FIVE NON-ORANGE COUNTY PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Tyler Russell, Vista Murrieta: A junior pitcher, Russell is 10-4 with a 2.04 ERA and 69 strikeouts. In the season-opening Loara Tournament, he pitched a two-hitter against Anaheim, and he lost a 2-0 decision to Aliso Niguel.

Justin Garza, Bonita of La Verne: Bonita is the top-seeded team in Division 3, and this senior pitcher/shortstop is a reason for that. Garza is 9-1 with a 0.65 ERA, and is batting .398 with 18 RBIs.
Albee Weiss, Agoura: Just a sophomore, this catcher has enjoyed an outstanding season. He is batting .386 for 24 RBIs for the Chargers, who are 22-4-1 and champions of the Marmonte League.

Brian Ruhm, Redlands: The Terriers (22-5) have been in the CIF-SS Division 2 top 10 all season, and Ruhm has contributed. He is batting .400 with 32 RBIs and seven doubles.

J.P. Crawford, Lakewood (pictured): Veteran coach Spud O'Neil's Lancers have a strong stable of hitters, and Crawford is among the leaders. This junior infielder is batting .479 with eight triples and 31 runs batted in, including 11 RBIs in the Loara Tournament. He also has 22 stolen bases on 25 attempts.