Los Angeles Times - Eric Sondheimer

Standout shortstop Elliott Barzilli of Palisades has decided not to play for the team this season, he said on Tuesday.

Barzilli, a Georgia Tech signee, said he will play for a spring league in San Bernardino. He said he came close to leaving high school before last season.

"I felt this year was a deciding moment," he said.

Barzilli is hoping to use the experience of playing with wood bats to prepare for the major-league draft.

While Barzilli is leaving the high school ranks, another player is returning. David Denson, who hasn't played high school baseball since his freshman year at Bishop Amat, will play his senior year this season for South Hills.

The Hawaii commit received attention for a 515-foot home run hit off a pitching machine in Florida.