HSSTM 2008 Collin County Baseball Preview

Seniors rule. Especially when it comes to pounding baseballs in Collin County. One of the state’s best collections of talented teams and tight district races are driven by senior sluggers capable of testing – and in the case of McKinney North’s Nico Taylor, topping – the .500 mark. Don’t think that recruiters of major college baseball programs haven’t noticed the ball flying around Collin County ballparks.

Taylor hit .508 with six home runs and 39 RBIs – and was voted District 9-4A Most Valuable Player – despite missing half of the season to play basketball. Next season, the University of Arizona will realize the full potential of North’s 6-foot-3, 210-pound power hitter. Plano West second baseman Kale Kiser hit .452 as a junior, leading a batting order that propelled the Wolves to the Region II semifinals. Kiser’s performance was good enough to warrant a scholarship offer from Nebraska, where he’ll play Big 12 ball. Jordan Swagerty helped pitch and hit Prestonwood Christian Academy to a 31-1 record and the 2007 TAPPS 5A state championship game. Swagerty’s .484 batting average and 90-plus mph fastball convinced Arizona State to offer a full ride.

These three seniors of swing lead off our 2008 preview of Collin County baseball teams and players to watch.

 

District 9-5A

Allen Eagles

Head Coach: Paul Pool

2007 Record: 24-10

Players to Watch: Alex Yarbrough, SS, Jr.; Cody Brunk, C, Sr.; Cooper Chambers, 3B, Sr.; John Schulmeister, P/OF, Sr.; Jake Johansen, P, Jr.; Lukas Barnard, P, Sr.

Overview: Paul Pool believes his Eagles play smart, are fundamentally sound and work well together. He returns a solid group of seniors led by pitcher Lukas Barnard, catcher Cody Brunk, third baseman Cooper Chambers and pitcher/outfielder John Schulmeister. Allen returns just one starter from last year’s rotation. Several good arms are already in place but they will need to gain experience fast if the Eagles want to match, or possibly even surpass, their 2007 success. A solid group of newcomers should help Allen’s cause greatly this season.

 

Plano Wildcats

Head Coach: Rick Robertson

2007 Record: 10-18

Players to Watch: Dain Ussery, SS, Jr.; Derrick Davis, OF, Sr.; Landon Stanford, P, Sr.; Bo Altobelli, UTL, Jr.

Overview: In his first season at Plano, Rick Robertson returns four starters off last year’s team. Leading the way is first-team All-District performer and accomplished utility man Bo Altobelli, who hit .306. Also returning are senior outfielder Derrick Davis (.351), second team All-District hurler Landon Stanford (2-0, 3.17) and junior shortstop Dain Ussery. The Wildcats’ assets include great team speed and solid defense up the middle. However, inexperience is a major weakness and how quickly their young talent can develop and gel as a unit will go a long way in determining how the 2008 season turns out.

 

Plano East Panthers

Head Coach: Travis Collins

2007 Record: 23-8

Key Returnees: Jeff Emens, SS/P, Sr.; Justin Snider, 2B/P, Sr.; Conner Zmolik, 3B/P, Soph.; Logan Renau, C/OF, Jr.; Tyler Wylie, 2B/OF, Jr.

Key Newcomers: Jason Barrentine, P, Jr.; Nick Bell, C, Soph.; Alex Harris, OF, Soph.

Outlook: Travis Collins sees his middle infield of shortstop Jeff Emens (.410, 25 RBI), who has signed with Missouri, and second sacker Justin Snider (.397-2-30) as the team’s foundation. Emens (3-0, 1.79, 34K) is also the cornerstone of a pitching staff that returns four to five other players who pitched quality innings last season. Included in that group is a pair of senior right-handers in Derek Bell (2-1, 3.65, 16 K) and Mark Roberson (1-0, 1.56, 6 K). Other key components of this year’s team include sophomore third baseman/pitcher Conner Zmolik (.287-1-24), junior catcher/outfielder Logan Renau (.297-2-21) and junior second baseman/outfielder Tyler Wylie.

