PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State Head Baseball Coach Brian Green announced the 2020 signing class Monday. The coaching staff is expecting to add another one or two players to the class who will arrive in Pullman this fall and compete for the Cougars in the 2021 season.
 
The five-member junior college signee class has already been ranked the fifth-best junior college class by JBB Baseball and No. 10 rated JUCO class by Perfect Game.
 
"I am very excited and proud to announce our first recruiting class at Washington State. I am extremely proud of our coaching staff led by our recruiting coordinator Terry Davis along with Greg Bergeron and Anthony Claggett who all worked tireless over the summer." Green said. "We arrived in June and feel we put together a class that has a great complement of athleticism but most of all, each kid fits into our team as people, they are full of character and integrity. We met each one of their families, nearly every family came on campus and the others welcomed us into their homes so we are excited to get our program going with this first recruiting class.
 
"It was a total team effort starting with the administration, the support staff, all of Washington State and the people of Pullman. We are confident will be able to recruit nationally ranked classes here but one thing that played a huge part was Project: BTO," Green added. "The new clubhouse project played a massive role and has had a huge impact in upgrading the talent of recruits that we could connect with. This class is loaded and we expect it to be a nationally ranked class featuring four of the Top-10 high school players in Washington, the preseason national junior college two-way player of the year as well as a couple premier players in California. The state of Washington is represented with a number of high-level talent led by Kyle Russell (INF), Duke Brotherton (RHP), Cooper Barnum (RHP), Albert Jennings (1B/OF), Louie Albrecht (C), Tyler Hoeft (LHP), Cutter Buchea (RHP) and five Area Code players from Washington while our four junior college pitchers have thrown in the mid-90's."
 
Below is a bio and quote on each signee along with a quote from Washington State Recruiting Coordinator Terry Davis.
 
 
 
 
Louie Albrecht
Catcher
6-0 / 190
Renton, Wash.
Kentridge HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Kentridge High School…three-year letterwinner…as a JUNIOR, earned All-North Puget Sound League after hitting .459…prior to senior season, rated top catching prospect in the state and No. 29 overall prospect in the state…also lettered three times in football as a linebacker and wide receiver.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Lou and Michele…older sister, Maddi…younger brother, Leo…both parents were athletes at Washington, dad played baseball and mom ran track…grandpa, Duane Albrecht played football and baseball at Pacific Lutheran University…grandpa, Sherm Stapleton played football and ran track at Eastern Washington.
 
COACH DAVIS ON ALBRECHT
"Louie is one of the best catchers in the northwest. He's a big physical presence behind the plate and plays with great maturity so we are expecting him to be a big part of our program right away."
 
 
  
Cooper Barnum
Right-handed Pitcher
6-2 / 200
Vancouver, Wash.
Skyview HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Skyview High School…as a JUNIOR, was named to the 4A All-State Team and ranked eighth-best prospect in Washington for the 2020 class…prior to senior season, ranked among Top-500 High School prospects in the country by Prep Baseball Report… rated No. 6 overall 2020 prospect in Washington by Prep Baseball Report…in football, was a named the Greater St. Helens League Defensive Player of the Year.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Bruce and Shawna…dad, Bruce is the head football coach at Portland State…older brother, Brody is a junior on the Cougar baseball team.
 
COACH DAVIS ON BARNUM
"Big and strong kid who pitched for Royals Area Code Team and has a really good breaking ball. We expecting him to have an immediate impact on our pitching staff when he gets on campus this fall."
 
 
 
Duke Brotherton
Right-Handed Pitcher
6-4 / 190
Mercer Island, Wash.
Mercer Island HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Mercer Island High School…as a JUNIOR, named to All-KingCo League Second Team after going 4-3 with two saves in 10 appearances, struck out 52 in 42.2 innings…earned win in 3A KingCo League Championship Game after allowing just two earned runs in 6.2 innings…prior to SENIOR season, rated No. 2 overall 2020 prospect in Washington by Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Brad and Amy…younger brother, Chaz…fourth-generation Cougar…both parents graduated from WSU in the 1990's…both grandparents graduated from WSU in the 1960's…both great grandparents graduated from WSU in the 1930's…great grandpa Angus Clark graduated from WSU in 1927.
 
