Hamilton baseball aiming for consecutive state titles
February 17, 2020 by Andre Beltran, Arizona State University
Andre Beltran is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Hamilton High School for AZPreps365.com
Hamilton has established itself as a baseball dynasty.
Not enough for four-year starter Michael Brueser.
“There is always room for improvement on the mental side and physical side” said Brueser.
Coming off a state championship, the Huskies are looking to repeat their success from last season.
With a number of players returning, the experience needed to return to the state championship is present in this year’s squad.
“We expect to be in the mix at the end of the year again and I think we have the talent to do it, but it all depends on how we work together as a team,” said coach Mike Woods.
Brueser, an ASU commit, played an important part in the team’s run to the state title, collecting 12 home runs, 36 RBI’s and finishing with a .314 average.
“It’s kind of weird being the older guy on this team,” Brueser said. “Since I have been on varsity for four years, I have always been the younger guy but it’s good to be considered a leader on this team.”
Another key player for the Huskies is senior catcher Tyler Wilson, who is committed to play at Grand Canyon University next year.
“Good chance to be drafted this year, big bat and a great kid,” said Woods.
Wilson is aware of the talent his team has and has his expectations set for the season ahead.
“Just be dominant over everybody and go undefeated this year, which has never been done,” said Wilson.
Hamilton was named Max Preps Top High School Baseball Dynasty in 2018 and have won seven state titles since 2003.
The Huskies are going into the season as the No.1 ranked team in Arizona and the No.4 ranked team in the nation.
Hamilton opens its season at home against Desert Mountain Feb.27.