 

Plano West Wolves

Head Coach: Kendall Clark

2007 Record: 24-15

Players to Watch: Tyler Bruce, C, Sr.; Ryan Ford, 1B, Soph.;  Kale Kiser, 2B, Sr.; Harrison Holmes, SS, Sr.; Donald Plant, 3B, Jr.; Jason Coats, LF, Sr.; Barrett Beck, CF, Jr.; Ben Flora, P, Sr.

Overview: Plano West turned in a solid campaign last season, going 24-15 before losing in a Class 5A regional semifinal. The Wolves return 10 players who contributed to that squad. Backstop Tyler Bruce heads that list (.370, 50 RBI) along with second baseman Kale Kiser (.393-1-17), who is bound for Nebraska, shortstop Harrison Holmes (.342-3-34) and left fielder Jason Coats (.402-4-26). Other strengths will be experience, a power-packed lineup and great defense. But other than lefty Ben Flora (6-5, 3.39, 80 K, 5 SV), the Wolves will have a brand new pitching staff but a talented group of newcomers looks to be up to the task.

 

Wylie Pirates

Head Coach: Dustin Toth

2007 Record: 23-9

Players to Watch: Jake Feckley, P/3B, Jr.; Ryan Craighead, P/1B, Sr.; Austin Atwell, CF, Sr.; Wade Venett, 2B, Sr.; Daniel Jordan, SS, Jr.; Steven Curtis, LF, Jr.

Overview: Dustin Toth’s first season at the helm for the Pirates could be a relatively easy one. The entire pitching staff from last year’s playoff team returns including All-State nominee Jake Feckley (9-2, 1.92, 83 K) and Ryan Craighead (6-2, 3.92, 43 K). Wylie also brings back seven of nine position starters, a group that includes shortstop Daniel Jordan (.454, 15 2B, 13 SB) and second baseman Wade Venett (.474, 5-25). One big hole that must be filled is behind the plate, where Wayne Harris and his middle-of-the-lineup power, has departed. That puts all eyes on junior newcomer Taylor Cloyd, but Toth will expect contributions from all of his newcomers.

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 9-4A

Frisco Raccoons

Head Coach: Scott Cook

2007 Record: 17-13

Players to Watch: Tyler Sibley, SS, Sr.; Bryant Rutledge, LHP/1B, Sr.; Sam Klarin, C, Sr.; Gavin Gray, 3B/OF, Jr.; Joe Felts, DH, Sr.; Tyler Noesser, RHP, Sr.

Overview: This could be somewhat of a rebuilding year for Scott Cook and the Raccoons. Gone is a solid senior class of six players that included last year’s top pitcher Landry Davis as well as top offensive producers Brent Corum, Ethan Francis and Dillon McDonald. Frisco does return a solid core of seniors headlined by shortstop Tyler Sibley (.368, 16 SB) and pitcher Bryant Rutledge (3-2, 1.91. 53 K), who is headed to Texas State in the fall. Newcomer Tyler Noesser, also a member of the Frisco basketball team, will help provide depth to the starting rotation.

 

Frisco Centennial Titans

Head Coach: Dan Walsh

2007 Record: 13-12

Players to Watch: Michael Liba, OF, Sr.; Kyle Padden, OF, Sr.; Tommy Fowler, 1B, Sr.; Ryan Mossakowski, SS, Jr.; Jordan Badarack, P, Jr.

Overview: Dan Walsh, a longtime assistant to now-former Titans coach Cecil Vega, takes the helm this year for Centennial. He sees his first team possessing a deep pitching staff, playing great defense and intelligent baseball. Among his top returning players are senior outfielder Michael Liba, who is also a receiver on the football team, plus fellow seniors Tommy Fowler, a first sacker, and Kyle Padden, an outfielder. The big name returning is junior shortstop Ryan Mossakowski, Centennial’s talented starting quarterback who opted not to play basketball this year. That decision could pay huge dividends for Frisco on the diamond, however, the loss of All-District backstop Ryan Judd could loom large.

 

McKinney Lions

Head Coach: Jeremy Price

2007 Record: 22-13

Players to Watch: Devin Arnold, OF, Sr.; Alex Baker, P, Sr.; Andy Lalumandier, C, Sr.; Zach Lee, 1B/P, Sr.; Matt Lipka, SS/P, So.; Tanner Moore, 3B/P, Sr.; Caleb Spengler, 2B, Sr.

