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Tournaments  | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
Photo: Sandlot 18u (Perfect Game)
Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball.

Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded.



15U Championship

The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game.

After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions throughout the lineup. Will Hostetler led the offense, going 1-3 in the game. Hostetler hit .545 through 5 games, while Michael Fiacco delivered a strong performance on the mound, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks, striking out 1 batter in 4.0 innings, with Brian Carbis closing it out, allowing 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 3 batters in 3.0 innings to help secure the championship.

The decisive moment came in the opening inning when AZ Prodigy plated two early runs to take a 2-0 lead. The advantage held up throughout the game thanks to a strong pitching performance and solid defense. Nomadic 14U Premier pushed across a run in the seventh inning, but AZ Prodigy closed out the game to secure the victory and finish the week as tournament champions.

16U Championship

The 16U division concluded with PFA CA Dirtbags 16u capturing the Southwest Select Championship after defeating CBA Hawai'i. Throughout the week, PFA CA Dirtbags 16u showcased a complete team effort, combining quality pitching, disciplined at-bats, and solid defense to earn a spot in the championship game. In the final, Roman Hurtado paced the offense by going 2-3 in the game. Hurtado hit .429 through 4 games, while Bryant Herdina kept the opposing lineup off balance, allowing 1 hit and 4 walks, striking out 3 batters in 2.0 innings. Closing the game out was Dylan Handley, allowing 3 hits and 0 walks, striking out 2 batters in 1.2 innings, ending the game in the 5th inning.

PFA CA Dirtbags 16U seized control from the start, scoring 12 runs through the first three innings to build a commanding lead. CBA Hawai'i mounted a late rally, but the early offensive explosion proved to be the difference as the Dirtbags claimed the championship. Following the championship victory, Roman Hurtado reflected on what helped the team find success throughout the tournament.

"Our will to win as a team was easily the biggest factor in our team's success." said Hurtado.

He also discussed what helped set himself up for success: 

"My approach in the championship game was very simple… Play clean baseball defensively and stay inside the ball and go the other way offensively with runners in scoring positions.”

18U Championship

The 18U division championship belonged to Sandlot 18u, who earned a victory over SABA by a score of 7-4. Throughout the tournament, Sandlot 18u consistently found ways to win, relying on strong performances on both sides of the ball. In the championship game, Kolby Noehren led the way for the Sandlot 18u offense, going 2-3 with 1 triple and 1 run scored. Noehren finished hitting .429 through 4 games, while Braden Maine delivered an outstanding outing to help close out the tournament, allowing 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7 batters in 5.0 innings.

“My approach at the plate, I was just focused on hitting a hard line drive right over the shortstop's head,” said Kolby Noehren

After the teams traded early runs, the championship turned in the sixth inning as Sandlot 18U plated five runs to seize control. The late rally proved to be the difference, lifting Sandlot 18U to the Southwest Select Championship title.

“Our team's success really comes down to how much fun we have together, even though we all go to different schools. We absolutely love playing for Coach Gorrell!” said Noehren.

As another Perfect Game tournament came to a close, the Southwest Select Championship once again showcased the talent, competitiveness, and depth of travel baseball across the region. Players and teams delivered memorable performances throughout the week, making for an exciting tournament from the first pitch to the final out.

With three champions crowned and another successful event in the books, teams now turn their attention to the remainder of the summer schedule, carrying the confidence and experience gained from a competitive week at the Southwest Select Championship.
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