Commentary: Statistically speaking, some coaches need to get with the program

It’s time for some politically incorrect stuff to be said.

So many high school programs and teams want to create a college-like experience for their players. They develop great facilities; they create weight-training programs with a strength and conditioning coach; they put together video presentations using the latest technology.

But there’s one area prep coaches continue to lag far behind colleges in: transparency.

Specifically, many don’t want their season statistics visible for the public to see.

Some think it gives teams a scouting advantage. Others think it will cause team dissension with players worrying about their stats. Forget that all stats from college and pro programs are immediately available.

Stop the nonsense. By posting stats, it’s great publicity for players. A college scout actually might spot something that leads to interest in a player. A grandparent can keep track of how their grandchild is doing. And sportswriters with the task of covering multiple teams might notice something that leads to a story and more publicity for a school and its program.

For coaches who want to remain stuck in the past and don’t want to assign an assistant or parent to handle putting up a score or stats on MaxPreps.com or a school site, note that it sure didn’t hurt Encino Crespi’s basketball team this season. Every stat was available for all to see from the first game to the last game, when the Celts won a Division IV state title. Ditto for Santa Ana Mater Dei, the school everyone wants to emulate or hate.

Now it’s baseball season, and lots of schools still haven’t gotten the message. But others are moving forward. Alemany’s stats are up, and everyone gets to see the great season being produced by Alex Mckenna, who’s batting .488 and becoming a legitimate pro draft prospect. Glendora’s stats are up, and look at the season of Nick Kaye, who’s batting .463 with 19 RBIs and four home runs.

San Clemente is 12-0, and we’re learning about Will Tribucher, who came into this past week hitting .500. That’s what the stats say.

Even some of the City Section schools, such as L.A. Marshall, are putting up their stats, and we get to see left-handed pitcher John Vergara is 4-1 and having a terrific season.

Enough of the excuses by coaches hiding their stats. If they’re available, post them. This is 2015, a time when technology allows for amazing possibilities. Figure it out.

Twitter: @LATSondheimer