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THE PLAYMAKERS: H-Town's Heavy-Hitters powered by UTMB Health
The South Houston area is loaded with talented athletes who give it there all in their respective fields of play.
Welcome to the VYPE Playmakers powered by UTMB Health, where we’re highlighting five standouts from this past week who stole the headlines.
Here are the UTMB Baseball Athletes of the Week, as we enter the thick of District-play this Spring.
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Garritt Romero -- Dawson Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
After a relatively slow start to the season, Dawson has found its rhythm in district play, surging to a perfect 5-0 start in 22-6A. The Eagles continued their dominance on Saturday with a commanding 9-3 victory over Shadow Creek.
While Dawson’s offense has been productive—highlighted by Jack Dyment (.415 BA, 13 RBI, 1 HR), Aiden Villanueva (.273 BA, 4 RBI), and Maddox Botas (.250 BA, 4 RBI)—it’s their pitching staff that has truly set them apart.
At the forefront of that effort is ace Garritt Romero (Centenary College-commit), who has delivered in multiple ways. On the mound, he boasts a 4-0 record with a 1.93 ERA and 24 strikeouts, while also contributing at the plate with a .233 average and five RBIs.
Competing in 22-6A is no easy task, but if Dawson maintains this momentum, they could be a serious challenger to Pearland for the district title.
Nico Partida -- Pearland Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Picking up right where they left off after last season’s UIL 6A State Final appearance, Pearland has carried that momentum into the spring, posting a strong 12-5 record through the first wave of district play (4-1).
As expected, the heartbeat of this Oilers squad has been none other than Nicholas “Nico” Partida.
The Texas A&M-commit bleeds aura wherever he’s placed—whether commanding the infield from his home at shortstop, taking the mound, or stepping up to the plate and making opposing pitchers think twice before throwing him a breaking ball.
Partida leads the Oilers with an elite .512 batting average, while also tallying 15 RBIs and three home runs so far this season.
Critics may question whether Pearland can replicate last year’s success, but as long as Partida is in the mix, the Oilers remain a legitimate threat to make another deep postseason run come June.
Marcus Cantu -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Under the leadership of coach Aaron Schneider, Lutheran South Academy has stormed through the early season with an impressive 18-1-1 record, earning them the No. 2 ranking in Texas, according to MaxPreps.
LSA was already recognized as a powerhouse before the spring, boasting elite talent like LSU commit Omar Serna (Sr. C) and Texas State-bound Victor Coronado.
However, this year’s squad seems determined to avenge last season’s Regional Final loss to Kelly Catholic and take things a step further.
While the Pioneers have no shortage of star power, the most consistent offensive presence thus far has been junior Marcus Cantu. A Texas-commit himself, Cantu has been a steady force both at the plate and on defense, providing reliability in key moments.
If LSA keeps up this level of dominance, a TAPPS-5A State Title might not just be a goal—it could be an expectation.
Hunter Heath -- Clear Springs Baseball
Thanks to a strong core of returning talent, the Clear Springs Chargers have picked up right where they left off after last season’s Regional Semifinal run.
The team has surged to an 11-5-1 record this spring and opened district play in dominant fashion, sweeping Clear Brook (Game 1: 2-1, Game 2: 9-2).
While the Chargers' bullpen has been solid, their clutch hitting has been a driving force behind their early success.
Leading the charge at the plate has been senior Hunter Heath, whose standout performance against 5A powerhouse Barbers Hill (4-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI) helped propel Clear Springs to an 8-3 victory last week.
Primarily stationed at third base, Heath also provides versatility across the infield and is more than capable of stepping up on the mound when needed. Furthermore, his all-around reliability ultimately earned him a commitment to Galveston College.
With plenty of baseball left in the regular season, Clear Springs looks poised to secure another postseason berth.
Noah Nelson -- Santa Fe Baseball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
The Indians opened district play on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Angleton this past Friday, improving their record to 7-5 on the season.
While their overall record may not stand out, it doesn’t truly reflect the level of talent Santa Fe brings to the diamond.
The Indians have already faced elite competition, including defending 6A state champion Tomball, SPC-4A runner-up Episcopal, Katy Tompkins, and TAPPS-III state runner-up Bay Area Christian.
Those tough matchups should have them well-prepared to compete for the District 20-5A title.
Among the various weapons in coach Ronnie Wulf’s threatening lineup, the most consistent is Noah Nelson.
The junior OF/RHP boasts a .500 batting average, leading the team with 19 hits while also tallying 12 RBIs, nine doubles, one triple, and a home run—all in just 40 plate appearances.
