Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.)
Coach Steve Lambright's squad finished 23-6 last year and made it to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship game where they took on Capistrano Valley.  In that game senior Kurt Heyer pitched as well as anyone could and held the Cougar offense at bay.  Edison lost 1-0 and finished No. 3 in the final CalHiSports.com State Rankings.  
 
The 2010 squad looks to be just as good as they were a year ago.  They have lefty Henry Owens back this year and the junior finshed 2009 with a 9-1 record.  He posted an ERA of 0.98 with 87 strikeouts in 71.2 innings.  
 
They also had one of the best players in the state and maybe one of the best 2011 players in the nation transfer.  Christian Lopes will now play in the Chargers' infield this year, coming over from Valencia (Calif.). He transfers in with his younger brother, Tim.  
 
The Chargers will play in the 2010 National Classic and start the season ranked No. 1 in California.  
 
The Woodlands (Texas)
Not only one of the best teams in the state, The Woodlands is one of the best teams in the nation. They have on the mound Jameson Taillon, a member of Team USA 18U and an AFLAC All American.  He committed to Rice. The Highlanders have Spencer Davis (Texas A&M) and Nick Frey (TCU) back.  
 
According to coach Ron Eastman, the Highlanders will have depth on the mound.  He added that consistent play from his seniors and infield will be key this year.  
 
Naples (Fla.)
Naples opens up at No. 20 in the preseason rankings, coming off a 33-1 record last year, that earned them the mythical national championship in 2009. Senior Josh Patton had a great 2009 being named the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 4A Player of the Year, going 11-0 with a 0.90 ERA and 97 strikeouts while batting .355.
 
Coach Rick Turner's squad will deep on the mound and offensively they return five of their top six hitters.  Senior Brad Fieger (OF) was a first team all-state selection last year and hit .452 with 28 RBIs and 26 runs scored.
 
Look for another strong year from Naples in 2010.

I'm from small town Woodland Hills, California.
 
In Woodland Hills there are many things to do from kickin' it with friends to go to the beach, which is less than 15 minutes away to catch a wave. Also I would have to say it is a rather busy and upbeat town with lots of fun activities to do. We have many parks and I definitely recommend taking a few nature hikes up in the mountain trails.
 
I listen to everything except my friends who think they can rap. Otherwise I have everything in my iPod from Josh Groban to Lil' Wayne..
 
I love to go get a cheesesteak sandwich from Soup's Grill on Ventura Boulevard with teammates. We are always trying to find a new and better place for philly cheese steaks so if anybody knows of one please do tell.
 
I always love to wear board shorts and a bright colored tee when it's nice out.
 
My biggest rival I would have to say is Notre Dame because they are Crespi Celts rivals and we are always facing off with them in every sport. It is always back and forth with them season after season and it is always a great day when we beat them. Celt Pride.
 
My favorite college team in football would have to be LSU tigers. My favorite college baseball team would obviously have to be Stony Brook Seawolves hands down. I love the Redskins and I love the Bengals. When it comes to baseball I love the Mariners.
 
Mike Suppan, the creator of Jamba Juice, Russell White, and so many college DIV 1 athletes have come out of Crespi.
 
My life has definitely been influenced by my dad because he taught me everything in life I know to this day and I wouldn't be here without him.
 
Push yourself to the limit and never give up because nothing is impossible, the only thing stopping you is yourself.
 

Hey, it's Cody Buckel and I am writing my second blog!  I never thought I would be writing about baseball so much! But I am going to tell you a little bit about my life outside of baseball.  I live in Simi Valley, California.  It's a sleepy town, but it works!  It's always among the safest cities to live in, so I feel pretty safe where I live.  Its slogan is "Relax and slow down.”  

I seem to be sort of the opposite.  I am always going to the mall or movies with friends and even golfing and bowling.  I love going to Subway and getting a philly cheese steak sandwich.  

While going out on the time, I love to listen to my ipod.  It's compacted with 30 Seconds to Mars, Green Day, and Taylor Swift.  As to what kind of clothes I wear, I wear Hollister, A and f, Ruehl, and similar companies like that.  

