The 2007 prep baseball season begins Friday, with the four local schools involved in tournament play.
Below is a capsule look for the teams from Edison, Huntington Beach, Marina and Ocean View:
Edison Chargers
League: Sunset Head coach: Steve Lambright (2nd year) Coaching staff: Dave Tallman; Tony Cappuccilli 2006 overall record: 14-12 2006 league finish: 8-7 (3rd) CIF results: Lost in first-round to Newbury Park Returning starters: Kyle Higashioka, C, Jr., 2006 league Rookie of the Year: Justin DeMarco, 2B, Sr., first-team all-league; Billy Silvestri, SS, Sr., first-team all-league; Ryan Sheeks, CF, Sr., first-team all-league. Outlook: “We have a team that has enough talent to compete for a playoff spot and a league title,” Lambright said. “They play hard and have great attitudes. We could be really good and still finish third in the ultra-tough Sunset League. In the last six years, there have been six different league champions.” Season opener: Friday, 3 p.m., at Canyon (Loara Tournament)Huntington Beach Oilers
League: Sea View Head coach: Benji Medure (7th) Coaching staff: Rusty McNamara, Jason Clark, AdamSpringston
2006 overall record: 9-15 2006 league finish: 4-11 (5th) CIF results: none Returning starters: Kyle Ammons, DH, Sr., second-team All-Sunset League; Cal Drummond, P, Jr.; Lane Stone, OF, Sr.; Clayton Prestridge, C, Jr.; Mike Rhodes, OF, Sr.; Sean Clarke, OF, Jr.; Justin Pegram, P, Sr. Outlook: “We are a little young on the mound, but the kids have good arms,” Medure said. “We need to play good defense behind the young pitchers to help their confidence. We aren’t going to murder the ball, but we are capable of good hitting and hopefully it comes in crucial times. We are in the new Sea View League and out of the Sunset, but the level of competition is still high. We hope to improve on a disappointing 2006 season and make a statement in our new league. Our goal is to make the playoffs this year and for many years to come.” Season opener: Friday, 3 p.m., home vs. ML King (Elks Tournament)Marina Vikings
League: Sunset Head coach: Paul Renfrow (24th) Coaching staff: Bob Marshall, Mike Grasse, Grant Walling, Darrel Arnold. 2006 overall record: 12-14 2006 league finish: 6-9 (4th) CIF results: none Returning starters: Danny Pulfer, SS, Jr., first-team all-league; Jonathan Grothe, OF, Sr., second-team all-league; Race Parmenter, P, Soph., second-team all-league; Kevin Bodine, OF, Sr.; Kyle Barton, P, Sr.; Kyle Gonzales, 3B, Sr.; Mark Trentacosta, P, Jr. Outlook: The Vikings return seven starters, including all but one from the pitching staff, from last year’s team.“The season looks good [for the] Vikings with the number of experienced players and some very good young additions to the varsity squad,” Renfrow said. “The league play will be exciting, with great competition as always for the three playoff spots. ‘Young and experienced’ best describes the Marina Vikings for 2007.”
Season opener: Friday, 7 p.m., vs. Long Beach Wilson at Glover Stadium (Loara Tournament)Ocean View Seahawks
League: Golden West Head Coach: Shane Borowski (2nd) Coaching staff: Steven Christy; Tim Walsh; Casey Chop. 2006 overall record: 19-7 2006 league record: 10-2 (1st) CIF results: lost first-round to Don Lugo (2-0). Returning starters: Scott Baxter, P/Utility, Jr., first-team all-league; Sean Burleson, P/1B, Jr., second-team all-league; James Miller, CF, Jr., first-team all-CIF; Chris Katsuki, C, Sr. Outlook: “I like our pitching; we have good arms and experience returning on the mound,” Borowski said. “We have good team speed as well. Hitting will be a challenge, and fielding well is yet to be seen. I’m excited to see how this team responds. The kids are working hard, and it seems we’re all on the same page, unlike last year where there were some individuals who were on their own program.” Season opener: Friday, 3 p.m. at Pacifica (Elks Tournament). 
