Prep Baseball Report

#3 Queen Creek Bulldogs: Preseason Preview


Shea Sbranti
Arizona Scouting Director

Under the leadership of Head Coach DMikel Moreno, the Queen Creek High School baseball team, proudly known as the Bulldogs, is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season after a remarkable 28-8 campaign in 2023. The Bulldogs demonstrated their prowess by securing an 8-2 record in the 6A Central Conference and advancing to the AIA finals, where they narrowly fell to Hamilton in a hard-fought battle with a final score of 3-1.

High School: Queen Creek 
Coach: Mikel Moreno
AIA Classification: 6A
Conference: Central 

The Bulldogs are returning a formidable lineup that includes some of the top position players in the state. A standout among them is Vanderbilt commit Ryker Waite, who made headlines by reclassifying from a 2025 graduate to a 2024 graduate during the summer of 2023. Waite showcased his talents on a national stage as a participant in the prestigious Super 60 event. With a remarkable .423 batting average in his 2023 season, Waite is expected to be a driving force in the Bulldogs' quest for success.

Braden Belcastro, a versatile first baseman and left-handed pitcher, had a monstrous 2023 campaign, leaving a lasting impact with a .351 batting average, 13 home runs, 8 doubles, and an impressive 40 RBIs in just 34 games played. His power and consistency at the plate make him a key asset for the Bulldogs.

Arizona State commit Tait Reynolds is set to anchor the outfield, bringing a combination of speed, skill, and defensive prowess to the team. Reynolds is poised to be a significant contributor to the Bulldogs' success in the upcoming season.

Jet Berry, likely to secure a spot in the middle infield, boasts a contact-oriented approach at the plate and a quality glove, adding depth to the Bulldogs' lineup. Jesse Aguirre, a corner infielder with the ability to hit in the top 5 spots, showcases a premier glove at the hot corner, solidifying the team's defensive strength.

Despite their youth, the Bulldogs are a hard-nosed team that plays baseball at a remarkably high level. Known for their high-intensity play, they have the ability to create game-changing moments over the course of a 7-inning contest. With a roster loaded with talent across the diamond, the Bulldogs are a top candidate to make another appearance in the finals, driven by the goal of clinching the championship trophy this season.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Arizona Rising Stars ID AZ 04/13 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Rising Stars ID - Session 2 AZ 04/27 Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, AZ

RECENT NEWS