HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL / SEASON PREVIEW : INDEPENDENTS

Kilpatrick

COACH YEAR Donald (Duck) Freeman 1st

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS Aaron Griegos Sr. RHP Jeffrey Roberts So. CF Brett Fredenburg So. C Oliver David So. 1B Joseph Ledezma So. RHP Mark Rios So. 2B Arturo Avalos So. 3B Dwight Marcus So. SS Preston Carter So. SS Charles Brown So. OF

OUTLOOK

This is the first time Kilpatrick, a Los Angeles County-funded facility for youth offenders, has fielded a baseball team. With one senior and no juniors, winning games in the Mustangs’ inaugural season will be tough. But Freeman, a former professional baseball player, has assured the Mustangs that if they pay attention to his instruction, they’ll come out winners. “I told them as long as they listen, we’ll be all right,” said Freeman, who was an assistant at Culver City last season. Griegos, who also played on the Mustangs’ football and basketball teams, will be the ace.

Montclair Prep

‘93 RECORD OVERALL 20-6-1

COACH YEAR Walt Steele 7th

TOP RETURNEES YR POS Darrell Dent Jr. LHP Ethan Parker Sr. OF Jared Sandler Jr. LHP Andrew Miller So. C Matt Muler Sr. OF

TOP NEWCOMERS YR POS Scott Stark So. IF

OUTLOOK

Steele knows the meaning of “feast or famine.” Last season, all but one starter was experienced and the Mounties enjoyed a successful season. A year later, only two starters return and Steele is left to fill the void with youth and inexperience. “We’re gonna have to be patient,” Steele said. Gone is Brad Fullmer and his region-leading 15 home runs and 62 RBIs. What’s left is Dent and Parker, who put up some impressive numbers in 1993. Last season Dent hit .421 with 41 runs scored, nine doubles, three home runs, 21 RBIs and 27 stolen bases. Parker batted .370 with five doubles, 19 RBIs and 22 stolen bases.