Check out the highly-anticipated matchups taking place this week, with a trip to the State Tournament on the line.
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Pearland Oilers vs. Cy-Fair Bobcats (Region III-6A Final)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Pearland (36-7-2) returns to the Regional Final on the heels of a thriller against Memorial.
Junior Nico Partida (Arizona State-commit) played a starring role in the Oilers' 8-1 series clincher, this past Saturday, as he pitched for just over 6 innings, which included 11 strikeouts (one of which was thrown at 97 mph), while also going 2-for-3 at the plate.
As they now look to face Cy-Fair, also expect the talents of Isaiah Castaneda, Damian Landry, Walker Hurst, Jake Mader-Cooper, Jaden Barfield, and John Moya to come into effect.
The Bobcats (30-9-2) are coming off a sweep against Clear Springs (Game 1: 3-2, Game 2: 6-5) in Round No. 4, and now have their sights set on potentially reaching State.
Baylor-commit Bo Caraway broke the team's single-season record for stolen bases (45) in the process, and looks to add onto that at Constellation Field.
Others to watch in this pivotal series include Austin Godwin, Thomas Carroll, Clayton Crosby, and Wade Sebek, just to name a few.
GAME 1: Thursday (7:00 pm) @ Constellation Field
GAME 2: Friday (7:00 pm) @ Constellation Field
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (7:00 pm) @ Constellation Field
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Magnolia West Mustangs vs. Lake Creek Lions (Region III-5A Final)
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
After having a relatively slow start to the season, and finishing fourth in District 21-5A, Magnolia West (25-14-1) is rapidly picking up speed at the optimum time.
The reigning state champs are one series away from returning to Austin, and you can count on Travis Earles and co. being up for the challenge.
In terms of stars, the Mustangs have an ample supply, with Dawson Park (Texas State-signee), Cody Palacios, Lukas Huff, Caldwell McFaddin (Baylor), and Trey Jeanes (Paris JC) leading the pack.
On the Lake Creek-side, the Lions (30-10) emerged victorious from a closely-contested battle against Friendswood, which was decided by a 6-4 win in Game 3.
Coach Jeremy Schramm has an arsenal of weapons of his own, which features the talents of Sam Lee (Arkansas-signee), Parker Smith (ULL), Carson Sydnor (Wharton County JC), Austin Weiderhold (Letourneau), and Wyatt Davis (Houston Christian).
These are two familiar opponents from District 21-5A, so this will undoubtedly be a matchup to watch.
GAME 1: Thursday (7:00 pm) @ Sam Houston State University
GAME 2: Friday (7:00 pm) @ Sam Houston State University
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (2:00 pm) @ Sam Houston State University
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Tomball Cougars vs. Bridgeland Bears (Region II-6A Final)
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Tomball (37-3) enters the fifth round of the postseason as the No. 2 ranked team in the state, according to MaxPreps, and they don't show any signs of stopping.
LSU-signee Cade Arrambide continues to be a force at the plate, alongside Braeden Scherzer (Sam Houston State), Coleman Ryan, and Thomas Williamson, while sophomore pitchers Karson Reeder and C.J. Sampson round out a scary-good bullpen.
The Cougars recently swept Rockwall (Game 1: 5-1, Game 2: 5-2) and should be more emboldened than ever when facing Bridgeland this week.
The Bears (32-12), on the other hand, are in the midst of their best season to date.
Coach Paul Orlando and company came back from a one-game deficit against Rockwall-Heath this past weekend, rallying to clinch the series after stellar play in Games 2 (4-3) and 3 (4-0).
With Bridgeland's stars -- namely Miles Syptak (UT-Arlington), Benjamin Barrera, Austin Glasscock, Caden Hinze, and Hudson Pollard -- performing better than ever, this clash could be the closest among all the competitions taking place this weekend.
GAME 1: Thursday (7:00 pm) @ Cypress Falls HS
GAME 2: Friday (7:00 pm) @ Cypress Falls HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (12:00 pm) @ Cypress Falls HS
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)