Royal

Highlanders Head coach: Daniel Maye (15th season) Last season’s results: 13-14, 6-8 in league (5th in Marmonte) Biggest loss: Nick Pinneri (.324 BA)

Notable returnees: Phil Boscarino, SS/P (.346 BA, 25 RBI, 7 doubles); D.J. Smith, 1B/P (.339 BA, 5 HRs, 20 Hits); Eric Blackwell, DH (.315 BA, 20 Runs); Clayton Edwards (7-2, 2.00 ERA, 46 Ks)

Impact newcomer: Justin Czyrklis, sophomore, C

Pitching Ace: Clayton Edwards

Biggest bat: D.J. Smith

Overview: The Highlanders enter the year with high expectations after being ranked ninth in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Baseball Coaches Advisory Committee preseason poll. Anything short of a postseason berth would be a major disappointment for this senior-laden squad that features seven players entering at least their third season at the varsity level.

The unsung hero of this group is Boscarino, a tough-as-nails shortstop who bats leadoff and pitches. Not a typical leadoff hitter—he can hit for power as well as take the ball to the opposite field gaps—Boscarino is the heart and soul of Royal.

"We’re expecting to win CIF," Boscarino said. "In league . . . we’re hoping that we beat everyone and we want to beat them hard."

While Smith, Boscarino and Edwards will see the majority of time on the mound, the key to Royal’s season might very well be found in its middle relievers, guys like Kevin Harrington, Tyler Diamond, Kellen Fink and Cory Vane. They will have to keep opposing offenses in check as the long season wears on.

In a nutshell: Although they haven’t qualified for the postseason since 2001, the Highlanders have all of the necessary elements to make a run at the league championship and advance deep into the playoffs. The offense should be potent, but can the defense and pitching staff protect leads? Only time will tell.