Head Coach Steve Rousey
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. –
Head Coach Steve Rousey announced Monday that four high school seniors have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period to attend Cal State Northridge during the 2009-10 academic year.
“This recruiting class compliments our recent top-40 group very well,” stated Rousey. “Two big left-handed pitchers, a two-way outfielder, and a physical infielder pretty much says it all!”
All four signees reside in California and will complete their senior seasons at their respective high schools before beginning their collegiate careers at Northridge.
Having started in every game during his high school tenure, Alex Muren (Ramona HS/Ramona, Calif.) looks to end his senior year on a successful note and help his team improve on their 24-8 record of last season before graduating. Having split his time as both a right-handed pitcher and outfielder for his coach Dean Welch, Muren sculpted a 2.25 ERA and collected 21 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings pitched, finished with a .455 batting average, seven doubles, three triples, and six home runs last season. Having finished as Rams’ top all-around hitter, Muren was named to the All-CIF Second Team, All-Valley League First Team, and All-North County (San Diego) Second Team for his success on the diamond last season.
“Alex is a pure competitor; as impressive as his skills and talents are on the field, I am even more impressed by his maturity and the way he carries himself off the field as well,” stated Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Mark Kertenian. “He is a five-tool player who possesses a sixth tool with his abilities on the mound.”
During the last two years, Muren was a member of the Orange County Braves Scout Ball Team, and in 2006 was one of only 36 athletes invited to participate in the Team USA Trials for the 16 and under squad.
A 6’5” southpaw with an arsenal of pitches at his disposal, Bennett Parry (Poway HS/Poway, Calif.) was a member of the 2008 San Diego Section Division-I championship team now preparing to defend their title once their season commences in the spring. With a 3-0 record, 0.00 ERA, and 26 strikeouts to his credit in only 17 2/3 innings pitched, Parry was invited to participate as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays Scout Team coached by Rays’ scouts Robbie Moen, Jake Wilson, Alec Adame, and revered pitching expert Dominic Johnson.
Parry’s time with the Rays caps off a successful 2008 season where he traveled to Seattle in August to participate in the Mariner Cup Invitational Tournament, displayed his skills and talents as an invitee of the Milwaukee Brewer’s Area Code team affiliate in Orange County, and accepted a participation to pitch in the Southern California “Jesus Flores Memorial” Scout Ball All-Star Game held in early November at Dedeaux Field located on the campus of the University of Southern California.
“Simply put, this guy is impressive. He is as good of a high school pitching prospect as there is anywhere, has succeeded against stiff competition, and embraces any challenge on the diamond that he is faced with,” exclaimed Kertenian.
A three-year varsity letterman and current captain for head coach Shawn Kuhn, Jacob Petersen (Morro Bay HS/Los Osos, Calif.) was named to All-Los Padres League First Team, the second consecutive season Petersen has received League honors, after he collected 29 strikeouts and seven saves in 33 innings during the 2008 campaign.
In addition to his exploits on the mound, Petersen also hit .390 with a team-leading 26 RBI and .712 slugging percentage for the Pirates, and was asked to compete this fall as a member of the Wahoos Scout Team coached by current Cleveland Indians scout and former Matador Vince Sagisi.
“Peterson is smart, athletic, talented, and tough; qualities that impressed me since day one,” stated Kertenian. “He has made major strides over the past nine months in making himself a premier left-handed pitcher, and has the potential to make an immediate impact.”
Also gaining the attention of a variety of universities due to his performance in 2008 is Robert Vickers (Dos Pueblos HS/Goleta, Calif.), another three-year varsity letterman who received All-Channel League honors as a member of both the Boy’s Basketball and Baseball teams.
A recent member of the of the St. Louis Cardinals Scout Team Coached by Cardinals scouts Chuck Fick and Darren Spiller, the Charger’s captain hit .395, collected ten doubles and18 RBI’s with three home runs to his credit in, and only committed five errors in the field during the 2008 season.
“What attracted me the most about Vickers is his versatility on the field,” explained Kertenian. “We like him at shortstop, but he has the potential to succeed anywhere on the diamond. At the plate, he is just as dangerous. He loves to hit and is amongst best that I have ever recruited.”
Alex Muren – RHP/OF, 6’3”, 195, Ramona Calif., Ramona HS (Head Coach – Dean Welch)
Bennett Parry – LHP, 6’5”, 190, Poway Calif., Poway HS (Head Coach – Bob Parry)
Jacob Petersen – LHP/1B, 6’5”, 190, Los Osos Calif., Morro Bay HS (Head Coach – Shawn Kuhn)
Robert Vickers – SS, 6’1”, 185, Goleta Calif., Dos Pueblos HS (Head Coach – Bob Townsend)
