Devon Pilgrim has played almost every position in his four years at Tucson Amphitheater. Third base didn’t quit workout due to a fractured eye socket so he moved over to first base for a while but the lingering effects of his injury called for a move to the outfield. But there was always his pitching.

"We don't just play one position at Amphi so the coaches moved me around but I was always a pitcher," Pilgrim explained. "That's where my focus is right now. I want to help us get to state."

At 11-6, the Panthers have already won more games than any of the teams from the previous four seasons. In fact, Pilgrim was in the seventh grade the last time Amphitheater had a winning record. Coincidently, that was the last year the Panthers had a bona fide pitcher in Yankee draftee Alex Brown.

Though not quite the Yankees, Pilgrim has earned a full ride to pitch for Williston State in North Dakota. Even more impressive, the school came to Tucson to make him an offer.

"The team came down for the Tucson Invitational games and I had a final bullpen and that's when the offer came," he explained. "They were beating some bigger schools and I was impressed."

The Tetons are 12-8 on the year with several victories against four-year colleges. Sierra Vista Buena pitcher Aaron Ronquillo is a freshman on the squad as is Flagstaff second baseman Jordan Lopez.

An four-year honor student, Pilgrim wants to eventually become a lawyer but will concentrate on criminal justice initially.

"He's a kid who has a team-first mentality," said head coach David Humphreys.

"Criminal justice is a fitting area for him because he always does the right thing and he helps others make the right choices. He has strengthened the younger guys and is not afraid to speak up. He is a joy to be around."

"Criminal justice is a precursor to a law degree," Pilgrim added. "I want to get into a prestigious law school when I'm ready."

Amphitheater is 3-0 in sectional play which means they control their own playoff destiny. The Panthers will travel to 2-0 Sahuarita next Tuesday.

The NCAA spring signing period for sports besides football and soccer begins on April 15.