The last pod at the 2025 National High School Invitational (NHSI) presented by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance and Netting Pros consists of four teams that are relatively new to the event. All teams only have a combined four years of experience in Cary with one of the squads making its debut in 2025. Both La Mirada (La Mirada, Calif.) and Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.) are making their second appearance in the NHSI after debuting in 2019. Venice (Venice, Fla.) is the most experienced program in Pod 4, participating in the NHSI in 2013 and 2024 while compiling a 4-4 overall record. Lastly, Granada (Livermore, Calif.) is set to make its debut at the 12th edition of the NHSI.
Corona del Sol
Perhaps the most intriguing team in the pod, Corona del Sol is coming off of a 10-18 season; but don’t let the record fool you, this team is talented. Almost 75 percent of the Aztecs’ losses last season came in games decided by fewer than two runs and Head Coach Dave Webb’s squad is looking to turn those tight losses into wins in 2025. Corona del Sol adds a top-ranked pitcher in Brett Crossland who is committed to Texas. The transfer owns a massive presence on the bump with a fastball that has the ability to graze 95 mph. With the addition of Crossland, the Aztecs will roll out a lineup that features five DI commits, the most in Arizona, raising many to believe that this squad is poised for success. While Crossland heads the rotation, USA Baseball 12U National Team alum and BYU commit Jaiden Lo Re is the face of the offense. Lo Re hit .538 in his time spent with the 2019 12U National Team and will bring his dynamic hitting ability to Cary for the Aztecs.
La Mirada
Corona del Sol reunites as podmates with La Mirada for the second time at the NHSI. La Mirada was the squad that came out on top in 2019 after topping Corona del Sol, 3-2, in its second game. The La Mirada Matadores walk into 2025 after going 25-8 and reaching a regional final last season under Head Coach Jimmy Zurn. Zurn has two UCLA commits at his disposal in Aiden Aguayo and Maverek Russell who man the infield. In front of the UCLA pair is left-handed-pitcher Luke Armijo. Armijo, a two-time USA Baseball development program participant, has plenty of tools and will be a name to keep track of throughout the event.
Venice
Venice acts as the elder in the group with regards to time spent at the NHSI. Under long-time Head Coach Craig Faulkner, the Indians have two years of experience in the event and sit at a .500 record after competing in 2013 and 2014. Faulkner compares his current team to 2018 and 2019 teams that won the program a state championship in both years and he has good reason. With two Patriot League commits and a future Miami Hurricane in the infield, Venice will be a tough matchup on the defensive side of the plate. Eddie Zaun, a Miami commit, will be a player to monitor. The two-way player can do it all, earning playing time at shortstop, outfield and even some time on the mound. The Indians will be battle-tested prior to the start of the NHSI with a tough regular season schedule and are likely to make things difficult for opposing rosters.
Granada
Granada is the lone newcomer and second Matador in Pod 4. The Matadors earned a slew of accolades throughout the 2024 season after finishing 32-1. Granada was named East Bay League Champions, CIF-NCS DI Champions and the CIF-North Regional DI Champion, but they aren’t done just yet. The team has their eyes set on a NHSI title. Granada returns nine positional players and five starting pitchers, consisting of plenty of depth to crush their opposition. USC commit Jake Sekany served as the second option on the mound in 2024 and will likely be the Matadors’ starter throughout the season. With plenty of depth and top bats back for another year. Granada has a very good chance to add a NHSI title to its resume.
Matchup Breakdown
Corona del Sol is matched up against newcomer Granada in the first game of Pod 4. Familiarity at the event is sure to aid the Aztecs in their quest to end the tournament atop the pack. With Corona del Sol playing with a chip on its shoulder and hungry to turn around the results from last season, Granada will have to be on top of its game to move on to round two. Granada has Sekany as an option to start game one, but they could choose to save Sekany and roll with Mason Ravera or Logan Robinson to take the reins against Corona del Sol.
Game two of the pod sees Venice take on La Mirada. This cross-country matchup is sure to provide plenty of fireworks in the opening round of the NHSI. La Mirada has arguably its deepest roster under Zurn with players who sport enough power at the plate to leave the yard at any given moment. In addition to the power, Venice’s strong defense matches up well to make sure La Mirada’s offense comes to a standstill.
