HOUSTON - On a wet, cold November night inside historic Rice Stadium, the Second Baptist School Eagles were all smiles.
Second Baptist School defeated district-rival Fort Bend Christian Academy 14-13 to advance to the TAPPS Division II State Championship game next week in Waco. It was a defensive bout all night long for each team, while Eli Smith and JD Crisp scored the two touchdowns for SBS.
VYPE's Bradley Collier was on hand, check out his best photos from the night.
LSA Baseball claims the TAPPS-D2 State Championship, with an 11-0 win against Grapevine Faith
Photo acquired from Twitter (@ButtonAthletics)
Central Catholic back on top—and staying there.
With a 2-0 shutout win over Prestonwood Christian on Tuesday at Clay Gould Ballpark in Arlington, the Buttons secured their second consecutive TAPPS-Division I State Championship, capping off another dominant season under head coach Matt Flores.
Finishing the year with a 29-9-2 record, the Buttons combined disciplined pitching, sharp defense, and timely hitting to complete their title defense.
Tuesday’s championship performance was highlighted by standout sophomore Landon Holloway, who earned TAPPS Division I State MVP honors for his efforts on the mound and at first base.
Holloway wasn’t alone in carrying the team to back-to-back titles.
Veterans like Jake Hernandez, Jason Herrera, Matt McClenan, JD Amescua, Jacob Schwope, Garrett Ticer, Brandon Hall, and Rick Ramirez all played pivotal roles throughout the season, helping to create one of the most balanced and cohesive rosters in Texas private school baseball.
Coach Flores praised the team’s focus and consistency across a long and challenging schedule—one that ultimately saw the Buttons peak at just the right time.
From the dugout to the diamond, Central Catholic’s blend of leadership, depth, and determination once again proved too much for the competition.
With a strong core returning, the Buttons appear poised to continue their reign, but for now, the celebration is well earned. The championship trophy is staying in San Antonio.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lutheran South Academy entered the TAPPS Division II playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Texas—and left no doubt why.
Guided by head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers steamrolled through the postseason, recording shutout victories in every playoff game en route to the state championship.
Their dominance culminated in an emphatic 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith in the title game, held earlier this week, securing their place at the top of Texas private school baseball.
LSA’s postseason run included lopsided shutouts against St. Joseph (16-0), Kelly Catholic (10-0), and Second Baptist (6-0), showcasing a combination of pitching depth, offensive firepower, and defensive sharpness rarely seen at any level.
The championship game’s hero was senior pitcher Grant Burns, a Wharton County JC-commit, who threw a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts against Grapevine Faith. His performance earned him TAPPS Division II State MVP honors and sealed a postseason stretch in which he—and the entire LSA pitching staff—did not allow a single run.
Burns wasn’t alone in carrying the Pioneers to glory.
Key contributions came from a deep and talented roster that included LSU-commit Omar Serna, Texas-bound Marcus Cantu, as well as All-Tournament honorees Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Victor Coronado (Texas State), and Wyatt Powell.
Finishing the season with an outstanding 33-3-1 record, Lutheran South Academy didn’t just win the state title—they dominated every step of the way.
With a championship trophy back in Houston and a legacy firmly cemented, the Pioneers proved they weren’t just the best team in TAPPS—they were the best team in Texas.
The Hyde Park Softball program wins its first-ever TAPPS State Championship with 11-10 win over St. Joseph
Photo acquired via Twitter (@JPIIHSSports)
The Cardinals have once again proven themselves a powerhouse in Texas private school softball, capturing the TAPPS Division I State Championship with a commanding 12-2 win over Antonian Prep.
The victory, secured by run-rule at Arlington’s Allan Saxe Field, capped off a dominant postseason stretch and solidified the Cardinals’ place among the elite programs in the state.
This marks the team’s third state title in five seasons under the leadership of head coach Jayme Baker, and their third in as many years—each coming at the expense of Antonian Prep. The Cardinals’ path to the crown included lopsided victories over Liberty Christian (11-1) and Prestonwood Christian (12-2), showcasing their consistency and firepower throughout the playoffs.
Finishing with an impressive 28-2 record, JPII’s championship run was fueled by a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.
Senior pitcher and UT-Dallas commit Carly Holman anchored the team from the circle, while fellow seniors Allie Kloeber, Abby McGraw, and Rider University-bound catcher Abby Van Volkenburgh played pivotal roles in the infield and behind the plate. All four were named to the State All-Tournament Team.
Yet, the Cardinals’ success was a true team effort.
Underclassmen like Bridget Mulligan (So. 3B/C), Reagan McGraw (So. OF), and Sadie Zipser (So. IF), alongside senior outfielder Grace James, stepped up with key contributions throughout the season and playoffs.
As accolades continue to roll in, the Cardinals can take pride in not just their title, but the legacy they’ve built.
With four consecutive state tournament appearances and a culture of excellence, John Paul II has once again brought the championship back to Plano—and left no doubt about who rules TAPPS Division I softball.
Photo acquired via Instagram (@hydepark_athletics)
Hyde Park made school history Tuesday afternoon, capturing their first-ever TAPPS Division II State Championship in dramatic fashion, with a walk-off 11-10 victory over St. Joseph High at UT Arlington’s Allan Saxe Field.
The title win came with extra significance, as it served as a revenge game for Hyde Park—who fell to St. Joseph in last year’s State Final.
This time around, it was the Panthers who had the final say, thanks to a gutsy suicide squeeze bunt by freshman Kylie Yeager that allowed sophomore Alexa Stout to cross home plate for the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.
The championship not only capped off a 21-4 season, but also marked a perfect finish to head coach Julia Crofut’s first year at the helm. Her leadership helped guide a balanced squad that blended seasoned contributors with emerging underclassmen talent.
While the title was a true team effort, several players stood out throughout the Panthers’ memorable run. The Stout sisters—sophomore Alexa and USC Upstate-commit Cariana—were instrumental, alongside Grace Parscal, Ellis Fellin, and freshman Alexandra Akins. And with her game-deciding bunt, Yeager etched her name into Hyde Park lore.
For a program that’s come close in recent years, the 2024 championship represents more than just a trophy—it’s a breakthrough moment that could mark the beginning of a new era for Hyde Park softball.
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