As expected, ‘Sader Nation dominated their way to the State FinalFour last spring, marking their ninth consecutive appearance at this prestigious stage (excluding the COVID year). They reached the TAPPS title game for the fourth time during that stretch but were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Central Catholic. Though the Crusaders are still chasing their first championship since 2015, it’s always a strong possibility that they could capture their second. Mizzou-commit and second-team, all-state selection Connor Jones (Sr. RHP/1B) steps in as the ace of the pitching staff, with Jeremiah McCranie (Jr. RHP/IF), Luke Douglas (Jr. LHP/1B), and Ethan Rivers (Jr. RHP/OF) adding depth to the rotation. Fellow second-team, all-state player Ronin McCraw (Jr. SS) and honorable mention Cole Lanclos (Sr. CF/Baylor) are reliable contributors on both sides of the ball, providing leadership and consistency. Senior catcher Jax Fisher (LeTourneau-commit), junior third baseman Hugh Wilhelm, and sophomore infielder Landon Martinez are also expected to make significant contributions throughout the season.
No. 2 - Lutheran South Academy Pioneers2024: 22-13 (Regional Finalist)
HC: Aaron Schneider
LSA turned in another strong performance last season, advancing to the Regional stage of the TAPPS-II playoffs before being eliminated by former district rival Kelly Catholic. With the restructuring of divisions, the Pioneers will face a new set of opponents in District 4, including Second Baptist, Bay Area Christian, FBCA, and Logos Prep. Given their talent, LSA should be more than up to the challenge, boasting one of the most stacked rosters in Houston. The reigning District MVP and first-team all-state selection, Omar Serna (LSU-commit), returns for his senior year behind the plate and looks poised to continue building his reputation as a potential professional prospect. Senior SS/3B Victor Coronado, a Texas State-commit, is back to anchor the infield and provide offensive firepower. Juniors such as infielder Marcus Cantu (Texas-commit) and outfielder Jaylen Walker, also a first-team all-state honoree, will be key contributors as well. Meanwhile, senior right-hander Grant Burns (Wharton County JC), who posted a perfect 7-0 record with a 2.05 ERA last season, should be the leader of the Lutheran South bullpen in 2025. Seniors Brody Smith (St. Thomas), James Stoeckel (Coastal Bend), Easton Bettcher (Centenary), and Ryan Reed (Coastal Bend) are also ones to watch.
No. 3 - Second Baptist School Eagles2024: 21-10 (TAPPS-II State Champions)
HC: Rayner Noble
Despite facing a mix of highs and lows, along with injuries throughout the season, Second Baptist School rallied when the stakes were highest. By the end of the 2024 campaign, the Eagles triumphed over Southwest Christian (10-7) to claim the TAPPS-II State Title, marking the program’s seventh championship overall. While some key players from last year have since graduated, there are still plenty of weapons for coach Rayner Noble to rely on. Sam Houston State-commit Wes Baker (Sr. C) is primed to set the tone on both sides of the ball, following a strong 2024 season in which he posted a .348 average, 28 RBIs, and six homers to earn second-team all-state honors. Senior right-hander Carson Bratcher (Wharton County JC-commit), a district second-team selection, is expected to step up as the team’s ace this spring. He’ll be joined by Christian McCleary (Jr. LHP/1B), Sam Garcia (Sr. RHP/IF), and Jackson Clark (Jr. RHP/IF) in a deep pitching rotation. In the outfield, senior Jace Trozzo (Rhodes College) returns after earning second-team all-district honors a year ago, bringing his experience and leadership to the squad.
No. 4 - Episcopal Knights2024: 25-7-1 (SPC-4A Runner-Up)
HC: Matt Fox
Under the direction of head coach Matt Fox, now in his 16th year, the Knights upheld their tradition of excellence last season, reaching the SPC-4A championship for the fourth consecutive year. However, the defending champs fell short in their quest for a repeat, as St. John’s defeated Episcopal 6-4 in the title game. That narrow loss should provide plenty of motivation for the Knights as they aim for redemption in 2025. Once again, the pitching staff will be anchored by senior RHP Preston Sullivan (Houston-commit), who posted a 5-2 record in 2024 with a remarkable 1.01 ERA and 65 strikeouts, earning All-SPC honors. Fellow All-SPC selection Aidan Eshelman (Sr. IF/UTSA-commit) will be a major force at the plate after hitting .430 with 29 RBIs last season. Further bolstering the lineup is junior shortstop Miles Young (Georgia-commit), who batted .353 with 18 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 2024, emerging as a rising star in the national recruiting scene. Junior outfielder Reid Sasser is also expected to step into a larger role this season. If everything falls into place, Episcopal could be on track to secure its fifth championship in a decade
No. 5 - Bay Area Christian Broncos2024: 16-19-1 (TAPPS-III State Runner-Up)
HC: Kyle Crowell
Bay Area Christian experienced a series of ups and downs during the regular season, but they truly flourished in the playoffs. Advancing all the way to the TAPPS-III title game, their momentum was halted only by The Brook Hill School (9-2), which denied the Broncos their first championship since their back-to-back titles in 2021-2022. Now, under second-year head coach Kyle Crowell, Bay Area Christian moves up to the TAPPS-II division, facing an even tougher slate of opponents. However, with the experience they have returning, the Broncos should remain a formidable threat. Senior SS/RHP Jacob Newsom (Tyler JCcommit) earned first-team all-state honors and was named to the state all-tournament team after a stellar 2024 campaign. Owen Townsend (Sr. IF), also an all-tournament team selection, will play a leading role in the lineup after posting impressive numbers (.323 BA, 24 RBIs, 19 runs) last season. Senior outfielder/pitcher Jason Darling (Panola JC) and senior third baseman Jackson Lowry (Texas Lutheran) will also be key contributors. Additionally, the bullpen will feature two starting-caliber arms in senior Peyton Ardoin (all-tournament team) and junior Nolan Tharp, further solidifying the team’s depth.