Overview: The Lions come off a spectacular year when they led District 5A-9 with an 11-3 record and advanced three rounds in the postseason. Coach Jeremy Price returns seven of nine starters from that squad. Headlining that group are the Lions’ top two starting pitchers, Alex Baker and Zach Lee. McKinney returns an experienced team and will lean on its senior leadership. Price’s only question marks are who will be the team’s No. 3 and No. 4 starting pitchers. Even with those gaps, the Lions are capable of winning another district crown and enjoying a playoff run. 

 

McKinney Boyd Broncos

Head Coach: Brandon Milam

2007 Record: 13-16
Players to Watch: Bryan Kinard, P, Sr.; Justin Burnside, SS, Sr.; Justin Gilliam, 3B, Sr.; Daryn Alves, P, So.; Parker Boleneus, OF, Jr.; Mitch Rhame, P, Sr.

Key Newcomers: Marcus Holt, OF, Jr.; Will Fletcher, C, Jr.

Overview: Brandon Milam sees great starting pitching and rock-solid defense as his team’s biggest strengths. A side benefit of everyone returning is incredible team depth for the Broncos. Boyd returns four All-District players from a year ago in senior pitchers Bryan Kinard and Mitch Rhame, junior outfielder Parker Boleneus and sophomore hurler Daryn Alves. The 2007 team struggled offensively but Milam believes this year’s team will be improved at the plate. A pair of junior newcomers – backstop Will Fletcher and outfielder Marcus Holt – look ready to step in and become steady contributors.

 

McKinney North Bulldogs

Head Coach: Jim Gatewood

2007 Record: 21-9

Players to Watch: Nico Taylor, 1B/OF, Sr.; Garrett Yates, 3B, Sr.; Matt Lackie, P/OF, Sr.; Trey Sorrells, C/P, Sr.; Kenny George, IF, Jr.; A.J. Florence, SS, So.; Kendall Ladd, P/IF, So.; Ty Crump, OF, Jr.; Ryan Hughes, P, Sr.

Overview: Jim Gatewood returns several starters from last year’s team that won the District 4A-9 title and made the postseason. Heading up that list is Arizona-bound star first sacker Nico Taylor, the reigning district Player of the Year after posting huge offensive numbers in 2007 (.508-6-26). Other returning All-District performers include senior infield Garrett Yates, All-District second baseman Trey Sorrells – who will be behind the plate and on the mound this year – and pitcher/outfielder Matt Lackie, who is headed to Louisiana-Lafayette. North will have to replace staff ace, TCU’s Trent Appleby, who was 10-0 last year.

 

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 9-3A

Celina Bobcats

Head Coach: James Evans

2007 Record: 28-7

Players to Watch: Troy McCartney, SS/P, Jr.; Charley Waldrep, C/P, Jr.; Robert Ward, P, Sr.; Ryan Merritt, P, So.; Austin Carey, 2B, Jr.; Nathan Bidelman, 1B, Jr.

Overview: Last year, Celina advanced to the regional finals in Class 3A and with a pair of All-State juniors in shortstop Troy McCartney, the reigning 9-3A Player of the Year and catcher Charley Waldrep, both of whom are also members of the Bobcats’ reigning state championship football team. James Evans expects big things from senior hurler Robert Ward, who returns to the rotation after spending last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. Big things are also expected from sophomore southpaw Ryan Merritt (4-0, 0.27). Evans sees his middle infield of junior second baseman Austin Carey and McCartney as a big strength but admits his starting pitching could take time to develop.

 

Frisco Liberty Redhawks

Head Coach: Scott McGarrh

2007 Record: 15-7 (JV)

Players to Watch: John Van Gelder, P/IF, Jr.; Rohan Garg, IF/P, Jr.; Derek Guckes, P/OF, Jr.; Matt Clark, P/IF/OF, Jr.; Tyler Durham, P/IF, So.; Taylor Cook, P/IF/OF, So.; Jacob Ingram, C/P, So.; Daniel Simpson, P/IF/OF, So.; Brandon Brotzman, IF/P, So.

