Follow @PrepBaseballCA Follow @LesLukach Follow @PBRmonkFollow @hardy03bsbl

New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast

Ventura, Calif- 

To wrap up the week after releasing an earlier notebook this week I was able to get in two more games as the CIF-Southern Section is in full swing with weather starting to cooperate and allow for plenty of High School baseball. 

The first game was a Marmonte League matchup featuring two of the top programs in what is always a very talented league in the Ventura County/North LA area. The defending champion Calabasas Coyotes played host to the Prep Baseball California #7 ranked Westlake Warriors. After an early week barn burner 3-2 win by the Coyotes to open the 3-game set, the Warriors put their ace on the hill in ‘24 LHP Dylan Volantis who is a USC commit that is gaining serious helium as a MLB draft potential prospect. The Warriors returned the favor in kind to the Coyotes on this day with a 14-0 win including a 10 run 6th inning to seal the win. But, the Coyotes would respond with a 3-2 win the following day in extra innings to take the series over the Warriors with each of these teams looking like strong Marmonte League title contenders in 2024.

My second look was another league play match up between Channel League foes in the Santa Barbara Dons traveling down to face the Buena Bulldogs. The Dons sit atop the Channel League with a 10-2 overall record and 7-1 in league play after a dominating 7-1 win which featured the Dons jumping on the Bulldogs early plating all 7 runs by the end of the 3rd inning then coasting to the win. The Dons will head to Arizona for a Spring Break tournament before returning to Channel League play with a matchup against the 3rd place San Marcos Royals who are the defending 3-peat Channel League champions.

Below you can check out my breakdown of the standouts of the day with video highlights, access to their PBR profile and a scouting report on them.

(Players click the link on your name below to claim your profile. Also, players search the PBR database for your profile. Don't see your profile? You can create a free PBR profile here)

Westlake:

+  ’24 LHP Dylan Volantis USC Commit Volantis has seen a tick up in velocity on his FB, added life to his CB while polishing his feel for the CHG which when combined with his 6’6 lean athletic frame with loads of projection and a strong start to his senior season have meant some serious helium for his MLB draft stock. For this outing the Lefthander would stare into home plate and see by unofficial count 40+ MLB scouts/evaluators there to watch him throw. The outing started out on the rougher side for Volantis as he struggled to find the feel for the strike zone over the course of the first 2 innings with both his FB/CB, but was able to make big pitches when necessary to keep the Coyotes off the board. Once he came out for the 3rd Volantis was able to settle in and the intriguing ‘24 arm showed why there were so many evaluators there to put eyes on him as he started to pound the zone with his FB which sat at 87-90 and touched 91 multiple times in the outing and showing swing/miss potential once he found the FB the feel for the CB came right with it showing 74-77 MPH velocity with sharp depth that is another swing/miss offering. For good measure Volantis dropped in a very intriguing 81-83 MPH CHG with split finger-like action to the movement. The overall package of a projectable frame, athleticism, loose whippy arm action with arm speed, lower effort delivery and the ability to adapt within a start which didn’t not start clean, but finished very strong it’s easy to see why Volantis’ name is gaining traction amongst MLB organizations and the lefthander could potentially have a decision to make come July on starting a professional career or heading to pitch for the Trojans as they make their move to the Big 10.

+  ’24 SS Nate Johnson Tulane Commit Part of a twin brother duo Nate is a switch hitting SS who has physicality to his frame, athleticism to his actions and impact to the overall profile. On the day I got to see the quality of his swing from each side of the plate as he took 3 at bats from the RH side catching two barrels, showing a good approach with good swing decisions and a feel for his barrel from that side of the plate. Once the Coyotes switched to a RH arm later in the game Nate took two plate appearances from the LH side where the swing showed really intriguing ability. The path from each side features leverage with strength through the zone, but the bat speed from the LH side is a tick better than the RH side and he showed the ability to work both the opposite field with a hard single to LF and impact to the pull side as he launched a ball foul down the RF line before being hit by the pitch. The actions are solid at SS and he plays clean defense, but with a bigger frame that can still add strength to it there may be a move to 3B of the OF in his future, but wherever he winds up defensively the bat has a chance to be really good at the next level.

