Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge players Jordan Becerra, from left, Joey Counts, Parker Rasmussen and Alex Barrett, shown Tuesday, September 13, 2011.

Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge head coach Jeremy Hathcock looks on as his team plays Mesquite High school Friday, August 27, 2010 in Gilbert.

Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge wide receiver Paris Clark,right, runs with the ball after catching it against Mesquite in the second quarter, Friday, August 27, 2010 in Gilbert.

Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge's Paris Clark runs for 32 yards in the third quarter against Mesquite, Friday, August 27, 2010 in Gilbert.

Desert Ridge’s Heldore deep-sixes Skyline

HARD TO STOP: Skyline’s Ellis Chigundeni tackles Desert Ridge’s Chris Heldore during Friday’s game at Desert Ridge.

Desert Ridge’s Heldore deep-sixes Skyline

Chaparral vs. Mountain Ridge

Chaparral junior Maggie Roche slides safely into home as Mountain Ridge senior Rhecya Riley drops the ball at home plate during a play that would earn Chaparral the only two runs needed to win the game at during the top of the seventh inning. Tuesday, May 7, 2013 (Jarod Opperman/West Valley Preps)

Basha vs. Desert Ridge

Both Basha (green) and Desert Ridge have shown themselves to be among many Division I state championship contenders this season. Many coaches believe this year's Div. I state tournament field will be deeper than at any time in at least five years, with perhaps a dozen teams which could realistically reach the semifinals as the tournaments begin on Saturday.

Desert Ridge Girls Softball

Desert Ridge softball pitcher Bailey Klitzke warms up before practice, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the school in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Desert Ridge Girls Softball

Desert Ridge softball shortstop Jackie Hernandez fields a ball during practice, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the school in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Desert Ridge Girls Softball

Desert Ridge softball shortstop Jackie Hernandez fields a ball during practice, Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the school in Mesa. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge receiver Nick Colson comes up short on grabbing a pass thrown to him while taking on Hamilton during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton's Cole Luke carries the ball while taking on Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton quarterback Aj Thigpen looks to the sideline before starting a play as they take on Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton coach Steve Belles watches his team play Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton quarterback Aj Thigpen,right, scrambles with the ball as the Desert Ridge defense takes him down during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton coach Steve Belles,left, watches his team play Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton quarterback Aj Thigpen is brought down by the Desert Ridge defense in the second half of play during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge coach Jeremy Hathcock looks on from the sideline as his team takes on Hamilton during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton's Cole Luke,left, carries the ball while taking on Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Desert Ridge's Marcus Winner,left, tries to catch a pass as Hamilton's Israel Simpson reaches for the pass also during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]

Hamilton vs. Desert Ridge

Hamilton's Frankie Felix carries the ball while taking on Desert Ridge during the Div. I State semi final game, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 at Highland High School. [Tim Hacker/Tribune]