Jared Cornick Prep Baseball California Contributor
Follow @PrepBaseballCA Follow @LesLukach Follow @PBRmonkFollow @hardy03bsblFollow @HankLoForte
CLOVIS, CALIF. - In one of the most competitive divisions in the state, the Clovis High Cougars hope to bring back glory to Northern California in the form of a CIF State Championship.
JD Salles, head coach of the Clovis High Cougars, has worn the title of head coach of the Cougars program since 2022. Salles played high school ball at Clovis West High School, just twenty minutes away from the campus of Clovis High. There, he found success as both a pitcher and hitter and was named team MVP in his senior season. Salles stayed close to home and committed to Fresno State University to continue his baseball career. After two seasons at Fresno State, Salles transferred to Fresno Pacific where he shined as the team’s Friday starter. After graduating as the program’s all-time leader in career ERA, he served as the head coach of both Kingsburg High School and San Joaquin Memorial High School before being named the head coach of Clovis High.
“I’ve played for a lot of different coaches who had a lot of different personalities and I have tried to take something good from all of them when it comes to coaching,” said Salles. “I try to teach them [the players] the stuff I’ve learned while motivating them to play hard and understand that baseball is more than just wins and losses.”
After being bounced in the first round of playoffs, the Clovis Cougars know they have what it takes to go on a deep playoff run with this group. On paper, it all starts with their division one committed pair of aces: John Kasten and Logan Georges.
Kasten, the nineteenth ranked pitcher in the state in his class, is committed to play at the University of Northern Carolina in the fall of 2025. Logan Georges, the thirteenth ranked pitcher in the state in his class, is committed to play at Texas Christian University in the fall of 2026.
Kasten has been a four year varsity standout for the Cougars. In his junior year season, the right-handed pitcher dealt to the tune of a 1.90 ERA across 12 appearances. In those 12 appearances, Kasten tallied 60 punchouts in 55 ? innings pitched.
As for his growth as a pitcher and teammate, coach JD Salles notes that it has been quite a sight to see.
“He’s really taken the next step in terms of leadership. He’s gotten himself in a really good shape and our staff goes through him. He loves the game and he’s a focused guy who loves to win.”
The Cougars get back a key piece back in Logan Georges after missing his sophomore season due to Tommy John surgery. The 6’ 0’’ righty throws a 90 MPH fastball which pairs excellently with a devastating slider and changeup combination.
“I think he’s one of the best pitchers around. He’s going to have a big year once we get him back healthy.”
The two right-handed aces are split up nicely with southpaw Jackson Efird. Efird, an uncommitted junior, posted a 2.02 ERA last season and struck out 20 batters in 41 and ? innings.
As for the final spot in the rotation, it is expected to be filled by one of the many junior strike-throwers on the roster.
“With the combination of pitchers we have, the staff gels together really well,” said Salles. "Scott Scharton, our pitching coach, has been around Clovis High for a long time and does a great job with our staff. I’m very confident with where we are.”
After losing three key seniors in 2B Marcel Leal, SS/RHP Arturo Becerra, and OF Tyler Cheney, Coach Salles and his staff turn to the incoming upperclassmen to fill the holes left behind. Senior Nick Caballero will serve as the team’s shortstop and hopes to bring an offensive spark and sense of leadership alongside fellow seniors Drake Davis (1B) and Peyton Barsotti (C). Additionally, juniors Deagan Rose (3B) and Maddox Merrill (OF) will replace key seniors that graduated the season prior in both the infield and outfield.
Rose, a talented two-sport athlete, is committed to play football at Oregon State at the quarterback position.
“I feel that we have a deep, long lineup. However, the best nine can always change,” said Salles. “There’s going to be a lot of guys getting opportunities, we just have to see who makes the most of them.”
For Coach Salles and the Cougars, constructing a competitive non-league schedule is critical for the team’s potential success in a lengthy playoff run.
“We want to play as many good programs as we can. It helps the team get better and I enjoy forming a good camaraderie with other coaches all around the state,” said Salles.
Games to look out for include:
A clash between California powerhouses.
March 14, 2025 VS JSerra. Top committed players include infielders ‘25 INF Tyler Dunning (UCLA), ‘25 INF Jordan Marian (UCSB), and ‘25 INF Cole Strane (USC).
A rematch from last season against a talented squad from Nevada.
March 13, 2025 VS Desert Oasis (NV). Top committed players include ‘25 MIF Kasey Alferez (Treasure Valley CC) and ‘26 3B/RHP Brody Griffith (Air Force).
A showdown versus the reigning Northern California Champions.
March 28, 2025 VS Oakmont. Top players include ‘25 Jaylan Patterson RHP/OF (San Jose State) and RHP ‘26 Kaden Gaza (Uncommitted).
And an exciting league-play series against a historic rival.
April 29-30, 2025 & May 2, 2025 VS Clovis West. Top players include ‘26 MIF Chase Groves (Cal Berkeley) and ‘25 MIF Matteo Martinez (Uncommitted).
“Every game is a big game,” said Salles. “We compete, practice hard, and we preach playing Clovis High baseball no matter who we are playing. This group has the confidence and the swagger to do just that. ”
An early exit in the CIF-CS Playoffs coming off an excellent regular season in 2024 has not shook Coach Salles, his staff, or the roster in front of him.
“The last couple years we’ve had some tough playoff exits. It all comes down to learning from it and doing all the little things. It’s all about continuing to be detailed, executing plays, and understanding it’s a game of inches,” said Salles.
Under the leadership of Coach Salles and the presence provided on the mound from both Kasten and Georges, the Clovis Cougars will open their season against Cabrillo High School on February 28, 2025.
“This is a great group to be around,” said Salles. “This group seems really hungry and motivated. They are all in and ready to go. It’s a group I look forward to practicing with every day.”
For the Clovis Cougars, the potential of being the last team standing in a daunting section is a hope they want to make a reality.
FOLLOW US THROUGHOUT THE SPRING
+ Prep Baseball California on X + Prep Baseball California on Instagram + Prep Baseball California on Facebook + Prep Baseball California on YouTube
Showcase | State | Date | Location |