2025 OFFICIAL EVENT PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO A MESSAGE FROM THE
On behalf of the national governing body for baseball in the United States, we are honored and privileged to welcome you to the twelfth annual USA Baseball National High School Invitational, presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and Netting Professionals!
Since 2012, the NHSI has annually hosted the nation’s best programs and players at our National Training Complex. From Joey Gallo and Bishop Gorman in 2012 to first-round pick Bryce Rainer and Harvard-Westlake in 2024, the prospects and teams who have come to the NHSI are second-to-none. We are proud and honored to continue that tradition in 2025 as we bring sixteen of the top high school baseball programs in America to our home in Cary.
Did you know the National Training Complex has hosted some of the best Major League Baseball players during their amateur careers? To name a few: players like Alex Bregman, Bryce Harper, Francisco Lindor, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Mike Trout have played here. The National Training Complex is a place that welcomes, develops, and helps launch young, talented baseball players to the next level, and USA Baseball takes that responsibility seriously.
As you enter the National Training Complex, you will notice the consistent investments we continue to make in developing young baseball talent in our country. We opened our brand-new offices and indoor high-performance training center in 2024 and have already seen the benefits, as our national teams and development programs have spent countless hours utilizing the space to work on all facets of the game. We will continue to invest in the future of our game with the help of the recently-launched Our Pastime’s Future Fund, which will provide opportunities for future generations of athletes and coaches.
Here at USA Baseball, we aim to bring first-class competition to the field daily, and this tournament is no different. We wish you and your teammates the best of luck as you step onto the field and strive to win the NHSI title. This tournament will challenge and test you while also creating memories that will stick with you forever, and we hope that your experience at the National High School Invitational is a highlight of your high school baseball career that you will remember fondly.
Once again, on behalf of the entire USA Baseball staff – welcome to the 2025 National High School Invitational! We cannot wait for you to show us what you’ve got. Yours in baseball,
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The National High School Invitational is proud to be a FULL COMPLIANCE Pitch Smart event.
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Paul V. Seiler Executive Director/CEO USA Baseball
FRIDAY, APRIL
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
NHSI BY THE NUMBERS
YEARS
This year’s tournament kicks off the 12th edition of the National High School Invitational presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and Netting Professionals. The NHSI first began in 2012 and has since continued to host the top high school players and programs in the nation, consistently welcoming future stars to the National Training Complex in Cary.
PAST CHAMPIONS
A pair of former NHSI champions return to the field in 2025, including last year’s winner, Corona High School. The Panthers ran the table in dominant fashion in 2024, outscoring opponents 19-5 and picking up three shutouts. They are joined by fellow California powerhouse, Huntington Beach High School, who owns two NHSI titles (2016 & 2023).
STATE CHAMPS
Four 2024 state champions are amongst the 16-team field in 2025. Corona collected a CIF Southern state title, Casteel took home its second consecutive AIA state championship, Granada won the CIF NorCal championship, and The Stony Brook School earned an NYSAIS title last season.
COLLEGE COMMITS
A total of 135 players at the NHSI are committed to play collegiately. Fiftythree of those players have committed to Power-Four schools; Trinity Christian has eight players committed to play at the P4 level, while Huntington Beach boasts seven and Corona has six. Edwardsville boasts 14 college commits, including a trio of P4-bound players.
USA BASEBALL ALUMS
Twelve players at this year's tournament have previously donned the stars and stripes, including three players from last year's gold-medalwinning 18U National Team: Ethin Bingaman, Trent Grindlinger, and Josh Hammond. Three gold medalists from the 2022 15U squad (Zane Burns, Brady Ebel, and Ryan Harwood) make the trip to Cary, joined by fellow 15U National Team alums Trey Ebel, Jared Grindlinger, Jaiden Lo Re, and Julian Martinez-are also completing at the NHSI.
TOURNAMENT DEBUTANTS
Six programs are fresh to the NHSI in 2025. Christopher Columbus, Collierville, Edwardsville, Granada, Holly Springs, and The Stony Brook School will make their first trips to Cary to compete for the NHSI title.
STATES REPRESENTED
Teams from eight different states are represented in this year’s 16-team field. California leads all states with four programs making the cross-country trip to North Carolina, followed by Florida with three. Arizona, New York, and North Carolina all have two schools each.
NATIONALLY RANKED TEAMS
Per MaxPreps rankings on March 31, there are five top 25 teams competing in this year’s NHSI. Corona is the top-ranked team in the nation, while Huntington Beach occupies the No. 3 ranking. Collierville sits at No. 15, La Mirada is ranked 18th, and Venice is ranked 20th.
MLB PIPELINE TOP 100 DRAFT PROSPECTS
Eight players competing at the NHSI were recently named Top 100 MLB Draft prospects by MLB Pipeline. A trio of Corona stars are at the top of the list, as Seth Hernandez (5), Billy Carlson (12), and Brady Ebel (25) all rank in the top 25. Aaron Watson (34), Josh Hammond (77), Justice de Jong (96), Trent Grindlinger (98), and Miguel Sime (100) round out MLB Pipeline’s top prospects at this year’s tournament.
UNBEATEN TEAM
Only one team enters the NHSI with an unbeaten record so far in 2025: Corona. The Panthers are off to a 14-0 start to the season, including a pair of wins over fellow NHSI contestant La Mirada. Corona has outscored opponents 122-4 through its first 14 games, tossing 12 shutouts.
on last year and thinks this team has what it takes to move the program to the next level: “Last year was this group's first time at the NHSI and we were really heavy in the sophomore and junior classes. We only lost one arm and one position player due to graduation so we’re really excited about the team that we’re bringing back.”
