Cypress All-County catcher Nick Montgomery selected by Atlanta Braves in MLB draft – Orange County Register

Cypress catcher Nick Montgomery, a 2024 graduate, was selected in the fifth round by the Atlanta Braves in the Major League Baseball Entry Draft on Monday, July 15. (Photo by Steve Fryer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Cypress’ rich history with the Major League Baseball draft added a new chapter this week.

Catcher Nick Montgomery, a standout senior for the Centurions last season, was drafted in the fifth round, 161st overall, by the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

Montgomery was the only high school player from Orange County’s 2024 class selected in the draft, which ran from Sunday to Tuesday. He also became the 30th former Cypress player to be selected.

Last spring, Montgomery (6-4, 185) was named first-team All-County and Empire League co-MVP after helping the Centurions win the league title.

He hit .302 with four home runs, 21 RBIs and 21 stolen bases.

Montgomery signed with Arizona State in November.

On Tuesday night, former Cypress star and Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran was voted MVP of the MLB All-Star Game. In 2018, he was selected in the seventh round by Boston out of Long Beach State.

In other OC draft highlights, former JSerra left-handed pitcher Gage Jump (LSU) was selected by Oakland in the B round of the Competitive Balance and with the 73rd overall pick.

Former Beckman outfielder Nick McLain (Arizona State) and former Foothill outfielder Austin Overn (USC) were drafted in the third round by the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore, respectively.

McLain’s brother Matt plays for the Cincinnati Reds while his brother Sean plays for the Dodgers’ Class A affiliate in Rancho Cucamonga.