By James Hernandez 

With opening night just 50 days away, the College of Southern Nevada baseball program looked to the future as they once again secured one of the premier recruiting classes in junior college baseball. With players like Bryce Harper, Kris Bryant and Joey Gallo becoming household names in the show, it's now impossible to ignore the wealth of talent that Southern Nevada produces year in and year out. This 2018 class is another shining example of coach Garritano and his staff reaping the rewards of their commitment to recruit the local athlete with every player hailing from the 702.                                                                                                                                                    
 
Our first commitment is Faith Lutheran HS product Josh Brown.  Coach Garritano, "Brown is a crafty righty that will be expected to compete for a spot within the rotation out of the gate.  He possesses very good life on his fastball and can pitch very effective with his off – speed stuff."  Josh will be coming to CSN boasting a 3.3 GPA while receiving the awards for best cinematography and directing in Faith Lutheran's film and broadcasting program. "Brownie is a great kid on and off the field.  Josh always has a smile on his face and is a great mentor for our guys.  We are happy to see him go to the next level and I know he is going to excel.  The sky is the limit with him.  Congrats Josh"-Faith Lutheran head baseball coach Dave Anderson.

Next on the list is Coronado HS standout Braeden Ewing. Coach Garritano, "Ewing is a catcher that will compete with for innings behind the dish and possibly be asked to pitch in the fall."  Braeden comes to CSN boasting an impressive 3.8 GPA and was named a 2016 and 2017 Scholar Athlete for the Cougars. "Braeden is a quality student athlete who is a force on the field, in the classroom and in the clubhouse.  Our staff is very happy to have had the chance to coach him the last few years.  He has great upside and we wish him all the best at CSN"-Coronado Head Baseball Coach Rich Santigate

Dax Fellows will be coming to CSN from Silverado HS.  Coach Garritano, "Slick fielding Dax Fellows from Silverado HS is versatile enough to play any position on the field, however this natural born shortstop will be expected to compete for that job next fall." Dax was selected as a member of the 1^st team All Sunrise team, 1^st team All State and 2^nd team All American his junior year for the Skyhawks and will bring a respectable 3.0 GPA to CSN. "Dax has an outstanding skill set and great baseball aptitude.  He is a polished and savvy ballplayer with a team first selfless attitude.  Dax is a natural leader with high moral fiber.  He has a real feel for the game defensively.  His offensive game is a speed and power mix that make him a legitimate asset in the lineup"-Silverado Head Baseball Coach Brian Whitaker.

Jimmy Gamboa will be coming to CSN from Rancho HS. Coach Garritano, "Rancho's righty Jimmy Gamboa possesses a very good sinker to go along with some sharp breaking stuff.  Jimmy should immediately compete for a spot in the rotation under the guidance of pitching coach Brian Gidge."  Gamboa brings a 3.7 GPA to CSN, earning 1^st team All Sunrise Utility, 2^nd team All Sunrise Pitcher and 2^nd team All Southern Nevada Pitcher during his time with the Rams. "Jimmy is an absolute gamer.  No matter what the situation is, I can count on Jimmy to get the job done on the mound or at the plate.  We wish him the best of luck at CSN next year"-Rancho Head Baseball Coach Manny Llamas.

Southpaw Andrew Hauck joins the Pack from right across the street at Foothill HS. Coach Garritano, "Andrew possesses a great mentality on the mound that gives him a competitive edge and this crafty lefty should find a role in the rotation immediately."  Hauck brings a 3.5 GPA to CSN and was selected 2^nd Team All Sunrise his junior year. "Andrew is an outstanding competitor who is willing to accept any challenge.  He is athletic, he listens, works hard and he respects his coaches.  Andrew sets an example in the classroom and on the field.  He is an outstanding example of what every student – athlete should strive to be.  His teachers rave about his efforts in the classroom and the person that he is.  We have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach Andrew over the last 4 years.  He has made our team better over the course of his career, not by his abilities, but through his leadership.  Andrew will be successful because of his work ethic and his strong desire to compete"-Foothill Head Baseball Coach Matt Iglitz.

Chaison Miklich is one of two Desert Oasis HS Diamondbacks joining the Coyotes.  Coach Garritano, "The power-hitting Miklich will be expected to compete for the starting job at 1B following the departure of reigning SWAC player of the year Justin Lutes."  Chaison brings a 2.3 GPA to CSN and was selected as the 1^st team Southwest division DH and 2^nd team Sunset Region DH his junior year. "Chaison Miklich has turned himself into one of the best hitters in town.  Chaison has some raw power that cannot be taught.  I am very confident confident Chasion will make an immediate impact for CSN next year"-Desert Oasis Head Baseball Coach Paul Buboltz. 

Christian "Flo" Rivero will be the second standout recruit (Roger Riley) joining the Pack from the roster of the back to back Nevada state champs, Basic HS. Coach Garritano, "Christian is an outstanding overall player that will compete to be the starting 2B next year and has the talent to follow in the footsteps of former Coyote standouts Tyler Brown and Dillon Johnson." Christian displays a tremendous team first attitude and brings a 3.0 GPA to CSN. Rivero was selected as a 2^nd team Sunrise Region infielder and was named Best Defensive Player for Basic HS. "Christian Rivero is a versatile infielder that can play 2B, SS or 3B.  He possesses a strong arm and he is a true gamer.  He handles the bat well and is a great addition to any team"-Basic Head Baseball Coach Scott Baker.

Cole Schaefer is the second Desert Oasis HS Diamondback to call CSN home in 2018. Coach Garritano, "Cole is a rare baseball player that can literally play any position on the diamond well and pitch."  Schaefer may turn out to be Joey O'Brien 2.0 and like Joey his overall versatility should make it hard for coach Garritano to keep him out of the lineup. Schaefer brings a 3.7 overall GPA to CSN and was selected as a 2^nd team all-conference infielder and 2^nd team all-conference pitcher his junior year. "Cole Schaefer has been an outstanding player for the last 3 years.  He has been one of the most versatile players we have ever had come out of Desert Oasis HS playing OF, INF, C and Pitching.  I am sure he will have an immediate impact for CSN next year"-Desert Oasis Head Baseball Coach Paul Buboltz.

Last, but certainly not least, we welcome Rancho HS Ram standout Joey Walls to the Pack. Coach Garritano, "Joey is a five-tool talent that is physically gifted and should find his way into one of the starting OF jobs next year. He is an elite defender that possesses plus arm strength and has serious pop at the plate." Walls brings a 3.0 GPA to CSN and was named 1^st team All-Conference and 2^nd Team All State his sophomore season. "Joey is the true definition of a competitor.  Joey will do anything possible to help his team win.  He is a team first type of guy.  Joey is the guy you want at the plate when the game is on the line"-Rancho Head Baseball Coach Manny Llamas.