High school baseball: Window closing fast for teams to take 3A title

ST. GEORGE — There is always a sense of urgency to win a state championship, but even more so for the remaining clubs in the 3A baseball tournament.

Class 3A baseball will be a completely different ballgame next year when Spanish Fork, Snow Canyon, Dixie and Pine View drop down from 4A. It is likely that Spanish Fork will again be the best team in the state next year, and the three St. George teams are also solid programs.

So for the teams remaining in the 3A tournament, which resumes today at three different sites in St. George, the window for winning a state championship is rapidly closing.

"I think we're all thinking that," Canyon View coach Jason Jacobsen said of the remaining teams' greater sense of urgency. "There are some huge changes coming up, a lot of teams dropping back down. I think there is a sense of urgency that we all have to bring our level of play up next year if want to have a chance, no doubt about it."

Carbon, which went unbeaten in league play this season, will be in the same region as Spanish Fork next year.

"There is nobody in the whole state who wants to play Spanish Fork," said Carbon coach Troy Moynier. "Next year, not only are they in 3A but they're in our region. Even though we have so many players back next year, I don't know how you can say you want Spanish Fork in your region."

Fortunately for the remaining teams in the 3A tournament, they don't have to worry about the Dons for now. Instead, they'll participate in a tournament where the teams are fairly comparable. Reigning champion Juan Diego plays Canyon View in the first winners' bracket semifinal today, and Carbon faces Desert Hills in the other matchup.

Juan Diego hasn't been as dominant this season, but is still considered the team to beat. The Soaring Eagle have been in more close games than usual, and had to come from behind to win a few of them. Coach Troy Davis said that's a good thing for his team.

"This team has matured a lot more," Davis said. "Obviously, the competition is going to be stiff here. Every team we play, we're going to have a target on our backs. Everybody brings it, and we have to stay on top of it."

Canyon View has been waiting for a shot at Juan Diego since losing to it in the state championship game last year. The Falcons are a seasoned club, led by pitchers Kameron King and Jason Holmes.