Bishop Gorman has long since been a perennial power in high school baseball in the south valley.  The Gaels continue to set their sights high and winning championships has become the expectation. With four returning starters, the offensive lineup will be looking for some capable hitters to step in.  Although they return six pitchers, there is not a ton of varsity experience among them.  Our preseason previews continue with a look at the Bishop Gorman Gaels.

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Team: Bishop Gorman 

Nickname: Gaels

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Desert Region/Southwest Division

Head Coach: Gino DiMaria

2018 Overall Record: 26-9-0

2018 League Finish: 2nd (15-3)

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Desert Oasis

2018 Postseason Finish: 3-2

Number of Returning Starters: 4

Number of Returning Pitchers: 6

Top Returning Players: ’19 3B/P John Gaughan,  ’19 1B Christian Lamar; ’20 CF  Carson Wells;

College Commits: 3B/P John Gaughan - UNLV,  1B Christian Lamar – San Francisco; CF  Carson Wells – Southern California; LHP Will Martin - TCU

Top 2019 Players: 3B/P John Gaughan; 1B Christian Lamar; P Nick Smirk

Top 2020 Players: CF Carson Wells see above, LHP Noah Glaser; OF/P Trevor Meisner

Other Players to Watch: ’21 Gavin Mez; ’21 Santino Panaro;

2019 Outlook:  The Gaels posted strong in 2018, finishing behind Desert Oasis in the old Sunset Division. The Gaels were strong in most all facets of the game a year ago.  With a team batting average just under .400, ERA 3.26 and fielding percentage of .948, they presented a balanced attack.  They return just four starters in the field which lends concern.  Shouldering the load offensively will be third baseman, John Gaughan (.372/4/41), centerfielder, Carson Wells (.412/1/12) and Christian Lamar (.430/5/45). That being said, they have ample talent in younger players to pick up where they left off. All be it in limited duty, youngsters like ’20 OF Trevor Meisner, ’21 OF Santino Panaro, and ’21 C Gavin Mez will need to perform with extended service time.  Some additional hitter that could impact the season at some point might be ’21, 3B Julian Molto-Herrera or ’22 infielder Demitri Diamant.

On the mound, the Gaels will likely rely heavily on John Gaughan (1-1, 2.06), Will Martin and Nick Smirk.  Gaughan made 8 appearance in 2018 all in relief.  In limited service, Smirk made 4 appearances while Martin made 5 but both will be counted on to play more substantial roles. Meisner performs double duty and, in addition to playing the outfield, could find himself in the rotation. ’20 left-hander, Noah Glaser will play a big part in the Gaels success.  The pitchability lefty mixes three pitches and has a history of keeping opposing hitters at bay.  If there is an opportunity to be had, some young players could find it on the mound.

Gorman will likely have the bats and enough defense to make a bid for another championship and deep run in the playoffs.  If there is cause for concern, it will be in a lack of varsity playing experience and mound time.  Rest assured, the Gaels have plenty of pieces but it may take Coach DiMaria some time to find the right mix on the field.  Look for them to make some noise late as playoff time is getting close.