MaxPreps 2017 California preseason high school baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: JSerra Catholic vs. Orange Lutheran
The two Trinity League foes should be two of the top teams in California in 2017.


1. Buchanan (Clovis)
Head coach: Tom Donald
2016 record: 30-1

The Bears won the Central Section Division I championship last year and were named the MaxPreps National Team of the Year after posting one of the best seasons in school history. Six starters return from that squad, including catcher Zach Presno, a Fresno State commit, Fresno Bee All-Area Offensive Player of the Year Quentin Selma, a third baseman who is headed to Cal-Berkeley, Conference Pitcher of the Year Hunter Reinke and shortstop Jamal O'Guinn, who is committed to USC.

See last season's MaxPreps California baseball computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Orange Lutheran (Orange)
Head coach: Eric Borba
2016 record: 22-9

The Lancers have a wealth of talent returning from last year's team that was ranked among the top 25 teams in the nation all year long. Nine players have committed to play baseball at the Division I level next year, led by potential first round draft pick Garrett Mitchell. A UCLA commit, Mitchell is one of the top outfield prospects in the country. Other key returning players include four-year starter Tristan Hanoian (TCU Commit) at shortstop, three-year starter Zachary Lew at second base, and 2016 Freshman All-American Jasiah Dixon in the outfield.

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3. South Hills (West Covina)
Head coach: Darren Murphy
2016 record: 26-7 The defending Southern Section Division II champions could be one of the top 10 teams in the nation this year. The entire infield returns, led by All-Area Player of the Year Brandon Dieter, a junior second baseman who has committed to Stanford. Also back are third baseman Jacob Dominguez (Fullerton commit), shortstop Jacob Amaya (Fullerton) and first baseman Johnny Dearth (San Diego State).

See last season's MaxPreps California baseball playoff brackets

4. JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano)
Head coach: Brett Kay
2016 record: 27-7

No matter how many All-State players JSerra Catholic loses from its roster, it always seems like it finds more to replace them. This year, the Lions have one of the nation's top prospects in shortstop Royce Lewis. The Los Angeles Times All-Area MVP and a likely top 10 pick in the MLB Draft, Lewis batted .429 last year with four home runs. He's joined by a pitching staff that includes Colin Townsend (5-0) and Cole Samuels (7-1).

See last season's MaxPreps California baseball stat leaders

5. Saint Francis (Mountain View)
Head coach: Mike Smith
2016 record: 26-8

The Lancers are always one of the top teams in the Central Coast Section and this year is no different. A total of six starters return, including three who are committed to Division 1 schools. Topping the list is first baseman Emilio Nogales (Fresno State commit) along with third baseman RJ Teijeiro (UCLA) and catcher Mack Cheli (St. Mary's).