It’s already time to get excited about a freshman baseball player.
Pitcher Jordan Ayla of Norco High made a sensational debut last week against Orange Lutheran, striking out 11 in a 2-1 victory. He retired the first 11 batters and gave up two hits with one walk in 5 1/3 innings.
“He’s really good,” Norco coach Gary Parcell said.
Ayala was clocked throwing fastballs in the 90s. Besides his good velocity, it’s Ayala’s poise that makes Parcell convinced the right-hander has a talent for pitching. He’s also a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball.
He was originally attending South Hills until transferring to Norco in November.
“We’re really young and adding a young pitcher like that takes you to another level,” Parcell said. …
The City Section boys’ basketball semifinals in Division I are Wednesday, with Granada Hills hosting Poly and L.A. Jordan hosting Grant.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com