Nevada - With the 2026 high school season officially underway, it’s time to recognize the standout performances that helped set the tone across the Silver State in the Opening Week.

Each week this spring, we will name an Nevada Player of the Week and Nevada Pitcher of the Week, honoring the top individual performances from around the state. These awards are based entirely on nominations submitted by high school coaches, highlighting the athletes who delivered when it mattered most during game action.

From dominant outings on the mound to explosive performances at the plate, Week 2 brought no shortage of impact performances. Now, it’s time to spotlight Week 2 honorees of the 2026 season.

  

Player of the Week Spotlight: Rookie Shepard

Desert Oasis standout Rookie Shepard has earned Player of the Week honors following a stretch of clinical hitting that has seen him become one of the toughest outs in the state. Shepard’s week was highlighted by a perfect 3-for-3 performance against Bonanza on March 11th, where he drove in two runs and crossed the plate three times. Even in a tough slate against Centennial and Vauxhall Academy, Shepard remained a steady force, reaching base safely in every contest and maintaining an elite .722 season batting average.

What sets Shepard apart is his advanced eye at the plate. Through 25 plate appearances this season, he has struck out only twice while drawing five walks and being hit by two pitches, leading to a staggering .800 On-Base Percentage (OBP). His ability to drive the ball is equally impressive; with 13 hits on the season, Shepard has collected seven extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run), resulting in a massive 1.278 Slugging Percentage. Whether he is working a deep count or punishing a first-pitch strike, Shepard has proven to be the engine that drives the Diamondbacks' offense.

Top Performers (March 11 – March 13)
Rookie Shepard (Jr): .714 AVG (5-for-7), 2 RBI, 4 R, 1 BB, 2 HBP
vs. Bonanza (3/11): 3-3, 2 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB (1.000 OBP)
vs. Centennial (3/12): 1-2, 1 R, 2 HBP
vs. VA (3/13): 1-2, 1 BB

Season Totals to Date
Batting Average: .722
On-Base Percentage: .800
Slugging Percentage: 1.278
Extra Base Hits: 7 (5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR)

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Player of the Week Spotlight: Troy Southisene

Basic High School standout Troy Southisene put on a clinic this past week, proving why he is one of the most feared bats in the state. Southisene’s week was highlighted by a monster performance on March 12th against Coronado, where he went 3-for-5 with two home runs and two RBIs. He followed that up on March 13th with another blast against TVHS, marking his third home run in just two days. Throughout the three-game stretch, Southisene maintained a red-hot .583 batting average, driving in seven runs and solidifying his role as the engine of the Wolves' offense.

For the season, Southisene is putting up video-game numbers. With a .524 batting average and a massive 1.143 slugging percentage, he has been nearly impossible to keep off the base paths. Perhaps most impressive is his ability to drive the ball for power without sacrificing contact; of his 11 hits this season, five have gone for extra bases, including four home runs. Whether he is sparking a rally or clearing the bases, Southisene’s presence in the lineup has been the defining factor for Basic this spring.

Top Performers (March 10 – March 13)
Troy Southisene (Basic): .583 AVG (7-for-12), 3 HR, 1 2B, 7 RBI, 5 R
vs. Coronado (3/10): 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 R
vs. Coronado (3/12): 3-5, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R
vs. TVHS (3/13): 2-3, HR, 3 RBI, 1 R

Season Totals to Date
Batting Average: .524
Home Runs: 4
RBIs: 8
Slugging Percentage: 1.143
Hits: 11

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Pitcher of the Week Spotlight: James Hatfield

Clark High School’s James Hatfield turned in the most dominant outing of his season on March 12th, silencing the Cheyenne bats in a 10-1 victory. Hatfield was virtually untouchable, surrendering only two hits over six scoreless innings of work. His ability to miss bats was on full display as he racked up a season-high 11 strikeouts while issuing only a single walk. This performance marked Hatfield's second win of the season and underscored his status as the definitive anchor of the Chargers' rotation.

Hatfield’s season totals reflect a pitcher who is consistently locked in. Through 18 innings pitched, he has maintained a microscopic 1.17 ERA while striking out 25 batters—averaging nearly 1.4 strikeouts per inning. His durability has been a key asset for Clark, as evidenced by his 7-inning, 8-strikeout performance against Bonanza earlier this month. With a perfect 2-0 record and a 1.000 win percentage, Hatfield has proven that whenever he takes the mound, the Chargers are in a prime position to win.

Top Performers: James Hatfield (Clark)
Game Highlight (vs. Cheyenne 3/12): 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 K (Win)
Game Highlight (vs. Bonanza 3/06): 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K

Season Totals to Date
Innings Pitched: 18.0
ERA: 1.17
Strikeouts (K): 25
Record: 2-0
Saves: 1
Opponent Batters Faced: 78

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