No. 1 Makes Anaheim Canyon a Big Target

High school baseball has always flourished in the Southland, and this season opens with added anticipation. Canyon High of Anaheim recently was designated the No. 1 team in the nation by USA Today.

Despite his team’s success in recent years, including winning the Southern Section Division II championship last season, the lofty ranking took Canyon Coach Mike Najera by surprise.

“You always worry about ‘the big head’ when something like this happens,” Najera said. “But I think the kids have worked hard. I just hope we can live up to the billing.”

There will be a handful of contenders to unseat the Comanches, including Santa Ana Mater Dei and Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley, and all three will compete in the National Classic tournament in Orange County beginning Monday.

“If we get through our schedule in good shape, I’ll feel good about our chances in the playoffs,” Najera said. “It’s an honor for others to say our kids are No. 1, but I hope we know everybody is gunning for us now.”

A look at The Times’ top 20 teams:

1. Anaheim Canyon, Southern Section, Division III, 27-3 in 1996--The Comanches, now in Division III, are led by versatile Jeff Leuenberger, who last year was 13-2 with a 1.78 earned-run average and 106 strikeouts and also batted .473 with 28 runs batted in. They also have utility player Mike Tomarelli (.478, four home runs, 33 RBIs) and infielder Brandon Smith, who drove in 14 runs in five playoff games.

2. Granada Hills Kennedy, City Section, Division 4-A, 31-3--It’s a case of good news and bad news for teams hoping to end the Cougars’ two-year reign as City 4-A champions. The good news is Kennedy doesn’t have the same depth as last season. The bad news is the return of senior pitcher Jon Garland, who is 18-1 in his two-year varsity career and has a 92-mph fastball. Catcher David Lusk and outfielder Josh Miranda should lead the offense.

3. Santa Ana Mater Dei, Southern Section, Division I, 24-4--The Monarchs are trying to win their sixth consecutive South Coast League title. Left-hander Mike Kolbach is the team’s top pitcher (10-1, 2.27 ERA, 61 strikeouts) and hitter (.443, eight home runs, 38 RBIs). Catcher/outfielder Brett Kay (.390, seven homers, 26 RBIs) adds some sock.

4. Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley, Southern Section, Division I, 23-5--The Cougars have had five consecutive second-place league finishes to Mater Dei. Capistrano Valley, ranked fifth in the USA Today preseason poll, is led by senior right-hander Rik Currier (9-3, 1.56 ERA, 97 strikeouts) and infielder Bryan Canfield (.339).

5. Newhall Hart, Southern Section, Division II, 21-7--The Indians may have the deepest pitching in the Southland, led by Bobby Graves, Brian Hernandez, Andy Davidson and Jeremy Shields. Outfielders Cody Joyce and Chris Wright each hit better than .400 last season, and catcher Eric Ballew is a defensive standout.

6. Fountain Valley, Southern Section, Division I, 24-7--The Barons have nine players returning from a team that reached the Division I championship. Infielders Ryan Clark, Tim Crosby and Brian Janer and catcher Paul De Vries will try to lead Fountain Valley to its fifth consecutive Sunset League title.

7. Chatsworth, City Section, Division 4-A, 21-5--The Chancellors have lots of firepower with left-handed hitters in catcher David Stark, outfielder Frank Dipoma and shortstop Danny Eisenberg. Pitching is the question. Chatsworth will need big seasons from left-hander Mike Kunes and Greg Wold in order to compete for a title.

8. West Torrance, Southern Section, Division II, 21-7--Catcher Tony Cosentino will receive most of the attention from opposing pitchers. Cosentino, a preseason All-American, has 158 hits in his career, 22 shy of the state record. Junior utility player Greg Sain (.415, six homers, 40 RBIs) gives the Warriors a formidable duo.

9. Woodland Hills El Camino Real, City Section, Division 4-A, 20-4--The Conquistadores rely heavily on the bat and arm of Shaun Fishman. Fishman recorded 11 wins and 86 strikeouts last season and batted .415. Catcher Ray Leduc and outfielders Joel Morales and Kurt Birkins need to have big years if El Camino Real is to contend for a title.

10. La Puente Bishop Amat, Southern Section, Division I, 22-5--The Lancers are returning five starters and hope to retain their Division I title. Sophomore shortstop Dennis Wyrick, left fielder Joey Getherall and second baseman Jesus Medrano lead the offense, and Paul Mangini and Jim Bullard are the top two starting pitchers.

11. Encino Crespi, Southern Section, Division I, 21-8--The Celts are talented offensively with returning outfielders Andy Campanella (.459, 32 RBIs) and Rob Hirsh (.431) and catcher Rob Hirsh. Crespi will need good seasons from former junior varsity pitchers Tim Leveque and Mike Jackson to contend.

12. La Puente Nogales, Southern Section Division I, 18-10--The Nobles have seven returning starters, led by catcher John Hernandez (.344, 20 RBIs), outfielder Alexie Roman (.333, 19 RBIs) and pitcher/designated hitter Jesse Carranza (9-1, 2.53 ERA, .400 batting average). Mike Marer (seven saves) is the closer.

13. Fontana, Southern Section, Division I, 25-2--Outfielder Robert Womack (.527) and infielders Ramon Villalvazo (.318) and Ricky Lerma (.303) are solid on offense and defense. Brett Bowring will try to bring stability to an inexperienced pitching staff.

14. Long Beach Millikan, Southern Section, Division I, 18-9--Offense should be the Rams’ strength. Matt Williams (27 RBIs), Eric Powell (.370 in league play), Josh Weller and Corey Jones are returning starters. Randy Tymchak (7-1) is the only experienced pitcher.

15. Anaheim Esperanza, Southern Section, Division I, 14-12--Coach Mike Curran has 12 players back from an injury-cursed team. Tom Nicholson and Rickey Leach were first-team all-league performers, and Brandon Pack (2.58 ERA) is the team’s top pitcher.

16. Arcadia, Southern Section, Division I, (20-7)--The Apaches have plenty of talent, despite losing top pitcher Jason Cly to graduation. All-league pitcher Brian Grim should be the ace, with catcher Bryan Collins leading the offense.

17. Camarillo, Southern Section, Division I, 20-5--The Scorpions are the favorites to win the competitive Marmonte League. Stanford-bound Joe Borchard is a top hitter and pitcher. Shortstop Jeff Bannon and outfielder Andy Kroneberger are returning first-team all-league players.

18. Diamond Bar, Southern Section, Division I, 20-9--The Brahmas are the defending Sierra League champions, but they will likely be chasing Nogales for the title this season. Shaun Kramer (9-2) and Chris Haverly (8-3) are returning starters, and shortstop Alvin Graham (.375) is an offensive standout.

19. Quartz Hill, Southern Section, Division I, 18-7--The Rebels have eight players who started four or more games last season. Senior Mark Madsen and sophomore Travis Allen are solid starting pitchers. Catcher Jo’Sean Lyles (.464), outfielder Mark Campbell and shortstop Parker Matheny are the hitting standouts.

20. Westminster La Quinta, Southern Section, Division III, 23-7--The Aztecs have one major problem: They’re in the same division with Anaheim Canyon. La Quinta has won four consecutive Garden Grove League titles and has plenty of returning firepower. Outfielder Jhamal Dawkins (.429, 33 RBIs) and catcher Gerald Laird (.456, three homers) are proven players.