Coaches often say that teenagers are as predictable as the stock market.

Look no further than South Kitsap’s baseball team. The Wolves scored at least 10 runs in three wins during a week in early April.

But in the Narrows League championship game Saturday, South’s prospects dipped lower than the average retirement plan in a 12-0 loss against Olympia.

It’s that volatility that makes coach Jim Fairweather appreciate junior Ricky Johnson even more. Besides the versatility to regularly play first and third base in addition to pitching, Fairweather welcomes Johnson’s mentality.

“He’s just really consistent,” he said. “It’s just a testimony to how important it is to him.”

The latter is a significant statement for Fairweather. He occasionally still wears a replica No. 16 Mariners jersey of infielder Willie Bloomquist, the former South star who signed with the Kansas City Royals in the offseason. Bloomquist, who helped guide the Wolves to a state championship in 1996, was known for maximizing his ability through hard work.

“I’m a sucker for guys like that,” Fairweather said. “It’s nice when you get to coach kids with some talent and a nice drive to go with it.”

Perhaps that’s best exhibited by Johnson’s work on the mound. The graduation of top starter Adam Douty, coupled with offseason labrum surgery for University of Washington-bound Collin Monagle, left openings on the pitching staff.

A year ago, Johnson threw little more than a fastball and a slider Fairweather called “inconsistent.” The fastball alone isn’t enough to overpower most varsity players — it reaches about 80 mph — but the slider has become a strikeout pitch with it breaking away from hitters late in addition to an improving changeup.

He has a 3-1 record with a 2.44 ERA and stuck out 19 batters in the same number of innings pitched this season.

“It’s my out pitch,” said Johnson, adding that he learned how to grip a slider while playing for South Kitsap Western Little League. “I’ve been throwing it since I was 11.”

But when Johnson talks about baseball, the discussion begins with hitting. Johnson, who posted a .435 batting average and was tied for the team-high with 10 walks during the regular season, said his favorite player growing up was Mariners’ standout center fielder Ken Griffey Jr.

“He probably has the best swing in baseball that I’ve seen,” Johnson said.

Fairweather said Johnson’s swing makes him a prime candidate to inherit the No. 3 spot in the lineup from Brady Steiger, who will play next year at Washington State. For now, he’s moving Johnson from his customary spot as the second hitter to No. 5 when the Wolves play at 11 a.m. Saturday against Puyallup at Heritage Park in the West Central District Tournament.

Fairweather said he views the third and fifth spots in the lineup as run-producing positions, and he felt compelled to make the change after the Olympia game.

“If it’s time for a hit, I feel pretty good about our chances,” Fairweather said. “He’s been clutch all year long for us.”

Johnson, who also hopes to succeed Steiger at shortstop next season, is confident that South can do better than just reaching state for a second consecutive season. He’ll have an opportunity to help the Wolves clinch that opportunity with a win against the Vikings.

“I think we can finish top four,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of good talent.”

Whenever the season ends, Fairweather looks forward to discussing Johnson’s college prospects with coaches. He just isn’t sure if that future is at the plate or on the mound.

“I don’t know,” Fairweather said. “He’s making a pretty good statement for both.”

After all, it’s a buyer’s market when it comes to Johnson.