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RACK ‘EM UP: The must-see matchups of 5A Area baseball; photo gallery
Perennial powerhouses--Friendswood, Barbers Hill, and Magnolia West--remain as dominant ever, while the challengers are hot on their heels.
Given the close proximity of these ballclubs, in terms of both location and skill level, the exhibitions yet to come should keep fans at the edge of their seats.
With that being said, here are VYPE’s picks for the can’t-miss series matchups of the UIL-Class 5A Area Round.
H-Town 5A Standouts: Dane Perry (So. IF)--Friendswood
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 1--Barbers Hill Eagles v. Foster Falcons
2022-23 Barbers Hill Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-10-1/District 17-5A Champions
Head Coach: David Denny
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-1, Game 2: W 6-5) v. Galveston Ball
Foster Falcons
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-9/Finished 2nd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Mick Tosch
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-0, Game 2: W 12-3) v. Galena Park
Barbers Hill started off their postseason with class against a respectable Galveston Ball team.
After being eliminated in the first round a year ago, the Eagles are already ahead of schedule now that they have reached the Area Round. However, they don't intend to be complacent now.
With all the star-power on their loaded lineup--such as seniors SHSU-signee Jace Martinez (Sr. SS), catcher Gage Kimble (Odessa), Tarleton State signee Carson Garrett (Sr. CF), and RHP Briley Van (Hill College)--Barbers Hill rounds out to be an imposing force in the 5A race.
However, Foster could give them a run for their money.
The Falcons were dominant on the diamond against Galena Park last week. Their strengths were on full display, starting with a stifling Game No. 1 shutout delivered by Arizona State-commit Chase Batten (Jr. LHP/OF), who sat ten batters down.
Foster was not lacking in the hitting department either, as senior SS Micah Dean (Kansas State-signee) went 5-for-8 through the two-game sweep, with five RBIs, five runs scored, plus one homer.
This is the game to watch.
2022-23 Foster Falcons Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
No. 2--Crosby Cougars v. Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Crosby Cougars Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-9-2/Finished 2nd in District 17-5A
Head Coach: Steven Hutcherson
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 3-6, Game 2: W 3-2, Game 3: W 6-5)
Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/District 20-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robb Jensen
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 8-2, Game 2: W 12-1) v. Fort Bend Austin
As their 2023 postseason debut can indicate, Crosby is nothing if not resilient.
After dropping the first game to Santa Fe, the Cougars responded with a hard-fought victory in the next game. Subsequently, Coach Hutcherson's group came in the clutch to take the deciding match, in a rainy extra-inning thriller that saw Crosby advance to the Area Round.
Junior Kade Eudy (Jr. RHP/UTL) showed prowess on the mound in Game No. 2, maintaining a 0.00 ERA into the seventh inning, while racking up 8 K's. In addition, senior 2B Carter Underwood was consistently efficient at the plate, batting just over .450, with an RBI and one run scored throughout the series.
Fulshear displayed precisely how they were the district champs of Lamar CISD in their sweep over Fort Bend Austin.
Led by Texas A&M signee, senior lefty Austin Vargas, the Chargers have been dominant all season, with fellow seniors Lane Arroyos (1B) and Tyler Schumann (SS) being among the top batters on their imposing lineup.
This matchup evokes a bit of déjà vu, considering these two teams faced off in the Area Round a year ago, in which Crosby won the series 2-1. With that in mind, there's plenty at stake in this rematch, so be sure to tune in.
2022-23 Fulshear Chargers Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
No. 3--Friendswood Mustangs v. Milby Buffaloes
2022-23 Friendswood Mustangs Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4-2/District 18-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robert Benavides
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-3, Game 2: W 10-3) v. Port Neches-Groves
Milby Buffaloes
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-5-1/Finished 2nd in District 19-5A
Head Coach: Carlos Morales
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 3-2, Game 2: W 11-8) v. Lamar Consolidated
Following their 3-2 nail-biter in Game No. 1, the Houston ISD reps defeated a tough Lamar Consolidated team in the series clincher (11-8) with style, thanks in large part to senior Arthur Perez. The Buffs pitcher/outfielder went 3-for-3 last Friday, with three RBIs, plus an additional four that he scored as a baserunner.