Overview: Scott McGarrh’s team, which will be competing in its first year as a varsity squad, will have two major strengths: great team speed and great defense. Of course, as is the case with any new program, youth is always a major sticking point. Liberty did go 15-7 at the junior varsity level a year ago and the Red Hawks return most of that team. Liberty also has added some talented newcomers who could contribute right away. Junior P/IF/OF Matt Clark is a three-sport athlete who also plays for the Liberty basketball and football teams.

 

Frisco Wakeland Wolverines

Head Coach: Paul Offill

2007 Record: 15-11-2

Players to Watch: Jordan Baker, P/1B/OF, Sr.; Collin Reynolds, P/3B, Sr.; Landon Baker, IF, So.; Brad Heathcock, OF, Sr.

Overview: Paul Offill returns his entire roster from last season’s inaugural varsity season. Starting pitching looks to be Wakeland’s biggest asset in 2008. The rotation includes senior lefty Jordan Baker, righty Collin Reynolds and junior right-hander Ryan Johnson. They make their starting rotation rock-solid. Other top returnees include sophomore infielder Landon Baker and senior outfielder Brad Heathcock. The Wolverines’ biggest question mark will be a lack of depth. Another newcomer who could make a big splash is sophomore backstop Greg McCall.

 

Lovejoy Leopards

Head Coach: Brett Emery

Players to Watch: Matt Berryman, 3B/P, So.; Ben Camarillo, UTL/P, So.; Collin Cooper, SS, Fr.; Cameron Lyons, 3B/P, So.; Tyler Provence, 3B/P, Fr.

Overview: Coach Brett Emery and the Leopards begin their first season of varsity play. Lovejoy’s staff and lineup will be dominated by freshmen and sophomores who played a junior varsity schedule last season. Emery liked the level of commitment his players reached during offseason. The Leopards will need it as they enter 9-3A play.

 

Princeton Panthers

Head Coach: Joey Franke

2007 Record: 8-13

Players to Watch: Jake Abbott, P/1B, Jr.; Nick Naudin, P/C, Jr.; Josh Molina, P/3B, Fr.; Bert Wilson, P/SS, Fr.; Hunter Wood, P/1B, Jr.; Noel Nevarez, CF, Fr.; Jake Gildner, P/OF, So.

Overview: Coach Joey Franke is expecting improved pitching from a staff consisting of Jake Abbott, Nick Naudin, Hunter Wood and Jake Gildner. Newcomers Bert Wilson and Josh Molina could make a difference on the mound.

 

Prosper Eagles

Head Coach: Rick Carpenter

2007 Record: 22-9

Players to Watch: Jonathan Reed, P/C, So.; Brian Wuest, P/1B, Sr.; Trent Havens, SS, Sr.; Hunter Nix, P/OF, Jr.

Overview: Rick Carpenter takes the helm facing a pretty major challenge in the Eagles’ lack of proven starting pitching. Prosper does have senior Brian Wuest returning (.453-5-37), a talented first sacker who also pitches. Other returnees of note include junior pitcher and outfielder Hunter Nix (25 RBI), and senior shortstop Trent Havens. Sophomore pitcher and catcher Jonathan Reed (13 RBI) will also help provide run production. Two things the Eagles should do well this year are generating offense and playing good defense.

-- Steve Hunt

 

District 13-2A

Anna Coyotes

Head Coach: Ashby Porter

2007 Record: 10-15

Players to Watch: Tyler Pelican, CF, Sr.; Ryan Hayes, SS/P/C, So.; James Elliott, 3B, Sr.; Blake Hand, P/SS, Jr.; Zack Perez, P/3B, Jr.

Overview: It all starts with pitching and defense for the Coyotes. Coach Ashby Porter will expect the best despite several players changing positions in 2008. Move-ins Blake Hand and Zack Perez are expected to contribute immediately.

 

Farmersville Farmers

Head Coach: Bruce Mauppin

2007 Record: 9-17

Players to Watch: Justin Jackson, C, Sr.; Austin Adams, P/OF, Sr.; Austin Brooks, SS/P, Sr.; Payton Adams, 1B, So.

Overview: Coach Bruce Mauppin expects a strong core of seniors to translate into more wins in 2008. Seniors Justin Jackson, Austin Adams and Austin Brooks should provide more offensive firepower to a squad that will be solid on defense.

