No. 3 -- Bridgeland Bears
There is no other way to put it – Bridgeland is loaded.
Candi Weige’s team is coming off a State Semifinals appearance in 2023, finishing the year with 36 wins. Six starters return from that team as they look to make a run back to Austin in 2024.
Sydney Jackson (Syracuse University) was the District 16-6A Pitcher of the Year in 2023, going 21-6 with 200 strikeouts and a 1.45 ERA in 168 innings.
Chayne Allen (University of Louisiana-Lafayette) made the TGCA 6A All-State team after hitting .357 with 27 RBIs and 31 stolen bases, while Dani Lopez (Blinn College) returns from being injured last year and will be a “huge piece” in the Bridgeland offense after hitting .420 with 26 RBIs.
Other key returners include Chesley Swisher (Texas Lutheran), Rylie Marquart (McLennan Community College), Brooke Gonzales (Colorado School of Mines), Carley Melton (Denison College), Madysen Taylor, and Abby Bvunzawabaya.
The Bears made history by reaching the State Tourney a year ago. Could this be the year they claim gold?