Vitals: Buchanan, sophomore, pitcher

He’s qualified because: Provided a hint of greatness by going the distance in a 2-1 section quarterfinal loss to Clovis last year as a freshman.

He was pressing for Bee All-Star Player of the Year honors this season with a 10-2 record, 1.18 ERA, a perfect game, two one-hitters and 68 strikeouts in 71 innings while carrying the Bears to a title in the Tri-River Athletic Conference — the section’s premier league — and a final No. 23 ranking in the state.

He said it: “He really has the ability to locate pitches and is not afraid to pitch inside. He’s a very efficient pitcher whose pitch count is always low. Did his season surprise me? No. I knew what kind of athlete he was. But I was a little surprised because he was so young and playing in such a competitive conference. He proved last year he’s not afraid to take the ball in a big game.” — Buchanan coach Tom Donald