To continue the series of outlooking high school baseball teams ahead of the new season, Casteel is up next.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Several seniors on the Casteel Colts Varsity baseball team have committed to the University of Arizona, as well as other programs.
Future Wildcats
Senior pitcher Mason Russell, senior outfielder Tyler Russell, and senior center Kade Thompson have all signed to be a part of the Arizona Wildcats baseball program.
✍️ SIGNED!
Keeping it in the Russell fam with an outstanding outfielder! Welcome to the team, @tyler_russell33! 🌵⚾ #BearDown pic.twitter.com/vPzAs8XeXi
— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) November 8, 2023
✍️ SIGNED!
Defensive stud, offensive weapon, big time backstop. Welcome our newest Wildcat, Kade Thompson! 🌵⚾️ #BearDown pic.twitter.com/LfNyzBxIsU
— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) November 8, 2023
Mason is the No. 3 recruit in the entire state of Arizona and won 75% of the games he pitched in last year.
✍️ SIGNED!
The No. 3 recruit in the state and a Top 10 southpaw in the nation! Welcome aboard, @MasonRussell27! 🌵⚾️ #BearDown pic.twitter.com/pKX47MR3ea
— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) November 8, 2023
The Wildcats have had some success as of late but these three Colts will look to bring the program to an entirely new level with their chemistry.
Other Casteel Commitments
While Multiple Colts will be Wildcats next year, several others have committed to other programs at the next level.
Left-handed senior pitcher Dominic Scelfo has given a verbal commitment to Phoenix College.
I am excited and blessed to announce my verbal commitment to Phoenix College. I would like to thank my family, friends, and coaches for given me the opportunities and making me who I am today. Go Bears!!! 🐻 @PCBaseball_FKU pic.twitter.com/3ddmyn6NmJ
— Dominick Scelfo (@baseballdom22) October 2, 2023
Senior 1st Team All-Region and right-handed pitcher Gabe Schneider has committed to Washington State.
One of the top righthanders in Arizona is headed to the Palouse!
Welcome to the Cougar Family, Gabe Schneider!#GoCougs | @gabeschn32 pic.twitter.com/RbKRD3BHpc
— Washington State Baseball (@wsucougarbsb) November 8, 2023
Senior 1st Team All-Region and infielder/pitcher Tyler Hatch committed to BYU.
Welcome to the family,@TylerHatch2024 🤙 pic.twitter.com/vn6pviFqYI
— BYU Baseball (@BYUBaseball) November 8, 2023
The Colts have developed a ton of talent over the last few years and that is now being put on full display with all the interest players have received.
Casteel’s Season Outlook
Being the final high school season for all these commits, they are looking to end it on a high note.
The team finished with a 27-6 record last season and were crowned 5A conference champions with their 15-8 victory against Catalina Foothills in the championship.
CHAMPS! 🏆
Nick Dale (@nickdale23) forces the ground ball to first for the final out. Casteel is your AIA 5A State Champions with a 15-8 win over Catalina Foothills!@CHSColtBaseball (AZ) 2023 · @PCAZ_Baseball signee
Profile: https://t.co/VhGeyWwAS2 pic.twitter.com/uScKp2Tfaz
— Five Tool Arizona (@FiveToolAZ) May 17, 2023
While there are high expectations to live up to after a season like that, the Colts will look to be named back-to-back champions.
The season for Casteel begins Friday, March 1 against Ironwood Ridge. Make sure to tune in to see some of the highest levels of high school baseball being played.
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Saleh Awwad is a reporter/writer covering Phoenix High School Sports and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
