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VYPE Coaches Corner: Atascocita Baseball Coach Jeremy O'Neill -- 6A-D1 State Semis Preview
Under the leadership of second-year head coach Jeremy O'Neill, the Atascocita baseball program has made tremendous strides since being eliminated in the third round of the playoffs a year ago.
After narrowly losing the opener against Pearland (5-6) in last week's Region III-6A-D1 Final, the Eagles rallied to not only tie the series, but eventually punch their ticket to the UIL State Tournament -- marking the first occurrence the team has done so since 2014.
Now, the Eagles are faced with the opportunity to advance to the State Final for the first time ever, when facing Lake Travis at Texas A&M's Blue Bell Park this week.
VYPE's Matthew Ogle spoke with AHS head coach Jeremy O'Neill, detailing Atascocita's remarkable comeback against Pearland, and the game-plan for Lake Travis.
Check out the interview below!
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THE A WAY: Atascocita Primed For Another Playoff Run
It’s been over a decade since the Eagles made the program’s lone appearance in the UIL State Tournament (2013-14), but recent seasons suggest they’re not far from returning. In his first season as head coach, Jeremy O’Neill led Atascocita to a silver finish in the competitive 21-6A district and a postseason berth.
Unfortunately, their run ended in the third round against eventual State Finalist Pearland in a thrilling three game series. However, the Eagles return a solid core that bodes well for a third consecutive playoff appearance.
Junior Ty Higginbotham, the District Newcomer of the Year, shined with a 10-2 record and 89 strikeouts last season while also contributing at the plate with 21 RBIs and two home runs. Fellow junior Jaxon McKnight, named District Utility Player of the Year, posted similarly impressive numbers, including a .354 batting average, 26 RBIs, and one homer.
Additionally, second team all-district selections Angelo Volante (McMurry commit) and CJ Toney strengthen the outfield and lineup, while senior shortstop Jayden Hernandez (honorable mention) anchors the defense.