Baseball: Huntington Beach is No. 1 in The Times’ top 25 rankings

Huntington Beach starts the high school baseball season ranked No. 1 by The Times. With strong returning pitching and lots of veterans in the field, the Oilers figure to be one of the contenders for a Southern Section Division 1 championship.

1.HUNTINGTON BEACH. Pitchers Noah Davis and Hagen Danner form potent one-two duo.

2. JSERRA. Pitching, defense, hitting make Lions formidable title contender.

3. ALEMANY. Lots of proven hitters and proven pitchers.

4. DANA HILLS. Brothers Marrick and Hans Crouse are elite pitchers.

5. LONG BEACH WILSON. Led by catcher Chris Betts, Bruins are for real.

6. MATER DEI. Plenty of pitching and lots of potential in the field.

7. HARVARD-WESTLAKE. No Jack Flaherty but lots of good young players.

8. FOOTHILL. Last season was no fluke.

9. CHATSWORTH. Tom Meusborn is back as coach with pitchers galore.

10. SOUTH HILLS. Gavin Velasquez is an ace who doesn’t lose.

11. SAN CLEMENTE. If Tritons develop a No. 2 pitcher, beware.

12. HART. Another team loaded with outstanding pitchers.

13. ALISO NIGUEL. Kyle Molenar is ready for best season yet.

14. AGOURA. Shortstop Bryce Fehmel is player to watch.

15. SHERMAN OAKS NOTRE DAME. Lots of three-year starters in the lineup.

16. DAMIEN. Coach Andy Nieto inherits a team with talent.

17. MOORPARK. Coaches think Musketeers are going to be very good.

18. CYPRESS. If young pitchers come through, beware.

19. VALENCIA. Devin Davis can hit to all fields.

20. WARREN. Strong off season has team ready to go.

21. BUENA. Pitcher Austin Rubick is as good as they come.

22. VISTA MURRIETA. Jack Moberg will be counted on for big things.

23. GLENDORA. Watch Nick Kaye hit.

24. BIRMINGHAM. Defending City champs have key players back.

25. ORANGE LUTHERAN. Young pitchers have to come through.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer