Aaron Hicks is a force for Long Beach Wilson

There's no denying the athleticism and immense skills of Long Beach Wilson pitcher-outfielder Aaron Hicks, who has signed with USC but projects as a first-round draft pick next month.

The problem for scouts is determining the position that best fits Hick's talents. In the last month, his ability as a starting pitcher has been in full bloom, and it was on display Thursday in the opening round of the Southern Section-Toyota Division I playoffs.

Hicks (8-1), throwing a fastball clocked in the mid-90s, threw six shutout innings, striking out seven, walking four and allowing only four hits to help defending Division I champion Wilson (25-5-1) defeat Huntington Beach Edison, 9-3, at Blair Field in Long Beach.

Hicks also had two hits, scored three runs, had a stolen base and made it clear afterward that he considers himself an outfielder -- for now.

"I'm pitching for my team, but I feel my future is as an outfielder because I have tools others don't have," he said.

Added Coach Andy Hall: "This is him every game. He goes out and makes plays. You can see his zest for the game."

Wilson has needed him as a starting pitcher since Arizona State-bound Ray Hanson broke his glove hand in the opening month of the season.

Hicks showed Thursday he is on his way to mastering the mound demeanor required of an effective starting pitcher.

He was clinging to a 2-0 lead in the third inning. Edison (14-14) had runners on second and third with one out. Hall ordered an intentional walk to California-bound catcher Kyle Higashioka, despite Hicks wanting to pitch to him.

"The golden rule in the playoffs is you don't let the other team's stud beat you," Hall said.

With the bases loaded, the count went to 3-and-0 against Josh Lesinski.

There was no panic in Hicks.

"I just took it as nobody was on base," he said. "I didn't try to overthrow -- just throw strikes."

The count went to 3-and-2 before Lesinski popped out to first. The next batter flied out. End of inning and end of any serious threat Hicks would have to face the rest of the game.

"It was a huge turning point," Hall said.

The first round of the Division I playoffs is a test of nerves because even top teams can't rest easy, considering how many quality pitchers can be found throughout the bracket.

Hall felt confident with a pitcher the caliber of Hicks, but he knew Edison junior right-hander Kurt Heyer shut out No. 1-seeded Los Alamitos in a Sunset League game and would offer a strong challenge against the runner-up Bruins from the Moore League.

"The first round is never fun in Division I," Hall said. "If you get out of the first round, everyone breathes a little bit."

Heyer gave up two runs on four hits in the first inning, then settled in to pitch well. Not until Jesse Vansickle delivered a two-run, two-out double in the fifth inning to give the Bruins a 4-0 lead could Wilson players begin to feel comfortable.

Then came a five-run sixth inning that featured two-run doubles by Zach Wilson and David Terrazas off freshman relief pitcher Henry Owens, and Wilson had a 9-0 lead.

Hicks threw fewer than 90 pitches, which means he could come back for Tuesday's second-round game.

That's bad news for his next opponent but good news for the scouts who show up with their radar guns.

But, as Hicks reminds everyone, "I'm just using pitching as my backup."

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com