Players Make All-CIF Teams

Though Mira Costa fell a bit short in its bid for the postseason, it didn’t prevent senior pitcher Sean Isaac from earning a spot on the All-CIF Division II Baseball team.

A second-team pick, Isaac was one of the top players in the Bay League this season.

"He stepped up and carried us all year long, on the mound and with the bat," said Mira Costa coach Cassidy Olson. "The CIF team is usually reserved for kids whose teams make it to the playoffs, but since we didn’t, that tells you how big of a year Sean had. He’s got tons of talent. He did everything for us and all that we asked."

Isaac compiled a 7-2 mark overall and an outstanding 1.30 ERA. He gave up only 54 hits in 59.1 innings pitched. He recorded 48 strikeouts and allowed only 20 walks.

He also made his mark as a hitter, batting .449 and finishing with an on-base percentage of .587.

"I think his work ethic and his demeanor is why he’s been so successful," Olson said. "And he never gets fazed by situations. He’s a baseball junkie, too. He’s either hitting in the cages or working out or doing something to get better. There isn’t any secret to his success other than hard work."

"I put in the hard work and it paid off," Isaac said. "It’s a bummer that the team didn’t make it to the playoffs, but I’m pretty happy with what I accomplished. Having a routine everyday made me feel comfortable and helped me play better."

Isaac, who was recently named team MVP, said he hasn’t decided where he will attend school this fall, but he is leaning toward Orange Coast and Cypress colleges.

Redondo junior first baseman Dylan Hatch also was a second-team pick on the All-CIF Division II baseball team.

"I was really surprised, but really happy I made it," Hatch said. "I haven’t been playing baseball that long. I started when I was 11 and I’m only 16 now. It’s a real honor."

Hatch deserves it—in addition to being an All-CIF selection, Hatch was a recent pick on the All-Bay League team.

One of the league’s top hitters, Hatch finished with a .451 batting average and was a key player in the Sea Hawks advancing to the CIF playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

His six home runs were second in the league. Overall, Hatch had 37 hits, 16 of those going for extra bases. He also finished with a .562 on-base percentage. In 82 at-bats, he struck out only 10 times.

The more he plays, the better he gets.

"I think getting more experience and knowing how the pitchers were throwing helped me out this season," Hatch said. "I played a lot of travel ball, too, so that helped. I just took the off-season more serious. I practiced a lot and there was a lot more dedication than before. I practice about four hours per day. Plus, all of the coaches helped me out a lot. That made a big difference."

Hatch believes he can only get better.

"You can never be too good or never too good not to put in some extra work," he said. "I’ll probably be working on my swing this summer and being in better shape. I’ll be in the gym more and I’ll be playing baseball 24-7. I just want to keep improving and be the best I can be." 

Costa’s Saunders earns first-team honors

Mira Costa junior catcher Katie Saunders was named to the Division III All-CIF Softball team.

Saunders, who recently was picked as co-MVP of the Bay League with Peninsula High’s Allison Blackman, played a significant role in the Mustangs run to the league title and the CIF playoffs.

Mira Costa finished the season at 22-7-1 overall. Longtime Mustangs coach Dick Amberik called it his team’s best.

"Katie was second team All-CIF last year and she deserves to be on the first team this year," Amberik said. "She’s our team leader, team captain and one of my best hitters. She had a great year. Every year, she’s maintained her play and this year she gained more power and hit more homers. For a catcher, she’s a very good base runner, too. And the great thing she’ll be back next year.

"She’s been all league all three years. And she’s got a few colleges looking at her."

Saunders hit .480 with five home runs and 36 RBIs. She also had three triples and nine doubles. She was perfect on the base paths, recording 12 steals in 12 attempts. 

All-CIF in volleyball

Redondo senior outside hitter Ryan Olson and Mira Costa senior outside hitter D.J. White were first-team selections on the All-CIF Division I Volleyball team.

Olson, who was recently named the Most Outstanding Player in the Bay League, helped the Sea Hawks finish runner-up in league to Mira Costa and advance to the CIF playoffs.

White, who was MVP of the league, played a key role in Mira Costa’s league title run and another trip to the CIF playoffs.

The two players were the only South Bay players selected to the Division I team.