Standout local players decide to play at home

Two of the top high school baseball players in the state have decided to stay home for college.

‘Iolani’s Pikai Winchester and Kamehameha’s Kekai Rios have given oral commitments to play for the Rainbow Warriors starting in 2016.

Winchester, a left-handed-hitting middle infielder, made his decision on Sunday after returning home from California, where he spent nearly a month playing in different showcase events.

Schools such as Arizona State and USC began recruiting him hard before he decided to make the commitment to stay home.

"I gave it deep thought and decided I wanted to play in front of my grandparents and my family," Winchester said.

Rios played shortstop for the Warriors last season but said he was recruited as a catcher.

He made his decision after playing in the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif., this month.

"I had a pretty good feeling I was going to commit (to Hawaii) before I left, but I waited out to make sure it was the best place for me," Rios said. "I didn’t want to go somewhere to sit on the bench for two or three years."

Rios said the two other schools showing the most interest were Cal State Northridge and San Jose State.