No. 1 Mission Viejo
Coaches: Troy Ybarra and Toni Mascarenas
Outlook: The Diablos might boast the county’s best collection of talent, regardless of the sport. They have eight Division 1 committed players in their starting lineup, and if Bailey Roberson chose to play at the next level, it would be nine. With senior ace Taylor McQuillin back in the fold as well as power-hitting center fielder Alyssa Palomino, Mission Viejo is the clear cut favorite to repeat as champs in CIF-SS Division 2. This year’s team might be better than last year’s squad that went 26-1. Nothing is out of the question for the Diablos this season, including an undefeated season and a wire-to-wire spot atop the Orange County rankings.
Top returning players: Allison Harvey, SS; Taylor McQuillin, P; Alyssa Palomino, CF; Bailey Roberson, 2B; Kayleen Shafer, C; Kyra Snyder, 1B; Camryn Ybarra, 3B
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
