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 Cypress Centurions.

High School: Cypress Centurions
Head Coach: John Weber
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Pitching.
2025 Record: 18-11
Returning Starters: 5

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• LHP Nick Nelson (2026)
• RHP Tim Carey (2027)
• INF Landon Anderson (2027)

• INF Gary Hennessy (2027)

• RHP/C Ben Martinez (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• RHP/INF Landon Smith (2028).
• RHP/1B Matthew McKenrick (2028)
• OF/RHP Joe Kennedy (2029)
• INF/RHP Hibiki Suzuki (2029)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Cypress enters the 2026 season coming off an 18–11 campaign with its identity once again centered around pitching. Coming off a CIF Southern Section Division 1 Playoff appearance, head coach John Weber returns five starters and four pitchers from a staff that has the depth and versatility to attack games in a variety of ways. With multiple arms capable of starting and handling high-leverage innings, the Centurions should be able to control games on the mound and consistently keep opposing lineups in check.

The pitching staff is headlined by several college-bound arms including UCSB commit LHP Drew Slevcove (2026), TCU commit LHP Tate Belfanti (2027), and California Baptist Commit RHP Tyler Kaufman (2027). LHP Nick Nelson (2026) and RHP Tim Carey (2027) are also expected to log significant innings in a multitude of roles. Behind the plate, Cal State Fullerton commit C Noah Johnson (2026) will handle the pitching staff, while RHP/C Ben Martinez (2027) provides additional flexibility as a two-way contributor.

Offensively, Cypress brings back a solid infield core with INF Landon Anderson (2027) and INF Gary Hennessy (2027) slated to hit in the middle of the order and lock down the hot corner and keystone, respectively. Air Force commit SS Jake DeLaquil (2026) adds leadership and defensive stability up the middle, while Oregon commit OF Tyler Vladic (2027) provides sound athleticism in the outfield. The next wave of Centurions is promising as well, led by RHP/INF Landon Smith (2028) along with a group of young two-way talents in RHP/1B Matthew McKenrick (2028), OF/RHP Joe Kennedy (2029), and INF/RHP Hibiki Suzuki (2029) that point toward sustained success. With pitching depth, experienced position players, and a steady influx of high-upside arms, Cypress looks well equipped for another strong run in 2026.

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Quote from the Coach

“We return a good group of pitchers and a couple of position players from last year. I'm still concerned, as most teams are, about our hitting, but am confident that we should be a strong league contender.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Cypress Centurions program below:

+ @CypCentBaseball
+ High School Previews

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