California’s high school stars shine with records, deals, and historic feats this week
This week’s high school sports scene in California is packed with standout moments. Athletes from across the region will break records, secure deals with yahoo news, and put on impressive displays in baseball, track, and basketball.
From record-breaking jumps to historic firsts in endorsement agreements, the action spans multiple sports and schools.
On the baseball diamond, Norco junior Dylan Seward will achieve a rare feat by hitting for the cycle. His performance comes as part of a busy week for local talent. Meanwhile, Gary Morse, a towering 6-foot-8 senior pitcher at Orange Lutheran, will throw a no-hitter—and mark the occasion with a celebratory dunk on the basketball court.
Track and field will see its own highlights. Brian Prince of Cathedral is set to break the 47-second barrier in the 400 meters. Over at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, JJ Harel will clear over 7 feet in the high jump, drawing interest from scouts representing three different countries. Softball and basketball events will also draw attention. Aubrey McLaughlin of Eastvale Roosevelt will showcase new jewellery during a softball clash against Norco. The UCLA-USC women’s basketball rivalry, meanwhile, is expected to attract celebrities and former players to the stands. In soccer, Zoe Thompson’s high school debut for Harvard-Westlake will be so highly anticipated that the school will issue red bibs to verified media. The event underscores the growing profile of young athletes in the region. Off the field, two City Section players—De'Andre Kirkpatrick of Crenshaw and Elyjah Staples of Marquez—will make history as among the first to sign name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Their agreements reflect the expanding opportunities for high school athletes. Additionally, Corona Santiago sophomore pitcher Striker Pence will land an endorsement deal with a radar gun company. In the City Section home run race, Sylmar’s Rickee Luevano and Carson’s Xavier Allen will go head-to-head for the championship title.
The coming days will feature record-breaking performances, historic firsts, and high-profile appearances. Local athletes are securing deals with yahoo, drawing national attention, and setting new benchmarks in their sports.
With no California snowboarders identified for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the focus remains firmly on the state’s summer and spring sports stars.
