A couple weeks before Casteel baseball started the playoff defense of its 5A state title, the Colts traveled to Cary, N.C. to play in the National High School Invitational.

Casteel went 3-2 over their five games in the tournament April 10-13.

Colts coach Matt Denny said the elite competition was eactly what the team wanted, to play high level baseball to prepare them for a deep playoff run

“We went over there to play in some tight games,” Denny said. “And get the playoff atmosphere.”

Assistant coach Connor Woods played in the tournament his senior year with Hamilton High School, in 2013.

He is the son of National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach Mike Woods.

“I just wanted the kids to understand that it’s just four games at the end of the day,” Woods said “When you’re a player, you’re in the that moment on that field with that competition it feels like the World Series.”

In the opening game against High Point (N.C.) Wesleyan Christian, senior pitcher Mason Russell threw a no-hitter.

He struck out 10 Trojans and walked two in six dominant innings of a 10-0 rout.

“It was awesome,” Russell said. “Getting the opportunity to go out there and compete against some of the best teams in the nation. It was a blessing to get that.”

The University of Arizona-bound hurler held down a top 20 team nationally.

“He was great all day, against the 13th ranked team in the country.” Denny said. “He made them look pretty bad that day.”

Russell’s no hitter was the second ever in the tournaments 11 year history. It was also his second in a Casteel uniform.

The other came against Nogales in the 5A semifinals last year.

“Being able to do it for Casteel is even cooler,” Russell said.

His twin brother, Tyler, who usually plays centerfield, pitched one inning during the final game, an 11-0 trouncing of Apex (N.C.) Friendship.

Mason Russell said it was the first time he'd seen Tyler pitch in a while.

“It felt great, I did my job out there,” Tyler Russell said. ”It’s been a long time but I came out and showed what I can do.”

Spending five days together on the other side of the country really brought the team closer..

Denny said Casteel baseball tries to develop culture and community regularly, and this trip helped.

“I think the team has bonded to a new level,” Mason Russell said. “Our chemistry is a lot better this year.It’s just a stepping stone to becoming back-to-back state champs.”

The team carried its momentum home, winning its first four games after landing at Sky Harbor.

On April 17, the Colts traveled to Hamilton and outslugged the defending 6A champion Huskies 13-10 in an eight-inning epic.

“Play hard, get better everyday and keep grinding,” Denny said “We know if we don’t play well we will lose and nobody cares that we went to North Carolina. And we don’t. After the trip's over we are looking at power point games and playoff games from here on out.”

Woods said. what matters is coming up next.

The team's goal is to be competitive in every game, more than seeding or power points, Woods said.

“Playing against that competition has only put us in a better position to win state,” Russell said. “Those top ranked teams, yeah they’re good, we came in knowing that and now we’re back and not taking any game lightly.”

Casteel wraps up its regular season hosting Casa Grande Monday at 3:45 p.m.

Staying focused on the final goal is the teams mission.

“Its the simple phrase we have been saying all year ‘be where your feet are. One game at a time’” Woods said. “Today matters, this inning matters, this at bat matters. Just being present."

The Colts entered that game with a cushion for the No. 1 seed in 5A. 

In any case, Cateel will open the playoffs with an 11 a.m. home game Saturday, April 27.

“Trying to repeat, every year, is the goal to win it.” Denny said.