COACH DAVIS ON BROTHERTON
"Duke is considered the best pitcher in the northwest by many scouting organizations. He pitches in the low 90's right now and he will be a front-end of the rotation guy for us and we are very excited to have him join the program this fall."
 
 
 
Cutter Buchea
Right-Handed Pitcher
6-2 / 180
Lynwood, Wash.
Meadowdale HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Meadowdale High School…as a JUNIOR, named to All-WESCO Second Team as an infielder…rated No. 35 prospect in Washington by Prep Baseball Report.
 
COACH DAVIS ON BUCHEA
"Cutter is a very solid righthander who pitches with great mechanics, has a good work ethic and we project he will help this program."
 
 
 
McKabe Cottrell
Left-handed Pitcher
6-1 / 220
Spokane Valley, Wash.
Freeman HS '17 / Spokane CC '19
 
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Spokane Community College…as a FRESHMAN in 2019, named to the All-NWAC Second Team and first-team All-Region after going 6-3 with a 2.42 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 74.1 innings…as a hitter, recorded three doubles and one home run in 45 at-bats.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Freeman High School…four-year letterwinner in baseball and football…also lettered one year in wrestling…three-time All-State first-team selection…as a SOPHOMORE, named Northeast A League MVP after winning nine games and recorded 116 strikeouts in 67 innings…as a JUNIOR, named Northeast A League MVP after winning nine games with 144 strikeouts in 72 innings…as a SENIOR, named Northwest A League MVP after winning eight games with 98 strikeouts in 60 innings.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Kohn and Corina…younger brothers, Keegan and Kohlter…younger sister, McKenna.
 
COACH DAVIS ON COTTRELL
"McKabe is a solid lefthander from Spokane who was one of the better starting pitchers in the NWAC last season. He pitches with good velocity and very good chance up so we are looking forward to having him compete for innings right away."
 
 
 
Mitchell DeCovich
Right-Handed Pitcher
6-3 / 185
Phoenix, Ariz.
Sandra Day O'Connor HS '18 / Central Arizona College '20
 
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Central Arizona College…helped Central Arizona to a Junior College National Championship and a 50-20 overall record…went 2-0 with two saves in 16 appearances…recorded a 2.93 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 30.2 innings.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Sandra Day O'Connor High School…as a SENIOR, named 6A All-Region second-team, Perfect Game All-West Region honorable mention and to the Arizona Coaches Association All-Star Team after going 9-2 to lead SDOHS to a 6A State Championship.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Guy and sherry…older brother, Garrett…older sister, Sydney…cousin, Evan played baseball at Central Arizona.
 
COACH DAVIS ON DECOVICH
"Mitchell was a big contributor on his junior college team that won a national championship last season. He has touched 94 on the mound so we look to have an immediate impact on our pitching staff when he gets to campus."
 
 
 
Cody Dreis
Third Base
6-2 / 205
Seattle, Wash.
Bishop Blanchet HS '20
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Bishop Blanchet High School…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Metro League Second Team after hitting .316 with six doubles, one triple and one home run…suffered season-ending injury in early May…rated No. 6 overall and top third base 2020 prospect in Washington by Perfect Game.
 
COACH DAVIS ON DREIS
"Cody is already a solid third baseman and could play first or one of the corner outfield spots for us. We are very excited to another big, strong athlete from the state of Washington who will bring some righthanded power to Pullman."
 
 

Gunner Gouldsmith
Infield
5-8 / 160
Reno, Nev.
Reno HS '20
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Rio Rancho High School in Albuquerque, N.M.…as a SOPHOMORE, named All-State second-team…attended Reno High School as a junior and senior…as a JUNIOR, named Northern 4A Region Defensive Player of the Year as a shortstop after hitting .343 with 43 runs scored, eight doubles, 21 RBI and 26 stolen bases…selected to play in the Northern 4A All-Star Underclassmen Game.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Jefferson, La….parents, Buddy and Heather…older brother, Garrett is a junior infielder at WSU…younger sister, Gabby…grandpa, Steve Lane played baseball at Nevada…dad, Buddy was an assistant coach at Nevada, UNLV and New Mexico.
 
COACH DAVIS ON GOULDSMITH
"Gunner is a very good utility infielder, plus speed, good tools and plays the game the way it's supposed to be played, hard."
 