Nelson is complemented by key contributors like Ronnie Rouse (.343 BA, 13 RBI, 6 2B, 1 HR), Jackson Higgins (.342 BA, 9 RBI, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR), and Jayce Richardson (.345 BA, 7 RBI, 4 2B, 2 HR), rounding out a well-balanced lineup.
Santa Fe has its sights set on surpassing last year’s run to the Regional Semifinals, but first, they’ll have to navigate a competitive district slate featuring Iowa Colony, Friendswood, and La Porte.
2022-23 Cy Woods Baseball
BATTER UP: VYPE’s 6A Baseball Bi-District prospectus
Postseason Baseball has finally arrived.
As the regular season progressed, several of the usual suspects–Cy Woods, Pearland, The Woodlands, and Ridge Point–flexed on the competition, with a few surprise teams rising the ranks to make it to the playoffs.
Here’s the who’s who of Houston high school baseball (6A) slotted to compete in the first round of the UIL postseason.
*Teams are displayed in alphabetical order
Aldine Mustangs
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Aldine Mustangs
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-7/Finished 2nd in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Johnny Toups
Player(s) to watch:Jordan Toups (Jr. SS), Julio Gonzalez (Jr. OF/IF), Jansyel Barbosa (Fr. RHP/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Grand Oaks
Alvin Yellowjackets
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Alvin Yellowjackets
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-14-1/Finished 2nd in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Kelly Kerlin
Player(s) to watch: Cooper Williams (Jr. P/IF), Peyton Kitchens (So. IF), Jack Marek (Sr. P/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Springs
Atascocita Eagles
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Atascocita Eagles
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-10-2/Finished 3rd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: Eric Matthews
Player(s) to watch: Kendall George (Sr. OF), Kaden McCoy (Jr. IF/RHP), Nicholas Baker (Jr. RHP)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Deer Park
Bellaire Cardinals
Bellaire Cardinals
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-11/Finished 2nd in District 18-6A
Head Coach: Woodrow Newsom
Player(s) to watch: Ty Diaz (Sr. OF), Matthew Albright (Jr. P), Kai Langford (Sr. 1B/P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Houston Memorial
Brazoswood Buccaneers
Brazoswood Buccaneers
2022-23 Regular Season: 12-17-1/Finished 4th in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Mike Cressman
Player(s) to watch: Josh Horsch (Sr. OF), Andrew Del Hierro (Sr. P/OF), Julio Rios (Jr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Pearland
Bridgeland Bears
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Bridgeland Bears
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9-2/Finished 2nd in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Paul Orlando
Player(s) to watch: Rene Alegria (Sr. OF), Miles Syptak (Jr. OF), Bon Polleschultz (Sr. P/1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Klein Collins
Channelview Falcons
Channelview Falcons
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-8-2/Finished 4th in District 22-6A
Head Coach: John Moore
Player(s) to watch: Caleb Atafua (Jr. P/3B), Matthew Martinez (Sr. C), Jose Andrades (So. DH/1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Kingwood
Cinco Ranch Cougars
Cinco Ranch Cougars
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-4/Finished 2nd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Brett Wallace
Player(s) to watch: Charlie Atkinson (Sr. P), Lucas Franco (So. IF/RHP), Ranier Castillo (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Fort Bend Hightower
Clear Brook Wolverines
Clear Brook Wolverines
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-11-2/Finished 2nd in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Gene Flores
Player(s) to watch: Francisco Leija (Sr. P/OF), Landon Hunt (Sr. IF), Trenton Flores (So. C/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Strake Jesuit
Clear Falls Knights
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Clear Falls Knights
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-12/District 24-6A Champions
Head Coach: Eddie Youngblood
Player(s) to watch: Max Williams (Sr. RHP/OF), Alec Beversdorf (Sr. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Dawson
Clear Springs Chargers
Clear Springs Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9-1/FInished 3rd in District 24-6A
Head Coach: Chris Floyd
Player(s) to watch: Ashton Quintanilla (Sr. 1B/P), Mason Garza (Jr. IF/P), Chris Richnow (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Alvin
College Park Cavaliers
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
College Park Cavaliers
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-13/Finished 4th in District 13-6A
Head Coach: Michael Faherty
Player(s) to watch: Phillip Orr (Sr. IF/P), Orlando Balderas (Jr. P/IF), Ben Blanchard (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Spring
Cy Creek Cougars
Cypress Creek Cougars
2022-23 Regular Season: 10-19-1/Finished 4th in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Chris Randolph