I really don't have a favorite team in the pros, but I enjoy watching the Yankees and Angels play.  

The rival school in my area would be Simi Valley High School.  I go to Royal High School.  There's always been a rival between us because we're on opposite sides of Simi Valley and always want to prove who the better school is.

Bryan Berglund was a senior last year and is now playing pro ball with the Marlins.  Raul Rodriguez and Matt Magill were drafted a couple years ago and now both play professionally.

My dad and grandpa have been the biggest influences in my life.  My dad has always told me to follow what I believe in and to never stop pursuing my dreams.  My grandpa has taught me the ways of baseball and has been by me ever since I started playing.   I love them so much and could never thank them enough.

Words to live by: me as a pitcher, if you can make the batters look like you when you're batting, you're doing a pretty good job.

Where I'm from:  I live in Centennial, Colorado, it is a large suburb southeast of Denver.

What's happening in my town:  High School sports are a hot topic in our part of town, the basketball playoffs will happen soon and baseball is a month away.  The Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche are fun to attend.  Vail (my favorite) and other ski resorts are under two hours from where I live.

On the iPod:  Everything from Texas Country to Oldies and Rap.

Where I eat:  Lots of barbeque places.

What I eat:  Steak, Ribs, Pulled pork sandwiches.  I also like "Little Debbie" snacks.

What I wear: Casusal....mostly jeans and t-shirts, hoodies with cowboy boots.

My biggest rival:  Cherry Creek High School has been a big rival for years.  They always play us tough and I know many of their players.

Favorite Teams:  Colorado Rockies, I am a huge LSU fan in college sports and like Nebraska football.

Famous from the school:  Our high school is fairly new but Joe Kloepfstein plays for the St. Louis Rams

Influences in your life:  My parents and sister, my teachers and coaches at Grandview.  My brother has been a great baseball influence he played in the minors for the KC Royals and now scouts for the TX Rangers.

Words to live by: "Live in Love."

Where I'm from
I live in the Northern section of Irvine. Irvine is a pretty big city that's grown a lot in recent years. There are some pretty big industrial areas but mainly it's a very commercialized suburban city.
            
What's happening in my town
Kids in Irvine are always calling it "the bubble” and complaining how there is never anything to do. We've got The Spectrum and The Marketplace, two big outdoor malls, but other than that, not a whole lot is going on.
 
On the iPod
My iPod has a lot of different stuff. My music tastes have always been pretty diverse. My dad got me into classic rock like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin as a kid and it stuck. Of course I have the classic hip-hop; the 2pac and the Biggie to go along with new Eminem and Jay-Z. I listen to a lot of new rock too though like Kings of Leon, The Strokes, and Cold War Kids. I also have the mellow Jack Johnson, Matt Costa, and Slightly Stoopid. Blink-182 though will forever hold the top spot in play counts.
 
Where I eat
I eat a lot of Chipotle and a lot of Aloha Hawaiian BBQ. Definitely two of my favorites.

What I eat
There is not a food I won't eat. I love good sandwiches and aside from Chipotle, authentic Mexican food. I also eat a lot of sushi.
 
What I wear
I have a pretty standard style. Jeans and t-shirts when its cold, basketball shorts and t-shirts when its hot. I wear a lot of RVCA and other SoCal brands. I'll change it up with the occasional sweater though. Oh and Nikes. I almost always wear Nikes.

Biggest rival
Woodbridge is our biggest rival. They are another Irvine school and were in the same league with them. There have been some fights at basketball games in the past and the rivalry has carried into other sports. It's always fun when we play them.
 
Favorite teams
Growing up in Irvine, it's a 20 minute ride to Angel Stadium so I grew up a huge Angel fan. My dad and I go to about 30 games a year and we were there for every inning of the 2002 World Series run. My favorite college has always been UCLA so I was really excited to commit there. Football and basketball have been struggling of late but I have faith they'll turn it around soon.
 
Famous from the school
We are yet to have a truly famous alumnus. Our school opened in 1999 so we're pretty new. Garret Atkins went to a different Irvine school and his mom is a counselor at ours. That's the closest we come.
 
