Postseason play gets underway this week across Arizona, with several Graham and Greenlee County teams hitting the field in both softball and baseball. Here’s a breakdown of the matchups.
Softball
#16 Duncan at #1 Superior, May 1, 4 p.m.
Duncan comes in as one of the more intriguing lower seeds in the bracket. The Wildkats are hitting .412 as a team, led by junior Paisley Patton, who is batting .586 with 34 RBI and strong extra-base production. Sofia Harris (.500) and Josie Wright (.485) give Duncan multiple high-average threats, while seniors Sierra Chamberlin and Zoley Lane provide experience.
The challenge is the matchup. Superior enters at 19-2-1, unbeaten in region play, and has outscored opponents 284-103. The Panthers already defeated Duncan 24-3 earlier this season. For Duncan, the path is simple: outscore them. If the Wildkats can limit early damage, their offense is capable of making things interesting.
#12 Santa Cruz at #5 Willcox, May 2, 11 a.m.
Willcox enters the postseason as one of the more complete teams in the bracket. The Cowboys are 21-6, riding a seven-game win streak, and have outscored opponents 284-74 while hitting .376 as a team. They average 10.5 runs per game and already own a 12-6 win over Santa Cruz this season.
The lineup is deep, led by Hattie Macumber (.593), Lilly Williams (.493, 33 RBI), and Jaqueline Ramirez (.415, 31 RBI). Macumber also anchors the circle with a 0.69 ERA and 278 strikeouts. Santa Cruz averages over eight runs per game, but Willcox’s edge in both pitching and production makes the difference. Several Cowboys also bring experience from the 2024 Little League Softball World Series, adding another layer in a playoff setting.
#10 Morenci at #7 Camp Verde, May 2, 11 a.m.
This shapes up as one of the more balanced matchups in the bracket. Morenci enters at 19-9 with one of the top offenses in the field, hitting .459 and averaging 12.3 runs per game. Tiara Jones (.558) leads a lineup capable of putting pressure on opponents early.
Camp Verde counters at 20-6 with a more complete profile, allowing just 67 runs all season while hitting .382. The Cowboys rely on balance and defense to control games. Morenci has the edge at the plate, but Camp Verde’s ability to limit damage could be the deciding factor.
#12 Thatcher at #5 Yuma Catholic, May 2, 11 a.m.
Thatcher brings a high-powered offense into a tough matchup, hitting .422 as a team with a 1.190 OPS. Shalee Hughes (.582), Kacee McCluskey (.556), and Marlee Farris (.455, 7 HR) lead a lineup capable of scoring in bunches.
Yuma Catholic presents a major test. The Shamrocks are 24-5-1, unbeaten in region play, and have allowed just 72 runs all season while hitting .437. Thatcher has the bats to compete, but slowing down one of the most complete teams in the bracket will be the challenge.
#14 Safford at #3 Empire, May 2, 11 a.m.
Safford enters at 15-15 and leans on a core group that has produced all season, starting with Aleena Romero. The junior infielder leads the Bulldogs at .424 with 36 hits and is a consistent presence in the lineup. Kai-Lee Cordova (.405) adds production and versatility, while Alexis Rope (.380, .490 OBP) sets the table with a team-high 30 runs scored.
The power comes from Erynn Johnson (5 HR, 33 RBI) and Marina Balisteri (4 HR), giving Safford the ability to generate offense quickly when opportunities are there.
The challenge is the matchup. Empire is 22-6, hitting .428 as a team and averaging nearly 11 runs per game while allowing just 99 on the season. The Ravens also defeated Safford 11-1 earlier this year.
Baseball
#16 Fort Thomas at #1 Hayden, May 2, 4 p.m.
Fort Thomas faces a tough opening-round matchup against a Hayden team that has been steady all season. The Lobos are 15-6, winners of three straight, and have gone 7-1 in region play while building a 9-1 home record.
Fort Thomas comes in at .500 and has shown flashes, including winning its bracket at the Epic Tournament earlier this season, a first for the program. The Apaches will need to play a clean game and take advantage of limited opportunities to stay within reach.
#11 Duncan at #6 Bagdad, May 2, 4 p.m.
Duncan brings one of the most explosive offenses in the bracket, hitting .416 as a team and averaging over 11 runs per game. Taygan Jensen (.557), Dayton Penry (.542), Pablo Ruiz (.515), and Ethan Hernandez (.468) lead a deep lineup capable of scoring in bunches.
Bagdad counters with a veteran-heavy roster and a balanced approach. Rowdy Hooper (.523) is the centerpiece, while Zayden Sanders (.424) and Kaiden Davis (.362) provide support. Duncan holds the edge in depth, while Bagdad leans on experience and top-end talent.
#13 Willcox vs. #4 Phoenix Christian, May 7, Goodyear
Willcox enters at 17-7 with a strong overall profile, hitting .345 as a team and outscoring opponents 218-94. Ty Shull (.529) leads a lineup that has produced consistently.
Phoenix Christian presents a tough challenge at 18-8. The Cougars have allowed just 68 runs all season while averaging nearly 11 per game. Willcox holds a slight edge offensively, but Phoenix Christian’s run prevention stands out in a neutral-site matchup.
#15 Pima vs. #2 Round Valley, May 8, Goodyear
Pima enters at 14-12, hitting .331 as a team and averaging nearly nine runs per game. Ramon Hernandez (.490) leads the offense for the Roughriders.
Round Valley has been dominant all season at 22-4, hitting .521 as a team and averaging 13.6 runs per game. The Elks already defeated Pima 13-1 earlier this year, showing a clear gap. Limiting early runs will be critical for Pima.
#14 Thatcher at #3 Northwest Christian, May 5, 4 p.m.
Thatcher enters at 10-10 with a balanced roster. Jax Shupe (.341), Jagen Hall (.333), and Boston Echols (.333) lead the offense, while Hudson Lopeman (1.97 ERA) and Hall (2.57 ERA) anchor the pitching staff.
Northwest Christian is 21-6 and has been dominant on both sides, averaging nearly 10 runs per game while allowing just 91 all season. Without detailed individual stats, the team numbers and record point to one of the more complete teams in the field. Thatcher will need strong pitching and a clean defensive game to stay competitive.
