GAMES
RANKINGS
Pearland's Nico Partida
THE PLAYMAKERS: 2025 Biggest Names in South Houston Baseball, powered by UTMB Health
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Omar Serna -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With an exceptional sense of leadership behind the plate, Omar Serna played a pivotal role in guiding Lutheran South Academy to a commanding 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith, securing the TAPPS-DII State Championship this May. The victory marked the Pioneers’ first state title since 2021 and their fifth overall since 2015.
A cornerstone of the team’s success, the senior’s impact throughout the season earned him first-team all-state honors.
An LSU-commit, Serna’s baseball future remains wide open. While collegiate competition in Baton Rouge is a strong possibility, there’s also growing buzz that his name could be called in the upcoming MLB Draft. No matter which path he takes, Serna has already left an indelible mark on the Pioneer program.
Nico Partida -- Pearland Baseball
Few players in Texas high school baseball left a mark quite like Pearland’s Nico Partida. The senior shortstop and right-handed pitcher was a dynamic force on both sides of the game, consistently turning heads with a fastball that touched 98 mph and a powerful presence at the plate.
A Texas A&M-commit, Partida was the heart and soul of a Pearland squad that once again made a deep postseason push. The Oilers came just short of a third straight trip to the UIL State Tournament, falling in a hard-fought Game 3 of the 6A-D1 Region III Final to eventual State Finalist Atascocita.
Even in defeat, his excellence didn’t go unnoticed. Out of 22-6A, he was named the District MVP for the third time in his remarkable high school career and also earned first-team, all-state recognition from the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association (THSBCA).
With his prep career now in the books, all eyes turn to the next chapter. While Aggieland awaits, should he decide to attend, Partida is widely expected to be selected in the opening round of the 2025 MLB Draft, which begins on July 13.
Regardless of what the future holds, Nico Partida leaves Pearland as one of the most decorated and impactful players in program history—a rare talent whose leadership and skill helped define an era of sustained success.
Alex Ervesun -- Clear Lake Baseball
Clear Lake’s Alex Ervesun wrapped up his senior season in style, earning District 24-6A MVP honors and solidifying his status as one of the top players in the region.
The standout catcher and third baseman was a driving force behind a Falcons team that advanced to the 6A-Division II Regional Semifinals—setting a new benchmark for the program’s future aspirations.
Ervesun’s leadership and all-around play were instrumental to Clear Lake’s postseason run. Whether managing the game behind the plate or delivering key at-bats, he brought consistency, poise, and a competitive edge that elevated the team’s performance all year long.
In addition to his district MVP recognition, Ervesun was also named to the THSBCA’s third-team all-state list—further testament to the impact he had on and off the field.
Committed to continue his baseball journey with the Southwestern University Pirates, Ervesun leaves behind a strong legacy at Clear Lake. His blend of talent and leadership not only helped power a successful season but also laid the groundwork for what’s to come for the Falcons.
Ronnie Rouse -- Santa Fe Baseball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
Senior Ronnie Rouse played his best ball when it mattered most, concluding his high school career at Santa Fe by earning Co-MVP honors in District 20-5A alongside La Porte’s Adrian Delgadillo.
Serving as a first baseman and left-handed pitcher, Rouse posted a .355 batting average, driving in 20 runs while tallying 10 doubles and a home run. His offensive consistency helped pace Santa Fe during a competitive season, while his presence on the mound added valuable depth to the rotation.
The Indians advanced to the Area Round of the 5A-Division II playoffs, where they were ultimately eliminated by Kingwood Park—who went on to finish as the state runner-up. Despite the postseason exit, Rouse’s contributions anchored a campaign filled with grit and growth.
Garritt Romero -- Dawson Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Whether it was shutting down opponents on the mound or making plays from the infield, Garritt Romero proved to be a cornerstone of Dawson’s success in 2025.
The senior shortstop and right-handed pitcher helped lead the Eagles to an 18-11 record, a District 22-6A title, and a trip to the second round of the 6A-Division II playoffs.
Romero’s all-around performance earned him first-team all-district honors. On the mound, he was a difference-maker, compiling a 7-2 record with a sharp 1.65 ERA. Offensively, he added production at the plate with a .266 batting average, 18 RBIs, five doubles, a triple, and a home run—providing consistent contributions in big moments.
Committed to continue his career at Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, Romero leaves Dawson as a model of versatility and grit. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways helped define the Eagles’ competitive edge this season and set the tone for their district title run.
Romero’s leadership and two-way play have left a lasting impression on the program—and his best baseball is still ahead.
The 2025 TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Lutheran South Academy's Grant Burns
THE PLAYMAKERS: Victory Season, powered by UTMB Health
Here are the UTMB Athletes of the Week, following a thrilling display on the state's grandest stage.
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Eryn Polite -- Clear Springs Softball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
As we touched on in our recent Whataburger Team of the Week article, Clear Springs did the unthinkable this past weekend.
