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 Notre Dame Knights.

High School: Notre Dame Knights
Head Coach: Tom Dill / Nick La Face
CIF Section: Southern
Team Strengths: Pitching and offense.
2025 Record: 15-14
Returning Starters: 10

 

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TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

• RHP Patrick Arranaga (2026)

• RHP Lachlan Clark (2026)
• OF Jake Noroian (2026)
• INF Sebastien Grove (2027)

• 1B/OF Benett Pace (2027)

• UTIL Troy Trejo (2027)

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TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

• OF/RHP Dru Wilson (2028)

• OF/RHP Jason Taylor (2028)

• OF Zane Scott (2028)
• LHP Will Necessary (2028)

• RHP Gabriel Barraza (2028)

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TEAM OUTLOOK

Notre Dame enters the 2026 season positioned for a jump, returning an experienced, deep roster after a 15–14 campaign and CIF Southern Section Division 2 Playoff appearance in 2025. Under coaches Tom Dill and Nick La Face, the Knights bring back an impressive 10 returning starters and eight pitchers, forming a roster built around one of the most complete pitching staffs in the area and a lineup filled with proven varsity contributors. With continuity throughout the roster and multiple arms capable of impacting games in different roles, Notre Dame is well equipped to control tempo, shorten games, and apply constant pressure offensively.

The upperclassmen group gives the Knights balance on both sides of the ball. On the mound, RHP Patrick Arranaga (2026) and RHP Lachlan Clark (2026) help make up a deep staff, with Arranaga’s quick tempo and late-inning experience complementing Clark’s emerging stuff and command. Offensively, OF Jake Noroian (2026) sets the tone as the heartbeat of the lineup, consistently getting on base and driving run production. INF Sebastien Grove (2027) provides reliability and defense on the infield, while 1B/OF Benett Pace (2027) adds left-handed power. UTIL Troy Trejo (2027) brings athletic versatility, offering impact potential at multiple positions and at the plate.

Notre Dame’s ceiling is further elevated by a talented underclass group. The 2028 class features impact athletes such as OF/RHP Dru Wilson (2028), OF/RHP Jason Taylor (2028), and OF Zane Scott (2028), along with advanced young arms LHP Will Necessary (2028) and RHP Gabriel Barraza (2028). The Knights also boast a deep committed group, including 2026 commits in 1B/C Larkin Fleming (Utah Tech), C Jacob Madrid (Oregon), RHP Peter Jackson (UCSB), UTIL/RHP Malakye Matsumoto (Air Force), RHP Holden Newhouse (LMU), and RHP Juju Diaz-Jones (Cal). 2027 commits in RHP J. Beckett Berg (Texas) and RHP AJ LaSota (Virginia) round out Notre Dame’s formidable pitching staff. With depth, experience, and high-end talent throughout the roster, Notre Dame enters 2026 as a legitimate contender capable of making a deep postseason run.

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Quote from the Coach

“We are excited! We have a talented group led by a strong group of seniors. It's going to be a fun year.”

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Find more information on the 2026 Notre Dame Knights program below:
+ High School Previews

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