Player(s) to watch: Braylon Mitchell (Jr. IF), Caleb Lopez (Jr. C), Jake Farish (Jr. P/UTL)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Heights
Cy-Fair Bobcats
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-14/District 17-6A Champions
Head Coach: Billy Hardin
Player(s) to watch: Kyle Chambers (Sr. OF), Parker Lewis (Sr. OF), Austin Godwin (Jr. IF/DH), Wesley Worley (Jr. IF/RHP)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Westside
Cy Falls Eagles
Cypress Falls Eagles
2022-23 Regular Season: 10-15-3/Finished 4th in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Chris Laird
Player(s) to watch: Conrad DeLeon (Sr. C/IF), Eliomar Blamaceda (Sr. P/IF), Xavier Keady (Sr. 1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Klein Oak
Cy Ranch Mustangs
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-14-2/Finished 3rd in District 16-6A
Head Coach: Corey Cephus
Player(s) to watch: Jackson Priest (Jr. OF), Cole Truitt (Jr. DH/IF), Tobias Motley (Sr. SS),
Bi-District Matchup: v. Tomball
Cy Woods Wildcats
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Phil Schwarz
Player(s) to watch: Sam Myers (Sr. CF), Ethan Farris (Sr. 3B), Tristan Russell (Sr. SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Tomball Memorial
Dawson Eagles
Dawson Eagles
2022-23 Regular Season: 11-18-1/Finished 4th in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Chris Turner
Player(s) to watch: Gabe McFarland (Jr. OF), Travis Minard (Jr. P/OF), Jacob Turner (Jr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Falls
Deer Park Deer
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-12-1/Finished 2nd in District 22-6A
Head Coach: Chris Rupp
Player(s) to watch: Eric Aguirre (Sr. OF/RHP), Dillon Lester (Sr. C), Dillon Mancha (Sr. OF/LHP)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Atascocita
Dekaney Wildcats
Dekaney Wildcats
2022-23 Regular Season: 12-13/Finished 4th in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Albert Bennett
Player(s) to watch: Anthony Russell (Jr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Oak Ridge
Dobie Longhorns
Dobie Longhorns
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-6-2/District 22-6A Champions
Head Coach: Miguel Torres
Player(s) to watch: Omar Serna (So. C/RHP), Juan Estrada (Sr. 3B), Daniel Delgado (Sr. 2B/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. West Brook
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Fort Bend Austin Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-14/Finished 3rd in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Ruben Cano
Player(s) to watch: Tyler Do (Sr. SS), Jake Winkler (Jr. 3B), Logan Witt (Jr. OF/P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Katy
Fort Bend Hightower Hurricanes
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Fort Bend Hightower Hurricanes
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-9-1/Finished 4th in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Renard Brown
Player(s) to watch: Angel Gutierrez (Jr. SS/P), Jeremy Payne (Jr. OF/IF), Austin Bowen (Jr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cinco Ranch
George Ranch Longhorns
George Ranch Longhorns
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-14-2/Finished 2nd in District 20-6A
Head Coach: Greg Kobza
Player(s) to watch: Grant Reynolds (Sr. OF), Russell Franklin (Sr. IF), Jonathon Canter (Sr. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Tompkins
Grand Oaks Grizzlies
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-8-2/Finished 3rd in District 13-6A
Head Coach: Lou Ferrell
Player(s) to watch: Hudson Hamilton (Sr. P/IF), Austin Dolezal (Jr. P/1B), Larry Drake (Sr. SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Aldine
Heights Bulldogs
Heights Bulldogs
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-7/District 18-6A Champions
Head Coach: David Petty
Player(s) to watch: RJ Robinson (Sr. C/3B), Paul Smith (Sr. DH/IF), Darian Cantu (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cypress Creek
Katy Tigers
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Wes Hearne
Player(s) to watch: Lucas Moore (Sr. P), Reese Ruderman (Sr. C/3B), Sutton Hall (Jr. 1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Fort Bend Austin
Kingwood Mustangs
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-7-3/District 21-6A Champions
Head Coach: Kelly Mead
Player(s) to watch: Ty Boatright (Sr. OF), John Herbert (RHP/1B), Josh Arquette (Jr. 3B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Channelview
Klein Collins Tigers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Klein Collins Tigers
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-12-2/Finished 3rd in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Chris Griffin
Player(s) to watch:Colton Griffin (Jr. SS), Issac Compean (Jr. C), Mason Lemons (Sr. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Bridgeland
Klein Oak Panthers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Klein Oak Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-10-1/District 15-6A Champions
Head Coach: Bo Hernandez
Player(s) to watch: Owen Smith (Sr. UTL), Matt Scott (Jr. OF/P), Bret Deegan (Sr. 3B/P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy Falls
