By Don Ketchum

River Valley High’s baseball team would like nothing better than to become the first state champion in the new Division III.

The northwest Arizona-based Dust Devils have a strong chance. They have the motivation to do better after falling to eventual champion Lakeside Blue Ridge in the old Class 3A semifinals last year, and they were No. 1 in power points entering this week with a 19-3 record.

One of the primary reasons for River Valley’s roll has been the play of senior pitcher-shortstop Josh Advocate. He was selected to The Arizona Republic’s All-Class 3A-1A First Team as a junior last season.

Advocate lives, breathes, eats and sleeps baseball.

“It’s more than a game, it’s an obsession,’’ he said. “I learn something new every day. I wish I could play this game forever.’’

He is one of the team’s leaders, and he enjoys that role.

“I try to make sure everyone knows the situation at all times,’’ he said. “Any time someone makes a mistake, I pick them up. A goal of mine is to make sure everyone is playing to the best of their ability.’’

Said River Valley coach Aaron LaCasse:  “Josh has taken this team under his wing. The other players listen to what he has to say.

“During a game that wasn’t going as planned, he got the guys to focus on what we were supposed to be doing and that rallied us to play as we should.’’

Advocate made it a point to get stronger in the weight room during the offseason, and it has showed on the field.

“He has a lot of strengths – quick bat, strong hands, athletic and dedicated,’’ LaCasse said.

Advocate likes pitching and playing shortstop.

“As a pitcher, I’m in control,’’ he said, “Often, how I perform will dictate a game. As a shortstop, I lead the infield.’’

He makes things happen with his hitting, usually residing in the second spot in LaCasse’s batting order.

He can balance his approach and adjust if he needs to, depending on the situation.

“I’m more of a contact hitter,’’ Advocate said.  “I hit balls gap to gap and use my legs to make things happen. I also run into a long ball every now and then. My best stroke is going to the right-center gap.’’

“When he’s driving the ball the other way, he’s a very tough out,’’ LaCasse said.

The state tournament is just around the corner, and Advocate knows what is at stake.

He and his teammates have bonded both on and off the field and they are aware that this could be their year.

“Personally, anything less than a title is not good enough,’’ Advocate said. “There are a lot of good teams in our division and every game once we get to the playoffs is going to be a battle. But we’ve been there and know what it takes. We have the potential to win state.’’

Advocate also has done well in the classroom and hopes to play football and baseball at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

After that, who knows? Perhaps some major-league team will give him a chance.

“That is a dream of every young ballplayer,’’ Advocate said. “If I get that opportunity, I will think of myself as fortunate and lucky. Like I’ve said, I’d love to play this game forever.’’