
While we continue to crown a Player and Pitcher of the Week based on nominations and statewide data, 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
Devin Long RHP / Chaparral / 2026Long turned in a high-efficiency outing against rival Saguaro, throwing a 1-hit complete game shutout with 8 strikeouts in a 5.0-inning win. He is currently 2-0 on the season with 17 K in 11.0 IP, including wins over defending champion Corona del Sol and Saguaro. Highlights: 5.0 IP, 1H, 0R, 8K | Season: 1.27 ERA, 17K
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Tanner Anderson C / Chaparral / 2026Anderson recorded a 3-for-4 performance against Willow Canyon that included a three-run home run and 9 RBIs. The physical backstop showed a disciplined approach throughout the week, drawing 8 walks to go along with 10 total RBIs and 7 hits in 10 at-bats. Highlights: 3-for-4, HR, 9 RBI (Single Game) | 10 RBI Week |
Clayton Nachman RHP / Arizona College Prep / 2026Nachman secured a complete-game shutout against Sunrise Mountain, utilizing a 75% ground ball rate and a 60% strike percentage. He is 2-0 on the year with a 2.15 ERA and has held opposing hitters to a .174 batting average through the first two weeks. Highlights: 7.0 IP, 0R, 6K (CG Shutout) | 2.15 Season ERA |
Jackson Weber SS / Horizon, AZ / 2026The ASU commit showed off a disciplined presence in the box this week, paired with polished rhythm and timing. Weber does a great job of keeping his hands working through the zone and staying on plane, which he utilized to barrel an RBI single past a diving third baseman to put Horizon on the board. A high-IQ player with a projectable frame, Weber remains a centerpiece for the Huskies as they navigate a tough 6A schedule.
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Brock MacDonald RHP / Desert Vista High School, AZ / 2026The Baylor commit provided a quality look this week, filling up the zone over six innings of work. Standing 6'1, 210 lbs, MacDonald showcased a heavy 2-seam fastball that touched 93 mph with significant arm-side run, creating difficult angles for hitters on both sides of the plate. He effectively mixed both a slider and curveball, both featuring high-spin traits to keep the opposition off balance while flashing a fading changeup. Maintainins a commanding presence on the mound.
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Kane Dobson 2B / Desert Ridge, AZ / 2026Dobson put his power on full display this week, showcasing the ability to get the barrel out front and drive the ball with authority. He unloaded on a pitch for a loud, two-run home run to dead center field, providing an immediate spark for the Jaguars' offense. The senior infielder has been a consistent run-producer all spring, tallying eight extra-base hits and 16 RBIs while maintaining a .432 average. Highlights: .432 Avg | 2 HR | 16 RBI | 1.259 OPS |
Diego Perez Samaniego 3B / Millennium, AZ / 2026Physical RH bat with simple, smooth actions and thump in the stick. Finished the day 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a line drive back through center field. Strength plays to all fields for the Phoenix JC recruit. |
Will Carpenter SS / Flagstaff, AZ / 2026The Eagles' leadoff man continues to set the tone for his club. A high-end athlete who moves exceptionally well around the bases and in the infield, Carpenter features a controlled swing in the box that consistently puts the ball in play. His ability to impact the game with his legs and steady glove makes him a vital spark plug for the Flagstaff lineup. Highlights: .375 Avg | 9 Hits | 6 Runs | 3 XBH
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David Moss 2B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2026The Central Arizona commit displayed advanced bat control this week, showing the ability to stay inside the baseball and drive a pair of singles to right field. A plus athlete with short, quick actions at the plate, Moss continues to be a high-level table setter for the Aztecs who utilizes the entire field to generate offensive production. |
Parker Williams OF / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2026The Central Arizona commit put his elite bat speed on full display this week, turning on a pitch and sending it deep over the left-field wall. Williams shows rhythm in his hands and a knack for creating consistent hard contact with backspin. His athleticism translates to the field as well and it should be noted he plays the game with a chip on his shoulder, never taking his time on the field for granted and always looks to be improving.