My influence
My dad has always been my biggest influence. We've always been really close and baseball has been one of our many common interests that have brought us closer.
 
Words to live by
Go big or go home.

Germantown Academy (Fort Washinton, Pa.):
Coach John Duffy's squad is coming off a 24-6 season from a year ago and has eight returning starters to the squad. Two players off of last year's squad have committed to Division 1 schools, Sean Coyle (North Carolina) and Keenan Kish (Florida).  Both Coyle and Kish played in the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games (New York Yankees) and Kish also played in the East Coast Professional Showcase.
 
Coyle is a solid infielder and had a good week in Long Beach last August. Because of his performance throughout the week he was selected to the All-Area Code Team for 2009. In 2009 he hit .463 with 17 RBIs, 36 hits and he was a perfect 13-13 in steals.  He has speed, as he ran a 3.56 30-yard dash in the SPARQ Testing session on Day 1 of the Area Code Games (he posted a 60-yard time of 6.53). He also ended up with the second highest SPARQ Rating at 80.09, one of two ratings in the 80s.  
 
Kish, too, has speed as he ran the 30-yard dash at the Area Code Games in 3.83 (he posted a 60-yard time of 6.81).  Kish posted a record of 4-4, but opposing batters only hit .166.  He struck out 57 in 46.2 innings of work. According to Duffy, Kish will anchor the pitching staff, as he hits 88-91 on the gun.  
 
"Great work ethic and tremendous leader by example,” was Duffy's remark of Kish.
 
Both Kish and Coyle will be captains on the 2010 squad.  
 
The outlook for Germantown Academy this year, according to Duffy, will be a balanced lineup offensively and a deep bench.  One key is how the pitching behind Kish will look this year.
 
Rancho Buena Vista (Vista, Calif.):
Tony Wolters is on of eight returning starters to this year's team for coach Leo Fletes. Wolters was a standout on the Milwaukee Brewers (Blue) Area Code Team in 2009 and was the MVP of the AFLAC All American Game last August in San Diego, Calif.  He was also named Rawlings Defensive Player of the Year.  
 
Wolters has some speed.  When he went through the SPARQ Testing at the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games he posted a 60-yard time of 7.15 and a 30-yard time of 3.97.  He had an overall SPARQ Rating of 64.22.
 
Wolters signed with San Diego and other returning starters Jimmy Allen committed to Cal Poly SLO, Reed Reznicek committed to Indiana and Anthony McIver committed to Notre Dame.
 
Wyler Smith moves up to the varsity level this year after tearing it up on the JV level.  He led the JV team in homers and swiped 23 bags.
 
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.):
If you were to talk about Bishop Gorman a year ago Jeff Malm would have been the first name mentioned. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the fifth round of the 2009 MLB Draft.  Coach Chris Sheff's crew has won four straight Division 4A State titles.  They won all four years Malm was in school.  
 
Bishop Gorman has four starters returning for the 2010 campaign and has six more coming back from last year's roster.  
 
Johnny Field (2B) and Neil Lawhorn (C/OF) both hit over .500 last year and the pair combined for 113 RBIs.  Field scored 78 times and blasted 14 homers.  Erik Can Meetren drove in 64 runs and blasted 12 homers, while hitting .496. Field signed with Arizona.
 
They do have two newcomers to the team this year, TJ White (RHP/3B) and Cory Welch (RHP/OF). Both actually transferred in to the Gaels' program last year, but had to sit out.  
 
Bishop Gorman looks to have another strong team this year and they have a great chance of winning their fifth straight crown.  The Gaels will have young, but quality arms, that according to Sheff.

By Dace Kime, Special to ESPNRISE.com Baseball

Dace Kime is a 6-4, 210 pound senior out of Defiance (Ohio) High School.  The righty played for the New York Yankees in the 2009 Area Code Baseball Games.  He is one of ESPNRISE.com Baseball's student bloggers for the 2010 season.  You can follow him here in Kime's Korner.

After we lost in the district finals to a league foe, I felt a lot of responsibility to get our program back to where it was.

