Shortstop Clayton Also Honored : Davison Named State’s Top Prep Player

Redondo High School pitcher Scott Davison was named the state Player of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports and St. Bernard shortstop Royce Clayton, who signed for a $180,000 bonus with the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, was named state Player of the Year for medium-sized schools.

St. Bernard Coach Bob Yarnall said Clayton agreed to terms with the Giants on Monday and flew to San Francisco on Wednesday to complete the deal. Including incentives, Yarnall said Clayton’s package totaled $195,000.

“He wanted enough money in the bank so, if he was hurt in the minors, he would have enough to go to college,” Yarnall said. “He gets to pursue his dream now.”

Clayton passed up a scholarship to USC.

Clayton, the nation’s 15th draft pick overall and the first high school player taken from California, will report to the Giants’ Northwest Rookie League team in Everett, Wash. He was joined on the all-state team for medium-sized schools by St. Bernard teammate Dan Melendez, a junior pitcher-first baseman.

Davison, who had an 18-1 record and finished as the state career leader in hits, added yet another award to his lengthy list of honors. He was also named The Times South Bay Player of the Year and the CIF-Southern Section 4-A Player of the Year. He was the 3-A co-Player of the Year last season.

A fourth-round draft pick of the Montreal Expos, Davison ended his four-year varsity career with a 48-6 pitching mark, 511 strikeouts, a state-record 149 hits and a CIF-record 142 runs batted in. The right-hander’s only loss last season came to Covina, 6-1, in the semifinals of the 4-A playoffs.

Davison, who also played shortstop, is negotiating with the Expos. If he does not sign, he will attend USC on a baseball scholarship.

Joining Davison on the all-state team for large schools was Gardena outfielder Aman Hicks, a fourth-round draft choice of the Baltimore Orioles. He signed with the club two weeks ago. Hicks was also named to the all-L. A. City 4-A team.

Chadwick infielder Jeff Karnes was the only other South Bay player to earn all-state honors, making the team for small-sized schools. He was also named to the CIF Small Schools Division team.

Davison headed seven South Bay players on the all-CIF 4-A squad, including three first-team selections from El Segundo--catcher Jose Sanchez, first baseman Heath Jones and shortstop Jeremy Varner. Outfielder Henry Schelb and first baseman Tom Doyle of Redondo were chosen to the second team, and Miraleste third baseman Jesse Esphorst made the third team.

The area’s only all-CIF 5-A selection was North Torrance pitcher Greg Davis, who was named to the third team.

Clayton, who led St. Bernard to a third straight Camino Real League title and the CIF 2-A semifinals, was named 2-A co-Player of the Year with pitcher Bill Jordan of division champion Norte Vista. Melendez, St. Bernard pitcher Pat Ahearne and Serra outfielder Torrie Sweet were also named to the all-CIF 2-A squad.

Hicks headed four South Bay players on the all-City 4-A team. Also honored were outfielder Rodney Garcia and pitcher Joey Camello of San Pedro and pitcher-outfielder Ricardo Bernal of Banning.