GAMES
RANKINGS
Jake Escovedo of TWHS Baseball
ONE MORE ROUND: H-Town’s best of Class 6A contend for a trip to State
The two prime-time matchups slotted this week--Cy Woods v. The Woodlands in Region II, and Pearland v. Katy in Region III--are sure to keep audiences out of their seats.
Here is a look at the H-Town powerhouses aiming to punch their ticket to Austin for the State Tournament.
H-Town 6A Standouts: Brett Smajstrla (Sr. OF)--Pearland
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Region II Finals: Cypress Woods Wildcats v. The Woodlands Highlanders
2022-23 Cy Woods Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Phil Schwarz
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-1, Game 2: W 7-2) v. Tomball Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-5, Game 2: W 4-2) v. Oak Ridge
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 15-0) v. Klein Oak
- Regional Semis: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 1-9, Game 2: W 7-0, Game 3: W 8-4)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-6-1/District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Ron Eastman
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 1-0, Game 2: W 6-0) v. MacArthur
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-0, Game 2: W 7-0) v. Klein Collins
- Regional Quarters: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 2-0, Game 2: L 3-4, Game 3: W 9-1) v. Tomball
- Regional Semis: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 7-8, Game 2: W 8-0, W 3-0)
With a trip to the State Tournament on the line, you'd better believe that fans will be flocking to witness the spectacle of these two contenders facing off.
2022-23 TWHS Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
Region III Finals: Pearland Oilers v. Katy Tigers
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Pearland Baseball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: David Rogers
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-3, Game 2: W 11-1) v. Brazoswood
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 8-0, Game 2: L 6-7, Game 3: W 4-3) v. Atascocita
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-1, Game 2: W 6-2) v. Clear Falls
- Regional Semis: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-0, Game 2: W 1-0) v. Cinco Ranch
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Wes Hearne
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 13-0, Game 2: W 16-6) v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-0, Game 2: W 7-3) v. Cy-Fair
- Regional Quarters: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-3, Game 2: W 5-3) v. Tompkins
- Regional Semis: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-0, Game 2: W 4-3) v. Clear Springs
Both Pearland and Katy are coming off consecutive hard-fought wins to advance to Round No. 5.
The Oilers bullpen and defense played at the top of their game, as Nico Partida (So. RHP) and junior right-hander Jake Mader-Cooper combined for a no-hitter in their 3-0 victory in the opener.
Game No. 2 saw junior LHP Jaden Barfield come in to save the day, as he played a key role in getting Pearland out of not one, but two bases-loaded jams with some help by Pearland's fielding.
Furthermore, SHSU-signee Brett Smajstrla (Sr. OF) and Texas A&M-signee Caden Ferraro (Sr. 1B/P) anchored the Oilers lineup on the batting side.
Katy, on the other hand, shared the wealth at the plate.
Andrew Hilton (Sr. OF/P), Reese Ruderman (Sr. C/IF), Cole Kaase (Sr. IF/P), Josh Dunayczan (Sr. IF/P), and senior IF Graham Laxton each contributed an RBI through their two-game sweep over Clear Springs--with Laxton, in particular, sealing the series with a walk-off RBI-double in game two.
The Tigers bullpen isn't to be underestimated either. Seniors Caleb Koger and Lucas Moore have been proven to be effective starters, while the likes of Kaase or sophomore pitcher Cade Nelson can seal a victory at the relief spot.
Neither team in this matchup has yet to lose a game throughout the playoffs, which will inevitably change in the coming series at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.
The Region III crown is up for grabs. Stay tuned to see who takes it.
2022-23 Katy Tigers Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
The Woodlands' Brayden Sharp
THE CRYSTAL BALL: Who will advance in Class 6A Baseball Regional Quarters?
These are the types of games that will alter the entire outlook of the postseason, which should make the quality of the matchups that much more entertaining.
With a trip to the Regional Semis on the line, here are the best prime time series of the week.