 
 
Tyler Hoeft
Right-handed Pitcher
5-10 / 185
Milton, Wash.
Federal Way HS '20
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Federal Way High School…three-year letterwinner…two-time All-North Puget Sound League selection…as a SOPHOMORE, named to All-NPSL Second Team after going 4-2 with 42 strikeouts in 44.1 innings…as a JUNIOR, named to The Tacoma News Tribune All-Area Second Team and All-NPSL Cascade First Team after going 5-2 with a 2.44 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 43 innings…threw a pair of no-hitters…rated No. 9 overall 2020 prospect in Washington by Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Rod and Venus…younger brother, Guy.
 
COACH DAVIS ON HOEFT
"Tyler is a highly touted righthander out of Washington who is constantly throwing the upper 80's so we will be an immediate contributor for us."
 
 
 
Albert Jennings
First Base / Outfield
6-3 / 195
Maple Valley, Wash.
Tahoma HS '20
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Tahoma High School…prior to senior season, hit .345 with 50 RBI for the Seattle Premier League…selected to play for the Kansas City Royals Area Code Team…ranked the top 2020 outfielder in Washington by Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Seattle…parents, Albert and Madelyn…older sister, Angelica.
 
COACH DAVIS ON JENNINGS
"We project Albert to develop some power, he's already big and strong and swings from the left side. Albert is one of the better hitters in the state, he has a great family and we are very excited to have him playing in Pullman."
 

 
Keith Jones II
Outfield
6-2 / 195
Brentwood, Calif.
Heritage HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Heritage High School…as a SOPHOMORE, named to All-Bay Valley League Second Team after hitting .292 with two doubles, one homer and 13 RBI…helped HHS to a 20-7 record and Bay Valley League title…as a JUNIOR, hit .294 with three doubles, two triples, five stolen bases, 19 RBI and 19 runs scored in 28 games…helped HHS to a 21-7 record…pitched for Zoots Baseball at the 2019 USA Baseball National Team Championships…rated No. 11 outfielder in California by Perfect Game…rated No. 35 overall prospect in California and No. 54 outfielder in the country by Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Oakland…parents, Keith and Dandriel…younger brother, Tre'von.
 
COACH DAVIS ON JONES II
"Keith brings some size to our position player group and can pitch a little too. He's a big physical bat that we need and he can also run a little bit so we are really excited to have Keith in a Cougar uniform."
 
 
 
Kolby Kmetko
Right-Handed Pitcher / Infield
6-1 / 180
Phoenix, Ariz.
Pinnacle HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Pinnacle High School…named PHS Offensive Player of the Year as freshman and sophomore…as a JUNIOR, name to 6A All-Desert Valley Region Second Team…on the mound, made 10 appearances and went 3-0 with a 2.21 ERA…recorded 22 strikeouts in 19 innings…played for Cincinnati Reds Area Code team, the Arizona Diamondbacks Scout Team and selected to play in the Junior Sunbelt Classic…rated No. 30 overall prospect and No. 10 shortstop in Arizona by Perfect Game…rated No. 20 right-handed pitcher in Arizona by Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Great Falls, Mont….parents, Steve and Shani…older brother, Tyler…older sisters, Madison and McKenna…dad, Steve played baseball at Western New Mexico…mom, Shani ran track at Iowa…brother, Tyler played baseball at Utah…sister, Madison played soccer at Arizona State.
 
COACH DAVIS ON KMETKO
"Kolby is a very good player out of Arizona, throws in the low 90's right now but is also very good in the field so he's a possible two-way player for us."
 
 
 
Jakob Marquez
Catcher
6-0 / 205
Santa Clarita, Calif.
Valencia HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Hart High School as a JUNIOR, hit .254 with two doubles and three home runs…will play at Valencia High School as a senior…rated No. 14 catcher in California and No. 108 catcher in the country by Perfect Game.
 
COACH DAVIS ON MARQUEZ
"Jakob is a big, physical catcher from southern California who is a solid switch-hitter with above-average bat speed so he will compete for at-bats right away."
 
 

Luca Martinez
Infield
5-8 / 165
San Marcos, Calif.
San Marcos HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended San Marcos High School…rated No. 37 shortstop in California and No. 185 overall California prospect by Prep Baseball Report.
 
COACH DAVIS ON MARTINEZ
"Luca is very athletic, plays with a quick twitch and owns plus speed. He loves to play the game of baseball and plays hard every time."
 
