Coaches: Dylan Kuhn (head coach),  Lance Abbott (assistant coach), Randy Avalos (assistant coach), Troy Nelson (assistant coach), Tanner Salazar (assistant coach)

Top Returners: Oliver Botch (12), Nathan Garner (12), Dallas Girod (11), Cameron Morris (11) 

Top Newcomers: Cash Coffman (12), Mason Lamb (10), Jack Verity (11)

Last Season: After many unexpected switches to the inaugural North Hills league and coaching staff last season, the Lancers failed to adjust and fell short (7-19 overall / 4-8 league), placing fourth overall. Kuhn said the new conference was successful in their design to keep all teams on similar playing fields, as all schools fluctuated between wins and losses, but the Lancers ultimately failed to reach the CIF-SS playoffs. 

Outlook: The head coach said one of the main factors that contributed to their underperformance was a lack of team unity as well as the abrupt change in training styles. 

“Coming in midway through and taking over the program, it’s difficult to adjust because no two coaches are going to lead the exact same way,” Kuhn said. “Trying to get the players on board with a new philosophy and new style definitely had its challenges.” 

Reflecting on the changes that affected their play last season, Kuhn said he emphasized the team’s mindset going forward. 

“This season, I’m rather trying to get the boys to buy in on creating an atmosphere and environment that they would be proud of,” he said. “I can’t change my philosophy in coaching, but I can help them become more proud of the program and have pride in what they are a part of.” 

With new players and lineup changes, he said he has higher expectations for this season. 

“Last year, it was my first time as head coach, so it was all over the place,” the head coach said. “But with our new lineup and transfer students and better communication, we will definitely, or hopefully, improve.” 

Returning third baseman Morris said he noted several differences this season.

“Our practices have a better purpose, and our team this year is much more dedicated to improving,” Morris said. “But the biggest difference is the whole team’s vibe, as our coaches are also more dedicated to having a winning team.” 

Returning pitcher senior Dylan Erickson agreed that the overall team spirit has changed. 

“It feels like a new team because the vibe is completely different,” Erickson said. “We’re working more together as a team, everyone wants everyone to succeed, and we help each other through struggles.” 

Overall, Kuhn said his goals remain the same as last season. 

“Initially, it would be to qualify for CIF playoffs and win the league championship, and then the ultimate goal, of course, is to win a CIF championship,” he said. “But those three things can’t happen without an order, so we’re taking it slow, one by one right now.” 

The coach said he plans to achieve this through building team chemistry. 

“I think last year what we lacked was team coherence,” he said. “But this year we’re trying to work on that by getting all of us into the same mindset because becoming a more cohesive team will definitely help us perform better.” 

Co-captain pitcher and shortstop Botch said he hopes to lead the team to its best. 

“I want to be a leader for the whole team by taking care of everyone, especially the young ones, and hopefully, win our league,” Botch said. “Our mindset has changed in the sense that I, personally, have stopped trying to be perfect, and we all live in the moment now; the past is the past, and the future is the future, so we try our best on the day to day.” 

Newcomer co-captain pitcher and outfielder Coffman, who transferred to Sunny Hills this year from Fullerton High School, said he hopes to make a positive contribution to the team. 

“I’m new, so I am a bit nervous, especially with the sit-out rules and me not being able to participate as much [because of CIF transfer sit-out rules],” Coffman said. “But I have experience playing baseball at my previous school, so I hope I can bring my experiences and perform as well as I can.” 

Kuhn said that despite Coffman being a newcomer, he secured his position as captain through the team vote, in which every player voted anonymously for their choices. 

“He is a great leader,” the coach said. “He is quiet, but he leads by example; [he’s] always one of the first to the field day in and day out, helps to set up and tear down practice everyday, hustles all over the field wherever he is needed; all around just a great leader and example of how the rest of the players on the team should carry themselves.” 

With the team’s first league game approaching, Erickson said he has high expectations.

“I’m very excited and hope to win,” the senior pitcher said. “We’ve been doing well in a lot of our games, and we feel prepared, so I’m pretty pumped; I hope we go undefeated.” 

The first league game will be away against Esperanza High School (5-2) on Friday, March 13, at 3:15 p.m.