Ponchak Plans to Sign With USC Baseball

Fountain Valley’s Brian Ponchak has committed to play baseball at USC, and plans to sign with the Trojans today, Baron Coach Ron La Ruffa said Tuesday.

Ponchak, a pitcher and first baseman, visited Miami, Pepperdine and Stanford before choosing USC. He hit .320 last season and was an All-Sunset League selection.

“He’ll be a high draft choice this year,” La Ruffa said. “He’s a top-notch Division I player with outstanding power.”

Estancia High’s Jim Faulkner has orally committed to play basketball next season at Southern Utah State.

Faulkner, a 6-foot-4 guard, chose Southern Utah State over San Diego State. He visited the Cedar City, Utah, campus last month, committed late Monday night and plans to sign during the early signing period, which ends today.

Faulkner averaged 15 points last season, helping Estancia (25-7) reach the Southern California Regional finals. He was an All-Pacific Coast League first-team pick and second-team Times’ all-county player.