July 6, 2007

Chatwood plans to attend UCLA

High school baseball players from the class of 2008 have begun to make college commitments, and one of the most highly touted ones to make his choice is outfielder Tyler Chatwood of Redlands East Valley, who chose UCLA.

Chatwood is considered one of the top players in Riverside County after batting .564 last season as a junior, including .621 in Citrus Belt League play.

Pitcher-outfielder Sean Gilmartin from Encino Crespi has committed to Florida State. Gilmartin set a school record with 10 saves last season.

Pitcher Ray Hanson from Southern Section Division I champion Long Beach Wilson has committed to Arizona State.

Infielder-pitcher Nick Ramirez from Anaheim Katella has committed to Cal State Fullerton.

Seven high school baseball players from Southern California are among the 36 finalists invited to try out for the U.S. Youth National team that will play for the IBAF World Youth Championship Aug. 17-26 in Venezuela.

They include infielder Zack Vincej from Saugus, pitcher Peter Tago from Dana Point Dana Hills, outfielder Robert Refsnyder from Laguna Hills, pitcher Alex Muren from Ramona, pitcher Kurt Heyer from Huntington Beach Edison, pitcher Joe Kurrasch from Laguna Hills and third baseman Matt Davidson from Yucaipa. All will be sophomores or juniors this fall.

Thirty-six players will compete during trials next month in North Carolina in an attempt to make the final 18-man roster.

Infielder Dimitri DeLaFuente from West Covina South Hills, outfielder Isaac Galloway from Rancho Cucamonga Los Osos, pitcher Anthony Gose from Bellflower and catcher Kyle Skipworth from Riverside Rubidoux were selected to try out for the U.S. Junior National baseball team next month in North Carolina.

Tyreese Breshers, a 6-foot-8 senior forward from Los Angeles Price, has committed to Miami.

Running back David Freeman from Inglewood has committed to Washington.

Eight teams have accepted invitations for the Nike seven-on-seven passing tournament July 13 at Long Beach Veterans Stadium.

The teams invited are Lake Balboa Birmingham, Encino Crespi, Huntington Beach Edison, Newhall Hart, Long Beach Poly, Santa Ana Mater Dei, Mission Viejo and Sherman Oaks Notre Dame. Action begins at 11 a.m.

A basketball tournament for alumni of Los Angeles-area high schools will take place from Aug. 24 to Sept. 7. Information: www.alumnibball.com.