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Welcome to Hank's Hot Picks, where our Associate Director of Northern California Hank LoForte will provide readers with a brief overview of the five major sections in the northern part of the state. There will be two highlighted players from each of the sections with a write up on how they are doing on the season, as well as stats and how their teams are doing. Will be posted every week. 

April 21st: Hank's Hot Picks

Central Coast Section

Pitcher: Trent Roach, RHP/1B, Hollister, Cal Signee

Trent Roach, a senior at Hollister High School in California, has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the Central Coast Section and a cornerstone of the Hollister Haybalers’ baseball program. A Cal commit, Roach has consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, composure, and leadership on the mound, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the ultra-competitive Pacific Coast Athletic League (PCAL) Gabilan Division.

2025 season stats:

• Record: 1-1
• ERA: 0.00
• IP: 15
• Strikeouts: 25
• BB: 4
• ER: 0
• H: 4
• OBA: .078

2025 offensive stats

• AVG: .471
• H: 8 AB: 17
• RBI: 7
• 2B: 3
• HR: 1
• OBP: .591
• BB:5 K:2

Position Player: Quinten Marsh, OF/LHP, Valley Christian, 2025, Stanford Signee

Quinten Marsh is a two-way standout for the Valley Christian Warriors, one of California’s premier high school baseball programs. As a senior in 2025, Marsh has solidified his reputation as an elite pitcher and a dangerous hitter, leading Valley Christian to a strong position in the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) and Central Coast Section (CCS). His combination of size, athleticism, and polished skills has made him a top prospect in the 2025 class, earning a commitment to Stanford and recognition as one of the state’s best. Marsh’s versatility, competitive demeanor, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make him a highly coveted player with professional potential.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .500
• H: 30 AB: 60
• RBI: 19
• 2B: 12
• 3B: 2
• HR: 2
• OBP: .583
• BB: 11 K: 12
• SB: 8

Pitching stats:

• Record: 4-2
• ERA: 1.21
• IP: 29
• Strikeouts: 39
• BB: 16
• ER: 5
• H: 19
• OBA: .183

Central Section

Pitcher: JT Sanchez, RHP/1B, Kingsburg, 2028

JT Sanchez is a promising freshman two-way player for the Kingsburg High School Vikings, competing in the Central Section’s Tri-River Athletic Conference. As a member of the Class of 2028, Sanchez is an emerging talent in the Central Valley, showing early potential as both a pitcher and infielder. His athleticism, projectable frame, and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball make him a player to watch over the next four years. While still early in his high school career, Sanchez’s raw tools and competitive demeanor suggest he could develop into a college prospect with continued growth and exposure.

2025 pitching stats:

• Record: 4-0
• IP: 26.2
• ERA: 0.52
• Strikeouts: 25
• BB: 18
• ER: 2
• H: 17
• OBA: .218

Position Player: Matteo Zuniga, OF/LHP, Mt. Whitney, 2028

Matteo Zuniga is an emerging freshman talent for the Mt. Whitney High School Pioneers, competing in the Central Section’s East Yosemite League. As a Class of 2028 prospect, Zuniga is early in his high school career but has already shown flashes of potential as a two-way player, contributing as a pitcher and outfielder. His athleticism, projectable frame, and raw skills suggest he could develop into a significant contributor for Mt. Whitney over the next four years.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .406
• H: 26 AB's: 64
• RBI: 12
• R: 16
• 2B: 5
• OBP: .465
• SB: 3
• BB: 6 K: 6

North Coast Section

Pitcher: Dalton Doyle, RHP/INF, Dublin, 2027

Doyle has the potential to become a cornerstone player for Dublin by his junior or senior year. As he adds strength and refines his pitching arsenal, he could develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter or closer. His bat and defensive skills at first base give him a chance to be an everyday player, potentially batting in the middle of the lineup. By his senior year, Doyle could earn all-league honors in the EBAL and lead Dublin in the North Coast Section playoffs.

2025 pitching stats:

• Record: 4-0
• IP: 30
• ERA: 0.93
• Strikeouts: 27
• BB: 10
• ER: 4
• H: 10
• OBA: .105

Position Player: Quinton Hill, OF/RHP, Berkeley, 2027

Quinton Hill is a rising sophomore two-way player for the Berkeley High School Yellowjackets, competing in the West Alameda County Conference (WACC) Foothill League. As a Class of 2027 prospect, Hill burst onto the high school baseball scene as a freshman in 2024, earning a starting role in left field and showcasing his potential as both an outfielder and pitcher. His athleticism, speed, and productive bat have already made him a standout in the East Bay, as noted by West Coast Preps. While still early in his high school career, Hill’s raw tools, competitive background, and versatility suggest he could develop into a college prospect with continued growth and exposure.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .446
• H: 25 AB: 56
• RBI: 14
• 2B: 4
• HR: 2
• SB: 8
• BB: 3 K: 2

Northern Section

Pitcher: Kayden Williams, RHP/UTL, Foothill (Palo Cedro), 2027

Williams has a lean, athletic build with significant room to add muscle as he matures. His frame offers leverage on the mound, and his long limbs suggest potential for increased velocity. Williams displays a developing mound presence, showing flashes of confidence typical of a young pitcher competing in a strong league.

2025 season stats:

• Record: 3-3
• IP: 32
• ERA: 0.66
• Strikeouts: 40
• BB: 11
• ER: 3
• H: 22
• OBA: .186

Position Player: Jaxxon Tweedt, OF/C, Chico, 2028

Tweedt is poised to become a cornerstone player for Chico by his sophomore or junior year. His elite hitting and speed make him a potential all-state candidate, and his developing pitching skills could see him take on a larger role on the mound. By his senior year, Tweedt could be a first-team all-league performer and a leader in the Northern Section, potentially guiding Chico to a section title. The kid can flat out play! The numbers don't lie.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .549
• Hits: 28 AB's: 51
• RBI's: 20
• 2B: 12
• 3B: 1
• HR: 1
• BB: 16 K: 2
• OBP: .698
• SB: 13

Sac-Joaquin Section

Pitcher: Brandon Pelechowicz, OF/RHP, Yuba City, 2025

Brandon Pelechoiwcz is a senior two-way player for the Yuba City High School Honkers, competing in the Capital Valley Conference (CVC) of California’s Sac-Joaquin Section. As a Class of 2025 prospect, Pelechoiwcz has been a key contributor to Yuba City’s varsity baseball team, showcasing his skills as an outfielder and pitcher. His athleticism, competitive experience, and versatility make him a potential candidate for college programs, particularly at the junior college or D1 level. Could have been nominated for hitter as well, considering his numbers are well above the average.

2025 season stats

• Record: 5-1
• IP: 36.2
• ERA: 0.35
• Strikeouts: 50
• BB: 22
• ER: 2
• H: 20
• OBA: .149

Offensive stats:

• AVG: .493
• Hits: 33 AB's: 67
• RBI's: 25
• 2B: 2
• 3B: 2
• HR: 5
• BB: 8 K: 8
• OBP: 581
• SB: 13

Position Player:  Drew Beasley, INF, Rodriguez, 2027

Beasley has always swung the bat ever since he stepped on the varsity scene at Rodriguez High School. The real question is the speed and arm strength in the future, once he matures a bit more and adds on some muscle, he's going to be a dangerous all around player making some noise in the bay area. 

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .446
• Hits: 25  AB's: 56 
• RBI's: 18
• 2B: 5
• BB:7 K: 6 
• OBP: .549

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