 

TAPPS

 

Trinity Christian Academy Trojans

District 1-6A

Head Coach: Jack Sharp

2007 Record: 22-9

Players to Watch: James Foster, P, Sr.; James Leslie, 2B, Sr.; Derrick May, SS, Sr.

Overview: The Trojans reached the state semi-finals in 2007, but lost the heart of that team to graduation. TCA will have eight seniors on their 2008 team. “We’ve got some good players, but they’ve never had a chance to play because they were behind other players,” said coach Jack Sharp. “The key to our season will be how these players progress.” The seniors will get a boost from sophomore Ryan Doerhoff, who will start at 3B and also pitch. Sharp expects his team to be strong on defense and on the mound, and it will be the Trojans’ hitting that determines how far they go in the playoffs.

 

Plano John Paul II Cardinals

District 1-6A

Head Coach: Brian Gaffney

2007 Record: 7-24

Players to Watch: Ben Taylor, P/OF, Jr.; Jason Naranjo, C/P, Sr.; Clint Rupp, INF, So.

Overview: Expect the Cardinals to be much improved in 2008. The program made the TAPPS playoffs last year in its first year as a varsity team, but struggled during the regular season with a schedule loaded with UIL Class 5A teams. Not only do the Cardinals have most of their players back, but they will play primarily TAPPS teams. John Paul II will practice and play its home games at Collin County Community. Coach Brian Gaffney, an assistant at Rockwall for six years before moving to JPII, was named the District 1-6A Coach of the Year in 2007. Senior Jason Naranjo was an All-Ddistrict player who batted .400 in 2007.

 

Plano Prestonwood Christian Academy Lions

District 2-5A

Head Coach: Mike Maack

2007 Record: 31-1

Players to Watch: Jordan Swagerty, C/P, Sr.; Cody Brooks, C, Sr.; Trey Frazier, P, Sr.

Overview: The Lions lost to Dallas Christian, 3-2, in the 2007 TAPPS 5A state championship after beating their district rivals twice in the regular season. The Lions lost several top players, including Cameron Rupp who signed with Texas and Hunter Hill, who signed with Central Florida, but the cupboard is hardly bare. Prestonwood Christian’s top three players for 2008 have already committed to Division I college programs, with Swagerty going to baseball juggernaut Arizona State while Brooks and Frazier have signed with Dallas Baptist University. The Lions will rely more on pitching and defense than they did last year, when they often exploded for a big inning.

 

 

McKinney Christian Academy Mustangs

District 2-3A

Head Coach: Lance Alford

Players to Watch: Klay Fields, 2B/P, Sr.; Scott Temple, SS/P, Jr.; Ryan Jones, P/OF/1B, Jr.; Austin Puckett, 3B/C, Jr.; Michael Nichols, C/P, Fr.

Overview: The Mustangs played just one game last year, so the program is starting from scratch in 2008. Lance Alford is the first-year coach and he’s expecting to get a big boost in athletes from the McKinney Christian basketball team. “We’re looking to build a program here,” Alford said. “We are out to win ballgames this year. We’ve got the kids to do that. I want to instill a love and appreciation for the game in the kids.” The Mustangs will play their home games at Craig Ranch. Fields will provide senior leadership both on the mound and at the plate.

 

Frisco Legacy Christian Academy Eagles

District 1-2A

Head Coach: Andrew Embry

2007 Record: 16-7

Players to Watch: Mason Leavitt, P/1B, Jr.; Logan Allison, SS/P, Jr.; Casey Mauch, 2B/C/P, Jr.; Jake Martinez, 3B, Sr.; Lucas Allison, C, Jr.; Blake Ivy, 1B/OF/P, Jr.

Overview: Legacy will try to continue its run of four consecutive years in the playoffs, piling up two regional appearances and two state tournaments during the streak. With a good core of talent, Legacy should perform well in a district that produced the state champion last year. Leavitt was the freshman of the year two years ago and MVP of the district last season. Leavitt, the two Allisons, Martinez, Ivy and Matt Clark are all returning lettermen. Mauch is a quality move-in who should bolster the pitching staff and the batting order. "When we have a chance to make an out, we must make it,” says coach Andrew Embry. “When we have a chance to score a run, we must score it. Throwing strikes will be important, too.”

 

-- Mark Zeske