 
 
Jacob McKeon
First Base / Outfield
6-4 / 225
Phoenix, Ariz.
Mountain Pointe HS / Central Arizona College
 
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Central Arizona College…as a FRESHMAN, hit .286 with nine doubles, one triple, one homer, four stolen bases and 23 RBI in 41 games…helped Central Arizona to a Junior College National Championship.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Mountain Pointe High School…as a SENIOR, named to Tempe All-City First Team and 6A Central All-Region.
 
COACH DAVIS ON MCKEON
"Jakob is another big, physical player who can play multiple positions and we expect him to be a big factor in the middle of our lineup."
 
 

Matt Ortiz
Infield
6-0 / 175
Garden Grove, Calif.
Pacifica, Calif.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Pacifica High School…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Empire League First Team.
 
PERSONAL
Parents, Juan and Denise…older brother, Joey played for head coach Brian Green at New Mexico State, was a fourth-round draft pick by Baltimore Orioles in 2019…brother Jonathan and Desiree.
 
COACH DAVIS ON ORTIZ
"Matthew is the younger brother of Joey Ortiz who was a fourth-round draft pick for us at New Mexico State. Matt plays different than Joey but he will have a chance to play right away because of how advanced he is at the plate."
 
 

Zach Patterson
Outfield / Right-Handed Pitcher
6-3 / 210
Livermore, Calif.
Granada HS / Ohlone CC
 
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Utah as a FRESHMAN where he redshirted…attended Ohlone College in California as a RS-FRESHMAN, named Co-MVP of NorCal All-State All-North Team and MVP of All-Coast Conference…named to Northern California All-Region Second Team after hitting .381 with 14 doubles, three triples, 14 homers, 12 stolen bases and 53 RBI…scored 52 runs in 49 games…on the mound, went 1-1 with four saves and a 0.73 ERA in 19 appearances, recorded 30 strikeouts in 24.2 innings…helped …prior to RS-SOPHOMORE season, named the JBB Junior College Preseason Two-Way Player of the Year.
 
COACH DAVIS ON PATTERSON
"Zach was the 2019 California Player of the Year and one of the best two-way players in the country. He can play the corner outfield spots and also pitch, either in the setup or closer role."

 
 
Lucas Quezada
Right-Handed Pitcher
6-2 / 200
Denver, Colo.
Heritage HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Heritage High School as a freshman, sophomore and junior…as a FRESHMAN, played in 2016 14U Perfect Game World Series…as a SOPHOMORE, played in the 2017 15U Perfect Game World Series and named 2018 Rawlings Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American…named to All-Centennial League Second Team after going 2-1 with 24 strikeouts in nine appearances…helped HHS to 5A State Title game…as a JUNIOR, played in 2018 18U Perfect Game World Series and named 2019 Rawlings Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American…went 1-1 with a 3.42 ERA in five appearances…as a SENIOR, will play at Northfield High School…rated No. 12 overall prospect and No. 5 righthander in Colorado by Perfect Game.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Denver…parents, Eduardo and Maria.
 
COACH DAVIS ON QUEZADA
"Lucas was committed to the previous WSU staff but we were able to build a relationship with him and was able to get him to re-commit. He's a solid righthander who will contribute for us right away when he gets to Pullman."
 
 
 
Kyle Russell
Infield
6-1 / 180
University Place, Wash.
Curtis HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Curtis High School in Washington…as a FRESHMAN, named to All-South Puget Sound League First Team as a utility player…as a SOPHOMORE, named to All-SPSL First Team as an infielder after hitting .380 with 27 hits, 15 RBI and did not strike out once in 81 plate appearances…as a JUNIOR, named to All-Area Team by the Tacoma News Tribune and SPSL MVP after hitting .425 with four doubles, one triple, six home runs, 28 RBI, four stolen bases and struck out just twice in 92 plate appearances…on the mound, went 2-2 with two saves and 1.97 ERA in 10 appearances, striking out 23 in 21.1 innings…played in Area Codes…played for the National Team Future Stars Series at Fenway Park…also lettered four times as a quarterback…rated third-best shortstop in the state by Perfect Game…rated No. 90 shortstop in the country and No. 4 overall prospect in Washington by Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Tacoma…parents, Syd and Kim…older brother, Cody.
 