+ ’24 C Nolan Johnson Miami Commit Hitting in the 4-hole one spot behind his twin brother Nolan has a very advanced offensive approach with good rhythm to his load and timing to get to the launch position before unleashing an aggressive RH swing which has leverage through the middle of the field with impact. Nolan is accurate with his barrel and the ball jumps off the bat even when he is slightly out front or slightly late he can drive the baseball with authority. On the day he picked up 5 hard hit baseballs to collect 2 singles, but the 3 hardest hit balls of the day were line drives right at outfielders, but the quality of the contact easily shows the vast offensive ability for Nolan. He is a solid receiver who handles the velocity/spin of Volantis comfortably and he shows good arm strength with accuracy to the base. But, standing at nearly 6’5 with more strength to come on his frame if he has to make a move to either 1B or potentially the corner OF his offensive profile will be able to handle the move down the defensive spectrum, but I anticipate he will get the chance to stick at catcher before anyone makes that type of decision either at Miami or potentially in professional baseball.

+ ’24 OF Dillon Marrissett San Diego State Commit Marrissett was a fall commit to the Aztecs and admittedly I didn’t enter the game with extensive knowledge of who he was and what his skill set was so I was intrigued to get eyes on the future SDSU outfielder. Needless to say after 5 very quality at bats on the day, playing solid defensive with the actions/athleticism to stick in CF going forward I came away sold on the future for Marrissett. The approach is balanced with good timing and shows a strong feel for the strike zone to make quality swing decisions. The swing has lift through the path and the ball carries well off the bat especially to the middle of the field which should play to pull side HR power when he catches the baseball out front, but he stays to a middle of the field approach with consistency. With athleticism, strength in his frame, top of the order offensive potential and premium defensive profile the Aztecs have landed an intriguing piece for their program going forward.

+ ’24 OF Johnny Backus Michigan Commit On a team with multiple physical players who are good athletes Backus stands right there as one of the most impressive athletes/frames. The LH hitting outfielder was the DH for the Warriors on the day with 3 strong at bats in 4 plate appearances including a loud single to RF in his 1st at bat, narrowly missing extra bases with a rocket line drive just foul down the RF line and later drawing a walk. The swing is quick with the bat speed to deliver impact at contact with more of a line-drive plane and has leverage which plays to a middle/pull side approach that will rack up doubles presently with the ability to run out a HR to the RF side. But, should he add more loft to the path in the future he has middle/pull side HR strength in his swing/frame. Backus is headed to the Big 10 to play for the Wolverines and with the frame, athletic ability and LH power potential there could be a future in professional baseball for him.

+ ‘25 MINF Noah Stead The medium framed, but super athletic Stead had one of the best days for the Warriors and is having an outstanding JR. campaign which should have college programs taking notice of his ability. In his first at bat he collected an INF single in which I had him at 4.15 seconds home - 1B from the RH side showing above average speed with plus potential in the future. But, despite the smaller frame and impressive I would not label Stead a slap/dash hitter because he shows bat speed with an accurate barrel and strength to drive the baseball through the middle of the field for doubles and to the pull side for HR power. He smoked a line drive HR to straight away LF and then later drilled a laser to RCF for an easy double which he could have pushed for a triple, but stayed at 2B. A solid defender at 2B who has rhythm in his footwork and plenty of arm strength for the spot with good hands I will be curious to see if he makes a move to SS or CF next year for the Warriors with the graduations of Nate Johnson and Dillon Marrissett, but wherever Stead winds up defensively it will be up the middle with good defensive ability and intriguing offensive potential.

Calabasas:

+ ’24 SS Nate Castellon Cal Poly Commit on what was the solo loss for the Coyotes in the series as they would win the opener and closer to the 3 game set Castellon was a bright spot on a tough day. While saying bright spot for Castellon severely sells short the ability this future Cal Poly Mustang has shown over the past 2 years on the high school/travel baseball/showcase circuit. An extremely talented defender who is solidly above average with his feet/hands at SS and shows the arm strength to potentially stick there long term while flashing plus actions at times. What has taken Castellon to the next level is the work he does at the plate as the Coyotes leadoff hitter and gives me real belief that should he add the physicality to his frame in his time at Cal Poly that he has a chance to play professionally one day. He had a fantastic junior season offensively while carrying that strong offensive development into his senior year and his performance facing off against Volantis was high quality. In his first at bat Castellon turned on a FB for a hard one hop shot at the 3B who made a 1-handed pick to steal a potential single from Castellon, then in his 2nd at bat he worked a BB and promptly flashed his above average run tool by stealing 2B then 3B before being stranded at third and to put an exclamation mark on his day he turned around an upper 80’s FB from Volantis for a loud double to LF which narrowly missed going out. I’ve stated this before that Castellon is a “gamer” but that label doesn’t do justice to the talent this young man possesses and the potential for him to play this game not only at the D1 level, but potentially the professional level.  

