***St. John Bosco infielder, James Clark, was named the school’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2026. He is headed to play baseball at Duke University. (Photo by Keith Durflinger)***

BELLFLOWER – It’s been quite a ride for the St. John Bosco baseball team and James Clark these past couple of years.

The recent graduate helped lead his team over the last two years to back-to-back CIF Division I Championships.

But perhaps the crowning glory to the 2-year run he and his teammates have been on was him being named the 2026 St. John Bosco Athlete of the Year.

The award was recently presented to Clark at the Annual Baccalaureate Ceremony where various other sports scholar athlete awards were handed out.

Julian Garcia received the Trinity League Pitcher of the Year, along with Maxpreps Player of the Year for California, while Jack Champlin won the league MVP.

“I didn’t really know I was going to get the award until a few things about me were said and I was really surprised,” Clark said.

“Once I heard it I realized all of my hard work paid off. It was a surreal moment.”

James Clark, along with his older (by one minute) twin brother Miles Clark transferred into Bosco in their junior years, after beginning their high school education and baseball at Servite High.

As for the transfer to Bosco, in the summer before their junior year of high school they heard of a new coach at the Bellflower campus. “We haven’t regretted it at all,” said James, of the transfer to Bosco.

The St. John Bosco baseball program, which hadn’t been in the CIF-SS playoffs since the 2017 season, found hope when new coach Andy Rojo started turning things around in 2024.

“Just the way he runs the program with a great support system,” added James. “He’ll manage the program with his coaches.

“He’s just a world class individual.”

After losing in the CIF D3 title game in ‘24, they went on a three-year run that saw a 15-game playoff winning streak.

Rojo said this about James Clark: “James Clark has been a true transformative force for St. John Bosco baseball over the past two years. His elite athleticism and outstanding baseball IQ have elevated everyone around him, while his competitive fire and genuine care for his teammates have made him a crucial part of our championship program.

“It’s no surprise he was named St. John Bosco High School’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year. We couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s become, and we’re excited to watch him continue his journey at Duke University or professional baseball.”

This story wouldn’t be complete without his brother Miles and James Clark knows of the journey with his “older” brother.

James Clark knows of the sacrifices his parents (Miles and Sheri Clark) went through over the years for him and his brother, who have played together since they first stepped on the baseball field.

“All of the sacrifices they went through and before we drove they would make the 1 ½ hour commute from Riverside to training sessions, school and games,” he said.

The two brothers culminated a great two-year career at Bosco and both committed to Duke University for the Fall.

“We knew what we were looking for and found the best of two worlds – athletics and education,” he added. “I pride myself with being a student-athlete.”

Both brothers finished school with high GPA’s – Miles with a 4.3 and James with a 4.2 GPA.

On playing with his brother, James said, “Playing with him is a built in safety net when we would go to new teams.

“I’m happy to see him do so well.”

Miles played centerfield this past season and he said of his brother, “I’m so proud of him,” Miles said. “He’s always grinding. He’s a pretty special person.”

On the moment of the announcement of the award for James, Miles and the rest of the baseball team started realizing it was going to be James.

“We all just started to realize all of his accolades.”

On attending Duke, Miles said, “It’s super exciting,” he said. “Not a lot of people get to play at DI with academics and play with their brother.

On their parents support through the years, both brothers realized how valuable they were. Miles said, “We are super grateful for them, especially all the driving they did for us.”

A big highlight for James in the summer before his senior year was being selected, along with teammate Jaden Jackson, to the World Baseball Classic 18U team.

“It was a structured tournament and we played in Okinawa in a packed stadium of about 20,000 fans and it was a unique experience,” James said.

The selection started with 88 players and was whittled down to a roster of 20 for the tournament.

On the legacy that was left by all of the seniors, James said: “We just were able to do our thing. Before it was the worst and we flipped the script 360 degrees. They have a great alumni support now, especially with this new field.”

James Clark concluded saying of his accomplishments, “I pride myself of being a student-athlete.”

What they said about James Clark:

Jack Champlin, senior third baseman: “He’s been such a big part of the team the last two seasons. Just his presence to our culture. He set a good example.

“After his junior year when he won the league MVP, the (Athlete of the Year award) just seem to bring back his old self before this year’s playoffs. It was a good confidence booster for him.

“You watch James and you get the sense he does it the right way. It’s so huge with what he did as a leader. He’s a tremendous player, athlete and also a great family. I’m proud of him.”

Julian Garcia, senior pitcher: “James played a big role on the team. He was one of the best leaders I’ve ever played with.

“The award was something that he deserved.

“Off the field he’s been a role model and someone in the classroom to be the guy to help someone out if needed. On the field he’s a grinder.

“We just had this discussion a few days ago that we were surrounded by just us players as one unit.”