I worked out every other day at 7 or 8 in the morning tobuild arm strength and to perfect my mechanics. I had plans to go to some ofthe premier showcases (East Coast Pro Showcase and Area Code Games). I wantedto prove that I belonged in the same class as some of the elite players in thecountry.

Unfortunately, my preparation habits got me into sometrouble. I was so caught up in throwing hard that I failed to warm up my armbefore my outings. This resulted in me having some shoulder tightness.

I went to see many doctors and they all said the same thing "BecauseI hadn't prepared well enough, my shoulder muscles are weak”.

 I tried playingwith the tightness at East Coast but my velocity significantly dropped andtherefore I decided to go to California for Area Code but not throw. Upongetting back from California, I took a week off and started my preparing everyother day.

Turns out the week off helped because my first throw upongetting back, I felt no pain at all. I kept my routine of working out everyother day until basketball practices officially started around November. Istarted throwing again around January 5th and usually throw three times a week.

By Zack Weiss, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

This summer revolved primarily around baseball. I started the summer by committing to UCLA the day we got out of school. Following my commitment, I got involved with the showcase circuit. I played well in my first one; the Southwest Futures All-Star Series up at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton and got invited to Area Code tryouts as a result.

I made the Area Code Brewers Gray team and had a great week. I met a lot of good guys who were also great baseball players. They were guys who I'd heard of and read about but had never gotten the opportunity to play with.

The first time I got on the mound at USC was one of the most nerve racking experiences I've had. That outing was the first time I've really pitched in front of a big crowd of scouts, most of whom had radar guns on me. Naturally, you try to blow it out as best you can, to try to impress. But after a few pitches and falling behind in the count, you realize its way more important that you locate against such good hitters.

After Area Codes, I played in the Tommy Lasorda Classic at Dodger Stadium. One of the coolest weekends I've ever had, getting to play games and take batting practice at Dodger Stadium. I took the rest of the fall off and stopped throwing, just putting in a lot of time in the weight room. Throughout the fall, I played first base in our games for school and Connie Mack.

I'm hoping this year to not only have a great season on the mound, but also help lead our team offensively. We've been putting in a lot of time in the weight room as well as on the field, trying to get as strong and physical as possible.

I think if we play to our potential and do the little things right, we have a good chance to compete for a league title and make the CIF playoffs for the first time in four years. It has been a long wait but it's almost over, just a month left until the season starts.
 

by Josh Mason, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

Hi my name's Josh Mason. I am an 18yr old senior pitcher/centerfielder for Crespi Carmelite Celts (Encino, Calif.). It is a small Catholic, all boys private school, but is successful in athletics and academics.  I am 6-3 and about 182 lbs, after I eat dinner. I grew up playing and watching baseball since I was young. My goal is to make it big someday in the MLB. I am currently signed with the Stony Brook Seawolves in Long Island, N.Y.  It is in the Division 1 America East Conference.

Last summer I played in the Connie Mack League for the Playa Vista Orioles. At the end of the summer I made the Area Code Brewers Grey team which was one of the best experiences I have had playing ball. It's great because it gathers all of the top baseball players from all over the US and you get to compete with the best talent out there. During the end of summer and early fall I played scout ball for the So Cal Cardinals Red for Chuck Fick, he is the reason why I got a shot at making Area Code and getting seen by many scouts for college.

To everyone out there that is reading this I really recommend trying out for a scout ball team because the coaches and contacts you make with people will definitely help you or your son get exposed more. During the fall I also made sure I worked out three times a week to stay in shape and hit everyday.

I would run every other day to stay in shape for pitching and would long toss the days I didn't run. Right now practice has already started after school, but I am also on a workout plan that requires a lot of lifting weights on the lower body and explosive exercises. I am stretching everyday to stay long and prevent my muscles from pulling in this cold weather. I also throw a rotation three times a week and a bullpen 2-3 times a week.  I try to hit everyday even if it's off the tee.

Note: Josh Mason is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

The 2010 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American team selected by the staff of Collegiate Basebal.  No surprise at the names who made the first team with Jameson Tailion The Woodlands (Texas) leading the way as a first team pitcher. 