Santa Barbara:

+ ’26 OF Jetner Welch A full time starter for the Dons as a freshmen playing LF the ‘26 LH hitting Welch is simply put “what they look like” as he has added significant strength to his athletic frame while still maintaining his loose easy athletic actions at the plate and defensively. Now playing RF he showed off the arm strength to stay there long term, but the foot speed and actions could give him the chance to slide over to CF once their SR starter graduates. Where Welch separates himself from the crowd is in the LH batters box where he shows off bat speed with balance in his lower ½ to create torque in the turn with lift in his bat path which shows good raw power that he will tap into more as he continues to refine/develop his approach against quality pitching. Jetner can catch up to a FB with ease as he took good passes at each FB he saw from the Bulldogs starter who worked 86-87 touching 88, but his recognition and rhythm versus spin will be the next step for him in his development. Entering the game hitting .480 Welch picked up a single, hard groundout to 2B, a BB, but punched out once against a CB. The tools this ‘26 OF have definitely give you D1 projections for his college choice and there is plenty of reason to believe that could be a power 5 D1 future for him. There is still polish to the overall package, but Welch very well should be the next star to come out of what has traditionally been a very good Santa Barbara Dons program with a history of talented players.

+ ’25 INF Kai Mault Mault caught my eye two years ago when I was out to see a future TCU bound LHP Chase Hoover throw when the then freshmen Mault smoked a pair of hits off Hoover and left me going “who the heck is this kid?” Well 2 years later I very much know who Kai Mault is and I’m very much sold on his ability to be a high level baseball player. It’s a medium frame that shows strength in his lower ½ and upper body which undoubtedly is a product of his football background where he is a dynamic WR and the athleticism from the gridiron translates to the baseball diamond. Hitting atop the Dons lineup he opened the game with a hard line drive single to LF turning around a 87 MPH FB from the Bulldogs started and that was far from the end of the barrels Mault would collect. He shows present bat speed with a line drive based swing that will flash lift to the pull side. The approach is aggressive and he wants to get his swing off, but he is disciplined enough to stay off pitches that he cannot get his barrel too. The actions play well at 3B where he gives you above average potential with a loose arm action that shows plenty of arm strength, but will need to polish his accuracy (which will come with more repetitions) and I could easily see him being able to handle 2B or even CF in the future. While there is potential for Mault to play football at the next level, I for one am intrigued to see where his path on a baseball diamond could take him as he looks the part of a D1 level player.

+ ’24 CF Michael Firestone A physical presence standing in CF for the Dons he is part of a series of Firestone brothers who have been very good players for the Dons and Michael has the tools to play at the next level. With strength in his frame to go with good athleticism that flashes above average running speed with impact in his RH bat it’s an interesting premium defensive profile as he can stick in CF long term, but a middle of the order potential bat with pull side HR power that will collect extra base hits through the gaps and could add HR potential to big part of the yard in the future. The arm strength plays in CF with good routes to the ball and could handle a move to RF if necessary. The overall package for Firestone makes him an interesting uncommitted ‘24 for college programs who are still looking for CF/RF defenders who bring offensive ability to go with their defensive prowess.

+ ’25 OF Grady Wilson the current LF for the Dons Wilson is another quality LH bat who had a strong showing on the day. The swing for Wilson is compact and direct to the baseball with an accurate barrel as he caught multiple balls off the barrel to pick up a SAC FLY to deep CF, a single, and a pair of hard outs. He shows above average running speed and I had him at 4.23 seconds from the LH side on an infield ground ball. I don’t have an extensive background of knowledge on Wilson but he showed solid defensive ability narrowly missing a diving play in the LCF gap on a line drive double by a Bulldogs hitter in which he closed on the ball well. I could see a CF future for him, but should he need to stay on the corners his LH bat has a chance to profile there as he shows the hit tool with leverage in his path that with added strength to his athletic wiry frame could tap into more power/impact as he matures. A quality LH hitting ‘25 uncommitted to keep eyes on.

+ ’25 RHP/1B Zeke Adderley The starter on the bump for the Dons Adderley is another one I don’t have a long track record with, but I have heard quality reports from other coaches/players on his ability and getting to see him for the first time I came away intrigued with him both on the mound and in the RH batters box. Before taking the mound Adderley had essentially secured himself the win when he laced a pull side double in his 1st at bat with the bases loaded. He would barrel up multiple baseballs over the course of the game with a swing that is quick with strength and plays to his pull side approach where he looks to do damage with each swing of the bat. Once Adderley made his way to the mound he showed off an interesting two pitch mix with a 85-87 MPH FB which touched 88 while showing the ability to ride when he elevates it for swing/miss, but his control of the pitch will need polish as it can flatten out in the zone at times which leaves him prone to giving up hard contact. Adds a 69-72 CB which when he executes has a short tight break to it and plays well off his FB, but his feel for the pitch is a work in progress. There is arm strength is there with a strong frame and the effort in the delivery I see Adderley more as a leverage reliever in the future at the next level which when combined with his offensive ability as a power profile hitter should draw interest from college programs for the uncommitted ‘25. 

