Shortstop Zack Mann
Photo by Kirt Winter
The Panthers lost four times last season, all to San Diego area teams. The toughest game will likely come in the San Diego Lions Tournament in late March when they play Chaminade, Granite Hills and Coronado. A new member of the Avocado West League, Vista will also have some serious competition in league play with Carlsbad, Rancho Buena Vista and La Costa Canyon.
Local outlook: At the section level, Vista is playing in the new Open Division with Granite Hills, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Buena Vista, La Costa Canyon, Helix and Torrey Pines. How tough is the new division? Every team won at least 18 games last season.
Overall outlook: Vista has a much tougher path to a section championship than it did last year. Playing in the new Avocado West League will be more challenging with Rancho Buena Vista, Carlsbad and La Costa Canyon - all 20-game winners last year - now on the league schedule. Getting through the rugged Open Division playoff bracket will also be no simple task. However Vista has plenty of pitching, which will likely be the key in the San Diego Section's double-elimination playoff format.
Coach quote: "With two players projected in the MLB June Draft, there will be no sneaking up on opponents. Our schedule is strong and will create a lot of excitement. Not a lot of depth so we need to stay healthy and accept the challenge of being targeted."
- Rick Lepire
