No. 9 Kyle Ford planned to steal the base, but the Ridge Point pitcher attempted to get Ford out.
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.”
Kaleb Maryland has been patient.
After transferring from Clear Springs to North Shore following his freshman season, Maryland has quietly waited for his number to be called—sitting behind Mustang legend Kaleb Bailey. Now, his time has come.
“North Shore is basically a college program, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I came here,” Maryland said. “When I first got here, it was a culture shock. Not everyone is cut out to play here, but it’s going to help me so much in the long run.
“The offseason is where we win. Coach (Willie) Gaston has helped me so much at the QB position—working the pocket, going through my progressions quickly. It’s about being ready.”
Now QB1 heading into next season, Maryland hopes to carry the torch and lead the Mustangs back to State.
“We know what everyone is saying about us on the outside,” he said. “People think North Shore is going to be down, but we just keep our heads down and go to work to prove everyone wrong. The standard is the standard here.”
Maryland still remembers the sting of last year’s loss to Westlake in the State Semis.
“We were devastated,” he said. “I was bawling for like 15 minutes in the locker room, just knowing I wouldn’t be playing with all of those seniors again. It was also a realization that I was the next man up. It would be my team the next year.”
Despite having limited varsity reps, Maryland has already caught the eye of college recruiters. He holds nine offers from programs like Utah, UTSA, UTEP, UNLV, Washington State, and Southern Miss, among others.
“What’s really important to me is coaching stability,” he said. “I want to go somewhere that I know the staff who recruited me will still be there.”
While honing his QB skills this offseason, Maryland is also turning heads on the track. He’s running relays and the 100 meters, looking to improve on his impressive 10.48 time.
“Running track is so important,” he said. “It’s helping me with my speed, but I’m also watching a lot of film and working on my velocity this spring. I’ve always looked up to Tom Brady and Drew Brees for their work ethic. I want to be like them—just 10 times faster. Could you imagine that?”
Off the field, Maryland keeps busy in the studio—his podcast studio. His show, “Keeping it PC,” is a project he’s developed with his dad.
“I love doing it, and I’ve had some pretty good guests so far,” he laughed. “I see myself continuing it in college. I like hearing other athletes’ perspectives.”
And when he’s not working out, watching film, or podcasting? Maryland is exploring his foodie side.
“I’m a foodie,” he grinned. “I love fine food. Of course, I like places like Chipotle, but my favorites are Fuji Ramen and 528 Asian Bistro.”
For the North Shore faithful, there’s hope that Maryland’s appetite carries over to the football field this fall. Because if he’s ready to eat, so are the Mustangs.
From Marcus Scott II (Cal), Devondre McGee (TCU), and Tice Williams (Texas State), to most recently four-star Oregon signee and Navy All-American Dorian Brew, the Tigers have become a defensive back factory.
So, who’s the next man up?
Introducing Xavier Harmon, a 6-foot-2, 183-pound long corner who already holds 25 offers and recently dropped his Top 8 schools.
For Harmon, being part of Conroe’s secondary is more than just playing a position—it’s continuing a legacy.
“Conroe is for sure DBU in Houston,” he said. “We’ve been producing and building guys from freshman to seniors consistently. It’s something our secondary group takes pride in.”
Harmon revealed his Top 8 schools earlier in March, a list that includes Arkansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Pitt, SMU, Stanford, TCU, and Utah.
“I chose those eight because I like the culture they’ve built,” Harmon said. “I like how the coach-to-player relationships feel more like family than just being on a team. That’s the type of program I want to be a part of.”
As Harmon heads into his senior season, he’ll be focusing on these eight schools for his official visits, but two have emerged as standouts.
“Arkansas and TCU have been pushing for me a lot,” he said. “They’ve really shown the most interest in me as of right now.”
With an ideal commitment date set for July, Harmon knows his official visits will be crucial in making the final call.
“Two of the biggest factors for me are the ability to have an opportunity as a freshman and life after football,” he said. “I want to go somewhere that’s going to put me in a successful position beyond college ball as well.”
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