LAKE OSWEGO, OR-- The first day of competition around the state saw a multitude of schools congregate in groups in a “jamboree” setting. The initial day of action serves as a tune-up for the season with teams be restricted to just six innings on the day, and the group of four that met at Lake Oswego High School chose to play three sets of two innings against each other. A quick glimpse at the four schools, which included Lake Oswego, Sherwood, Wilson, and North Salem, gave a solid preview of what to expect in the coming season.

Below are some “quick hits” from the action on Day 1 of the spring season:

+ The host school of Lake Oswego was the last team to touch the brand new turf for game action, and wasted little time exhibiting why they are likely to be one of the top teams in the state. From 1-9 in the order, the Lakers took strong, quality at-bats, and displayed no ill effects of this being the first day of live action. Lower Columbia College recruit, 2019 OF Matthew Sebolsky, set the table at the top of the order utilizing a short stroke with a line drive approach. 2020 OF Thomas Dukart, an Oregon State recruit, looked like he was in mid-season form. The junior outfielder had singles in each of his first two at-bats, going 4.37 and 4.3 on each turn around the bag. His speed and athleticism make him one of the state’s most dynamic players, and he will be a serious threat on the basepaths. All-state quarterback, uncommitted 2019 INF Jackson Laurent, squared up a couple of balls on the evening, and looked ready for a strong senior season. 2019 C Gabe DeVille brought noticeable energy from behind the dish as he guided the defense, and he will likely be a valuable piece for a team that features a strong pitching staff. Uncommitted 2021 SS Malcolm Williams was highly impressive on defense where his natural actions shined in pregame as his twitchy hands effortlessly fielded balls before whipping them across the diamond.

+ Uncommitted 2019 RHP Braden Thorn (Sherwood HS, OR) had a strong, 1-2-3 inning, and looked ready to go in his final prep season. The 6-foot-5, 180-pound right-hander has a simple, compact delivery that he repeats along with a medium-sized arm stroke that delivers out of a high ¾ slot. He showcased the ability to land his slider for strikes while utilizing normal effort out front. Standing tall on the mound with a projectable frame, Thorn possesses solid athleticism.

+ At shortstop for the Bowmen was Gonzaga recruit, SS Anthony Garrett (Sherwood HS, OR). Garrett’s fielding prowess was on full display throughout the event as he made several nice plays. Confident in his hands, he features smooth footwork and a quick release that remains accurate. He flowed around the infield with crisp footwork, and should help provide an anchor on the infield that can be counted on all season.

+ In a quick, one-inning look at 2022 LHP Ian Umlandt (Sherwood HS, OR), the freshman southpaw was very impressive. Striking out two of three batters that he faced, Umlandt sat 81-83 with his fastball, and also dropped in a 67-68 mph curveball and 74 mph changeup, both thrown for strikes. The 6-foot, 175-pounder has a highly projectable frame, and was confident and poised on the bump as he pounded the zone.

+ The Wilson High School pitching staff was a treat to watch early on in the day as each arm that they ran out to the mound flooded the strike zone, and allowed the game to flow. 2020 RHP Zach Nagy, 2020 RHP Lukas Telles, and 2021 RHP Gus Livermore each had quick outings as they challenged hitters in the zone. If the Trojans can minimize walks throughout the season while playing quality defense, they could find some success.

+ Uncommitted 2019 INF/RHP Will Tsukamaki (North Salem HS, OR) hopped on the mound later in the day to show off a quick arm, but it was his work in the 3-hole for the Vikings that stood out. A right-handed hitter, the 5-foot-10, 175-pounder smacked a single in his first at-bat, and continued to take great swings throughout the day while providing solid defense at shortstop.

+ Uncommitted 2019 OF/RHP Cameron Kallhoff (North Salem HS, OR) has an athletic, 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame that features some proportional strength throughout. His speed at the top of the Vikings’ lineup should continue to put pressure on defenses. He also hopped on the mound to showcase some interesting upside that should help provide depth for North Salem.