Prep talk: Oakwood is 14-0 in baseball

When you think of Oakwood School in sports, Mitchell Butler comes to mind. He put the basketball team on the map by earning a scholarship to UCLA and playing in the NBA.

Steve Smith, who coached basketball at Windward and in the WNBA, became athletic director and tried to raise the level of athletic engagement at a school known for its academics and parents working in the entertainment business.

The baseball team is certainly showing passion and commitment this season with a 14-0 record, including wins over North Hollywood and Culver City.

Avery Ware, who is in his seventh season as coach, said, “It’s a lot of unselfishness and versatility. »

Shortstop Jake Waco, who transferred from Sherman Oaks Notre Dame last season, was effective as a fielder and hitter. He is the son of David Waco, who was an All-City infielder for Chatsworth in the 1980s. He is committed to Emory. The best pitcher is Trevor Jones, committed to the University of Washington.

If you believe Ware, many players sing on the bus rides home, so someone might be able to sing the national anthem before a game.

“We have a few kids with Hollywood connections,” Ware said.

Jones is a math genius and also competes with the STEM team. Other players are headed to Duke and Brown for academics.

“We’re making progress as a program,” Ware said. “For many years, you could say baseball was just an accessory.”

Ware has his own celebrity connections. He and his brother Anthony stood out in Hamilton. His cousins, Matt and Aaron Ware, were football stars at Loyola and Oaks Christian, respectively.

The team reached a deal to create a baseball field at the North Hollywood Recreation Center next to the school.

And Ware appreciates Smith’s support.

“He is able to create an environment of trust.”

This is a daily look at positive happenings in high school sports. To submit news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.