The Daily News is used to seeing top-level talent in its backyard, especially in the spring. But it’s often forged from the same programs, year after year. Harvard-Westlake, Notre Dame and Crespi come to mind — the blueblood baseball programs of the area — pumping out names like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Giancarlo Stanton. Crespi had Jeff Suppan and Trevor Plouffe.
The list goes on and on …
All those players once donned high school jerseys. All were special at the prep level. Well, something special might be brewing in an unfamiliar place this season: Paraclete High.
THE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Located in Lancaster, along with cities like Palmdale, Quartz Hill and Littlerock — and home to the Golden League — which is the athletic residence to all the public schools in the Antelope Valley School District, Paraclete is one of the very few private schools in the high desert.
“These kids don’t get a lot of praise outside our circle, because we are up in Antelope Valley,” Paraclete baseball coach Jason Gorman said.
Not only is Paraclete 19-4 overall and 8-0 in the Camino League, the Spirits are led by a crop of standout sophomores who have known each other since they were single digits. Third baseman Gavin Gorman, outfielder Lucas Morrison, centerfielder Ian Kuenzi, second baseman Julian Trejo, and outfielder Christian Saenz.
Call them the “Fab 5.”
“They have all played with or against each other through local little leagues and travel ball tournaments since about 9 years old,” said Gorman, whose son is Gavin. “I took the job at Paraclete the year before my son got on campus. They work extremely hard, as do all of our guys. Accountability is a word I use a ton with the team. Proud of them every day for holding the standard amongst each other.”
‘FAB 5’ BY THE NUMBERS
The five sophomores lead the team in hitting and runs scored, one through five. They are among the top five of six in RBIs, and account for eight of the team’s 11 total home runs.
Trejo is the team’s star player. He’s batting .434 with 33 hits and 17 RBIs with nine doubles and 31 runs scored. The youngster also has 26 stolen bases.
“Julian is off the charts talented,” Gorman said. “I’ve known him since he was 9 and he had it. He is a player that can change the dynamic of a game because he’s played at a high level so young. His I.Q. and instincts are well beyond being a sophomore.”
Kuenzi is a contributor at the plate and on the mound. Kuenzi is batting .309 with 17 hits and 19 RBIs with a team-high four home runs. From the bump, he’s fanned 27 batters in 27 ⅔ innings of work this season.
“He’s a dog on the mound and you can feel it when you watch him. Intense but controlled,” Gorman said of Kuenzi. “He always finds ways to wow us.”
Saenz is batting .417 with 30 hits, 23 RBIs and seven doubles. Gorman is hitting .375 with 24 hits and 20 RBIs with two homers. Morrison has driven in 13 runs with 21 hits and five doubles.
PLAYOFF TIME
This foundation of underclassmen is clearly onto something, but can they handle the pressure of the postseason at this tender age?
“I do think they are ready as we’ve tried to battle test them as much as possible. Julian, Ian and Lucas in all four playoff games as freshmen and definitely understand how it’s different,” Gorman said. “There’s nothing like Southern California playoff baseball, and I’m excited for all of them to experience it.”
In the latest CIF Southern Section computer rankings, which will determine Paraclete’s playoff placement, the Spirits sit at No. 22 which puts them into the Division 2 playoffs after Division 1 takes the first 16 qualified teams.
The Division 2 field will be loaded with talent, but Paraclete won’t just be happy to be there. The “Fab 5” will look to make some noise.
“I don’t see it as let’s gain some experience as a ‘younger’ team and build off it. I see it as let’s go win this thing and make a statement,” Gorman said.