Like Regis Jesuit and Trinity Christian Academy, the Wesleyan Christian Academy Trojans had their own deep run in the state playoffs, falling just short of a title in the state championship game. The Trojans are led by a trio of Power 5 commits that includes two future ACC players. Soon-to-be Wake Forest Demon Deacon, Josh Hammond, brings international experience to the table for Wesleyan Christian. Last season, Hammond was a member of USA Baseball’s 2024 18U National Team, helping the stars and stripes to a gold medal at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in Panama City, Panama. Miami commit Domaine Vann makes up the other half of the ACC pair who also brings prior NHSI experience to the table for his squad. In the 2024 edition, Vann batted .250 with a team-leading three singles to consistently pace the offense.
The last team that rounds out Pod 1 is The Stony Brook School, which is set to make its first appearance at the NHSI with a loaded roster. The Bears' lineup is solid, featuring seven DI commits along with two of the top freshmen in the country in their class and one of the top pitchers in the state in the sophomore class. Head Coach Jon Brewer’s team is coming off winning the 2024 New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) State Championship after going 18-5 on the year. To begin the 2025 slate, Vanderbilt commit Aiden Ruiz has been on a hot streak and will undoubtedly be at the top of the Bears’ order. Interestingly enough, 2021 12U National Team alum Julian Martinez is likely to slot in as their cleanup hitter as only a ninth grader. With a team full of DI commits and promising young talent, The Stony Brook School has the power to be a real contender in year one.
The opening matchup in Pod 1 stacks an NHSIexperienced program against an event newcomer, with Trinity Christian Academy squaring off against The Stony Brook School. Watson and the rest of Trinity Christian’s rotation will make it tough for the Stony Brook offense, but a lineup full of DI bats makes for plenty of action at the plate throughout the contest.
The second game in the pod features North Carolina’s Wesleyan Christian and Regis Jesuit out of the Sunshine State. Despite not having as many years of NHSI experience as Regis Jesuit, the Trojans have the roster and mentality to do some real damage at the tournament. Wesleyan Chrisitian has a multitude of options on the mound, returning four pitchers from last season's title game push which will be helpful in a fastpaced event like the NHSI. Despite Wesleyan Christian’s looming roster, Regis Jesuit has the confidence and depth to combat a lineup of the Trojan’s caliber.
POD 2
The second pod at the 2025 National High School Invitational (NHSI) is arguably one of the least experienced pods at the NHSI while also having the most experienced program in the entire event. Both Holly Springs (Holly Springs, N.C.) and Collierville (Collierville, Tenn.) have the opportunity to participate in the NHSI for the first time in their respective programs. Additionally, Poly Prep (Brooklyn, N.Y.) returns to Cary for the first time since 2016 to make its second appearance at the NHSI. With only one year of NHSI experience between the three programs, Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, Calif.) brings plenty of involvement to the table to level it out amongst other pods. Huntington Beach makes its eighth appearance at the NHSI, marking the most amongst all other programs at the 2025 NHSI.
The only program in this pod that has multiple years of experience at the NHSI, Huntington Beach first competed at the NHSI in 2015. The Oilers were dominant in their debut, outscoring opponents 30-10, but ultimately dropping in the semifinals to eventual 2015 champs, San Clemente. Huntington’s debut in 2015 ultimately set up the program for more success throughout the years, seeing the Oilers finish atop the podium in 2016 and 2023, marking the third time that a school has repeated as champs at the NHSI. Highlighting the Oilers’ lineup are the Grindlinger brothers: Jared and Trent. The brothers are both USA Baseball alum with Jared being a member of the 2021 12U and 2024 15U National Teams and Trent participating with the 2024 18U National Team. In 2024, both Jared and Trent enjoyed success while representing the stars and stripes. Jared hit at a .692 clip to become the 15U alltime batting average leader while Trent, a Mississippi commit, won a gold medal with the 18U squad at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. With the Grindlinger brothers leading the charge, Head Coach Benji Medure stated this team may be one of the best groups that he has ever coached at Huntington Beach in his 25-plus- year career and knows his team is ready for a challenge at the NHSI stating, “Our guys are ready for a war and it’s good knowing that none of them are willing to back down.”
The only other team in Pod 2 with experience at the NHSI is Poly Prep, last seeing action in the event in 2016. Head Coach Matt Roventini and the Blue Devils strive to grow from their last outing after they dropped in the round of 16 to pod mate and eventual 2016 champ Huntington Beach. Despite the loss early in 2016, Poly Prep is prepped to make a deeper run in 2025 with its strong pitching rotation. Justice de Jong and Miguel Sime Jr., are two names that will have batters shaking when they enter the box. De Jong will continue his baseball career as a Blue Devil, making the trip to Durham, N.C., to play at Duke while Sime Jr., known for his power from the mound, is committed to LSU. The right-hander is already clocking in at 99 mph with his fastball consistently blowing by opposing hitters. With a stout defense behind de Jong and Sime Jr., Poly Prep aims to be tough to score on throughout the NHSI.
Event debutant Collierville is coming off of a 2812 season that saw it bow out in the sectional round. Regardless of the shortcoming in 2024, Collierville is returning the bulk of its lineup with a year of experience. Head Coach Jeff Munier’s roster returns nine positional starters and eight pitchers total with five of them being starters. Tennessee commit Ari Bethea is the surefire number one option on Collierville and ranks as one of the best arms in Tennessee. His fastball sits around 92 mph and has a big sweeping slider in the mid-70s. Another DI commit, AJ Greene, will be working behind the plate for Collierville. The future Memphis Tiger calls a good game and has good pop at the plate, providing plenty of offense for his side.
