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2023 Orange County Male Athlete of the Year
2023 Orange County Male Athlete of the Year
A Dual-Threat Dynasty: Matthew Morrell, OC Register's Male Athlete of the Year
In a historic feat that will echo through the halls of Orange County high school sports, Matthew Morrell, the dynamic two-sport star from Cypress High School, was crowned the Orange County Register's Male Athlete of the Year for 2023. This prestigious honor, bestowed upon the county's most exceptional athlete, solidifies Morrell's legacy as one of the greatest to ever grace the fields and diamonds of Cypress High.
Morrell's extraordinary athleticism and unwavering dedication propelled him to unparalleled heights in both football and baseball. His leadership on the gridiron inspired his teammates and instilled fear in opposing defenses.
On the baseball diamond, Morrell was a force to be reckoned with. As a dominant pitcher, he struck out batters with ease. At the plate, he was a feared hitter, driving in runs effortlessly. His versatility and clutch performances were instrumental in leading his team to numerous victories.
What sets Morrell apart is his unique distinction as the only centurion in Orange County history to achieve this honor. This extraordinary feat underscores his exceptional athleticism, unwavering work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to excel at the highest level in two demanding sports is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.
As Morrell embarks on the next chapter of his athletic career, his legacy as a two-sport phenom and the 2023 OC Register Male Athlete of the Year will continue to inspire young athletes for years to come. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Cypress High sports history.
The Register’s Boys Athlete of the Year: Matt Morrell, Cypress
Morrell was an All-County first team selection in baseball and football.
Morrell was an All-County first team selection in baseball and football.
Cypress receiver Matthew Morrell and the Centurions play Capistrano Valley in one of the better matchups of the week in Orange County football. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)
By Steve Fryer | sfryer@scng.com | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: June 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
ORANGE COUNTY BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2022-23
Name: Matt Morrell
School: Cypress
Year: Senior
Sport: Football, baseball
Notable highlights: Morrell played receiver on the Cypress football team that won the Empire League championship with a 5-0 league record while averaging 47 points a game in league, went 13-1 overall and played in the CIF Southern Section Division 4 final.
He was the Empire League football offensive player of the year and was named to the All-County football first team. Morrell (6-3, 195) finished with 80 receptions for a county-leading 1,627 yards with 14 TDs.
Morrell also played center field and pitched for the Cypress baseball team that was an Empire League co-champion with a 9-1 league record, finished 22-7 overall and won the championship of the prestigious National Classic tournament for the second consecutive year. He was selected to the All-County baseball first team and was an Empire League baseball co-MVP. Morrell batted .352 with eight doubles, 20 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. As a pitcher he had two saves and 23 strikeouts in 24 innings.
He signed with Oregon State for baseball. With so much success in the two sports, Morrell had much to choose from when asked for the highlights of his senior year. For baseball …“Winning the National Classic two times in row,” Morrell said. “That was special.” For football …“The whole playoff run was special,” he said. “A one-point game, a two-point game, games won on the last drive.”Cypress in the Division 4 football playoffs, beat Highland of Palmdale 28-26, Long Beach Millikan 29-28 and Newport Harbor 17-14, respectively, to reach the finals.In the win over Millikan the Centurions scored a touchdown as the fourth quarter expired and were successful on a 2-point conversion for the victory. And in the semifinals triumph over Newport Harbor, Cypress’ Logan Kennedy kicked a 36-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining. Cypress football coach Rick Feldman said Morrell was the centerpiece in every game plan.We had to get the ball in his hands,” Feldman said. “Matt was our Mr. Clutch. If we needed a big play, he was going to make it.”Centurions baseball coach John Weber praised Morrell’s athletic ability and character. “He’s a tremendous athlete,” Weber said. “And from a father standpoint, he’s the guy you’d want your daughter to marry. He’s a great young man.” Morrell had a great and memorable final year in his high school sports journey.
“The coaches made it special and so did my teammates,” Morrell said. “It was a great senior year in both sports and it was a lot of fun.”
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