GAMES
RANKINGS
Jace Martinez of Barbers Hill Baseball
GETTING CLOSER: Preparing for 5A Baseball Regional Semis
Meanwhile, the challengers -- Magnolia West, Lake Creek and La Porte -- took care of business as usual to advance to the Regional Semis in the UIL Baseball playoffs.
The four remaining Houston teams prepare to duke it out on the diamond, and the fans can’t wait to see what transpires.
Time to tee up this week’s matchups…
H-Town 5A Standouts: Blake Brown (Sr. IF)--Lake Creek
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles v. Magnolia West Mustangs
2022-23 Barbers Hill Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-10-1/District 17-5A Champions
Head Coach: David Denny
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: W 6-5) v. Galveston Ball
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 11-10) v. Foster
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 8-2, Game 2: W 12-3) v. Friendswood
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4/District 21-5A Champions
Head Coach: Travis Earles
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Killeen
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-3, Game 2: W 8-0) v. Pflugerville
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 11-0) v. Lake Belton
SHSU-signee Jace Martinez (Sr. SS) and Odessa College-signee Gage Kimble (Sr. C) were the driving forces behind the Eagles' offensive push, while senior outfielders Carson Garrett (Tarleton State-signee) and McKade Massengale made significant contributions as well.
Barbers Hill's next obstacle is a red-hot Magnolia West group.
Similar to the Eagles, the Mustangs are on a postseason tear, having yet to drop a single game through the first three rounds. Most recently, Mag West left Lake Belton stunned, outscoring the Austin team 21-0.
The deadly pitching duo of seniors James Ellwanger and Caylon Dygert was simply too much for the Broncos to handle. Meanwhile Jackson Blank (Sr. OF/P) continues to shine in the playoffs, evidenced by his game two performance -- 4-for-4, 2B, HR--which punched the team's ticket to Round 4.
Of all the Class 5A games set to take place this week, this is the one you won't want to miss.
2022-23 Magnolia West Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Lake Creek Lions v. La Porte Bulldogs
2022-23 Lake Creek Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 2nd in District 21-5A
Head Coach: Jeremy Schramm
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 11-1 Win v. Shoemaker
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-1, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Austin McCallum
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-2, Game 2: W 2-0) v. Georgetown
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Ricky Torres
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 5-0) v. Goose Creek Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-0, Game 2: W 9-1) v. Waltrip
- Regional Quarters: 2-0 Win v. Fulshear
Lake Creek athletics is enjoying a phenomenal final stretch of the Spring season.
With their softball team already in the Regional Finals, and the baseball program having the opportunity to do the same this week, it is a great time to be a Lions' fan.
The two-punch knockout of senior pitchers -- Weston Moss (RHP) and Jackson Wilkerson (LHP) -- stifled Georgetown's batters to the tune of 9 Ks for Moss in Game 1. Wilkerson followed this up with 11 strikeouts of his own, while combining for a shutout with relief pitcher Jack Haag (Sr. RHP) in the series clincher.
Juniors Sam Lee (OF) and Leighton Scott (IF) led the Lions' lineup in the opener, going 3-for-4 and 2-for-4 on the night, respectively. Game two wasn't nearly as flashy, but Blake Brown (Sr. IF) and Parker Smith (Jr. C/P) each drove in a run to secure Lake Creek's sweep of Georgetown.
Likewise, La Porte put together a hard-fought win against Fulshear to earn a spot in the Regional Semis.
Junior OF Landon Kay had yet another successful outing, contributing an early RBI that gave the Bulldogs the push they needed to overcome Fulshear's relentless bullpen.
The ball clubs will meet at Humble High School, beginning this Thursday with hopes of keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Some of the stars of 2022-23 La Porte Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Magnolia West's Jackson Blank
STILL FIGHTING: Class 5A Baseball Regional Quarters Outlook
What more could a sports fan ask for?
Here are some of the most anticipated playoff series of the week.
H-Town 5A Standouts: Diego Luzardo (Sr. OF/P)--La Porte
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs v. Barbers Hill Eagles
2022-23 Friendswood Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4-2/District 18-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robert Benavides
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-3, Game 2: W 10-3) v. Port Neches-Groves
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-1, Game 2: W 17-4) v. Milby
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-10-1/District 17-5A Champions
Head Coach: David Denny
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: W 6-5) v. Galveston Ball
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 11-10) v. Foster
This past week's trouncing over the Milby Buffs was business as usual for Friendswood.
