Ayden Vasquez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Paradise Valley for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX — Paradise Valley High School’s baseball team will host Gila Ridge on Monday at 3:45 p.m. in a nonconference matchup that offers an early-season test as the Trojans continue to develop under first-year head coach Dean Symancyk.

The game, scheduled at Paradise Valley High School, marks an important opportunity for the Trojans to build consistency as they move deeper into the spring schedule. With multiple games packed into the early part of the season, teams are still refining roles, rotations and overall identity.

“This is a good challenge for us,” Symancyk said. “We’re still learning what kind of team we are, and games like this help us figure that out. We want to see improvement in all phases — hitting, pitching and defense.”

The matchup carries added importance as part of a demanding early-season stretch, where teams must balance development with results. Facing an opponent like Gila Ridge gives Paradise Valley a chance to measure its progress, particularly in execution and consistency, while also building momentum before entering the heart of its schedule.

Paradise Valley will look to its upperclassmen to provide leadership and stability. Senior shortstop Adair Ortiz said the team has emphasized maintaining focus and minimizing mistakes in preparation for Monday’s game.

“We’ve been working on staying locked in from the first inning to the last,” Ortiz said. “It’s about playing clean baseball and not giving the other team extra opportunities.”

Gila Ridge enters the matchup with experience playing in tournament-style environments and is known for applying pressure offensively. The Hawks are scheduled to travel to Paradise Valley for the 3:45 p.m. first pitch, creating a cross-region matchup that could test both teams’ adaptability.

For the Trojans, pitching will play a key role in setting the tone. Junior Tommy Marshall is expected to contribute on the mound and said the focus has been on controlling the strike zone and working efficiently.

“As pitchers, we want to get ahead early in counts and keep hitters off balance,” Marshall said. “If we can limit walks and make routine plays behind us, we’ll be in a good position.”

Offensively, Paradise Valley is continuing to develop a more aggressive approach at the plate under Symancyk’s system. The coaching staff has stressed attacking hittable pitches while maintaining discipline, a balance that could be critical against a team like Gila Ridge.

“We don’t want to be passive,” Symancyk said. “We want to take quality swings and put pressure on defenses. When we do that, we’re a much better team.”

The game also provides fans an opportunity to see how the Trojans are progressing early in the season. With first pitch set for 3:45 p.m., spectators can attend at Paradise Valley High School, while updates are expected to be shared through school athletic channels.

As the Trojans continue to build chemistry and establish their identity, Monday’s matchup represents more than just another game on the schedule — it’s a chance to evaluate growth, make adjustments and set the tone moving forward.

“We’re excited for the opportunity,” Ortiz said. “Every game is a chance to improve and show what we can do.”