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Freshman Josh Stephen of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif. has carried the momentum of playing on an elite summer team into his first year of high school and is beginning to attract some big time attention from college coaches.
The left handed corner outfielder (he'll likely take over center field next season) is batting close to .300 with seven walks and five strikeouts. There is a lot to like about his approach at the plate as there isn't much wasted movement in his wide based stance. He keeps his hands quiet and is able to cover the entire plate.
Defensively he has the arm to play anywhere in the outfield and the athleticism to thrive in any of those positions. This is a kid with a high baseball IQ who has played in a lot of big games and on some elite teams where he has been a standout.
College coaches have taken notice as well as he recently received his first official offer. Stephen is in the midst of what should be a very interesting recruiting campaign.
Below is video of him in a game versus Orange Lutheran on 5/3/13.