De La Salle Wins Prestigious National Classic Title

High school baseball and softball roundup highlights top teams and players

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:05am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a high school baseball game, with the players' uniforms rendered in bold, overlapping shapes and colors.A cubist interpretation of the intense action and competitive spirit of the National Classic high school baseball tournament.Dublin Today

De La Salle High School's baseball team defeated Centennial-Corona in the championship game of the prestigious National Classic tournament. In other action, Willow Glen pitcher Kelan Cunningham threw five perfect innings to lead his team past Christopher, and Livermore's Payten Williams drove in four runs in a softball victory over Dublin.

Why it matters

The National Classic is one of the top high school baseball tournaments in the country, drawing elite teams from across the nation. De La Salle's championship win showcases the strength of the school's baseball program and the Bay Area's talent pool. The other standout individual performances highlight the depth of talent in local high school sports.

The details

De La Salle, a powerhouse baseball program in the East Bay, defeated Centennial-Corona 7-3 to claim the National Classic title. Willow Glen pitcher Kelan Cunningham was dominant, throwing five perfect innings in his team's 3-0 win over Christopher. In softball, Livermore's Payten Williams had a big game, driving in four runs to lead her team to a 9-5 victory over Dublin.

  • The National Classic tournament took place over the weekend of April 2-3, 2026.
  • De La Salle won the championship game on April 3, 2026.

The players

De La Salle High School

A prestigious Catholic high school in Concord, California, known for its strong athletic programs, especially in baseball.

Centennial-Corona

A high school baseball team from Corona, California that reached the National Classic championship game.

Kelan Cunningham

The pitcher for Willow Glen High School who threw five perfect innings in his team's 3-0 win.

Payten Williams

The Livermore High School softball player who drove in four runs in her team's 9-5 victory over Dublin.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the National Classic is a huge accomplishment for our program. The boys played their hearts out and I'm so proud of them.”

— Bob Ladouceur, Head Coach, De La Salle High School Baseball

What’s next

De La Salle will look to continue its success as it prepares for the state playoffs, while the other standout players and teams will aim to build on their impressive performances throughout the rest of the season.

The takeaway

This high school sports roundup showcases the depth of talent in the Bay Area, with elite programs like De La Salle winning prestigious national tournaments and individual stars emerging across baseball and softball. These results highlight the competitive nature of local high school athletics and the passion of the student-athletes.