COACH DAVIS ON RUSSELL
"Kyle is arguably the best all-around player in Washington and probably in the northwest. We project him as a shortstop and one that will come in and compete for playing time immediately. We are very excited that Kyle will be a Coug!"
 
 
 
Merek Sears
Left-Handed Pitcher
6-3 / 165
Ferndale, Calif.
Arcata HS '20
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Arcata High School…as a JUNIOR, named HumboldtSports.com Pitcher of the Year, All-State Small School Second Team, All-Big 5 First Team after going 9-2 with 107 strikeouts…helped AHS to a North Coast Section Title.
 
COACH DAVIS ON SEARS
"Merek is long lefthander from northern California who fills up the strike zone with three solid pitches already so he will help our pitching staff."
 
 

William Sierra
Right-Handed Pitcher
6-2 / 175
Montreal, Canada
Edouard-Montpetit HS / Chipola College / Yavapai College
 
JUNIOR COLLEGE
Attended Chipola Junior College in Florida as a FRESHMAN in 2018, redshirted…attended Yavapai College in Arizona as a RS-FRESHMAN in 2019, appeared in 11 games including seven as a starter…went 3-1 with a 4.64 ERA and one complete game…recorded 40 strikeouts in 33 innings.
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Played for the Team Canada Junior National Team as a JUNIOR and SENIOR…rated fourth-best righthander in Quebec…rated No. 12 HS pitcher in Canada by Baseball America…selected in 28th round by the New York Mets in the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Montreal…parents, Galberto and Rosa.
 
COACH DAVIS ON SIERRA
"William has an electric arm who works in the 90's and will have an immediate impact for us next season."
 
 
 
Kyler Stancato
Outfield / Left-Handed Pitcher
6-3 / 190
Glendale, Ariz.
Mountain Ridge HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Curtis High School in Washington as a freshman and sophomore…as a FRESHMAN, named All-South Puget Sound League Honorable Mention after starting all 21 games in centerfield and posted a 3.87 in 12.2 IP on the mound…as a SOPHOMORE, named All-SPSL Honorable Mention…attended Mountain Ridge High School in Arizona as junior and senior…as a JUNIOR, named Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American Honorable Mention…started all 32 games in the outfield, recorded four doubles with 11 RBI, six stolen bases and 23 runs scored…on the mound, went 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 27 innings and…also lettered three times in football and once in wrestling, named to All-Arizona Second Team as wide receiver as a senior…rated second-best lefthander in Arizona by Perfect Game and Prep Baseball Report.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Tacoma, Wash….parents, Kyle and Kristen…older sister, Karissa…twin brother, Keegan will play baseball at Portland…dad, Kyle played baseball at Columbia Basin and Pacific Lutheran…mom, Kristen played volleyball and softball at Pacific Lutheran…uncle, Mike Blowers played baseball at Washington and 11 seasons in the Major Leagues (Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Athletics)…aunt, Nicole Blowers ran track at Wyoming.
 
COACH DAVIS ON STANCATO
"Kyler will be one of our best athletes, he was an All-State receiver in Arizona so he can run but he's also very dominant on the mound so there's a chance he could be a very productive two-way player for us."
 
 

Jayshaun Wise
Infield
6-2 / 190
Benicia, Calif.
Benicia HS
 
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Benicia High School in northern California…as a SOPHOMORE, named All-North Coast Section Honorable Mention after hitting .340 with six doubles, three homers and 21 RBI in 21 games…as a JUNIOR, named All-North Coast Section Honorable Mention after recording three doubles, one triple, two homers, four stolen bases and 17 RBI in 27 games…earned Player of the Week honors from The Times Herald the final week of the season…received the Never Give Up Award and helped BHS to a North Coast Section Division II Championship.
 
PERSONAL
Born in Oakland…dad, Nick...mom, Lottie and stepdad, Jerrell…younger brother, Jerimai and younger sister, Aynya…uncle, Keith Reynolds was a wide receiver at Washington State in early 1990's…uncle, Cory Dunlap was a third-round pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2004, played four seasons in the minor leagues.
 
COACH DAVIS ON WISE
"Jayshaun in a big, strong kid with big-time power from the right side who we are expecting to compete for a starting spot and contribute in our 2021 lineup."