Oregon HS Roundup: Jesuit & Lakeridge

Mon March 20, 2023
Shooter Hunt
Vice President, Scouting

The state’s #1 team (#5 Nationally) took the field for the first time in a border battle Opening Day matchup against a talented and disciplined Skyview program. Shortly after getting eyes on Jesuit for the first time in 2023 we were able to check out the #2 team in the State as Lakeridge hosted Barlow with '23 LHP Paul Wilson on the mound. 

high school roundup

jesuit

‘23 RHP Noble Meyer (Oregon) drew the start for the Crusaders and was up to 99 mph in the first inning before settling in at mostly 92-95 throughout four dominant innings. The top pitching prospect in the country, Meyer’s uber-athletic, 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame appeared to be in pristine condition as he featured his plus-slider early and often helping him to procure a plethora of swings-and-misses to the tune of 9 strikeouts (H, BB, HBP). The slider was thrown firmly at 80-83 with upwards of 3222 rpm, and saw a late, sharp break with depth when thrown at its best.

+ Uncommitted 2024 IF Dustin Doherty was the offensive standout for Jesuit, and appeared poised to have a breakout junior campaign. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder looked much more physical than a year ago, and got to that strength in his final at-bat which saw him send a majestic shot sailing high over the left field wall for a home run. On the day, Doherty went 2-for-3 with a firm single and a sac fly. His presence in the lineup and continued success should help drive an already potent group.


+ 2025 Kainoa Santiago, a Gonzaga recruit, hardly looked intimidated mixed into a lineup stocked with seniors and multi-year varsity performers. The 5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed hitter got off aggressive swings in all counts, and exhibited some twitch to the hands with a fluid load that provided ease of movement through contact. Ripping a triple in his first at-bat, Santiago went 1-for-3 on the day with a walk, and looked the part of a breakout star in the state. Bouncy in center field with easy tracking skills, his confidence helps his defensive ability play up even higher.

+ 2023 C Charlie Sturm (Chapman) has long been one of the hardest workers in the state, and while his shorter frame is unassuming, his bat speed and plate discipline is not. Now hitting in the 3-hole for a loaded lineup, Sturm reached base four times (2-for-4 with a walk) including a laced single to the opposite field. Sturm took quality at-bats all night and showcased a competitive intensity that should help drive a successful senior campaign.

+ It is a great luxury to have depth, and with star shortstop, ‘23 Ryan Cooney, out of the lineup due to injury, fellow senior ‘23 SS/P Carson Gantz (Regis) was nearly equally as crisp defensively including having the hoards of professional scouts in attendance asking to reaffirm that he was not, in fact, Cooney during pregame. A consummate team player, Gantz was called on to get out of trouble in the later innings before ultimately closing out the win for Jesuit. With a short takeaway and quick arm that delivers right from the ear, his 84-86 fastball jumps on hitters. However, it is his sharp, late breaking slider that is sure to be a key weapon throughout the season, and Gantz utilized it well in striking out four across two innings.
+ Uncommitted C/IF Brode Lyman is an intriguing name for college coaches to follow this spring, and he made the most of a late inning pinch hit appearance for the Crusaders. After waiting his turn throughout the better part of the game, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitter confidently stepped into the box and delivered a line drive single.

+ LHP Cooper Loomis was the perfect counter to Meyer, and disrupted timing with a full collection of pitches that delivered numerous swings and misses in the first inning of work. The athletic southpaw pounded the zone (70% strikes) with two strikeouts.

 

lakeridge

+ ‘23 LHP Paul Wilson (Oregon State) was dominant in his first outing of the year, going four 1-hit innings striking out an astounding 11 batters. The athletic, 6-foot-4 southpaw was up to 96 mph early on before settling in at mostly 92-94 and generating double digit swings-and-misses in the zone thanks to a sinking fastball with late, explosive life. He flashed some developing feel for a breaking ball that varied in shape and speed at 76-81.
 



+ Uncommitted ‘25 1B Tyler Truong was the offensive force for the Pacers, and delivered two hits, driving in three runs, in the first inning. The second hit was a booming double off the center field fence. The physical, left-handed hitter showcased well as a physical presence from the 3-hole for a strong lineup. The hands work fluidly through the load with some ability to turn the barrel along with the intent to do damage.

+ ‘23 SS Dawson Santana (Oregon State) has been a mainstay on the infield for the Lakeridge program for three years, and looked ready to continue his reign as one of the state’s premier defenders. Bouncing around with easy actions and sure hands in infield, he also delivered a loud single late in the matchup, and was perpetually on base applying pressure.

+ ‘23 RHP Erik Hoffberg (Gonzaga) came out fired up in closing out the win for Lakeridge. He collected two strikeouts in one inning of work relying heavily on a vicious, sweeping slider at 78-79 that he dropped in for strikes, and got out of the zone late in counts. The fastball also jumped out of the hand and was up to 92 mph with even more to come.