To continue the series of outlooking high school baseball teams ahead of the new season, the Flagstaff Eagles are up next.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Coming Off Strong Season
The Eagles are coming off a season where they finished with a 22-9 record and outscored opposing teams by 80 runs. They entered the 4A state playoffs as the No. 7 seed but lost to the Saguaro Sabercats twice and were eliminated.
Yesterday was not our day at Saguaro but that does not diminish the season these players put together: 22-9 overall record, 16-2 in Conference, 2 state playoff wins and a Top 6 finish at state! To our 8 seniors, you are leaving an impact that will only benefit this program! pic.twitter.com/2BQQP6EEsR
— Flagstaff Eagles Baseball (@FlagBaseball) May 7, 2023
Considering the team went just 14-15 the previous season, this was a step in the right direction and gave them something to build on heading into the new season. Head coach Kenny Macias and the Eagles will attempt to improve even more and make a serious playoff run in the 4A.
Flagstaff’s Departures
The Eagles lost several key players that contributed heavily to the team’s success to graduation this past May. A couple of these departures include shortstop/pitcher Heath Lopez and infielder Luke Wilson. The two led Flagstaff in hits as they combined for 82 in just 31 games played.
Seniors Luke Wilson and Heath Lopez got to wear their Eagles uniforms one last time yesterday in the Arizona state 4A all-star game at Goodyear Ballpark! Luke and Heath helped the North all-stars beat the South all-stars 10-2. Congrats Luke and Heath!! pic.twitter.com/hTGy9OiQy9
— Flagstaff Eagles Baseball (@FlagBaseball) May 28, 2023
Despite the costly departures, Flagstaff has more than enough talent to make up for them.
Current senior infielder Luke Hewes had an incredible junior season and will look to build on it. Hewes batted a team-high .456 on 36 hits and 30 RBIs. He also led the team in home runs with five on the season.
Season Outlook
As with every other team in the 4A, Flagstaff has a goal of entering the state playoffs and making a deep run with potentially coming out as champions.
Keep an eye on the Eagles with the season starting in just under two months.
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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_
