GAMES
RANKINGS
THE TIGERS: Katy Geared Up For Deep Playoff Run
As usual, Katy will be a force to be reckoned with heading into the 2025 campaign. After advancing to the third round of last year’s postseason, the Tigers will likely be poised for a similar run in May, if not better.
However, first, they’ll need to navigate a competitive district featuring Cinco Ranch, Tompkins, Taylor, and Seven Lakes. Third-year head coach Wes Hearne will rely on an exceptionally deep bullpen to keep the district title within reach. Senior right-hander Connor Udland (Houston commit) will continue to be the ace on the mound, following a standout 10-2 season with a 1.61 ERA.
In addition to his pitching, Udland was just as effective at the plate (.306 BA), earning himself District 19-6A MVP honors. Senior RHP/1B Cade Nelson (TCU) is another key arm (5-1, 0.94 ERA), while fellow TCU-commit Aiden Barrientes and junior Jayden Stewart (Houston) round out one of the most formidable units in the Houston area.
On the offensive side, junior shortstop Ashten Ballew is expected to play a starring role. After posting a .364 batting average and earning District Newcomer of the Year honors in 2024, Ballew will be crucial to Katy’s success this season.
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FALCON PRIDE: Tompkins Baseball Reloading In 2025
The Falcons secured the No. 3 spot in the always-competitive Katy district last season, advancing to the second round of the playoffs before falling to eventual Region III Finalist Cy-Fair in three games.
Coach Kyle Humphreys – who surpassed 300 career wins last spring – knows what his team is capable of, and they’re likely to remind audiences in the coming months. Junior Nic Piazza, who earned District 19-6A Newcomer of the Year honors after batting .398, is a key returner.
Piazza contributes not only at the plate but also as a versatile outfielder, pitcher, and first baseman. Junior 3B Ian Palacios (.308 BA) is another reliable bat, following up a second-team all-district season. Alongside him, junior shortstop Daylen Foor and sophomore outfielder Cash Wilson will continue to set the table by getting on base.
Senior catcher Lucian Albright is expected to impact both sides of the game, while senior right-hander Chase Simon (Odessa College commit) returns as the ace of the pitching staff.
After finishing 2024 with an 8-1 record and a 2.31 ERA, Simon will be relied upon to anchor the staff and lead the Falcons to what could be an extensive run in the postseason