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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 29th: Hank's Hot Picks

Central Coast Section

Pitcher: Finn Demuth, RHP, St. Ignatius, 2026

Finn Demuth, a Class of 2026 right-handed pitcher from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco, CA, is an emerging talent with a projectable 6'0", 190-pound frame. His fastball, sitting in the 90-93 MPH range, showcases impressive velocity for a sophomore, complemented by a developing breaking ball and changeup that are gaining consistency. Demuth’s athleticism and repeatable delivery allow him to command the strike zone effectively, as seen in strong outings against competitive West Catholic Athletic League opponents. His competitive mindset and work ethic make him a standout on the mound. As an uncommitted prospect, he’s poised to attract significant attention from Division I programs with continued development.

2025 season stats:

• Record: 3-1
• ERA: 0.35
• IP: 20
• Strikeouts: 31
• BB: 6
• ER: 1
• H: 10
• OBA: .152

Position Player: Johnny Carnazzo, INF, Palma, 2025, Westmont Signee

Johnny Carnazzo, a Class of 2025 middle infielder from Palma High School in Salinas, CA, is committed to Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Standing at roughly 5’10” with a wiry, athletic frame, he brings speed and versatility to the infield, primarily playing second base and shortstop. Carnazzo is hitting .464 as a senior, leading Palma with 28 runs scored and 9 stolen bases, while striking out just seven times in over 81 plate appearances, earning All-County honors. His quick hands and solid range defensively make him a reliable up-the-middle presence, with a developing bat that projects for gap power. Committed to Westmont, Carnazzo’s high baseball IQ and work ethic position him to compete for early playing time. Continued strength gains will enhance his impact at the collegiate level.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .464
• H: 32 AB: 69
• RBI: 26
• 2B: 9
• 3B: 1
• HR: 3
• OBP: .531
• BB: 9 K: 7
• SB: 9

Central Section

Pitcher: McCoy Silicz, RHP/1B, Bakersfield Christian, 2026, Ole Miss Commit

McCoy Silicz, a Class of 2026 right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Bakersfield Christian High School in California, is committed to Ole Miss University. Standing at an imposing 6’5”, 210 pounds, his physical frame and premium build offer significant projection for both pitching and hitting. As a sophomore, he posted a 13-2 record with a 1.49 ERA over 79.2 innings, striking out 90, while hitting .389 with 24 RBIs, showcasing his two-way potential. His fastball, sitting in the high-80s to low-90s, pairs with a developing slider and changeup, and he demonstrates advanced command for his age.

2025 pitching stats:

• Record: 6-2
• IP: 50.2
• ERA: 1.11
• Strikeouts: 53
• BB: 17
• ER: 8
• H: 29
• OBA: .162

Position Player: Charlie Ryder, C/1B, Stockdale, 2027

Ryder is killing it for Stockdale this season, leading the offense in a lot of the major catagories. This season has put Ryder in a great spot to set himself up for a great rest of the season and the summer circuit. The jump from the JV level to Varsity came relatively quick for Ryder, the power is starting to show with the three homeruns to add on with his .373 batting average. Ryder will be a fun follow escially since he is out in Central California where some of the best talent in the state sometimes gets overlooked. 

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .373
• H: 19 AB's: 51
• RBI: 14
• R: 21
• 2B: 3
• HR: 3
• OBP: .549
• SB: 2
• BB: 19 K: 11

North Coast Section

Pitcher: Jackson Beebout, RHP/3B, El Cerrito, 2027

Jackson Beebout, a 2027 RHP/3B from El Cerrito High School, is a compact 5’9”, 200-pound fireball with big-time potential. At the plate, his right-handed swing is quick and powerful, spraying line drives with gap juice that’s only gonna get better as he refines his approach. Over at third, he’s got a strong arm and good instincts, but that lively arm on the mound might be his ticket to the next level. This dude’s a competitor with serious grit, and he’s def one to keep tabs on for college coaches sniffing around early.

2025 pitching stats:

• Record: 2-0
• IP: 32
• ERA: 1.75
• Strikeouts: 25
• BB: 12
• ER: 8
• H: 21
• OBA: .174

Position Player: Andrew Borrego, SS/2B, Freedom, 2027

Borrego is an emerging middle infielder out of the Freedom High that is putting on an offensive display this season. Borrego was first seen at the Pre Season All State event earlier in January, where his fluid actions in the infielder were taken note quickly. He's got a good feel for the intenal clock, presents the glove early, very fundamental infielder but it works. I think with some time and some added strengthm Borrego has got a shot to stay up the middle, especially if he's going to be able to continue to hit. 

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .432
• H: 19 AB: 44
• RBI: 5
• 2B: 2
• SB: 10
• BB: 5 K: 5

Northern Section

Pitcher: Vinny Boatwright, RHP/1B, Chico, 2027

Boatwright is one of the more physcially gifted athletes in the northern area, standing at 6'6" 200lbs hes a bige dude who's got tons of upside. Boatwright has been killing it on the mound this season, considering he's one of the team's best arms as an underclassman. From his numbers so far, its been really impressive to see him dominate on the mound, I think his biggest donwfall this year has been the 27 walks. Maturity will fix that and Boatwright will be a huge name to follow in the Chico area.

2025 season stats:

• Record: 4-0
• IP: 33.1
• ERA: 1.05
• Strikeouts: 40
• BB: 27
• ER: 5
• H: 16
• OBA: .138

Position Player: Ryland Martinetti, C/RHP, Loyalton, 2027

Martinetti goes to a smaller school outside of the Reno area, so it's a bit colder where he is at. The sophomore is hitting well above .400 showing some pop with two homeruns and four doubles. There is some athleticism with 12 stolen bases last season and a current total of five this year. Martinetti has been effective on the mound this year boasting a 1.95 ERA with 14 strikeouts and four walks. There is about five games left for Martinetti to finish hitting above the .400 mark.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .412
• Hits: 14 AB's: 34
• RBI's: 12
• 2B: 4
• HR: 2
• BB: 3 K: 4
• OBP: .487
• SB: 5

Sac-Joaquin Section

Pitcher: Chase Cotton, RHP/3B, Whitney, 2028

Cotton was coming in as one of the nation's hottest pospects in his '28 class, and he certainly showed out this season pitching in a loaded Sierra Foothill League. The freshman had some troubles with walks all year but was extremely competitive every outing I was able to see him. His fastball has got up to 94 MPH this season, which was a career best for Cotton. The breaking balls and changeup are plus pitches and have a shot to be even better. Cotton has still a way to go but with his competitive work ethic he's going to be playing this game for a long time. 

2025 season stats

• Record: 1-1
• IP: 20.2
• ERA: 3.39
• Strikeouts: 21
• BB: 17
• ER:10
• H: 24
• OBA: .282

Position Player:  Riley Salvemini, SS/RHP, Woodland, 2028

Salvemini is another kid who's emerging as one of the top freshman in northern California, what he is doing for Woodland High School right now is pretty absurd when you lok at the numbers. The two way potential is through the roof, he has been a key contributor and role player for them this season. Not mention hes also been pitching on the mound for them as he sits at 6-1 with a 1.28 ERA and 63 strikeouts. Alot to look forward too in the upcoming seasons for Salvemini.

2025 season stats:

• AVG: .538
• Hits: 42  AB's: 78
• RBI's: 33
• 2B: 10
• 3B: 5
• HR: 3
• BB: 11 K: 5 
• OBP: .609

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