NCS Senior of the Year
OSIRIS JOHNSON, ENCINAL
An illustrious four-year varsity career came to a close this spring for Encinal infielder Osiris Johnson, and it did so in fashion, with career-highs in virtually every offensive category.
Johnson finished his Jets' career with a .403 batting average, no doubt sparked by this year’s .535 average at the plate, despite the attempts of opposing pitchers to nibble at the plate when facing the Cal State Fullerton commit and recent second round draft pick of the Miami Marlins. The 53rd overall pick in this year’s Major League Baseball draft, Johnson was named co-Player of the Year in the WACC-Shoreline after slugging six home runs, two triples, and 15 doubles.
As the year wore on, and scouts flocked repeatedly to scrutinize Johnson’s every move, the senior standout and multi-year Area Code Games participant simply continued to produce, finishing the year on a seven-game hitting streak. The late streak included four straight multi-hit games late in the league season, and a two-double, two-RBI performance against Las Lomas in the first round of the Division III playoffs. Johnson also finished the year with 24 RBIs and 30 runs scored.
The second cousin of former baseball star Jimmy Rollins showcased versatility and an all-around game at all times. Johnson notched 16 stolen bases this year, and registered 53 assists from his shortstop position, turning two double plays during a Shoreline tournament semifinal win over Mt. Eden. Both athletes played for now-retired Encinal coach Jim Saunders, who coached 28 years, amassing 525 wins. Saunders projected Johnson as a second-round draft pick, and getting drafted by the Marlins means he has an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of another former Encinal player, pitcher Dontrelle Willis.
For now, Johnson can quickly reflect on a senior year in which he was one of the toughest outs in Northern California. The combination of his power, ability to make contact, and keen eye resulted in just six strikeouts all season, and the 6-foot-1, 195-pound prospect boasted a 1.553 OPS. All of his success in his senior year was certainly foreseeable after the way he started his high school career.
Even before filling out into a major league prospect and dominant all-around player, Johnson played in 24 varsity games as a freshman, even hitting his first high school home run. His average increased to .346 as a sophomore, and he really broke through as a junior, hitting .481 with five home runs and 27 RBIs last year. For his career, he finishes with not only the .403 four-year batting average, but over the last two seasons alone, racked up 11 home runs, 23 doubles, 36 stolen bases, and 51 RBIs.
For his efforts throughout this season, we are pleased to recognize Osiris Johnson as the Prep2Prep North Coast Section Senior of the Year.
Other players considered include De La Salle’s Nick Cirelli, Alameda’s Bryan Woo, College Park’s Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Redwood Christian’s Alex Williams.
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