Fellow NHSI newcomer Holly Springs serves as the host for the 2025 event. Like Collierville, the Hawks went on a deep run in the state playoffs where they were defeated in the third round after battling to a 17-11 record throughout the year. Holly Springs returns a deep pitching staff of seven arms that have the experience needed for a run at the NHSI title. Right-hander Jake Cackovic, a UNC commit, stands at 6-foot-7 and serves as an intimidating presence on the mound for the Hawks. On the receiving end of Cackovic’s throws sits Hodge Williams behind the plate. Williams slots in as the starting catcher and is a player that Head Coach Rod Whitesell has a ton of confidence in. Outside of a deep pitching staff and solid catcher, Whitesell acknowledges that his squad is young, but is ultimately looking forward to leading a group that is eager to take on any challenges that the NHSI presents.
The first opening round matchup sees a round one rematch from the 2016 NSHI that sees Huntington Beach clash with Poly Prep. Poly Prep is likely to give the ball to de Jong or Sime Jr., in hopes of halting Huntington Beach from picking up any steam given its many years of experience at the event. Whether Poly Prep deploys de Jong or Sime Jr., the Huntington Beach Oilers are sure to put up a fight. With the Grindlinger brothers
Hernandez and Auburn commit Ethin Bingaman highlighting the rotation. Both Hernandez and Bingaman would be difficult matchups for the Colts, but with a deep and youthful rotation of its own, the match between the two could provide a low-scoring affair decided by a single run.
POD 4
The last pod at the 2025 National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and Netting Pros consists of four teams that are relatively new to the event. All teams only have a combined four years of experience in Cary with one of the squads making its debut in 2025. Both La Mirada (La Mirada, Calif.) and Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) are making their second appearance in the NHSI after debuting in 2019. Venice (Venice, Fla.) is the most experienced program in Pod 4, participating in the NHSI in 2013 and 2024 while compiling a 4-4 overall record. Lastly, Granada (Livermore, Calif.) is set to make its debut at the 12th edition of the NHSI.
Perhaps the most intriguing team in the pod, Corona del Sol is coming off of a 10-18 season; but don’t let the record fool you, this team is talented. Almost 75 percent of the Aztecs’ losses last season came in games decided by fewer than two runs and Head Coach Dave Webb’s squad is looking to turn those tight losses into wins in 2025. Corona del Sol adds a top-ranked pitcher in Brett Crossland who is committed to Texas. The transfer owns a massive presence on the bump with a fastball that has the ability to graze 95 mph. With the addition of Crossland, the Aztecs will roll out a lineup that features five DI commits, the most in Arizona, raising many to believe that this squad is poised for success. While Crossland heads the rotation, USA Baseball 12U National Team alum and BYU commit Jaiden Lo Re is the face of the offense. Lo Re hit .538 in his time spent with the 2019 12U National Team and will bring his dynamic hitting ability to Cary for the Aztecs.
Corona del Sol reunites as podmates with La Mirada for the second time at the NHSI. La Mirada was the squad that came out on top in 2019 after topping Corona del Sol, 3-2, in its second game. The La Mirada Matadores walk into 2025 after going 25-8 and reaching a regional final last season under Head Coach Jimmy Zurn. Zurn has two UCLA commits at his disposal in Aiden Aguayo and Maverek Russell who man the infield. In front of the UCLA pair is left-handed pitcher Luke Armijo. Armijo, a two-time USA Baseball development program participant, has plenty of tools and will be a name to keep track of throughout the event.
Venice acts as the elder in the group with regards to time spent at the NHSI. Under long-time Head Coach Craig Faulkner, the Indians have two years of experience in the event and sit at a .500 record after competing in 2013 and 2014. Faulkner compares his current team
to 2018 and 2019 teams that won the program a state championship in both years and he has good reason. With two Patriot League commits and a future Miami Hurricane in the infield, Venice will be a tough matchup on the defensive side of the plate. Eddie Zaun, a Miami commit, will be a player to monitor. The two-way player can do it all, earning playing time at shortstop, outfield and even some time on the mound. The Indians will be battle-tested prior to the start of the NHSI with a tough regular season schedule and are likely to make things difficult for opposing rosters.
Granada is the lone newcomer and second Matador in Pod 4. The Matadors earned a slew of accolades throughout the 2024 season after finishing 32-1. Granada was named East Bay League Champions, CIF-NCS DI Champions and the CIF-North Regional DI Champion, but they aren’t done just yet. The team has their eyes set on a NHSI title. Granada returns nine positional players and five starting pitchers, consisting of plenty of depth to crush their opposition. USC commit Jake Sekany served as the second option on the mound in 2024 and will likely be the Matadors’ starter throughout the season. With plenty of depth and top bats back for another year. Granada has a very good chance to add a NHSI title to its resume.
Corona del Sol is matched up against newcomer Granada in the first game of Pod 4. Familiarity at the event is sure to aid the Aztecs in their quest to end the tournament atop the pack. With Corona del Sol playing with a chip on its shoulder and hungry to turn around the results from last season, Granada will have to be on top of its game to move on to round two. Granada has Sekany as an option to start game one, but they could choose to save Sekany and roll with Mason Ravera or Logan Robinson to take the reins against Corona del Sol. Game two of the pod sees Venice take on La Mirada. This cross-country matchup is sure to provide plenty of fireworks in the opening round of the NHSI. La Mirada has arguably its deepest roster under Zurn with players who sport enough power at the plate to leave the yard at any given moment. In addition to the power, Venice’s strong defense matches up well to make sure La Mirada’s offense comes to a standstill.
USA BASEBALL ALUMNI AT THE NHSI
ETHIN BINGAMAN
Bingaman was a member of the 2024 18U National Team that won a gold medal at the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. The right-hander got the start on the mound in Team USA’s pool play contest against Brazil, striking out four batters and allowing just one hit in two innings of work. The U.S. went on to beat Brazil, 11-1, en route to an unbeaten gold-medal run at the World Cup Qualifier.
