PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Who is the most exciting high school player in your sport?

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JEFF GILMORE

Edison, Baseball

Josh Bartusick, a pitcher and outfielder for Fountain Valley, is the most exciting baseball player I have seen. Although he is an outstanding pitcher, the power he brings to the plate is second to none. Josh is a young man with a lot of strength and a big heart. I have the utmost respect for his skill and ability and he is, without a doubt, one of the most feared hitters in the Sunset League.

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HAI PHAM

Cypress, Badminton Coach

The Ocean View boys’ doubles team of Josh Golden and Khue Trieu, are a fun team to watch. They haven’t lost to anybody in Orange County yet this year. They are a good finesse team and that is really exciting to watch.

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SUE BRIQUELET HANSEN

La Habra, Softball Coach

La Habra High has had a ton of exciting softball players, but none so ominous as Jenny Topping. She could turn any game around with one swing, one pickoff or one diving catch. Even though she was and still is second to none, she was the consummate team player, taking as many as 20 walks in a season or laying down the perfect bunt. Jenny “walked the walk” but rarely “talked the talk.” She’s about team and doing her best to help elevate her team. By the way, she was All-Orange County three years and Freeway League MVP three years too.

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RICH POLK

Capistrano Valley,

Volleyball Coach

If I was to have one guy on my team, I would love to have [Drew Wilson] from Marina. He’s not their biggest guy, but he plays great defense and he just battles. He has almost beaten us single-handedly with his fire. Irvine’s Kris Kraushaar is another guy, with his size [6-feet-7], he’s very consistent. He’s a great passer and his ball control is very good. And he’s left-handed, which is a big advantage, like left-handed pitchers in baseball. When Kris hits the ball, it breaks a different way, it’s coming from a little different spot. It’s harder to play defense [against him].

NEXT QUESTION

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from sports?