Check out the all-america team here.

by Cody Buckel, Special to ESPN RISE Baseball

Hi, my name is Cody Buckel.  This is my first blog about anything, so I am extremely happy to be writing about baseball. 

I started playing baseball when I was three years old being taught how to hit, throw and catch in the backyard via my mother.  I practiced everyday and would annoy my mother so much I ended up throwing against the retaining wall in my backyard. 

I first began pitching when I was eight years old and have been ever since.  I am now a senior at Royal High School in Simi Valley.   I am a starting pitcher and the starting shortstop.  This is my fourth and final year playing for Royal's varsity team. 

Over the past two summers I had the incredible opportunity to be named to the USA National Team, my first summer with the 16 and under (in Mexico) and the next summer with 18 and under (in Venezuela).  I got the experience of international ball and pitched against teams such as Cuba, Argentina, Panama, and Venezuela. 

Both summers ended with gold medals for the USA National Team, something I will never forget. 

During the past summer I played with multiple teams such as the Rays and Brewers Scout Ball teams, the Urban Youth Academy All-Stars (who played against the Japanese All-Stars), Area Code games, and my high school team.  The past summer has been incredibly busy and tough, but by far my favorite summer. 

I now am getting prepared for my final high school season and can't wait for my first game.

Note: Cody Buckel is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

The Los Angeles Dodgers recognize two high school coaches for their work at the high school level.  This year's winners of the Tommy Lasorda Lifetime Achievement Award was coaches Bob Zamora of Capistrano High School and Manny Alvarado of John F. Kennedy High School.  They will receive their awards tonight at a reception at Dodger Stadium. 

"I have always been very proud of baseball coaches at the high school level," said Tommy Lasorda on MLB.com.

Coach Zamora's Cougars won the CIF Southern Section Div. 1 title behind the bat and the arm of one Tyler Matzek, who was drafted in the first round by the Rockies.  It wasn't just Matzek, the entire Cougar pitching staff was incredible througout the 2009 playoffs.

Coach Alvarado's Kennedy team plays in the Los Angeles City Section and last year they went to the second round of the Los Angeles City Section Playoffs, where they lost to Cleveland of Reseda.  Cleveland then lost to Chatsworth in the LA City Section Finals in 2009.  

Click here to read more.

By Kevin Gausman, Special to ESPN RISE

My name is Kevin Gausman. I am a right-handed pitcher from Centennial, Colorado. I have signed my letter of intent to play baseball at L.S.U next spring.

I have been lucky enough to play in some of the most amazing events this summer. I played in the Under- Armour All-American game held in Wrigley Field, the Aflac All-American game at Petco Park, and played for the 18u Team U.S.A in the Pan- American games in Venezuela.

Baseball has sent me all over the country and all of these events were a once in a lifetime experience, but my favorite was playing for Team U.S.A. Going to Venezuela was something i will never forget.

The baseball there and even just the lifestyle is something completely different than that of our own. I was with team U.S.A. for almost a complete month and we all became very close.  In Venezuela we ended up beating Cuba in the championship game and receiving a Gold Medal. It was a scene I was always remember.

I currently playing basketball on the varsity team at my high school, but I am preparing for a fun last year of high school baseball where my team and I hope to compete for a state championship.

I have been working really hard to become a better overall pitcher and just to fine tune all my pitches in preparation for the upcoming spring.

Note: Kevin Gausman is a part of a new feature on ESPNRISE.com Baseball.  We will hear from high school baseball players throughout the year, as they chronicle their experiences, lifestyle high school baseball season.  If you would like to be a student-blogger on ESPNRISE.com Baseball contact Andrew Drennen

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Denise Garibaldi spoke of steroid use to students at St. Vincent (Petaluma, Calif.) High School. Garibaldi lost her son 2002, when he took his own life, from what his family believes was depression caused by the use of steroids.  This according to Petaluma360.com.  To read the article, CLICK HERE.

Posted by Andrew Drennen, ESPN RISE Baseball

Players out of the Four Corners Area showcased their skills in Las Vegas, Nev., this past weekend. CLICK HERE and read about how the players did and which ones stood out.