Easton Tumis was a force on the mound in game one, limiting Milby to just one run, while the Mustangs lineup--namely Boots Landry (Sr. 1B), Ayden Pearcy (Jr. 3B), sophomore C/IF Dane Perry, and more--enjoyed consecutive field days during their 26-run scoring-barrage.
Given the fact that anyone on this lineup can step up when necessary, paired with their relentless bullpen, Friendswood is one of the most difficult ball clubs in the state to prepare for.
That being said, Barbers Hill has the potential to give the Mustangs a run for their money.
After earning two hard-fought wins against a serious contender like Foster, it would be unwise to underestimate the Eagles as they fight for a trip to the Regional Tournament.
2022-23 Barbers Hill Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Lake Creek Lions v. Georgetown Eagles
2022-23 Lake Creek Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 2nd in District 21-5A
Head Coach: Jeremy Schramm
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 11-1 Win v. Shoemaker
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-1, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Austin McCallum
Georgetown Eagles
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-12-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: Jordan Vierra
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Navarro
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 2-1, Game 2: L 2-6, Game 3: W 7-1) v. A&M Consolidated
Yet another strong outing was made by the Lake Creek ball club, in the Area Round.
The Liosn bullpen continues to look impenetrable, which was evidenced by the minuscule offensive success allowed to McCallum.
Senior Weston Moss had a respectable opener against the Austin team, limiting them to just one run on the night while throwing four Ks. The subsequent start was taken to another level, as Jackson Wilkerson (Sr. LHP) sat down ten batters in the process of completing a shutout victory.
In addition to their shutdown defensive effort, Lake Creek's batters were at the top of their game. Sam Lee (Jr. OF) tallied four base-hits in the series with two RBIs, while junior MIF Austin Wiederhold's performance in Game No. 2 (3-3, 2B, RBI) was one of definitive factors that led to the Lions sweep over the Knights.
Lake Creek will be in top form to take on Georgetown this week, with Mumford High School being the venue.
Magnolia West Mustangs v. Lake Belton Broncos
2022-23 Magnolia West Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4/District 21-5A Champions
Head Coach: Travis Earles
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Killeen
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-3, Game 2: W 8-0) v. Pflugerville
Lake Belton Broncos
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-6/District 22-5A Champions
Head Coach: Chris Peacock
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-5, Game 2: W 6-2) v. Montgomery
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 7-1, Game 2: L 5-6, Game 3: W 5-1) v. Elgin
The Mag West hype train keeps rolling after outclassing Pflugerville in the Area Round.
Coach Travis Earles continues to optimize his lineup through his first year on the job, and it can't hurt to have one of the most complete rosters around.
Following their 6-3 win in the opener, the Mustangs really got their chance to shine in game two, which was ironic considering the lightning storms that delayed the exhibition two hours.
Despite the conditions, Mag West proceeded to send Pflugerville home, courtesy of a complete game shutout thrown by senior RHP Caylon Dygert, who tacked on seven strikeouts for good measure.
Jackson Blank (Sr. OF/P) ignited the Mustang offense, accruing four RBIs off of two hits, while junior SS Dawson Park racked up three hits from the leadoff spot.
At minimum, Magnolia West is in pursuit of the reaching the Regional Finals for the first time since 2019. The next obstacle standing in their way is Lake Belton.
Fulshear Chargers v. La Porte Bulldogs
2022-23 Fulshear Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/District 20-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robb Jensen
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 8-2, Game 2: W 12-1) v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 0-2, Game 2: W 7-1, Game 3: W 1-0)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Ricky Torres
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 5-0) v. Goose Creek Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-0, Game 2: W 9-1) v. Waltrip
Fulshear showcased their longevity against an emboldened Crosby team.
Despite narrowly dropping the series opener, the Chargers came back in full force to take game two, thanks to an inspired outing by senior RHP Tyler Schumann (1 ER, 7 K) to tie the series at a game a piece.
The finale was a sheer test of will, one in which the Lamar CISD ball club emerged victorious in a one-score game.
La Porte, on the other hand, seemingly breezed past Waltrip to earn their spot in the Regional Quarterfinals.
The Bulldogs hitting was like clockwork last week. With some of their top batters--Dagoberto Garcia (Sr. OF), Landon Kay (Jr. OF), and senior OF/P Diego Luzardo being among them--anchoring the offense, La Porte's pitching could thrive without too much pressure.
La Porte will look to maintain their momentum when they face off against Fulshear, starting this Thursday at C.E. King High School.
Some of the stars of 2022-23 La Porte Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)