ZANE BURNS
Burns was a key weapon out of the U.S. bullpen at the 2022 WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, leading Team USA with four appearances and 12.1 innings pitched. Burns posted a 2-0 record and a 0.73 ERA for the stars and stripes, striking out 12 batters and allowing just four hits. Burns got his first win against Venezuela in pool play before he was the winning pitcher in a 4-3 goldmedal game win over Cuba. In between, Burns turned in 4.2 innings of no-hit relief against Panama in pool play.
BRADY EBEL
Playing third base for the 15U National Team at the 2022 WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup, Ebel hit in the middle of the order all tournament long to help guide the stars and stripes to a gold medal. Ebel batted .400 with a double and eight RBIs, scoring 10 runs and drawing a team-high 12 walks. The infielder’s on-base percentage was .667, the most in the tournament. He had a hit and two big RBIs in the gold medal game against Cuba.
TREY EBEL
Ebel played in four games with three starts for the 15U National Team’s International Friendly Series against the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico in 2023. The middle infielder picked up a hit, two RBIs, and two runs scored in the series opener against the Dominican Republic, the first of five wins in five games for the stars and stripes.
TRAVIS FRIEND
Starting all nine games for the United States at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in 2018, Friend batted .292 with a home run and six RBIs to help Team USA capture a gold medal. Friend kicked
off his tournament with a bang, going 4-for-4 with a home run in a victory over Cuba. He notched a hit and two RBIs against Honduras before a two-hit contest against Brazil later on in pool play.
JARED GRINDLINGER
A two-time Team USA alum, Grindlinger made his USA Baseball debut with the 12U National Team in 2021. He shined in a three-game exhibition series in Flower Mound, Texas, batting .714 with a 1.143 slugging percentage while tossing two scoreless innings on the mound. Grindlinger returned to Team USA with the 15U National Team in 2024, when he batted a 15U National Team-record .692 batting average with a team-leading 13 RBIs. The two-way standout had a 2.045 OPS in a five-game series against Australia.
TRENT GRINDLINGER
Grindlinger served as one of Team USA’s two backstops during its gold-medal run at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier in 2024. Grindlinger made four starts and appeared in five games, picking up a hit and drawing five walks. He scored six runs, including a key run in the gold medal game against Panama. Grindlinger also helped guide the U.S. pitchers to a sparkling 1.08 ERA.
ZANE BURNS
JOSH HAMMOND
Hammond was an ace for the 18U National Team at the 2024 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. The righthander turned in seven innings over two starts, posting a 3.00 ERA with six strikeouts. Hammond’s first start came against Puerto Rico in pool play, when he tossed four innings and allowed just two runs to earn the win. He got the ball again in the title game and permitted just one run over three innings of work. Hammond also got an at-bat and scored a run in the tournament.
BRADY HARRIS
Harris slotted in as the 15U National Team’s everyday left fielder throughout an International Friendship Series in the Dominican Republic in 2023. The righthander led the team with a .571 batting average along with a squad-best eight RBIs. Harris was also a pest on the base path for opposing defenses after he averaged a stolen base per game. In the title game against Puerto Rico, Harris had a 2-for-4 performance with two RBIs and one run scored to help the stars and stripes clinch a 12-3 victory.
RYAN HARWOOD
A key two-way player for the stars and stripes at the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup in 2022, Harwood batted .455 in 11 at-bats while posting a 1-0 record and a spotless 0.00 ERA in four appearances on the mound. Harwood did not allow a single hit or run in 4.1 innings on the mound, striking out nine batters. The big righthander entered the gold-medal game in a crucial spot: with Team USA up by a run but the bases full of Cubans with one out in the top of the seventh, Harwood struck out the next two batters to lock down the save and secure the gold medal.
JAIDEN LO RE
Suiting up for the 12U National Team at the 2019 WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup, Lo Re posted a .538 average with a home run and nine RBIs in six games played. Lo Re also scored eight runs and accumulated 13 total bases, good for a 1.588 OPS. The U.S. backstop left the yard in a 3-for-3 showing against South Africa on which he also caught a combined no-hitter in an 18-0 victory.
JULIAN MARTINEZ
Martinez started all three games of the 12U National Team’s exhibition series in Flower Mound, Texas, in 2021. The infielder batted .400 with two homers and four RBIs, tying for the team lead with six runs scored. Martinez’s homer came in the first game of the series as he went 2-for-4 before he picked up another hit and two RBIs in game two. He wrapped up the series with a hit and two runs scored in the series finale.
JOSH HAMMOND
NOTABLE NHSI ALUMNI
Playing in the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance has become almost a rite of passage for top high school prospects, as the prestigious event provides players with a stage to showcase their talents early in the high school season in front of countless scouts from the college and professional ranks.
As a result, the NHSI has a long track record of producing high-round MLB Draft picks, including more than 35 first-rounders since the event’s inception in 2012, as well as an extensive list of notable alumni that have already made their mark in the big leagues.
CJ ABRAMS
After representing Team USA and winning a gold medal at the 2019 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, CJ Abrams returned to Cary with Blessed Trinity Catholic for the 2019 NHSI. Abrams helped lead his school to a semifinal appearance at the NHSI before being selected with the sixth overall pick of that year’s MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. Since, Abrams has spent three seasons in the big leagues with the Washington Nationals, for whom he made his first AllStar Game appearance with in 2024.
ROMAN ANTHONY
Roman Anthony led Marjory Stoneman Douglas to an NHSI title in 2022, collecting a tournament-most seven hits and stealing four bases. Since then, Anthony has only continued to dominate. The second-ranked prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, was chosen by the Boston Red Sox with the 79th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. So far in his professional career, Anthony has batted .284 with 32 homers over parts of three seasons reaching the Triple-A level.
TRISTON CASAS
Before he was manning first base for the Boston Red Sox, Triston Casas was representing American Heritage at the 2018 NHSI. Casas, who played for the 18U National Team and won a gold medal the summer before competing at the NHSI, donned the stars and stripes again at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. He followed that by making his big-league debut with Boston in 2022 and has finishing in the top three of AL Rookie of the Year votes in 2023. Casas has hit 42 homers in 222 career MLB games.