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Jordan Ransom SS / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026The ASU commit continues to show a mature approach at the plate every time we see him. During a quality two-hit day, Ransom stayed balanced through his lower half with his body working in sync to lace two ropes through the right side. His ability to consistently stay on time and find barrels makes him one of the most reliable bats in the Bulldogs' order. Highlights: Multi-hit Game | ASU Commit | Advanced Approach |
Jet Berry SS / Queen Creek, AZ / 2026A highly versatile athlete and ASU commit, Berry continues to show why he is on the MLB Draft watch list. He plays the game at a high speed while maintaining a relaxed, composed presence in the dirt and the box. This week, he came up clutch with a go-ahead RBI double in the 5th inning and flashed premium leather at shortstop multiple times, consistently impacting the game in every phase. Highlights: ++Athlete | MLB Draft Watch | ASU Commit
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Carter Macanas SS / Red Mountain, AZ / 2026The Paradise Valley CC recruit put together a highly productive day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Macanas features a short, compact swing and operates with a relaxed rhythm in the box that allows him to stay on time. He has been a consistent offensive catalyst for Red Mountain early this season, maintaining a .406 average through his first eight games. Highlights: .406 Avg | 13 Hits | 7 RBI | Paradise Valley CC Recruit |
Caius Wilson SS / Red Mountain, AZ / 2026The uncommitted senior put together a quality day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs. Wilson showed the ability to drop the head and pull a barrel, smoking a double down the left-field line. He has been a spark for the Red Mountain offense early on, hitting .421 through eight games with two doubles and five RBIs. Highlights: .421 Avg | 8 Hits | 5 RBI | 2 2B
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Abram Sherrin SS / Liberty, AZ / 2026The Arizona commit (recently flipped from UCSB) continues to cement his status as a premier two-way threat in the state. Sherrin features a smooth stroke with advanced rhythm and timing at the dish, which he used this week to rip a rocket into left field for a knock. A confident defender with a plus glove in the middle of the infield, Sherrin’s high-level feel for the game and competitive edge make him a foundational piece for the Lions. Highlights: Arizona Commit | + Glove
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CLASS OF 2027
Erick Espinoza LHP / San Luis / 2027Espinoza was dominant in a 7-inning complete game shutout vs. Chaparral, using just 95 pitches. He carried a perfect game through the first 5.0 innings and finished the contest with 8 strikeouts and zero walks allowed in the 3-0 victory. Highlights: 7.0 IP, 2H, 0R, 8K, 0BB | 95 Pitches |
Elijah Torres 3B/RHP / Marana / 2027Torres hit for the cycle during a high-production week at the plate, highlighted by a grand slam. He currently maintains a 1.920 season OPS and added 5.0 innings of work on the mound with 6 strikeouts. Highlights: 5-for-8 week | Hit for the Cycle | Grand Slam | 1.920 OPS |
Tre Hallberg 3B / Desert Ridge, AZ / 2027Hallberg displayed quick hands and an aggressive approach at the plate this week. In a key spot for Desert Ridge, he showed the ability to turn on inner-half velocity, driving a stand-up double into the gap to extend the lead. The uncommitted junior continues to be a high-average producer in the middle of the Jaguars' lineup. |
Asher Landry SS / Williams Field, AZ / 2027Landry is a spark plug for the Black Hawks who impacts the game in a variety of ways. A twitchy athlete with sure hands and a high-energy motor, he consistently finds himself in the middle of the action. Through the early stretch of the season, the uncommitted shortstop is proving to be a reliable table-setter with a knack for finding barrels.
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JJ Utash OF / EVIT - Williams Field High School, AZ / 2027The Texas commit continues to prove he is one of the most electric prospects in Arizona’s 2027 class. At a physical 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, Utash showcased "mammo" power this week, launching a towering, game-tying home run into the 4th inning. A premium athlete who also features a 92 mph arm from the outfield, Utash is putting together a dominant spring, currently hitting .455 with three home runs. Highlights: .455 Avg | 3 HR | Texas Commit | 6'4 212 lbs.
