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By John Nolan
Assistant Director of Scouting/Content Management 

As we enter March, the high school season is quickly approaching. As we approach opening day, we will continue our look at high school programs throughout our coverage area as they prepare for the 2016 season.
 

 

Team: Rock Ridge
Nickname: Phoenix
Class: 4A West
Conference: 21B
Coach: Paul Koch
Twitter: @rockridge9
2015 Record: 4-16
2015 Post Season: Conference Tournament
Returning Starters/Position: 10
Returning Pitchers: 5

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Corey Brown (SS, 2018)
Brynn Goldman (OF, 2018)
Xavier Jessie (CF, 2018) Jessie has a lanky frame that has a ton of upside and he has a lot of potential develop as he fills out his frame.
Nick Stewart (RHP, 2017) Stewart is a big righty with a projectable frame and good arm action. He consistently sits in the mid-80s with the potential for more and has an outstanding breaking ball. Stewart is currently ranked 22^nd in the Class of 2017 Rankings.
Ben Wright (C, 2018) Wright has a big, athletic frame for a catcher and is a solid receiver who is a quick runner.

 

SEASON OUTLOOK
2015 Was Rock Ridge’s first year of competition and the Phoenix took their lumps with a team made up primarily of freshman with a few sophomores. There were a few positive moments throughout the season, including Stewarts twelve strikeout no-hitter of John Handley in April. The 2016 Phoenix should improve as they age. They will fundamentally sound on defense and have an ace to anchor their pitching staff in Stewart. The offense is young but has potential. Rock Ridge will be dangerous any time Stewart is on the mound this spring, and look for the Phoenix to improve throughout the season and be very competitive when the playoffs kick off in May.