DYLAN CEASE
Dylan Cease played at the NHSI in consecutive years with Milton in 2013 and 2014, helping the Wildcats go 4-3-1 over the two tournaments as a pitcher and shortstop. A sixth-round pick to the Chicago Cubs in 2014, Cease was traded across town to the White Sox and made his big-league debut in 2019. After five seasons with the Sox, Cease was then traded to the San Diego Padres ahead of the 2024 season, where he finished fourth in NL Cy Young voting thanks to a 3.47 ERA and 224 strikeouts in 189.1 innings pitched.
MAX FRIED
The inaugural NHSI in 2012 featured a loaded HarvardWestlake squad, and Max Fried was one of the team’s stars. Fried helped lead the Wolverines to a title game appearance in 2012 and drove in a run in a championship game defeat before being selected with the seventh overall pick by the San Diego Padres in 2012. Traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2014, Fried debuted in the big leagues in 2017 and has since won three Gold Gloves, made two All-Star Game appearances, and won a World Series. Fried signed with the New York Yankees ahead of the 2025 campaign.
MARK VIENTOS
Mark Vientos was a key cog in American Heritage’s lineup at the 2017 NHSI, helping his squad finish 3-1 in the tournament. After his strong showing in Cary, Vientos was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the 2017 MLB Draft. Vientos earned his first promotion to the big leagues in 2022 before a breakout campaign in 2024, when he hit .266 with 27 home runs and 71 RBIs before launching five more blasts in the playoffs during the Mets’ run to the NLCS.
ANTHONY VOLPE
Before he was the starting shortstop for the New York Yankees, Volpe played for Delbarton at the 2019 NHSI and tied the tournament record for most hits in a game with five. Volpe went on to be selected by the Yankees in the first round of the MLB Draft later that year, debuting in 2023 and winning a Gold Glove Award before helping the team win the AL pennant in 2024. Through two seasons, Volpe has played in 319 games and has 94 extra-base knocks.
THE PERFECT STORM:
A DEEP DIVE INTO ONE OF THE NATION'S BEST HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAMS EVER ASSEMBLED
In the world of high school sports, there are few programs that generate the kind of buzz that surrounds the Corona Panthers baseball team this season. Regarded as not just the best team in the country, but possibly one of the greatest high school teams to ever play the game, the Panthers are lining up one of the best runs in recent history. With multiple Division I commits and three MLB Pipeline Top 100 Draft prospects on the roster, a National High School Invitational (NHSI) title in hand, and the eyes of the baseball world centralized on them, Corona’s 2025 season looks to be primed for success.
The hype surrounding Corona this season is unlike anything seen before. They don’t just have talent, they have a roster stuffed with future stars. This isn’t your typical high school team, and the expectations for them are through the roof. What is it that makes them stand out among the thousands of high school teams across the country?
The core of Corona’s success begins with a mix of seasoned veterans and impactful underclassmen. Several players have played together throughout their high school careers, providing a strong chemistry on the diamond. Many names are ones that MLB scouts, college coaches, and high school baseball fans have been tracking for years. With Corona’s top-tier talent, it's clear that the Panthers are primed for yet another great season.
Seth Hernandez, one of the top-ranked recruits in the nation, is the undeniable leader of the team. A dynamic player who can change the course of a game from both sides of the plate, Hernandez has already committed to play for college baseball powerhouse Vanderbilt. Alongside him is Billy Carlson, a future Tennesse Volunteer, known for his defensive instincts and powerful bat.
It’s not just Hernandez and Carlson who Corona relies on. Brady Ebel, a 6-foot-3 infielder with a smooth left-handed swing, has already drawn comparisons to major league starters thanks to his father’s experience, Dino, who has served on both the Dodgers and USA Baseball coaching staffs. His baseball IQ makes him a promising prospect. The LSU commit had a respectable performance at the NHSI last year, batting .250 and leading Corona to the 2024 title. Alongside him is his younger brother and Texas A&M commit Trey Ebel, who
SETH HERNANDEZ
But for Coach Andy Wise, the task is simple: focus on the process. Wise, a former professional player who spent time with the Chicago Cubs system, has been at the helm of Corona’s rise through the ranks since 2009. His focus on “doing things the right way,” combined with his deep roots within the game, has helped propel Corona to the top of the ranks of high school baseball.
Wise's coaching approach has been molded with over 20 years of coaching experience. He knows how to keep his players grounded even when the expectations and the pressure of being the best comes to an all-time high.
"We really like to take an individualistic approach. We know that it’s a team game that runs through a bunch of individuals. I know that if our guys can be the best version of themselves that they can be, we will win games," Wise said. “I tell the guys all the time to enjoy everything that is coming their way, but to act in a respectful and professional manner. We know that this experience and the attention isn’t a typical thing in high school baseball, but if we stay focused and keep doing the right things, we’ll be alright.”
Despite all of the attention on the program, Wise is confident that his squad will exceed expectations. He knows the challenges ahead, and he acknowledges how difficult it is to win back-to-back NHSI titles. However, he also believes that Corona has something special that separates the team from the rest of the field.
“I think our experience as a group will be one of our strengths moving forward. We have a veteran group. All of the guys respect and appreciate each other so we have a good thing going for us right now,” Wise continued.
As the season unravels, the chatter of Corona being one of the best high school teams ever assembled will likely continue. Players, coaches, and fans alike know the conversation is inevitable. But for Coach Wise and his squad, it’s more about the journey and everyday grind rather than the end product.
“We have a lot of talented players so it's easy to look ahead. It’s just fun to watch these guys compete on a daily basis. Watching them work with each other and push themselves is something special to be able to witness.”
