A high‑stakes playoff game unfolded on May 13 as Scottsdale Notre Dame faced Horizon in a clash that would decide one of the two spots in the Arizona 5A state championship game.
The Saints surged early, plating four runs in the top of the first on a single hit and four Horizon errors, a burst that set the tone for a 13‑11 final score.
Layne Henry later helped widen the gap in the seventh inning with a two‑run triple, while Horizon answered with a six‑run sixth that featured a two‑run single from Kanon Faseler and RBI hits from Ben Patton and Hunter Walker.
A pitcher’s early dominance and exit
Junior right‑hander Sam Jenkins, who had opened the game with a 12‑1 lead, was pulled in the fifth after coach Joe Muecke cited heat and a strict pitch count, prompting Notre Dame to turn to three additional pitchers to finish the contest.
Despite the late rally, Horizon’s comeback fell short, and the Saints advanced to a rematch scheduled for Thursday at 4 p.m. at Hohokam Stadium, where the winner will earn a berth in the state final.
The other semifinal, pitting Chandler Arizona College Prep against Oro Valley Canyon del Oro, is set for 6:30 p.m., adding another layer of drama to the tournament’s final day.
Road to the championship
Jenkins, still hopeful about his postseason role, described Horizon as a tough opponent that can hit and execute well, underscoring the competitive balance heading into the decisive game.