BK obviously has not rebuilt, but reloaded. And a big reason has been the performances of first-year varsity players such as Boise High transfer David Nathan and 6-foot-8 Nico Lytle.

Both have had to grow up fast. Nathan, Lytle and nine teammates were playing at the junior varsity level last season. The Knights have handled the jump.

Nathan, a right-handed pitcher and designated hitter, has been dominant on the mound and at the plate, posting a 6-0 record and 0.74 ERA, .537 batting average and an on-base plus slugging percentage of 1.498.

"Hitting and pitching, he's been a special young man," Sutcliffe said.

The senior said transfering to BK was the best choice he's ever made.

"I love playing and I just love coming out every day and getting a chance to play, and even getting a chance to play at the next level is a great deal," said Nathan, who has had interest from several junior college teams.