As Corona steps onto the field for 2025 NHSI, the eyes of the nation will be fixated on them. But no matter the outcome, the team has already redefined high school baseball. Their dominance has set new standards for what it means to be a championship team.
Whether they repeat as NHSI champions or not, Corona will be remembered for years to come. If they can pull off another title run and win the event for the second consecutive year, their place in high school sports history will be cemented forever.
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE:
EDWARDSVILLE HIGH SCHOOLS’ LEGACY UNDER HEAD COACH TIM FUNKHOUSER
From an early age it was clear that baseball was a way of life for Tim Funkhouser and his family. His journey through the sport, from bat boy to player to coach, would end up providing him the opportunity to continue a family legacy deeply rooted in Edwardsville, Illinois.
His family’s journey begins with his father, Bill, who spent years coaching at Edwardsville High School where Tim found himself helping the team as a bat boy. From 1973 to 1980, Bill led the Tigers to their fourth-ever state appearance, setting a standard of excellence that would make Edwardsville a household name.
After his father’s retirement, the program fell into the hands of legendary coach Tom Pile, a man who would continue the Tigers’ yearly success. Edwardsville flourished throughout Pile’s tenure, highlighted by the team hoisting the 1990 state championship title above their heads, which saw the Funkhouser name return to the program.
Tim played shortstop under Pile and, during his time at Edwardsville, achieved the ultimate prize: a state championship. The experience of playing for such an accomplished coach not only honed his skills on the
field but also gave him a front-row seat to what it meant to be a true leader in the game. It was a pivotal moment that would stay with him for the rest of his life, shaping his philosophy on both baseball and coaching.
“Playing under Coach Pile was big for me. He was a legendary coach, and he even coached an undefeated team. When we won the state title in 1990, he had high expectations for the program, so it really shaped my mentality and my growth throughout baseball.”
Following an impressive high school career under Pile, Funkhouser moved on to play college baseball at Western Illinois University. The two-time team captain sharpened his skills further which helped him land a head coaching gig at Triad High School where he compiled a 55-32 record in a few short years.
When the time came to take the next step in his career, it wasn’t a different path that called; it was Edwardsville High School again. The tradition of excellence that shaped his life led him right back to the very place where his father and Coach Pile had left their marks.
Taking the reins of the Edwardsville baseball program as head coach at only 26 years old, Funkhouser started
his journey to becoming one of the most successful high school baseball coaches in Illinois history. Over a remarkable 25-plus years, his tenure has been marked by consistent success while strengthening Edwardsville into a powerhouse program that it is today.
His legacy as one of the state's all-time winningest coaches is well earned, but Funkhouser isn’t one to boast about his accomplishments. His focus has always been on his players, emphasizing not just the achievement on the field but personal growth. He understands that while victories are important, the memories throughout the game often last a lifetime.
Now, Funkhouser is bringing his Edwardsville program to the NHSI for the first time.
“I’ve heard so many great things about the NHSI. Any time we have the opportunity to come to an event like this we’re going to jump at the chance. It’s another experience that we will be able to have where we can see what we’re made of. We try to schedule that way. Allowing our guys to have great experiences is rewarding for us as coaches.”
And with Funkhouser at the helm, the experience has been just that: great. After a 2024 season that saw the Tigers go 32-9 and win their fifth conference title in a row, Funkhouser has plenty of supporting evidence of Edwardsville’s rise through the ranks. The program's success has continued to grow throughout the years, with multiple conference titles, deep playoff runs, and, of course, a couple of state championships thanks in large part to the next generation: Cole and Evan Funkhouser.
Cole and Evan represent the third generation of Funkhousers to take the field at Edwardsville, and with their father coaching, the two were able to continue the family legacy and claim another state title for their beloved program.
Asked what it means to see his sons carry on the family tradition at Edwardsville, Funkhouser acknowledges the rarity of such an occurrence: “It’s something special to have my family be with me along our journey in baseball. I was blessed to coach both of them throughout high school and I’m lucky that I get to continue to watch them play baseball in college. They helped build the Edwardsville program and continue our families' deep roots here.”
Now, in 2025, Funkhouser and his squad have the rare opportunity to step into the spotlight at the NHSI for the first time in school history, where they will have the chance to prove that Edwardsville is one of the nation’s top programs. The opportunity represents a testament to the culture he has built over the years. The team’s success at the NHSI would serve as another nod to a coach whose career has already been marked by remarkable achievements.
Looking ahead, Funkhouser is excited about the future of Edwardsville baseball, knowing that the foundation he and so many others have built will continue to thrive for years to come. While the pursuit of excellence will always be at the heart of the program, it’s the relationships, memories, and life lessons that will endure as the true legacy of Tim Funkhouser’s time at Edwardsville High School.
NHSI PAST CHAMPIONS
2012 : MATER DEI
Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.) earned the inaugural National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance championship in 2012 with a 3-2 walk-off victory over Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City, Calif.). Despite the Wolverines jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, Mater Dei rallied with two solo home runs in the fourth and seventh innings, respectively, to send the game to extra innings. After holding Harvard-Westlake scoreless in the top of the eighth, the Monarchs used a bases-loaded single in the bottom half to secure the first-ever NHSI title in dramatic fashion.
2013: MATER DEI
In a rematch of the 2012 National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.) and Harvard-Westlake School (Studio City, Calif.) once again went head-to-head with Mater Dei defending its title with a 4-0 victory. In the second edition of this matchup, the Monarchs got on the board first and never looked back. The team plated its first run in the top of the third before adding two more in the sixth and one in the seventh for the final 4-0 score to secure its second consecutive championship.