H-Town 6A Standouts: Alec Beversdorf (Sr. RHP)--Clear Falls
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
No. 1--Tompkins Falcons v. Katy Tigers
2022-23 Tompkins Falcons Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-1/District 19-6A Champions
Head Coach: Kenneth Humphreys
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-3, Game 2: W 10-0) v. George Ranch
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-0, Game 2: W 13-3) v. Cy Creek
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-6-3/Finished 3rd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Wes Hearne
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 13-0, Game 2: W 16-6) v. Fort Bend Austin
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-0, Game 2: W 7-3) v. Cy-Fair
This round of the playoffs features an old fashioned district rivalry between two powerhouse Katy ISD teams.
Tompkins seemed to handle Cy Creek with ease throughout the Area Round, which started from their bullpen.
Senior LHP/OF Ty Dagley was phenomenal from the mound in game one, throwing eight strikeouts and nearly completing a no-hitter before being retired after the sixth inning.
The series clincher saw Adam Benavidez (Sr. 3B) rise to the occasion from the batter's box, as he would proceed to drive in five of the thirteen runs--three of which were from a homer he hit in the second inning--that the Falcons would score before ultimately reaching the run rule.
Katy enjoyed similar fortunes against Cy-Fair in the Area Round.
Caleb Koger (Sr. OF/P) had an impressive outing as the starting pitcher in the series opener. Combined with the top-notch Tigers defense, he didn't allow a single run to be scored while sitting down four batters in the six innings he pitched.
While seniors Cole Kaase (P/IF) and Reese Ruderman (C) in the two-game sweep over the Bobcats, Andrew Hilton (Sr. OF/P) added to his highlight reel with five RBIs, which included a three-run shot in Game No. 1.
Given the familiarity and close proximity of these two clubs, the tension in the air should be palpable.
2022-23 Katy Tigers Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
No. 2--Ridge Point Panthers v. Cinco Ranch Cougars
2022-23 Ridge Point Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-4-2/District 20-6A Champions
Head Coach: Clinton Welch
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 3-2) v. Seven Lakes
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-1, Game 2: W 3-0) v. Lamar
Cinco Ranch Cougars
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-4/Finished 2nd in District 19-6A
Head Coach: Brett Wallace
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 13-4) v. Hightower
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-1, Game 2: W 12-1) v. Memorial
The Ridge Point hot streak continues.
March 9th is the last time the Panthers took an L. Since then they've gone on a 22-game winning streak, thanks to the direction of ninth-year coach Clinton Welch, not to mention the considerable depth of the RPHS roster.
The Panthers pitching was on point in Round No. 2, with senior right-hander Kellen Gradisar limiting Lamar's batters to one run in the contest and racking up nine K's. Texas-commit Jack McKernan (So. LHP) also had an exceptional performance in his game two start.
Ridge Point's batting was as efficient as ever--particularly that of seniors Travis Vlasek (1B) and JJ Kennett (C)--to secure yet another sweep in the postseason.
They will be tasked with matching up against Cinco Ranch, who touts a 31-4 overall record and recently made history by reaching the Regional level for the first time in school history.
No. 3--The Woodlands Highlanders v. Tomball Cougars
2022-23 TWHS Baseball
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-6-1/District 13-6A Champions
Head Coach: Ron Eastman
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 1-0, Game 2: W 6-0) v. MacArthur
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-0, Game 2: W 7-0) v. Klein Collins
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-11/Finished 2nd in District 15-6A
Head Coach: Doug Rush
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-0, Game 2: W 5-4) v. Cy Ranch
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-2, Game 2: W 4-2) v. College Park
The Woodlands continues to cook in the playoffs.
Having yet to allow a single run thus far, this is indicative of the lock-down capability of the pitchers in the Highlanders arsenal.
Klein Collins experienced that first-hand when Nolan Roycraft (Jr. LHP) and senior Ethan Coronel combined for a shutout and 8 K's in Game No. 1, followed by Tennessee-signee Brayden Sharp (Sr. LHP) following suit with 13 strikeouts to close out the series.
