If coaches and fans across the West Catholic Athletic League and the Central Coast Section had not already heard of freshman Lucas Kelly prior to his high school debut, they were surely aware of him after he took the diamond for the first time at the varsity level.

The 6-foot-2 Sacred Heart Cathedral freshman started his inaugural high school campaign with an eye-opening performance, going 3-for-3 with a double, a walk, two runs scored and five RBIs to lead the Fightin’ Irish past Menlo in a mid-February non-league match-up. It was a sign of things to come for a player who would rack up 36 hits over the course of the season, batting .400 and earning second-team All-WCAL honors in the process.

“Lucas was so consistent for us. He led our team in almost every offensive category, which speaks for itself,” said Sacred Heart Cathedral coach Brian Morgan. “Obviously he is very talented, but he also thinks the game. He watches how teams are trying to get him out and makes adjustments during the game.”

Kelly’s most impressive stretch of the season came arguably during one of the most high-profile sequence of games, playing in the Boras Classic. He strung together multi-hit games against Casa Grande, St. Mary’s-Stockton, Pleasant Valley-Chico and Serra, and then after walking twice in a big 5-4 win over Palo Alto, Kelly resumed his tear, finishing the season on a five-game hitting streak.

The first-year high school player may not have hit for a ton of power in his varsity debut, though he did register seven doubles and a triple, but he also proved to be one of the top contact hitters in the section. Kelly struck out just six times all season, in 103 plate appearances, and half of those strikeouts came in one game against section champion Valley Christian. He also proved adept defensively, committing just two errors all year.

“He is never satisfied with himself, so he keeps pushing to get better,” Morgan added. “His attitude will make him a natural leader as he moves forward.”

For his efforts throughout this season, we are pleased to recognize Lucas Kelly as the Prep2Prep Central Coast Section Freshman of the Year.

Other players considered include Ann Sobrato’s Shane Callison, Del Mar’s Emmit Hugill and Pacific Grove’s Zach Lewis.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of CCS baseball.