Looking Ahead: What to Expect in High School Sports for 2026
Future Predictions for Southland High School Athletes
As the curtain rises on 2026, the Southland’s high school athletes, coaches, and fans brace for an exciting year filled with remarkable achievements and unexpected developments.
JJ Harel of Sherman Oaks Notre Dame is expected to make headlines in the high jump, surpassing the 7-foot mark. With passports from the United States, Israel, and Australia, he is likely to attract the attention of national organizations vying for his talents.
At Corona Santiago, sophomore pitcher Striker Pence is poised to shine as well, boasting a fastball that reaches 100 mph. Reports suggest he could soon secure an endorsement deal from a radar gun company.
In the realm of women’s basketball, the rivalry between UCLA and USC promises to draw significant celebrity attention, creating a scene where TMZ won’t need to pay for footage as former players flock to the games.
Incoming freshman Zoe Thompson, sister to Alyssa and Giselle, is set to make an impactful debut in high school soccer, with Harvard-Westlake gearing up to manage the media frenzy that will accompany her arrival.
In a notable baseball matchup, Norco junior shortstop Dylan Seward is expected to complete a rare cycle during an upcoming game, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Meanwhile, Jaden Soong, a sophomore golfer from St. Francis, aims for his second consecutive CIF championship, facing repeated inquiries about his plans to turn professional.
Gary Morse, a talented 6-foot-8 senior pitcher at Orange Lutheran, is set to throw a no-hitter and plans to celebrate with a well-placed dunk.
At Birmingham High, the sophomore pitcher-catcher duo of Carlos Acuna and Jordan Lindsay is favored to lead their team to victory in the City Section baseball title, with plans for a jubilant dogpile at Dodger Stadium.
Santa Margarita’s Brody Schumaker, who collected eight bunt singles last season, could be called upon by his father, Skip, now the manager of the Texas Rangers, to display his bunting skills during spring training.
In track and field, Brian Prince of Cathedral aims to break the 47-second mark in the 400 meters, while Rickee Luevano of Sylmar and Xavier Allen of Carson are set for a fierce competition for home run supremacy in the City Section.
Aubrey McLaughlin from Eastvale Roosevelt, fresh from earning a gold medal with Team USA at the U-18 Softball World Cup, looks forward to showcasing her skills against Norco.
In a significant shift, All-City linebackers De’Andre Kirkpatrick of Crenshaw and Elyjah Staples of Marquez are among the first City Section players anticipated to receive NIL deals.
Cypress baseball coach John Weber is humorously expected to secure an NIL deal from a pencil company, given his distinctive pencil-tucked attire.
Meanwhile, Jaden Walk-Green of Corona Centennial, known for his impressive dual-sport skills, is taking aim at the 2028 Olympics after excelling in both snowboarding and football.
In a quirky development, a basketball official may confront a parent who frequently disputes calls by daring them to take over officiating responsibilities mid-game.
Freshman Louis Lappe, recognized for his walk-off home run in the 2023 Little League World Series, anticipates a strong high school debut at Harvard-Westlake.
Rumors suggest that Shohei Ohtani may be seen working out at a high school field, prompting heightened media interest akin to an L.A. car chase.
USC is reportedly addressing red-zone scoring challenges by installing freshman Trent Mosley as their new wildcat quarterback.
Former Granada Hills pitcher Easton Hawk is gearing up to become UCLA’s standout closer, potentially leading the Bruins to an NCAA baseball title.
As Southern California athletes gather to prepare for the future, it’s clear that 2026 will be a year of milestones and memorable moments in high school sports.