Senior 3B Carson Kimball enjoyed the most success at-bat against the Tigers, hitting for .500 with one RBI and a scored through the two-game sweep.
Tomball has enjoyed its fair share of success in the fledgling postseason.
LSU-commit Cade Arrambide (Jr. C) will likely be the difference-maker in the Cougars lineup against TWHS, having most recently contributing two RBIs in Tomball's 4-2 deciding victory against College Park.
But don't sleep on senior 2B Alan Lopez (Houston-signee) making an impact in the batter's box, either. Paired with an impressive bullpen of their own, the Cougs can pose a threat to any team.
2022-23 Tomball Cougars Baseball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
No. 4--Cy Woods Wildcats v. Klein Oak Panthers
Cy Woods Baseball after becoming Area Champs
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 28-3/District 16-6A Champions
Head Coach: Phil Schwarz
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-1, Game 2: W 7-2) v. Tomball Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-5, Game 2: W 4-2) v. Oak Ridge
Klein Oak Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-10-1/District 15-6A Champions
Head Coach: Bo Hernandez
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-3, Game 2: W 15-4) v. Cy Falls
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 6-2, Game 2: L 7-11, Game 3: W 6-3) v. Grand Oaks
Cy Woods Baseball is nothing if not tenacious.
Despite falling behind 5-0 in the opening match against Oak Ridge, the Wildcats--buoyed by a remarkable showing by junior 1B McClane Helton (2-3, 5 RBI, 2 2B)--rallied to claim a 7-5 comeback victory in Game No. 1.
CWHS would then proceed to make another late-game comeback in game two to secure a trip to the Regional Quarters. This was thanks, in large part, to the efforts made by senior outfielders, Sam Myers (2 RBIs) and Kolvin Davis (3-4), as well as relief pitcher Ty Mason (Jr.) who earned the night's save.
The next obstacle they face is Klein Oak, who has emerged has one of the scary sleepers this Spring.
Oaks' Makoy Stone (Jr. OF) had himself a series against Grand Oaks, racking up some key RBIs to help lead the Panthers to Round No. 3. Junior infielders Reed Osborne and EJ Garcia also remained consistent, hitting 3-for-7 and 3-for-8 respectively.
Cy Woods and Klein Oak will be facing off at Tomball High School starting this Thursday. This is a matchup you won't want to miss.
2022-23 Klein Oak Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 5--Clear Falls Knights v. Pearland Oilers
2022-23 Clear Falls Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Clear Falls Knights
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-12/District 24-6A Champions
Head Coach: Eddie Youngblood
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-0, Game 2: W 3-2) v. Dawson
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Summer Creek
2022-23 Regular Season: 27-5-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: David Rogers
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-3, Game 2: W 11-1) v. Brazoswood
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 8-0, Game 2: L 6-7, Game 3: W 4-3) v. Atascocita
Clear Falls made history this past week by reaching the third round of the playoffs for the first time in school history.
The Knights have been able to depend on the two-punch knockout of Alec Beversdorf (Sr. RHP) and Texas-commit David Ramirez (So. LHP) into the postseason, which was evidenced by their consecutive shutout victories against Summer Creek.
Clear Falls will also look to senior OF Maxwell Williams to anchor the lineup when they need some big hits against Pearland this week.
Speaking of, the Oilers are coming off a thriller of a series against Atascocita, which was highlighted by a 4-3 walkoff win in Game No. 3 via an RBI-single hit by Bubba Moya (Jr. OF).
Look for Texas A&M-signee Caden Ferraro (Sr. P/1B) to have a major impact on the outcome of the ensuing series.
The two surging ball clubs will meet at Channelview High School to decide who advances to the Regional Tournament
Some of the stars of 2022-23 Pearland Baseball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
OTHER(S) TO WATCH:
2022-23 Kingwood Mustangs Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Kingwood Mustangs (22-7-3/District 21-6A Champions) v. Clear Springs Chargers (20-9-1/FInished 3rd in District 24-6A)