Lamar Texans
2022-23 Regular Season: 12-13-1/Finished 4th in District 18-6A
Head Coach: David Muñoz
Player(s) to watch: Ryan Selvaggi (Jr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Stratford
MacArthur Generals
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
MacArthur Generals
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 3rd in District 14-6A
Head Coach: Ernest Gonzales
Player(s) to watch: Jacob Macias (Jr. RHP/3B), Ulices Gamino (Sr. OF), Ramiro Encinia (So. RHP/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. The Woodlands
Memorial Mustangs
Memorial's Mason Peters
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Memorial Mustangs
2022-23 Regular Season: 17-12-1/Finished 3rd in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Jeremy York
Player(s) to watch: Jakob Schulz (Sr. DH/LHP), Grayson Linecum (Sr. OF/1B), Mason Sanders (Sr. SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Bellaire
Oak Ridge War Eagles
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-13/Finished 2nd in District 13-6A
Head Coach: JJ Peirce
Player(s) to watch: Connor Bennett (Sr. C), Dillon Staples (Sr. OF/P), Hayden Morris (Sr. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Dekaney
Pasadena Memorial Mavericks
Pasadena Memorial Mavericks
2022-23 Regular Season: 11-16-1/Finished 3rd in District 22-6A
Head Coach: Terry Garza
Player(s) to watch: Hayden Stallings (Sr. IF/P), Santos Cuellar (Jr. C), Christian Ibarr (Sr. OF/P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Summer Creek
Pearland Oilers
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: David Rogers
Player(s) to watch: Caden Ferraro (Sr. LHP/1B), Brett Smajstrla (Sr. OF), Anthony Avalos (Sr. SS), Jake Mader-Cooper (Jr. RHP/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Brazoswood
Ridge Point Panthers
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-4-2/District 20-6A Champions
Head Coach: Clinton Welch
Player(s) to watch: JJ Kennett (Sr. C), Travis Vlasek (Sr. 1B), Carter Groen (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Seven Lakes
Seven Lakes Spartans
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Seven Lakes Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-12/Finished 4th in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Jeremy Arterburn
Player(s) to watch: Lawson Moreno (Sr. P),
Bi-District Matchup: v. Ridge Point
Spring Lions
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Spring Lions
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-10/District 14-6A Champions
Head Coach: Zeke Rodriguez
Player(s) to watch: Joe Recio (Sr. RHP), Steven Mills (Sr. C/OF), Kian Haywood (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. College Park
Strake Jesuit Crusaders
Strake Jesuit Crusaders
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-11-1/Finished 3rd in District 23-6A
Head Coach: Raul Garcia-Rameau
Player(s) to watch: Clay Richardson (Sr. SS), John Toney (Sr. RHP), Matt Evans (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Clear Brook
Stratford Spartans
Stratford's Paxton Terveen
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Stratford Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-7/Finished 2nd in District 17-6A
Head Coach: Spencer Richards
Player(s) to watch: Paxton Terveen (Sr. LHP/1B), Brecken Menuet (Sr. IF), John White (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Houston Lamar
Summer Creek Bulldogs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-12-1/Finished 2nd in District 21-6A
Head Coach: DJ Wilson
Player(s) to watch: William Hill (So. OF), Ayden Rios (Sr. DH/UTL), Joe Luis Chavez (Sr. LHP/1B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Pasadena Memorial
The Woodlands Highlanders
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-6-1/District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Ron Eastman
Player(s) to watch: Brayden Sharp (Sr. OF/LHP), Ethan Coronel (Sr. RHP), Logan Ellefson (Sr. 2B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. MacArthur
Tomball Cougars
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-11/Finished 2nd in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Doug Rush
Player(s) to watch: Cade Arrambide (Jr. C), Thomas Williamson (Sr. P/IF), Alan Lopez (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy Ranch
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
Tomball Memorial Wildcats
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-13-2/Finished 4th in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Chris Wiggins
Player(s) to watch: Lane Stockton (Jr. IF), Chase Lovick (Sr. OF), Avery Phillips (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy Woods
Tompkins Falcons
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-1/District 19-6A Champions
Head Coach: Kenneth Humphreys
Player(s) to watch: Drew Markle (Sr. SS), Adam Benavidez (Sr. 3B), Landon West (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. George Ranch
Westside Wolves
Westside Wolves
2022-23 Regular Season: 10-15-2/Finished 3rd in District 18-6A
Head Coach: Mike Barrow
Player(s) to watch: Cade Langford (Sr. RHP/IF), Brett Planck (Sr. LHP), Jaiden McKinney (Sr. RHP/IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Cy-Fair