2014: THE FIRST ACADEMY
After Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana, Calif.) repeated as National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance champions in the first two editions of the event, The First Academy (Orlando, Fla.) became just the second team to claim the trophy with a 5-3 defeat of Clovis High School (Clovis, Calif.). After a slow start on offense for both squads, The First Academy broke onto the scoreboard first in the contest with back-to-back RBI doubles for a 2-0 advantage in the third. Clovis responded in the fourth to take a 3-2 lead before The First Academy was able to rally two innings later with three runs of its own to make it 5-3. The Royals held Clovis off in the seventh to secure its victory and claim the 2014 NHSI title.
2015: SAN CLEMENTE
San Clemente High School (San Clemente, Calif.) used a strong run in 2015 to claim the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance championship. The squad outscored opponents 17-9 in its first three games of the event to secure its spot in the title game where it took on College Park (Pleasant Hill, Calif.) for the trophy. In the final, San Clemente opened the scoring in the second and plated runs in every inning that followed to remain in control throughout the contest. College Park broke through in the fourth and the fifth but couldn’t overcome the deficit as San Clemente cruised to an 8-3 victory and the title. The game marked the largest margin of victory in the history of the event’s championship game to that point.
2016: HUNTINGTON BEACH
After falling in the semifinals of the 2015 National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance to eventual champion San Clemente High School (San Clemente, Calif.), Huntington Beach High School (Huntington Beach, Calif.) came roaring back one year later to claim the 2016 title. The team outscored its opponents 30-15 en route to the championship, including defeating Chaminade Prep (Los Angeles, Calif.) 7-2 in the final. Chaminade broke onto the scoreboard first though, taking an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI single. But Huntington Beach wasted no time responding as the offense came alive in the bottom of the second for four runs before adding one in the fifth and two more in the sixth for a strong 7-1 advantage. Chaminade got one run back in the seventh but couldn’t get anything else as Huntington Beach finished off the 7-2 victory and secured its NHSI championship.
2017: ORANGE LUTHERAN
Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) started its dominant run at the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance with its first championship in 2017. After victories over Merritt Island High School (Merritt Island, Fla.), Trinity Christian Academy (Jacksonville, Fla.), and South Hills High School (West Covina, Calif.), the Lancers faced off against Dana Hills High School (Dana Point, Calif.) for the NHSI title. The two teams traded runs in the second and third innings for a 2-2 tie that would hold until the sixth inning when Orange Lutheran finally broke through with a sacrifice fly that made it 3-2 in its favor. Dana Hills tried to put together rally in the seventh with two hits that fell short as the Lancers got a double play to end the game and secure their first NHSI championship.
2018: ORANGE LUTHERAN
The 2018 edition of the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance featured just the second repeat champion and a historic run to the final. After outscoring opponents 16-4 in its first three games of the event, Green Hope High School (Cary, N.C.) secured its spot in the 2018 NHSI championship game and became the first school from North Carolina to advance into the finals at the NHSI. The team’s opponent was Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) which was looking to defend its 2017 NHSI title and become just the second team in event history to repeat as champions. Both offenses were quiet through the first three innings before the Lancers finally broke the game wide open with six runs throughout the fourth and fifth innings for a 6-0 lead. The Falcons responded in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit in half but it wouldn’t be enough as Orange Lutheran added three more insurance runs to claim a 9-3 victory and its second consecutive NHSI title.
2019: ORANGE LUTHERAN
In its seven-year history, the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance had seen just two teams defend their titles in the event. But never had there been a threepeat – until 2019. Coming into the most recent edition of the tournament, Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) had won nine straight NHSI games and hadn’t dropped a contest since 2014, and the Lancers picked right back up in 2019 where they had left off. They cruised into the
championship game outscoring opponents 22-3 to take on Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.). But HarvardWestlake had also defeated its three opponents by wide margins to reach the final, outscoring them 16-1 with two shutouts, and the Wolverines were looking for redemption after falling in both the 2012 and 2013 NHSI championship games. The Lancers proved to be too strong though and they wasted no time in their title defense, plating a pair of runs in the first inning to open the scoring and never looking back. They would add three more runs before Harvard-Westlake got on the board with two runs of its own in the fifth to cut the deficit to three but a final insurance run for the Lancers in the sixth sealed the 6-2 victory and Orange Lutheran’s third NHSI title.
2022: STONEMAN DOUGLAS
At the 2022 National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, Stoneman Douglas (Parkland, Fla.) became the first team outside of the state of California to win the title. The Eagles had a dominant showing in Cary, going undefeated with a 4-0 record and allowing its opponents to score just four runs to its 43 in the tournament. Stoneman Douglas opened play with a 15-0 victory over D.H. Conley (Greenville, N.C.), followed by an 11-1 defeat over Yucaipa (Yucaipa, Calif.) in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the Eagles were matched up with three-time defending champion Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) and handed the Lancers their first loss in the event since 2014. The 11-0 five-inning run-rule result snapped a 15-game win streak for Orange Lutheran at the event. Stoneman Douglas met St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park, Fla.) in the championship game, which proved to be tightly contested back-and-forth matchup. Despite the Eagles plating three runs in the first to take an early lead, the Spartans knotted the game at 3-3 in the top of the third inning. Stoneman Douglas retook its lead at 4-3 in the bottom of the third and plated an insurance run in the fifth en route to its first-ever NHSI title in program history.
2023: HUNTINGTON BEACH
In the 10th edition of the National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, Calif.) put together a stellar performance en route to its second title and first since 2016. In its opening-round matchup against Basha (Chandler, Ariz.), a pair of runs in the fifth and sixth innings, along with a four-RBI day from Ralphy Velazquez, propelled the Oilers to a 6-3 victory and a spot in the quarterfinals. In the second round it was a total team effort as Huntington Beach’s offense tallied 10 hits and its pitching staff gave up just three runs in its 8-3 win over Calvary Christian (Clearwater, Fla.). Its semifinal game against Bishop Gorman (Las
Vegas, Nev.) was a tightly contested matchup where the Oilers held off a late rally to win, 3-2, and advance to the championship game first the first time since 2016. In the finals, a seven-run ninth inning after a back-andforth battle between the Oilers and JSerra Catholic (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) allowed Huntington Beach to secure an 8-1 victory and take home its second title in program history.