Buena:

+ ’24 C Elijah Garcia UCSB Commit Garcia scuffled a bit at the plate on the day in this look at him as he looked slightly in between both with his timing and swing, but the future Gaucho impressed me with his ability to not take his offense with him behind the plate where his calling card is an advanced ability to catch/throw at a premium position. The glove work for Garcia is very good with agility in his block and the arm works with strength/accuracy to the base. I had him with multiple sub 2.0 pop times between innings with a low of 1.93 and in game he threw a strike to 2B on a stolen base attempt which unfortunately the infielder was unable to hang on to on the tag which resulted in a safe call. While the offensive look was not the best one I’ve had of Garcia, the ability to be an impact defender at a premium defensive spot continues to shine for Garcia and I will be back to see more of him in the future.

+ ’26 INF Mason Trigo I was at the game early to see INF/OF for both teams as this was my first 2024 look at each program and Trigo jumped out right away with his athletic frame that has loose actions to how he moves around the INF dirt during the pre-game session. His feet are quick with rhythm, he has good good hands with comfort playing 1-handed, the arm is more accuracy than strength presently, but there is plenty of room for development of strength both in the arm and the frame for the ‘26 Bulldog 3B that should allow him to stick at 3B while giving me an intrigue to see him play SS because there is potential there. Moving to varsity this year after playing at the lower levels last year Trigo did not look overwhelmed by the higher level pitching on the varsity level where his loose quick RH swing shows whip to the path with leverage and he turned around a 87 MPH FB from Adderley for a double to the LCF gap while taking multiple good swings which as his approach/timing continue to develop should move Trigo up the Bulldogs lineup from the 5 spot as a sophomore to top of the order over the next couple years. Still young with polish that is needed to his overall package there is an interesting potential for Trigo going forward and his name is one that college programs should file away for their ‘26 recruiting classes and keep eyes on.

+ ’26 CF Erick Barron Barron is a name I had on my radar entering the 2024 spring season as I had seen video of him on social media and heard positive reports on the leadoff hitter and centerfielder for the Bulldogs. Getting to see him in person I came away with a positive impression for a first look at the ‘26 uncommitted Barron. He has an aggressive RH swing which shows torque with a good turn of the lower ½ which allows him to keep his hands back and shows a whippy path which produces leverage through contact. His approach works back through the middle of the field which suits his tool set as a hitter who profiles to have high contact with extra base power through the gaps and the speed to create some havoc on the bases. Collected a hit and BB in game with an additional barrel on one of his outs. He has good actions in CF with fringey present arm strength that will need to improve as he matures while showing comfort moving around the OF. There is some polish needed to the overall defensive profile with his first step/routes which will come with more games against higher level competition, but Barron should stick long term as a CF and is another interesting ‘26 name for college programs to file away and see how he develops over the next couple of years.

Names To Know:

In a one day look not all highlights are caught or players won’t always have their best results. With that in mind there were several other players who showed interesting tools/potential or futures. The names below are ones to keep an eye on going into the spring and going forward. Each player below is uncommitted for college coaches to put on their board for potential needs in the ‘24 or ‘25 class.

Westlake:

+ ‘25 OF/LHP Mason Berlinger
+ ‘24 OF Jack Braddell Oberlin Commit

Calabasas:

+ ‘25 INF Matthew Witkow Harvard Commit
+ ‘24 LHP Lee Atkinson 

Santa Barbara:

+ ‘24 SS/RHP Liam Keithley
+ ‘24 C Matthew Crolius
+ ‘25 INF Tomas Gil
+ ‘26 INF Max Weddle

Buena:

+ ‘25 P/INF Miguel Magallanes
+ ‘26 INF Brody Kaylor
+ ‘25 RHP/INF Andy Carrillo

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Showcase	State	Date	Location
Rising Stars ID: Los Angeles	CA	03/17	O'Malley Field
Rising Stars ID: San Diego	CA	03/24	Eastlake High School
Rising Stars ID: Corona	CA	03/30	Corona High School
Rising Stars ID: VTA County	CA	04/21	Thousand Oaks High School
SoCal Rising Stars Game	CA	05/12	Mater Dei High School
FUTURE GAMES TRYOUT: Orange County	CA	06/01	Fullerton College
FUTURE GAMES TRYOUT: Ventura County	CA	06/09	Westmont College

MORE PREP BASEBALL NEWS