2020 Preseason Preview: Clovis North Broncos

TEAM:
Clovis North Broncos

HEAD COACH (years at school):
Jeff Prieto - Starting year 3

OFFICIAL TWITTER:
@CNBroncoBSBL

CIF SECTION & DIVISION:
Central - D1

CONFERENCE/LEAGUE NAME:
Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC)

LAST YEAR’S RECORD:
21-8, 10-5 league

PLAYOFF RUN:
Lost in semi-finals to eventual champ Clovis HS

RETURNING STARTERS:
4

RETURNING PITCHERS:
7

OUTLOOK:
In the ultra-competitive TRAC and D1 Central Section, Clovis North has become a program that is on the short list of expected contenders each season. The Broncos have lost to the eventual section champion in the playoffs each of the last two seasons. Last year Clovis HS won the title, yet Clovis North defeated them three times in the regular season... but lost to them in the playoffs. The 2020 Broncos return a very strong core of position players and numerous outstanding young players who will be expected to contribute. They also have a deep and talented pitching staff that boasts not only talent, but experience and a #1 to match up with any other team's top pitcher. The pitching and defense are expected to be strengths of this team and the position players are more athletic up and down the line-up than the 2019 team. In fact, 1-through-9 they should be able to start players who can run well. A more dynamic offense just might be what gets the Broncos over the hump in 2020.

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS:

Riley Cooper, LHP/1B, 2020,  6'2” 215 L/L - One of the most decorated pitchers in section history. Will break school strike out record this year. Committed to University of Arizona and possible top 8 round pick.

Blake Asadoor, OF/LHP, 2020, 5'11” 175 L/L - Fierce competitor. Great defensive OF and gap power at the plate. Has pitched in some big games for us. Dad is former Big Leaguer with the Padres. Committed to McPherson College.

Ryan O'Hara, RHP/OF, 2020, 5'10” 175 R/R - Main pitcher out of the bullpen last year and is transitioning to a starter. Super athletic kid, 6.8 runner. Touched 91 this summer, sits more 86-88 with a good breaking ball. Is being recruited by D1 and other schools but has yet to commit. Will help in the OF and at the plate when he isn't pitching.

Cason Brownell, 2B, 2020, 5'10” 170 R/R - One of the best defensive players in the region in recent memory. Spark plug type player.

Nolan Inouye, OF/RHP, 2020, 5'9” 185 R/R - Most consistent hitter last year. Hit over .330. Is solid on the mound and serviceable at 2B and corner OF spots. Strong and fast kid with gap power.

Caden Larsen, LHP, 2021, 6'0” 170 L/R - Has been on varsity since frosh year.  Pitched some big innings last year and had a 1.60 ERA. D1 type kid, just has to keep getting stronger and work on command.

Rees Kent, INF, 2021, 6'1” 175 R/R - Great looking kid. Has had some interest from Big West and Pac-12 Schools. Wiry frame, 6.9 runner with power potential. Arm plays at 3B/SS at the next level.

Blake King, 1B, 2021, 6'1” 235 R/R - Big time power potential. Has battled through injuries the last couple of years. Can pick it at 1B and actually can steal a bag and move pretty well.  

THE FUTURE:

Isaiah Munoz, SS, 2022, 5'10” 165  R/R - Smooth fielder with great actions. Strong arm, can make all the plays. Good with the bat and will continue to get better. Verbal to St. Mary’s.

Hunter Jansen, OF/LHP/1B, 2022, 6'0” 170” L/L - Good runner. Strong arm that will play in the OF and on the mound. Has some power and will continue to develop.

Derrick Cruz, C, 2022, 5'10” 180 R/R - Hard nosed player that really has a feel for what he's doing at the plate. One of the top hitters in his class in the area. Solid defensive catcher with great receiving skills. Can improve his arm strength.

Cole Fellows, INF/OF, 2022, 6'1” 180 L/R - Solid at the plate. Great feel for the strike zone.  Will challenge for a starting job this year.

Jayden Mandal, SS/RHP, 2023, 5'11” 180 R/R - Special athlete. Is taking part in the prestigious Elite 11 as a QB. Multiple tool player with big time potential. Could make the team as a freshman if evaluated as a player who can challenge to play every day.