GAMES
RANKINGS
Jake Escovedo of TWHS Baseball
ONE MORE ROUND: H-Town’s best of Class 6A contend for a trip to State
The two prime-time matchups slotted this week--Cy Woods v. The Woodlands in Region II, and Pearland v. Katy in Region III--are sure to keep audiences out of their seats.
Here is a look at the H-Town powerhouses aiming to punch their ticket to Austin for the State Tournament.
H-Town 6A Standouts: Brett Smajstrla (Sr. OF)--Pearland
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Region II Finals: Cypress Woods Wildcats v. The Woodlands Highlanders
2022-23 Cy Woods Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Phil Schwarz
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-1, Game 2: W 7-2) v. Tomball Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-5, Game 2: W 4-2) v. Oak Ridge
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 15-0) v. Klein Oak
- Regional Semis: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 1-9, Game 2: W 7-0, Game 3: W 8-4)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-6-1/District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Ron Eastman
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 1-0, Game 2: W 6-0) v. MacArthur
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-0, Game 2: W 7-0) v. Klein Collins
- Regional Quarters: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 2-0, Game 2: L 3-4, Game 3: W 9-1) v. Tomball
- Regional Semis: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 7-8, Game 2: W 8-0, W 3-0)
With a trip to the State Tournament on the line, you'd better believe that fans will be flocking to witness the spectacle of these two contenders facing off.
2022-23 TWHS Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Region III Finals: Pearland Oilers v. Katy Tigers
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Pearland Baseball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: David Rogers
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-3, Game 2: W 11-1) v. Brazoswood
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 8-0, Game 2: L 6-7, Game 3: W 4-3) v. Atascocita
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-1, Game 2: W 6-2) v. Clear Falls
- Regional Semis: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-0, Game 2: W 1-0) v. Cinco Ranch
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Wes Hearne
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 13-0, Game 2: W 16-6) v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-0, Game 2: W 7-3) v. Cy-Fair
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-3, Game 2: W 5-3) v. Tompkins
- Regional Semis: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-0, Game 2: W 4-3) v. Clear Springs
Both Pearland and Katy are coming off consecutive hard-fought wins to advance to Round No. 5.
The Oilers bullpen and defense played at the top of their game, as Nico Partida (So. RHP) and junior right-hander Jake Mader-Cooper combined for a no-hitter in their 3-0 victory in the opener.
Game No. 2 saw junior LHP Jaden Barfield come in to save the day, as he played a key role in getting Pearland out of not one, but two bases-loaded jams with some help by Pearland's fielding.
Furthermore, SHSU-signee Brett Smajstrla (Sr. OF) and Texas A&M-signee Caden Ferraro (Sr. 1B/P) anchored the Oilers lineup on the batting side.
Katy, on the other hand, shared the wealth at the plate.
Andrew Hilton (Sr. OF/P), Reese Ruderman (Sr. C/IF), Cole Kaase (Sr. IF/P), Josh Dunayczan (Sr. IF/P), and senior IF Graham Laxton each contributed an RBI through their two-game sweep over Clear Springs--with Laxton, in particular, sealing the series with a walk-off RBI-double in game two.
The Tigers bullpen isn't to be underestimated either. Seniors Caleb Koger and Lucas Moore have been proven to be effective starters, while the likes of Kaase or sophomore pitcher Cade Nelson can seal a victory at the relief spot.
Neither team in this matchup has yet to lose a game throughout the playoffs, which will inevitably change in the coming series at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.
The Region III crown is up for grabs. Stay tuned to see who takes it.
2022-23 Katy Tigers Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Pearland Pitcher Jake Mader-Cooper
TRUSTING THE PROCESS: Pearland’s Mader-Cooper a piece to winning puzzle
Several of the usual suspects for Pearland -- LHP Caden Ferraro (Texas A&M-signee), LF Brett Smajstrla (Sam Houston) and SS Anthony Avalos (Houston) -- have been enjoying stellar seasons.
However, one name that’s flown under the radar is junior RHP/MIF Jake Mader-Cooper, who has relished the opportunity to play for Pearland.
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
“I’m honored to be a part of such a great group of players and the community surrounding us,” said Mader-Cooper. “Everyone puts in the work every day and lifts each other up. Our group is very hungry and it helps that we have so much talent on the team.”
Mader-Cooper is one of the many standouts residing in the Oilers bullpen, which has been a key contributor to Pearland’s success thus far.
“We have put a lot of trust in our coaching staff and have just been having fun,” he said. “We are such a close group that can have fun while we put the work in. As a whole, we’re playing unselfish baseball and we’re manufacturing runs with key people making big plays. Whether it be through bunts, stealing bases or just getting a hit, we’re doing everything we can to help the team reach our goal of a State Title.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
Mader-Cooper’s baseball journey was initiated by the influence of his family during his childhood, which has driven the Pearland junior the whole way.
“I have been playing from a young age and just fell in love with the game,” Mader-Cooper said. “My parents were both Division 1 athletes and put me in the position to be the best that I can be. I think the most important aspect is loving me and trusting the process. You just need to enjoy the journey and trust that your hard work will pay off.”
It seems that the process has been working, considering Mader-Cooper committed to play for Rice once he graduates a year from now.
“I committed to Rice my sophomore year since I really liked the coaching staff,” he said. “Coach [José] Cruz [Jr.] is a great influence and I’m looking forward to playing for him. Rice is also a great school, academically, and the current players there have said good things.”
Photo by Lloyd Hendricks of Hendricks Rockography
And what future does the Rice-commit see for himself?
“I hope to be in the minor or major leagues one day, or perhaps in medical school,” said Mader-Cooper. “God has a plan for me and I’m just here to follow his lead and give 100-percent in everything I do.”
Anticipate an exceptional regular season finish for Mader-Cooper and Pearland Baseball, as that will only be the beginning.