For those who love parity in sports, there is no game better than baseball. A hot pitcher here, a tricky bounce there and enough good players who can make enough of the routine plays gives any decent team a chance to knock off a favorite. All of which explains why polling in baseball – and particularly high school baseball – is nothing more than intriguing thought exercise.
But we like to do it anyway. Especially since teams moved up and down this week’s Power Rankings as if they were joy riding the Frost Bank Building elevator. And at the end of a wild week, it was Westlake – the safest choice after two shutouts over Akins – that climbed atop the poll.
The Chaps replaced Round Rock, who dropped their second game to an improved McNeil club, then fell again to sleeper-no-more Cedar Ridge. The Dragons slipped to #2 and all eyes will be on their Tuesday (3/25) rematch. Dripping Springs would have replaced their district rival, were it not for a dramatic walk-off loss in game two of their series against Austin High. Liberty swept a good Rouse team to climb into the Top 5.
It’s a mess everywhere else, with nearly every team below the Top 5 moving up or down a spot or two as mentioned. Add to the mix McNeil and Bowie, who are new to the Rankings. While neither has stellar overall records, they’re both holding their own in tough 6A districts.
Strength of schedule matters a lot when parity rules.
VYPE's Austin Baseball Rankings
1. (3) Westlake Chaparrals (6A) 13-2-1 (Swept Akins)
2. (1) Round Rock Dragons (6A) 14-3-1 (L vs. McNeil; L vs. #9 Cedar Ridge)
3. (2) Dripping Springs Tigers (6A) 10-7 (Split w/Austin High)
4. (8) Liberty Hill Panthers (5A) 12-4 (Swept #5 Rouse)
5. (9) Cedar Ridge Raiders (6A) 11-4 (Def. Westwood; Def. #1 Round Rock)
6. (4) Lake Travis Cavaliers (6A) 7-7-3 (Def. #6 Vandegrift; L vs. Steele; Def. Bowie)
7. (7) Buda Johnson Jaguars (6A) 13-4 (Def. SA Taft)
8. (6) Vandegrift Vipers (6A) 12-4 (L @ #4 Lake Travis; Def. Vista Ridge)
9. (5) Rouse Raiders (5A) 11-5-2 (Swept by #8 Liberty Hill)
10. (10) Anderson Trojans (5A) 11-5 (swept Crockett)
11. (12) Hays Hawks (5A) 11-4-1 (Swept Leader; def. Bastrop)
12. (13) San Marcos Rattlers (6A) 11-5-1 (Swept SA East Central; Def. SA Churchill)
13. (NR) McNeil Mavericks (6A) 7-6-2 (Def. #1 Round Rock; Def. Stony Point)
14. (NR) Bowie Bulldogs (6A) 8-8 (Swept Del Valle; L vs. #4 Lake Travis)
15. (11) Weiss Wolves (5A) 9-5-2 (swept by Elgin)
NEXT TO SOCCER, BASEBALL IS A SPORT THAT TRANSCENDS CULTURES WORLDWIDE. THE CURRENT MLB DEMOGRAPHIC IS A TESTAMENT TO THE SPORT’S GLOBAL APPEAL, WHICH EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE UNITED STATES.
For Alief Elsik senior Abraham Morales, baseball is more than just a pastime—it’s his passion and his life.
Having moved from Cuba to Texas just two years ago, Morales has faced his share of challenges, particularly with the language barrier, which he continues to adjust to.
Despite these obstacles, his love for the game remains unwavering, and he has quickly become one of the key players in the Alief Elsik baseball program.
With the help of his bilingual teammate, Danny Zelaya, we were able to connect with Morales to learn more about his journey.
VYPE: In your experience with Elsie, have you noticed any changes with the team, since you started playing?
MORALES: “I used to see things differently here in the program. Now, I notice that there are different expectations for us and myself. I’m hoping that we can build off of each other and execute the way that we’ve envisioned.”
VYPE: What would you say is your greatest strength as a player?
MORALES: “I think it relates to my adaptability. I was originally an outfielder, but given my experience in Cuba, where I played everywhere, I was able to transition over to pitching pretty quickly. I’m comfortable being on the mound, but I know that I’m capable of playing any role that’s needed for the team.”
VYPE: What would you say has been the biggest difference since moving to the U.S.? MORALES: “There are a lot more possibilities here. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given and I’m hoping that I can make the most of them.”
VYPE: What got you into baseball? What do you love about it?
MORALES: “Baseball is my life. It’s always been everything to me, because it’s been passed down through my family and country. This game is always by my side, so I make sure to bring it with me at this stage.”
VYPE: Has it been difficult adjusting to life here in the U.S.?
MORALES: “It’s a little hard, having to get used to the English. But, like I said, the opportunities are worth taking on something new, and I’m still working on it.”
VYPE: What do you hope to do after you graduate?
MORALES: “The first goal is to play in college, whether that be at a big university or at a JuCo. The MLB is the main objective for me, but I’m just trying to find something that comes around my way to begin with.”
Ridge Point's Avery Morcho is that guy
Avery Morcho is the total package.
The Ridge Point offensive lineman stands an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 290 pounds. He’s crushing it in the classroom, and his athleticism has made him one of the most coveted prospects in H-Town.
But it all started with a different game.
“Basketball was my first love,” Morcho laughed. “I played until I was a sophomore but had to quit because I was losing too much weight running up and down the court. But having played since I was a kid, it gave me great footwork that I use now as an offensive lineman.”
Coach Rick LaFavers wasted no time putting Morcho to work when he started walking the halls of Fort Bend ISD’s powerhouse program.
“I’ve always been the biggest guy, and they moved me up to varsity as a freshman,” he said. “This might sound crazy, but on my very first play, I had a pancake block. I wasn’t fully developed yet… hadn’t really grown into my body. I was kind of thrown into the fire back then, but it made me who I am today.”
And who he is today? A four-star recruit with dozens of college offers.
“My first offer was from Texas Tech after my sophomore year… that gave me so much confidence,” Morcho said. “As I’ve gotten deeper in the recruiting process, I’m really looking for a great offensive line coach—someone who can get the most out of me. I’m pretty smart and would like to possibly pursue engineering as a career after football.”
For now, though, it’s all about Ridge Point football.
“This senior class is special,” he said. “I grew up going to Ridge Point games when I was in elementary school. I saw how those coaches developed great offensive and defensive linemen who went on to play in college. I knew if I just listened and put in the work, I could do it too.”
Now, it’s his turn to leave a legacy.
“Our time is almost over,” Morcho reflected. “I know the seniors are excited to go play in college, but we’re going to cherish every moment next year. It’s going to be a great season because of the brotherhood we’ve built over the years. We have great chemistry, and I love being one of the vocal leaders.”
Morcho has an official visit locked in with SMU, with more sure to fill up his calendar soon.
But before he got back to grinding, we ran him through the VYPE Combine 411 Feature. Here’s the lowdown:
...
VYPE 411 with Avery Morcho
VYPE: When you’re watching football, who do you like to study?
MORCHO: Of course, the Texans. But at my position, I lock in on Trent Williams and Lane Johnson. They’re nasty and great run blockers.
VYPE: What’s your all-time favorite movie?
MORCHO: It has to be Creed.
VYPE: Favorite place to eat?
MORCHO: Wing Stop.
VYPE: Dream car?
MORCHO: A Durango 392.
VYPE: What are you streaming right now?
MORCHO:Stranger Things.
VYPE: Celebrity you’d want to take on a date?
MORCHO: Ruby Rose.
VYPE: Outside of football, what do you love to do?
MORCHO: I like playing pick-up basketball and fishing. I like being outside.
GAMES
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