GAMES
RANKINGS
2022-23 Magnolia West Baseball
BUSINESS TRIP: Mag West preparing to contend for first-ever State Title
Had it not been for an unlucky single, with two outs in the seventh, senior RHP James Ellwanger would have secured a no-hitter in the Class 5A semifinal.
However, the Dallas Baptist-signee’s electrifying performance on the mound featured 17 strikeouts, which was the key factor that punched Mag West’s ticket to the season finale.
Sr. RHP James Ellwanger of Mag West BaseballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
“He [Ellwanger] was upset about that [narrowly missing out on a no-hitter], but he gave us a chance to win, which is what it’s all about,” said coach Travis Earles. “17 Ks is nothing to sneeze at, but he’s such a competitive kid and he wanted it. He understands that the goal is to win though, and he accomplished that goal.”
Fortunately for Mag West, they didn’t have to play in the Final today, given that the 6A Semis are taking place. What has the team been up to, as they prepare to take on Argyle in the UIL-5A state championship, tomorrow at noon.
“We went to a local high school this morning, so that the team can practice and stay fresh,” Earles said. “We got them fed and we came back up to the stadium to watch some baseball. Later on, we’ll have a nice sit-down meal with the team, get them rested back at the hotel, and we’ll be packed up and ready to roll in the morning.”
The Mag West “Dirt Boys” have had quite the entourage throughout the postseason. Tomorrow’s game will be no different.
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
“We travel heavy here at Magnolia,” said Earles. “It seems like the whole town is up here. I don’t know who else is left there, to be honest–maybe they closed down some restaurants. But, our support from the community has been outstanding, and we hope we can finish it off for them.”
For Earles, this is his first year as the Mag West head coach, and he has already led the team to the furthest point in school history.
For the seniors, this is likely the last game they will play alongside one another, which Earles acknowledged has been recognized in their final push for a championship.
“It’s a bittersweet moment and our guys will try to enjoy that while we compete, but we all know that it’s kind of coming to an end, so it can be a tough time,” he said. “But, our guys are on a mission--it’s like a business-trip mentality since we’ve shown up. We’ll worry about all that other stuff once we take care of business.”
Magnolia West's James Ellwanger
BATTLE FOR MO COUNTY: Lake Creek, Mag West vying for final spot in State
Magnolia West ended the regular season as the District 21-5A champions (12-2) with Lake Creek right on their heels in the No. 2 spot (11-3). But that was the regular season--this is the playoffs, where anything can happen.
2022-23 Magnolia West BaseballJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Throughout the 5A bracketology, neither ballclub has yet to drop a single game and they don’t plan on doing so anytime soon.
The Mustangs, led by first-year coach Travis Earles, are coming off a statement sweep over an imposing Barbers Hill team.
Dallas Baptist-signee James Ellwanger (Sr. RHP)Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Game No. 1 was played at the University of Houston’s Schroeder Park, and saw senior right-hander James Ellwanger deliver yet another exemplary performance on the mound. The Dallas Baptist-signee threw for his second shutout of the postseason, while tacking on nine strikeouts.
In addition, senior IF/P Caylon Dygert, Brandon Seidmeyer (Sr. C), Hayden Carpenter (Sr. OF), and senior 1B Wade Nobles each contributed an RBI on the batting side to round out their 4-0 victory,
Magnolia West's Brandon SeidmeyerJuan De Leon (VYPE)
Sam Houston State University’s Don Sanders Stadium was the venue for game two, which saw Mag West punch their ticket to the Regional Finals with a 3-1 win over the Eagles--bringing their season record to 32-4.
2022-23 Lake Creek BaseballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
On the other side, Lake Creek won a decisive single-elimination game against La Porte.
The Lions’ ace, Weston Moss (Sr. RHP) was as effective as ever on the mound. The Texas A&M-signee ultimately earned the “W” for his start, while senior left-hander Jackson Wilkerson delivered the save in relief.
Texas A&M-signee Weston Moss (Sr. RHP)Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
At the plate, Samson Pugh (Sr. IF/OF) and junior infielder Austin Wiederhold remained consistent in the contest--each tallied two base hits--to usher Lake Creek to a 5-2 victory against the Bulldogs, bringing the team’s record to 26-9 on the season.
Lake Creek's Samson PughBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Despite their relatively short history, Lake Creek is no stranger to this stage, considering they reached the Regional Finals a year ago.
But, given how both of these teams have played through the postseason, this could be anyone’s series.
The Battle for Montgomery County, and more importantly the right to enter the State Tournament, begins this week. This will not be one you want to miss.