As the Texas high school baseball playoffs continue to narrow down, plenty of Dallas-Fort Worth area teams continue to put in the work that it takes to fight toward the biggest baseball stage in the state. One team still fighting for their chance at a state title is Celina (31-3-1, 12-0). With a give-it-your-all mentality, the Bobcats are ready to continue taking down anyone who stands in their way. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far and lays out just what fans can expect in this week's matchup with Longview Spring Hill.
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A Look Back
Celina has been known for playing great baseball. Last season, they posted an undefeated district record and went into playoffs with the mindset that they could accomplish anything they put their minds to. After being knocked out of playoffs, the team didn't hesitate to regroup and prepare not only to get back to the playoffs, but to go further. As the team opened their season, the Bobcats posted what would be their only three losses so far season during preseason play.
In district play, the Bobcats defeated the likes of Sanger, Aubrey, Anna, Melissa, and more in order to post another undefeated district record (12-0) finishing at the top of their district. The team has been able to play incredible defense this season while holding their opponents to a combined 63 runs. Not only has their defense played smart on the field, but each batter has taken the opportunity to make every plate appearance matter.
Playoffs
So far in playoffs, Celina has ended the seasons of Irving Ranchview (12-0, 4-1), Life Waxahachie (8-3, 4-0), Van Alstyne (5-0, 5-0), and Texarkana Liberty-Eylau (4-2, 4-1). With impactful hitting and fielding that has been nearly unmatched, the Bobcats have outscored their opponents 46-7 in playoffs. There's no doubt that the team has what it takes to continue fighting to the finish.
Celina enters the Regional Finals on a 27 game win streak.
What To Expect
Longview Spring Hill (33-3, 11-1) has the potential to be one of the toughest teams that Celina has faced all season. Also finishing at the top of their district with a 92% winning percentage, the Panthers are no stranger to playing good baseball. In playoffs, Spring Hill has battled to take down Pittsburg, Garmersville, Kilgore, and Melissa en route to the Regional Finals.
Fans can expect Celina to play top-notch defense in the series against Spring Hill. Being able to read the bats of their opposing team has been a strength that the Bobcats have capitalized off of all season. Expect bats to be hot for both sides with smart placement from the Celina lineup.
Game one is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1st at North Forney High School.