Are Phoenix powerhouse clubs Valley Christian and Northwest Christian bound to meet in the 3A title game?

Will Scottsdale Christian fare well in their first 3A playoff bracket after winning two of the last three 2A state championships?

Will Fountain Hills return to form of the 2000s when they won four titles in a span of 12 years, including winning three of four from 2001 to 2004?

What about No. 6-seeded River Valley? They’re entering next week’s playoff riding a 12-game winning streak, but may lack star power to make a deep run.

What about No. 4-seeded Pusch Ridge, which lost 12 seniors to graduation only to turn around and win 17 games and the 3A South? Thanks to speedster Bubba Mustain, who stole 32 bags this season, good enough for a Top 10 ranking in the state, Pusch Ridge is in the mix again.

Wherever you look in this year’s 3A state baseball playoff bracket, there’s a story to tell.

Here are a few intriguing clubs to watch when the playoffs get underway May 2:

CRUSADERS DETERMINED

The defending 3A champs return looking even better than they did last year. Northwest Christian (24-2, 10-0 3A North Central) won a region crown after going undefeated at 10-0 and have won 11 straight coming into the playoffs, which begin Tuesday, May 2.

Gunnar Penzkover posted nine wins on the mound this season, good enough for a Top 5 ranking in state.

“Our biggest reason for success has just been solid baseball all around. Our pitchers throw strikes and keep us in every game and they are complimented by good fielding athletes behind them,” Northwest Christian head coach Bob Howry said.

The No. 2-seeded Crusaders take on No. 15 Odyssey Institute on May 2. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.

NEWCOMER LIONS GETTING IT DONE

After losing 12 seniors to graduation a season ago, many thought this would be a rebuilding year for Pusch Ridge (17-11, 7-0 3A South).

It has been anything but.

Starting four freshman, two sophomores and two juniors, the Lions have managed to earn a No. 4 seed in this year’s tournament.

Bubba Mustain leads the group with a .382 average and 34 hits, eight doubles, two triples and two home runs. He has 14 RBI and 32 stolen bases.

“We held our own through a difficult stretch with our young roster,” Pusch Ridge head coach Chad Chop said. “This is a close group that loves each other and is an absolute joy to coach.”

First pitch May 2 against No. 13 Snowflake is set for 4 p.m.

7-10 SPLIT

Two years removed from a 3A state title run, No. 10-seeded Sabino (14-9, 6-1 3A South) has quietly moved into the 7-10 matchup, one that could get interesting with No. 7 Gilbert Christian (12-7, 9-3 3A South Central).

Sabino is led by Max Lialios, who hit .424 with 25 hits, 15 RBI and four doubles this season. He’s also their top pitcher, throwing 49-1/3 innings this year with 55 strikeouts and a 1.84 ERA.

Catcher Santo Chirco hit .379 this year with 10 doubles and 12 RBI.

“They have done a great job leading the program, and are great in practice,” Sabino head coach Benjamin Fife said. “They lead everything by example and are always helping teach other players during practice about what they need to do.”

Tyler Burr leads Gilbert Christian with 25 hits on the season, including five doubles and four triples to go along with his 16 RBI. Jeremy Kuiper tears the cover off the ball, hitting four home runs this year with 18 RBI and a .377 average.

On the mound, Brody Aubut sports a 2.14 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 39-1/3 innings pitched.

“Our guys have had to overcome a good bit of adversity this year,” Gilbert Christian head coach Josh Bailey said. “We lost two pitchers who accounted for 75% of our innings last season, so someone had to step up.”

Official start time is set for 5 p.m.

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Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @AzPreps365Brian. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.