High school baseball 2026 season preview: Bellarmine Prep Lions
The high school baseball season is underway in Washington, and The News Tribune has been making stops across the South Sound, visiting local programs at practices as games begin. Up next, we’re previewing a handful of teams individually as they begin league play.
Here’s how things are shaping up for the Bellarmine Prep Lions this spring.
Editor’s note: The “outlook” section for each program is pulled from the TNT’s practice tour. Find the full practice tour story here, complete with insight on several teams in the area, quotes, photos, videos and more.
BELLARMINE PREP LIONS
Head coach: Conor Unruh, third season
2025 results: 10-10, 3A District 3/4 tournament
OUTLOOK
Joshua Morales couldn’t believe it when he saw 94 miles per hour flash on the radar gun recently in Kirkland. Yes, Bellarmine Prep’s hard-throwing junior right hander is ready for the spring.
“Kinda shocked myself,” he told The News Tribune before a rainy practice at Bellarmine earlier in the month, wearing a dress shirt and tie after a school mass. “Ran with the momentum, getting ready for the season.”
Consistently, Morales is in the low 90s. He’ll assume the No. 1 pitcher role for third-year coach Conor Unruh’s Lions this year.
“We’re expecting big things from him,” Unruh said. “He’s been on our roster since freshman year and he’s incrementally over the last couple of years gone up on velocity, has had a big offseason and we’re gonna depend on him. Last year, he was our No. 2 starter. He’s the ace this year, he’s got a target on his back and I’m excited to see him grow into that role.”
In addition to the velocity, Morales said he wants to live in the strike zone this spring.
“Getting that walk count down, pounding the zone and not being afraid of anyone in the league no matter how good you are, where you’re ranked, where you’re committed,” he said. “Just going after it, every batter.”
Bellarmine has some bats to replace, but Unruh feels good about a handful of players, including senior UTIL Aaron Barnhart, senior OF Dawson Brown, junior UTIL Calvin Dossett and sophomore C Mason Montgomery.
“I think we’re gonna pitch well, gonna play good defense, gonna be disciplined in that area of the game,” Unruh said. “Offensively, we’re replacing four big bats from our lineup last year. I’ve been trying to preach to these guys, it’s an opportunity. Who’s gonna take it, who’s gonna run with the opportunity?
“We’ve got a lot of young talent who can step up and fill those roles, so I’m excited to see how our lineup shakes out. Definitely pitching and defense will be kind of our backbone of this team.”
That means plenty of chances for Morales to shine. He’s ready for the opportunity.
KEY PLAYERS
P/OF Joshua Morales
UTIL Aaron Barnhart
UTIL Calvin Dossett
C Mason Montgomery
INF/P Owen Schneller
SAVE THE DATE
March 31 & April 1: at Central Kitsap, vs. Central Kitsap, 4 p.m.
April 14 & 15: at Silas, vs. Silas, 4 p.m.
March 2: at Stadium, 1 p.m.
