The 2026 California high school baseball season is quickly approaching and, as usual, excitement is abound throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across California.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in their respective CIF Section Championship Game, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview these individual programs across California. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews, eventually releasing our Preseason Power 25 rankings.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across California. Each week we will be releasing our Power 25, Players of the Week, Diamond Notes, podcasts, and much more.

Our 2026 preseason coverage continues today with the Bishop O’Dowd Dragons.

High School: Bishop O'Dowd Dragons
Head Coach: Brian Mouton
CIF Section: North Coast
Team Strengths: Pitching and speed.
2025 Record: 10-15-1
Returning Starters: 5

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• 1B Carlo Castaneda (2026)
• LHP Jake Dunning-Sorey (2026)
• INF Zack Wooster (2026)
• INF Riley Stewart (2027)
• OF Oliver Makeig (2027)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Bishop O’Dowd enters the 2026 season looking to take a step forward after a 10–15–1 campaign, with head coach Brian Mouton bringing back a roster built around pitching depth and team speed. Coming off a CIF North Coast Section Division 3 Playoff appearance the Dragons should be more settled on both sides of the ball, thanks to five returning starters and five returning pitchers. If the staff can control games early and the lineup can manufacture runs, O’Dowd has the pieces to be far more competitive in league play.

The senior class will be central to that push. LHP Jake Dunning-Sorey (2026) gives the Dragons a left-handed option with the chance to anchor the rotation, while 1B Carlo Castaneda (2026) provides a steady presence at first base and in the middle of the order. In the infield, INF Zack Wooster (2026) brings experience and reliability, helping stabilize a defense that should benefit from the team’s overall speed and range. The commitment of OF/LHP/1B Dimitri Williams (2026) to BYU highlights the type of athletic, versatile talent in the program and sets the tone for the group.

The 2027 class adds upside and energy, with INF Riley Stewart (2027) and OF Oliver Makeig (2027) both capable of impacting the game with their legs and defensive versatility. With an intriguing group of talent in the pipeline, development and health among the returning core will be key. If the pitching staff takes a step forward and the Dragons consistently pressure opponents with their speed, Bishop O’Dowd has a strong chance to remain competitive throughout league play.

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Quote from the Coach

“We’re excited about young talent and look to be competitive throughout league play.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Bishop O'Dowd Dragons program below:

+ @odowd_baseball
+ High School Previews

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