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Will Parker OF / Desert Ridge, AZ / 2027Parker’s bat speed stood out this week, as he demonstrated an efficient turn through the zone and the ability to handle velocity. Parker is currently swinging a hot bat for the Jaguars, maintaining a .452 average and leading the team with 18 RBIs through the first 13 games. |
Anthony Renda 1B / Desert Vista, AZ / 2027Renda continues to be one of the most productive bats in the Desert Vista lineup, showing an advanced feel for the barrel. The uncommitted junior is currently putting up massive numbers, hitting an even .600 through 13 games with 21 RBIs and 24 total hits. Highlights: .600 Avg | 24 Hits | 11 2B| 3 HR | 21 RBI | 1.625 OPS
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Conor Rae SS / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027The Arkansas commit continues to show why he is one of the premier bats in the '27 class. Rae features quick hands and a smooth barrel that works effortlessly through the zone. Highlights: +Athlete with ability to play both OF and INF at a high level. Arkansas recruit. |
Colton Floyd 3B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027Standing at an imposing 6'5, 230 lbs, the Texas A&M commit showed off a high-level power profile this week. Floyd displayed a mature approach, letting the ball travel before utilizing his strong lower half to make loud contact. His massive frame and ability to drive the ball with authority to the opposite field make him one of the highest-ceiling underclassmen in the Southwest.
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Ben Jacobus OF / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2027The TCU commit continues to stand out as a twitchy, plus-athlete with an advanced toolset. Jacobus displayed quick hands and a tight turn through contact this week, staying short to the ball and shooting a 2-RBI knock back up the middle. His elite bat-to-ball skills and explosive movements in the box make him a constant threat in the Aztecs' lineup. Highlights: TCU Commit | + Athlete | Elite Bat-to-Ball |
Robert Villa III SS / Liberty, AZ / 2027In our first look since his high-profile transfer, Villa wasted no time making an impact for the Lions. The Alabama commit turned in a perfect 3-for-3 performance, including two doubles and a stolen base. A twitchy, top-tier athlete in Arizona’s 2027 class, Villa combines plus speed with a plus glove, proving he can impact the game in multiple facets every time he takes the field. Highlights: 3-for-3 | 2 2B | Alabama Commit | Top SS in '27 Class
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UNDERCLASS STANDOUTS (2028-2029)
Mattox Murray 3B/RHP / Canyon View / 2028Murray contributed on both sides in a 10-inning victory over Horizon, throwing 3.0 scoreless innings to earn the win before hitting the walk-off single. He is hitting .458 through his first six varsity games with 10 K in 7.0 IP on the mound. Highlights: Walk-off Hit & Win | .458 Season BA | 1.00 ERA |
Bryant Provencio SS / Desert Ridge / 2028The sophomore shortstop went 13-for-20 (.650) on the week with 6 RBIs and 1 strikeout. Defensively, he handled 23 chances at SS with one error, maintaining a .682 OBP through the first stretch of the season. Highlights: 13-for-20 (.650) | 1K in 20 AB | .682 OBP
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Max Gamboa SS / Desert Ridge, AZ / 2028Gamboa continues to show why he is one of the more exciting young bats in the state. The sophomore displayed lightning-quick hands and a fast barrel this week, jumping on a first-pitch heater for a leadoff home run to jumpstart the Desert Ridge offense vs Coconino. Through 13 games, he is hitting at a .438 clip with six extra-base hits, proving he can handle varsity velocity with ease. Highlights: .438 Avg | 3 HR | 1.341 OPS | 15 Runs Scored
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Max Nibarger SS / Perry, AZ / 2028Nibarger continues to validate the high-ceiling profile he showed at the Preseason All-State event. This week, he highlighted a smooth lefty swing, a premium athlete with a 6', 181 lbs frame, Nibarger has already posted a 95 mph max exit velocity and shown big-time arm strength (92 mph from the OF). His ability to move well for his size and maintain body control makes him one of the most intriguing 2028 follows in the state. |
Chase Fillman OF / Millennium, AZ / 2028Standing at a physical 6' 215 lbs, Fillman remains one of the more intriguing athletes in Arizona’s 2028 class. While the early season numbers haven't fully exploded yet, the raw toolset is undeniable. Despite a slower statistical start, the impact potential and athleticism suggest he is a prime candidate for a breakout as he settles in. Highlights: .292 Avg | 9 Runs Scored | 7 Hits | + Athlete Frame
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