Mater Dei’s Stewart Commits to UC Irvine

With Nov. 13 being the first day to sign a letter of intent in all sports except football, boys’ and girls’ soccer, and boys’ water polo, recruiting pressure is intensifying on high school seniors.

UC Irvine is putting together a top recruiting class of Southland players for baseball. The latest commitment comes from first baseman Tim Stewart of Santa Ana Mater Dei.

He joins infielder Cody Cipriano, the Marmonte League player of the year from Westlake Village Westlake; shortstop Chad Lundahl of Thousand Oaks, pitcher Justin Cassel of Chatsworth and catcher Aaron Lowenstein of Calabasas. Also, former Brea Olinda pitcher Mike Davern has transferred from UCLA, along with former Chatsworth infielder Matt Fisher from Oklahoma.

Pitcher Tommy Hawk of Lompoc Cabrillo and outfielder Clark Hardman of Mission Viejo have committed to Cal State Fullerton.

Pitcher Scott Sistilli of Mission Hills Alemany has committed to Cal State Northridge.

In girls’ basketball, guard Eshaya Murphy, who averaged 32 points last season for Van Nuys Montclair Prep, has visits set up for Arizona State, USC, UCLA, Pepperdine and California.

In boys’ basketball, guard Omar Wilkes of Loyola High has visited Kansas and California and has trips scheduled to UCLA and Stanford. The Cardinal is the favorite to sign Wilkes.

Defensive back Freddie Parish of Long Beach Poly ended his recruitment with a commitment to Notre Dame.

First baseman Sharee Zaleski of Santa Ana Mater Dei has committed to Arizona State.

Fresno State is making a strong push to sign All-Southern Section shortstop Chris Valaika of Newhall Hart.