The National High School Invitational returned last week from a two-year absence due to COVID and the scouting community descended upon Cary, NC. As usual, there was a ton of talent to be seen for the upcoming draft, as well as ones down the line. But the tournament isn’t just about seeing top prospects. It brings some of the best teams in the country to one location, which makes for a great atmosphere and competition. California has had a stranglehold on the event since its inception, with a team winning it every year outside of 2014 (The First Academy, FL) and featuring at least one team in the championship every year--except this one.

The NHSI trophy has largely made its home in Orange County, with Mater Dei winning the first two, San Clemente in 2015, Huntington Beach in 2016 and Orange Lutheran from 2017-2019. We were guaranteed an end to California’s reign when Orange Lutheran and Huntington Beach lost in the semifinals, to Stoneman Douglas HS, FL, and St. Johns Country Day School, FL, respectively.

Stoneman Douglas had the pedal to the metal through the first three games, taking down DH Conley HS, NC, Yucaipa HS, CA, and Orange Lutheran all by mercy rule. In those three games, the lineup was 42-for-84 with 38 runs scored. The pitching staff allowed just one run on nine hits and three walks. St. Johns Country Day opened with a win over Servite HS, CA, before run-ruling Don Bosco Prep, NJ, and then advanced to the championship with a stellar 1-0 win over Huntington Beach.

It looked like Stoneman Douglas was going to cruise to another offensive win, opening with three runs in the bottom of the first, but St. Johns Country Day mixed and matched its pitching to keep things close and responded with three runs in third to tie it. The Eagles reclaimed the lead in the bottom half and tacked on an insurance run in the fifth before closing things out with a 5-3 win. LHP/1B Chris Arroyo was named tournament MVP, as he picked up a win in the first round and the save in the championship, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five over five innings across the two appearances. The Florida recruit also went 6-for-9 with eight RBIs and six runs scored.

LHP/1B Brad Hodges, a Virginia recruit, had a huge week for the Spartans, picking up the win in the first round and going 6-for-12 with a double, home run and five RBIs. 2024 OF Kyle Boylston was 5-for-10 with five RBIs.

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