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2026 High School Team Previews: San Joaquin Memorial Panthers

February 13, 2026
Ronan Grube
Prep Baseball California Contributor

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 San Joaquin Memorial Panthers.

High School: San Joaquin Memorial Panthers
Head Coach: Scott Scharton
CIF Section: Central
Team Strengths: Pitching depth and returning offensive players.
2025 Record: 9-12
Returning Starters: 4

 

TOP RETURNING UNCOMMITTED PLAYERS

TOP UNDERCLASSMEN

  • RHP Ryan Solley (2028)
  • OF/1B Max Rusk (2028)
  • C/OF Beckham Matoian (2028)
  • INF/RHP Benny Kelejian (2029)
  • RHP Benicio Perez (2029)
  • INF/OF Louie Amendola (2029)

TEAM OUTLOOK

The San Joaquin Memorial Panthers enter 2026 looking to build momentum after a 9–12 campaign, with head coach Scott Scharton welcoming back a group highlighted by pitching depth and several key returning bats. With four starters and five pitchers back from a CIF Central Section Division 3 Playoff team, Memorial should have more stability on the mound, giving them flexibility to navigate league play while continuing to develop a young, but competitive roster.

Offensively, returning SS Reynaldo Cruz (2026) is expected to be a catalyst at the top of the order, setting the table as the leadoff hitter, while OF Brody Lamb (2026) will be relied upon in run-producing spots. On the pitching side, RHP/INF Joshua Sandoval (2026) figures to log important innings, supported by a wave of newcomers and transfers including RHP/INF Tyce Perez (2027), LHP/1B Joseph Alvarez (2027), and RHP/INF Euraiya Morelos (2027)—all of whom bring varsity experience from previous programs. Behind the plate, C Max McMurray (2027) enters his third year on varsity, and speedster OF Anthony Kennedy (2027) adds a dynamic element to the outfield and on the bases.

The Panthers also feature a promising underclass core, led by RHP Ryan Solley (2028) after significant freshman-year innings, along with OF/1B Max Rusk (2028) and C/OF Beckham Matoian (2028), who both gained varsity experience in 2025. Freshmen pieces in INF/RHP Benny Kelejian (2029), RHP Benicio Perez (2029), and INF/OF Louie Amendola (2029) will also look to factor into the mix as the season progresses. With a deeper pitching staff, returning offensive contributors, and OF Ben Yelton (2026) already committed to Eastern University, San Joaquin Memorial has the ingredients to take a step forward in 2026 and establish a more consistent, competitive identity this spring.

Quote from the Coach

“We have plenty of returning varsity players, some key transfers, and a new coaching staff. We are excited to see what the 2026 season holds. We will play hard and expect to be relevant at the end of the season in our conference and section.”

Find more information on the 2026 San Joaquin Memorial Panthers program below:

+ @SJM_Baseball
+ High School Previews

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