By James Yodice / Journal Staff Writer
CLASS 4A: There ought to be a slew of contenders just from the metro area.
That includes Belen, Valley and Hope Christian, plus the two teams that played in the state final last May – and who, in fact, have met for the last three 4A titles – St. Pius and Albuquerque Academy.
The two-time defending state champion Sartans have a new coach in Jim Stebbins, return only three starters and have got to fill several huge holes in their lineup due to graduation. St. Pius opens Tuesday at Eldorado.
“I mean, we’re still in the learning process. As a staff, and from a players’ standpoint,” said Stebbins, who was a Sartans assistant coach before being promoted. “We have kids that do have a lot of talent, but don’t have a lot of varsity experience.”
Several of the key players returning are junior third baseman Jax Mulville, senior shortstop Ben Martinez and senior catcher Jo-Frank Ortiz. Stebbins also believes the St. Pius pitching staff is better than it was last year.
“Long run,” Stebbins said, “St. Pius will be back where it’s been, but it’ll feel a little different this year.”
Academy’s got seven starters back, a group that includes top starting pitcher Matt Delaney – who beat No. 1 seed Grants in last year’s quarterfinals – plus excellent catcher Satish Raichur (who in addition to his good bat also provides stability on the mound), shortstop Mark McNaney and outfielder/pitcher Luke Laskey. Coach Chris Alexander likes his team’s chances come this May.
“We were young last year, and all those young guys, they’re not young anymore,” Alexander said. Of Delaney, he said: “One of the best arms in the state, to be honest with you.”