By upsetting the Class 6A-D1 State favorites Katy (previously 36-1), in what became an instant classic, the Chargers’ 7-5 victory over the Tigers serves as a reminder that anything can happen in the UIL postseason.
At the heart of the drama was senior standout Eryn Polite.
With two runners on and one out left in the final inning of a one-game playoff, Clear Springs trailed 5-4.
The season hung in the balance as Polite stepped to the plate—and delivered the moment of her career. The Florida A&M commit crushed a walk-off, three-run homer, sealing the win and sending her team to the 6A-D1 Region III Final.
In a game packed with intensity, Polite’s clutch swing showed everyone why she’s one of the most dangerous bats in Texas high school softball. Her poise under pressure and ability to rise in the biggest moment elevated Clear Springs into the next round—and into program lore.
No matter what unfolds in their upcoming matchup against Atascocita, Polite’s walk-off will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the postseason.
Grant Burns -- Lutheran South Academy Baseball
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
They came. They saw. They conquered.
Lutheran South Academy solidified its standing as one of the top private school baseball programs in Texas with a commanding 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith to clinch the TAPPS Division II State Championship on Tuesday—their first title since 2021 and fifth overall.
Under head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers have been loaded with talent all season, boasting high-profile names like Victor Coronado (Texas State-commit), Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Marcus Cantu (Texas), Omar Serna (LSU), Wyatt Powell, and Jaylen Walker.
But on the biggest stage, it was senior Grant Burns who rose above the rest.
Named the TAPPS-D2 State MVP, Burns delivered a masterclass from the mound. The Wharton County JC-commit pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out nine in seven dominant innings. His poise and precision neutralized a strong Grapevine Faith lineup and set the tone from the first pitch.
With the victory, LSA not only adds another trophy to its case but also positions itself as a continued force in Texas high school baseball. And at the heart of it all stood Grant Burns—calm, commanding, and undeniably clutch.
Lily Soliz -- Angleton Softball
Doug Brown (VYPE)
With Coach Cindy Rubio leading the way, the Angleton Ladycats continued their dominant playoff run, most recently sweeping Hendrickson in the UIL 5A-D1 Regional Semifinals (Game 1: 11-0, Game 2: 14-2), improving to 21-3 on the season.
Leading the way for the series victory was senior standout Lily Soliz.
The McNeese State-commit delivered a commanding performance from the shortstop position, anchoring the defense while making her presence felt at the plate. Soliz went 4-for-5 across the two-game sweep, driving in five runs, scoring four of her own, and launching a home run in the opener.
Her leadership and consistency continue to set the tone for an Angleton squad with eyes on a deep postseason push.
Next up for the Ladycats is a tough Regional Final matchup against perennial powerhouse Barbers Hill.
The challenge is steep, but with momentum on their side—and Soliz firing on all cylinders—Angleton remains a team to watch.
Evan Mihaly -- Clear Lake Baseball
Against the odds, Clear Lake has battled its way to a spot in the UIL 6A-D2 Region III Semifinals.
Under the leadership of sixth-year head coach Josh Bromberg, the Falcons (23-10-3) captured the District 24-6A title before sweeping Goose Creek Memorial and Dawson in dominant playoff fashion.
Next up: a clash with Katy Taylor, with a trip to the Regional Final on the line—and a potential return to the State Final-Four for the first time since 1988.
A key force behind Clear Lake’s postseason success has been junior pitcher Evan Mihaly.
The left-hander, who recently committed to Texas A&M, has emerged as a dependable presence on the mound. His command, poise under pressure, and ability to deliver in big moments have solidified his role as a cornerstone of Bromberg’s playoff rotation.
Though Clear Lake boasts a deep and balanced roster, Mihaly’s breakout performance has been impossible to overlook.
As the Falcons prepare for their toughest challenge yet, Mihaly’s continued excellence will be critical. If he stays in form, Clear Lake’s dream of a long-awaited state tournament berth could very well become a reality
Jeremy Garner -- Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field
Photo provided by Iowa Colony Head Coach Aundra Long
Despite the challenge of moving up to Class 5A competition, the Iowa Colony Boys Track & Field team rose to the occasion without hesitation.
At the UIL State Meet held at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin, the Pioneers delivered a dominant showing to capture the 5A Boys State Championship.
Central to that victory was the performance of the relay teams, which claimed gold in the 4x100m (39.74), 4x200m (1:23.34), and 4x400m (3:11.62) events—an impressive sweep on the sport’s biggest stage.
Junior Jeremy Garner was a key figure in all three of those championship relays. His consistency and explosiveness on the track made him an indispensable part of Iowa Colony’s title run, anchoring a team effort with individual excellence.
Garner’s athletic talent isn’t limited to track. After earning second-team, all-district honors as a contributor on the ICHS football team, his profile as a multi-sport athlete continues to grow.
With a state title now on his résumé and more eligibility ahead, Jeremy Garner has firmly established himself as a rising star—one whose future in collegiate athletics looks increasingly bright.