Softball Coach: Brent Tuttle
Tha Lady Matadores, led by Coach Brent Tuttle (18-9 last season), have 12 returning players for the 2024 campaign including Amanda Urbina (Oregon Commit) 11 5' 6", SS; D 1 All CIF/League MVP; Angelyna Conde 11 5' 5" 3rd 1st Team All-League; Alyssa Avila 11 5' 1" 2nd; 2nd Team All-League; Angelina Ratzlaff 11 5' 1"; Angelie Kennedy (Harding U. Commit) 11 5' 7"; Monsterat Reyes-Cardenas (San Diego State) 11 5' 5" All league Pitcher of the Year; Rebecca Eckart (Notre Dame Signee) 12 5' 9"; 1st Team All-League and Amber Valdez (Ottawa-AZ U. Signee) 12 5' 7".
Top new players/transfers include Riley Hillard 9 5' 8" C/1st; Reese Hillard 9 5' 7" Utility; Allison Ortega 9 5' 8" P and Megan Avila 9 5' 1" OF
Comments from Coach Tuttle: “We are a year older and returning 8 of 9 starters. One of our strengths is our ability to hit the ball. We also added a couple of arms to our pitching staff that will get us through our tough pre-season. This team has been working hard in the weight room and we are seeing the results on the field. Our ladies know that now our age doesn't matter and it's time to take the next step. Losing 2 close games in the playoffs the last 2 years to the eventual CIF D1 Champs has taught us a lot. League will be tough as always and we pride ourselves on being at our best when it comes around. In the Gateway League, you always have to be ready for a great game.”
CRYSTAL BALL: Could this be the number-one team in the area? The probability level is high. When you return 8 of the 9 players on the starting lineup from last year, you better believe this team is number. When you then added the D-1 star power of Eckart (Notre Dame), Urbina (Oregon), Reyes-Cardenas (San Diego State) along with Kennedy (Harding U) and Valdez (Ottawa-AZ U), the resume starts looking better and better. The cherry on the top? A freshman class that could be the best that the program has seen in years. Riley Hillard could be the area’s next great elite catcher. All in all, the pieces are there for a huge season. And these guys are not hiding from anyone. A nonleague schedule that includes Serra, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Millikan, and their usual trip to Bullhead City for the Tournament of Champions during the spring break. This should be a memorable year for Matadores fans.
Baseball Coach : Jimmy Zurn
La Mirada led by coach Jimmy Zurn (22-8 last season), return 16 players in 2024 including Aiden Aguayo 11 6'0 180 SS; UCLA Commit; Maverek Russell 11.6'0 195 3B UCLA commit; Kevin Jeon 11 5'11 190 INF; Boston College commit; Travis Friend 11 5'11 180 CF; UCLA Commit; Tyler Primanto 12 6'4 185 RF; Noah Rodriguez 10 5'9 165 LF; Walker Calvo 12 6'3 200 RHP; ARMY commit; Donald Murray 11 6'1 200 RHP; Jacob Oropeza 10 6'3 215 UTIL; Carson Flores 12 6'1 200 RHP; Jason Rodriguez 11 6'2 185 UTIL; Sebastian De Avila 12 6'0 195 RHP; Jacob Celiz 11 5'8 170 C and Justin Torres 10 6'0 170 C.
Top new players/transfers include Bear Calvo 9 6'0 180 UTIL and Kaden Corns 10 6'3 175 RHP.
Comments from Coach Zurn: “I think we have a chance to be really good. I like how our newcomers have caught up to speed quickly. Pitching and Defense should give usa chance every game. We are experienced in key spots, which is very important. We have a challenging schedule, which is what we want. I believe playing the best teams prepares us for league playand the extremely challenging Division 1 playoffs.”
CRYSTAL BALL: Here is the other team that could be the top-ranked team in the area. You talk about a loaded team! The last time that we saw this team in the Division 1 Quarterfinals where they just ran out of gas against Santa Margarita. The questions are going to be that the Matadores will have to fill in some gaps in their starting lineup that were occupied last year by some very good players. Plus, they have to find a new #1 pitcher to replace La Mirada’s version of “The Bulldog” in Eric Jeon. On paper, both of these questions have been filled. The number one pitcher appears to be returner Walker Calvo (PBR #86, 2024), a hurler that we saw last year throw against Gahr and looked very sharp. The other pitcher who will be in the rotation is Donald Murray (PBR #85, 2025) who is still uncommitted. A third pitcher that will be in the mix and we are looking for major improvement is Jacob Oropeza (PBR #86, 2026). He has an FB in the mid-80s with a good-looking slider and changeup. In the infield, reports indicate that sweet-swinging first baseman Maverek Russell (PBR #32, 2025), a UCLA commit, will be making a change from first to third base with Aiden Aguayo (PBR #9, 2025), another UCLA commit, will stay at shortstop. That leaves an open spot at second base and that will be filled with what scouts are saying is the number one prospect for the class of 2027 by Perfect Game in Bear Calvo (PBR #4, 2027). As with any freshman, he needs to be polished up a little bit, but after watching him on video, you can understand why many think he is the best prospect in So Cal. The outfield is solid with centerfielder Travis Friend (PBR #127, 2025), another UCLA commit, along with Tyler Primate and Noah Rodriguez filling in the gaps in left and right field. As you can see, this is a very talented team that will be embarking on a challenging schedule, and that’s not counting their clashes with rival Gahr. All in all, this is a very solid team from top to bottom.
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Photos: La Mirada High Softball/Baseball
