Two young Rio Rancho ballplayers are among the 36 finalists in each of their respective age divisions for Team USA roster spots.

Antony Knoll, who played on the Rio Rancho High School freshman team in 2022 as an eighth-grader, is among the Southwest 14U selections.

Dean Ellison, who made his varsity debut in the Rams’ postseason loss to Sandia, was among the Southwest 15U selections.

“Anthony is a dedicated, hard-working baseball player,” said RRHS coach Ron Murphy. “I am excited he made the next round for USA Baseball tryouts. Anthony has a bright future for the Rams.”

As for Ellison, who spent a few innings in left field in the Rams’ finale, Murphy said, “Dean is a great kid on and off the field. He plays a great outfield and first base, a stud on the mound.”

  • Three varsity Rams players made the all-tourney team after they played for the MAC Elite team at the recent Texas Premier Tournament at the Albuquerque Regional Sports Complex: Seth Lee, Josh Boyer and Jason Gordon.
  • And three Rams standouts who graduated in May – Dominick Priddy, Elijah Castañeda and Devon Alvarado – are headed to Ricketts Park in Farmington to play in the annual Connie Mack World Series (July 21-30) with an Albuquerque Baseball Academy team. The trio will be teammates again next season when they play at Amarillo College.