2024: CORONA
Corona (Corona, Calif.) made its NHSI debut with authority in 2024, running the table to secure the tournament title. The Panthers got off to a quick start in the opening round, scoring all eight of their runs in the second inning of an 8-0 victory over Puyallup (Puyallup, Wash.). Corona then matched up against Trinity Christian (Jacksonville, Fla.) in the quarterfinals and got a dominant start from Ethan Schiefelbein–who was drafted later that year by the Detroit Tigers–to advance to the semifinal against defending champion Huntington Beach (Huntington Beach, Calif.). With a spot in the title game on the line, Billy Carlson capped off a comeback win with a walk-off single to secure a 6-5 victory. Corona then met up with three-time NHSI champ Orange Lutheran (Orange, Calif.) in the 2024 NHSI championship game. There, Seth Hernandez tossed a complete-game shutout to earn MVP honors as Corona won, 3-0, to clinch the NHSI title in its tournament debut.
COLLIERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL COLLIERVILLE TN.
Jeff Munier, Logan Carey, David Culbertson, Clay Greene, Andy Sheridan
CORONA HIGH SCHOOL
Andy Wise, Jason Sur, Keith Powers, Seth Kaneen, George Wise, Mattew Darr
CORONA CA.
Coaches:
Coaches:
Coaches: Corrigan Willis, Jason Sekany, Tim Rankin, Kent Field, Dave Vigil
GRANADA HIGH SCHOOL LIVERMORE CA. HOLLY SPRINGS NC. HOLLY SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
Coaches: Rod Whitesell, Sebastian Nazabal, Andrew Kramer
HUNTINGTON BEACH HUNTINGTON BEACH CA.
LA MIRADA HIGH SCHOOL
LA MIRADA CA.
Coaches: Jimmy Zurn, Gil Rodriguez, Gilly Rodriguez, AJ Rodriguez, Eddie Agredano, Mark Del Pino
Coaches: Benji Medure, Adam Springston, Joel Bernstein, Jeff Ruziecki
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STONY BROOK HIGH SCHOOL STONY BROOK NY.
Coaches: Mark Gibbs, Ed Gibbs, Kevin Gibbs, Andrew Lowman, Tom Ballenger, Jon Sidilau
TRINITY CHRISTIAN
JACKSONVILLE FL.
Coaches: Jonathan Murphy, John Wasdin, Danny English, Sebastian Moore, Cody Ebreo, Jordan Stolte, James Couch
VENICE HIGH SCHOOL VENICE FL.
WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN HIGH
SCHOOL
HIGH POINT NC.
Coaches: Craig Faulkner, Tyler Shambora, Jose Velez, Andrew Tilka, Mark Woodworth
Coaches: Mo Blakeney, Ruben Torrellas, Nate Blakeney, Maurice Crocker, Rodd Woodard
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STRIKEOUTS
STOLEN BASES
Name # Date Orange Lutheran 19 2019
PITCHING
INNINGS PITCHED
Name # Date Milton 39 2013
BATTING AVG. AGAINST (MIN. 7.0 IP)
Name
INDIVIDUAL TOURNAMENT RECORDS
BATTING
AT BATS
Name # Opponent Date
Ryan Gridley 19 Milton 2013
HITS
Name # Opponent Date
Blake Rutherford 9 Chaminade Prep 2016
Max George 9 Regis Jesuit 2014
AVG. (MIN. 8 AT BATS)
Name # Opponent Date
Seth Keller 0.750 Hanover 2022
RUNS
Name # Opponent Date
Caden Connor 9 Orange Lutheran 2019
Daniel Amaral 9 Huntington Beach 2015
Gavin Smith 9 Basha 2023
RBI Name # Opponent Date
Josh Stephen 9 Mater Dei 2016
WALKS
Name # Opponent Date
Brett Alvis 6 Hanover 2022
Trent Grindlinger 6 Huntington Beach 2023
Cade Goldstein 5 Harvard-Westlake 2024
Caden Connor 5 Orange Lutheran 2019
Pierce Gallo 5 Walton 2018
Phillip Clarke 5 Trinity Prep 2018
Brandon Howlett 5 George Jenkins 2018
Joe Gray Jr. 5 Hattiesurg 2018
Brady Allen 5 George Jenkins 2018
Ubaldo Lopez 5 Archbishop McCarthy 2017
Triston Casas 5 American Heritage Plantation 2017
Landon Langston 5 Florence 2016
Matthew Bennett 5 College Station 2015
Jaxxon Grisham 5 College Station 2015
Braxton Davidson 5 TC Roberson 2014
Will Davis 5 Oxford 2012
DOUBLES
Name # Opponent Date
Pierce Gallo 4 Walton 2018
Josh Stephen 4 Mater Dei 2016
Austin Riley 4 De Soto Central 2015
TRIPLES
Name # Opponent Date
Jake Merrick 4 Farragut 2024
Hayden Summers 2 Northwest Guilford 2019 Chad Call 2 Mater Dei 2018
Case
The First Academy 2016
Storey 2 Huntsville 2014
Arias 2 Parkview 2012
HOME RUNS
Name # Opponent Date
Burke-Lee Mabeus 2 Bishop Gorman 2024 Nick Kahle 2 Chaminade Prep 2016
STOLEN BASES
Name # Opponent Date
Jordan Adams 5 Green Hope 2018
Anthony Prato 5 Poly Prep 2016
Evan Dougherty 5 Bishop Verot 2014
PITCHING
INNINGS
Name
STRIKEOUTS
Name
Name
NHSI RECORD BOOK
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