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LOS ANGELES, CA. - High school baseball is back in California after a layoff of over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the cancellation of the high school season last year, many players were able to play games around the country as we shifted into the summer and most, if not all, were on a diamond across the great state of California by the fall. Prep Baseball Report California had the opportunity to host some of the best players the state has to offer at multiple events over the last eight months giving us a glimpse into their development while providing insight into their high school programs. 

As we set out to put together the preseason Power 25 we had multiple discussions with high school coaches about the state of their programs and the players in them. As with any preseason rankings, these will certainly change over the course of the spring season as teams will rise while others fall. So without further ado, let’s dive into the PBR California Preseason Power 25 team rankings. 

THE TOP FIVE

In the top spot is JSerra with their loaded pitching staff and equally loaded lineup. There are seemingly no holes for pitchers to work around when facing the Lions. Led by Cody Schrier, Gabe D’Arcy, Eric Silva, Gage Jump, Luke Jewett, David Horn, Matthew Champion and a cast of sluggers, the lineup is both deep and talented. The pitching staff is equally as impressive with a minimum of five Division I commits (Jump, Silva, Jewett, Horn, and Champion) and more likely to come. Head Coach Brett Kay will downplay his teams chances, but he has raved about the camaraderie this team has and when things get tough that should carry the Lions. 

In the number two spot is Ayala (Chino Hills). The Bulldogs return everybody from a team that was off to a scorching start last spring. And when you add the incoming freshman and sophomores that moved up to varsity, Head Coach Chris Vogt has arguably his most talented team since he’s been there. Seniors Jacob Badawi, Cole Koniarsky, Mateo Matthews, and Luke Solis, along with junior Ty Borgogno, Troy McCain, and Andres Pasillas are all Division I commits that bring leadership and experience to a deep Bulldogs team. 

Power 25 staple Orange Lutheran checks in at No. 3 in the preseason Power 25. The Lancers may not have that surefire high draft pick - although Matthew Polk could develop into that guy -  this year, but it is arguably the best defensive team Head Coach Eric Borba has had. Justin Decriscio, Karson Bowen, Casey Borba, Gabe Miranda along with freshman Ben Reiland and Derek Curiel give the Lancers the type of defense that will carry OLu in the always tough Trinity League. 

Checking in at No. 4 is King (Riverside). Head Coach Steve Madril has arguably his most talented pitching staff he’s had in his tenure at King. Led by Evan Yates, Brandon Delgado, Jase Evangelista, and Austin Castillo the pitching staff has the type of depth that could carry King deep into the postseason. The Wolves can swing the bat too with current and future Division I commits in the lineup that includes Landon Greenhouse, Eric Aguayo, John Stark, and Matt Coreniga. There’s talent top-to-bottom in both the pitching staff and the lineup which will play a big factor in the arduous BIG VIII league. 

At No. 5 is Valley Christian who returns standouts RHP Jacob Hudson, SS Trevor Haskins, and RHP/INF Jonathan Cymrot. Head Coach John Diatte has built one of the perennial powers in Northern California at Valley Christian and 2021 should be a continuation of that run. Remember the name of OF Carmelo Rivera, he has a chance to be special.

CALIFORNIA POWER 25