Highland Prep West had lost 11 straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Thursday they dropped down to 1-4 to make it 12. They came up short against the Gilbert Classical Academy Spartans, falling 17-2. If the HORNETS were looking for revenge after losing 6-0 to the Spartans when the teams met back in March of 2025, then they'll just have to keep looking.
Highland Prep West saw two different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Lincoln Blanco, who went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base and one RBI.
As for Gilbert Classical Academy, the victory got them back to even at 2-2. Their hitters stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most runs they've scored all season.
On Gilbert Classical Academy's side, Hobey Hartman and Ethan Lister were major factors while hitting and pitching. Throwing, Hartman struck out eight batters over three innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off three hits. Meanwhile, Lister tossed one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in strikeouts (three). At bat, Hartman got on base in all four of his plate appearances with three runs, three RBI, and one stolen base, while Lister went 2-for-3 with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. That stolen base marked the first that Lister has snagged this season.
In other batting news, Liam Keane was excellent, going a perfect 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. Those runs marked the first that he has scored this season. Another player making a difference was Ayush Samal, who went 2-for-3 with one run and one RBI.
Highland Prep West and Gilbert Classical Academy will both get a bit of extra prep time before their next contests. The next time the HORNETS see the field they'll take on Heritage Academy at 3:15 p.m. on the 19th. As for Gilbert Classical Academy, their break will end when they face Santa Cruz Valley at 5:30 p.m. on the 23rd.
