GAMES
RANKINGS
Bridgeland's Miles Syptak
HEATING UP: Thrilling matchups taking place this week in Baseball
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Katy Tigers vs. Cy-Fair Bobcats
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Katy (24-10) enters the third round of the postseason on the heels of sweeping Fort Bend Travis (Game 1: 4-1, Game 2: 1-0) and, most recently, Jersey Village (Game 1: 5-3, Game 2: 3-2).
After placing second in District 19-6A, the Tigers have never looked back. They have the ambition of surpassing last year's mark, when they reached the Region III Final, and they certainly have the momentum with them.
Coach Wes Hearne has a knack for optimizing the talent on his roster, and 2024 has been no exception.
He'll turn to Sutton Hull (Texas A&M-signee), A.J. Atkinson (SHSU), Cade Nelson (TCU), Connor Udland (Houston), and Aiden Barrientes (TCU) when they face a resilient Cy-Fair team this week.
The Bobcats (26-8-2) succeeded in their goal of claiming their fourth-straight district title, prior to sweeping Heights (Game 1: 5-0, Game 2: 12-1), and knocking Tompkins out of the playoffs in the series closer (11-4) a week ago.
It will be up to the BFND returning stars -- namely Austin Godwin, Thomas Carroll, Bo Caraway, Isaac Robles, and Donovan Abel, among others -- to keep their hot-streak rolling.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:00 pm) @ Langham Creek HS
GAME 2: Saturday (2:00 pm) @ Langham Creek HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (30 min. after Game 2) @ Langham Creek HS
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Deer Park Deer vs. Clear Springs Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
The Deer have been a traditional super-power over the past decade, dating back to when they won the Class 6A title in 2017, and they can already chalk up this Spring as a success, with their advancement to the Regional Quarters.
However, Deer Park (22-12-1) aren't inclined to stop there.
After outlasting North Shore and Clear Falls in each three-game series, coach Chris Rupp and company have proven their capability to perform well under pressure.
Expect Dylan Marbury, Tristan Patterson, Bennett Springer, Christian Rodgers, and Zaiden Kiefer to be among the numerous players to play key roles in Round No. 3.
On the Clear Springs side, the Chargers (20-15) are peaking at the perfect time, as they are coming off crucial victories over Strake Jesuit (Game 1: 7-5 L, Game 2: 8-0 W, Game 3: 6-3 W), and Kingwood (Game 1: 2-0, Game 2: 3-2) to reach this point.
Tyler Ryden, Connor Mondey, Andrew Fonte, Drew Floyd, and Ryan Hernandez are ones to watch in this pivotal Region III matchup.
GAME 1: Thursday (6:00 pm) @ Crosby HS
GAME 2: Friday (6:00 pm) @ Crosby HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (1:00 pm) @ Crosby HS
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Bridgeland Bears vs. Klein Oak Panthers
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
What a difference a year makes.
After being eliminated in the opening round of last year's playoffs, Bridgeland (28-10) proceeded to sweep Klein Cain (Game 1: 3-1, Game 2: 3-2) and surge past The Woodlands (Game 1: 1-0 W, Game 2: 11-1 L, Game 3: 7-6) to enter the Regional Quarters for the first time since 2021.
Coach Paul Orlando directs this talented young squad, which features the talents of Miles Syptak, Carson Phillips, Austin Glasscock, Benjamin Barrera, and Anthony Key, just to name a few.
Pitching has been a strong suit for the Bears, and that's unlikely to change when they face Klein Oak.
Under the direction of coach Bo Hernandez, the Panthers (23-13-1) finished third in District 15-6A prior to rolling past Cy Woods and Oak Ridge through the first two rounds of the postseason.
The bats have been on fire for Oak, particularly that of Makoy Stone, Gage Kooyers, and Matt Scott, while Jacob George continues to be efficient from the pitcher's mound.
This series will likely come down to who can make the clutch moments in the later innings, which both sides have been proficient in doing this Spring.
GAME 1: Thursday (7:00 pm) @ Bridgeland HS
GAME 2: Friday (7:00 pm) @ Klein Oak HS
GAME 3 (If needed): Saturday (1:00 pm) @ Grand Oaks HS
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran Crusaders vs. Prestonwood Christian Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
It shouldn't come as a shock that Concordia Lutheran (23-14-1) is back in the TAPPS-I state tournament, given the fact that they've been within the final-four every year, dating back to 2015 (excluding COVID year).
The Crusaders are model of consistency, which is a testament to the talent they bring in with each class.
Coach Royce Kennedy has a plethora of weapons within his arsenal, from TCU-signee Nolan Traeger, to Eoghan Collins (St. Edwards), Ronin McCraw (Texas A&M), Cole Lanclos (Baylor), and Connor Jones.
Now, CLHS will look to reclaim their 2015 state title-status, beginning with their matchup against a tough Prestonwood Christian (27-1-1) opponent on Tuesday (7:00 pm).
If all goes well, the Crusaders will contend for a championship Wednesday night.
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