Furthermore, Alex Lopez (Jr. C) played a key role in the high-scoring finale, batting for .800 with a whopping six RBIs.
Both of these teams mascots are often known for the occasional stampede in nature, which could be the metaphorically be case in the matchup between these two H-Town ballclubs.
Which one will be leading the charge?
2022-23 Milby Buffs Baseball
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
No. 4--Lake Creek Lions v. Austin McCallum Knights
2022-23 Lake Creek Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 2nd in District 21-5A
Head Coach: Jeremy Schramm
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: 11-1 Win v. Shoemaker
Austin McCallum Knights
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-8-1/District 24-5A Champions
Head Coach: Trey Honeycutt
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 13-11, Game 2: W 2-1) v. East View
Lake Creek started the postseason like they were shot out of a cannon, outclassing Shoemaker with authority.
Their double-digit victory can be accredited to the various sluggers on the lineup, beginning with senior IF Ethan Uribe who compiled a trio of hits while knocking one over the fence. Fellow seniors Samson Pugh (IF) and James Kennedy (OF) also contributed to the scoring by collecting a pair of hits each.
And who could forget about Texas A&M-signee Weston Moss (RHP) who was the primary figure in thwarting Shoemaker's offense, while racking up ten strikeouts in the process.
McCallum has been a major player in the Austin area throughout year, so a sweep might not come so easily.
However, given all the talent on the Lions' roster, the fan base should be in for a treat.
No. 5--Magnolia West Mustangs v. Pflugerville Panthers
2022-23 Magnolia West Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4/District 21-5A Champions
Head Coach: Travis Earles
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 10-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Killeen
Pflugerville Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-17/Finished 4th in District 23-5A
Head Coach: Dale Waggoner
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 12-0, Game 2: W 5-1) v. Austin LASA
Magnolia West's introduction to this year's playoffs was nothing short of utterly dominant.
Having outscored Killeen 20-0, the Mustangs reminded H-Town that they are to be considered a major player in the Class 5A brackets.
The series clincher was made especially sweet, as seniors James Ellwanger (DBU-signee) and Caylon Dygert combined for a no-hitter to punch their team's ticket to Round No. 2.
Mag West's batters were clearly having a field day this past Saturday. Rice-signee Jackson Blank and senior C/OF Brandon Seidmeyer both hitting two into play, while junior SS/RHP Trenton Buckley had a trio of RBIs, and Caldwell McFaddin (So. IF/P) knocking two more runners across home plate.
The 'Stangs will see to it that this momentum persists as they prepare to take on Pflugerville in the coming days.
OTHERS TO WATCH
2022-23 La Porte Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Waltrip Rams (25-1/District 19-5A Champions) v. La Porte Bulldogs (22-8-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A)
2022-23 Friendswood Mustangs Baseball
CLEARING THE BASES: Teeing up the 5A Baseball Bi-District Round
After a exciting regular season, featuring a multitude of ball clubs defying expectations, the road to the State Championship begins now.
Region III is absolutely loaded, as Friendswood looks to run it back for a State Title, with other 5A contenders–Barbers Hill, Magnolia West and Crosby–right on their heels for a chance to win it all.
Here’s the who’s who of Houston high school baseball (5A) slotted to compete in the first round of the postseason.
*Teams are displayed in alphabetical order
H-Town 5A Baseball Standouts: Sean Bazmore (Sr. IF/RHP)--Crosby
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Barbers Hill Eagles
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 21-10-1/District 17-5A Champions
Head Coach: David Denny
Player(s) to watch: Jace Martinez (Sr. SS), Carson Garrett (Sr. CF), Gage Kimble (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Galveston Ball
Crosby Cougars
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-9-2/Finished 2nd in District 17-5A
Head Coach: Steven Hutcherson
Player(s) to watch: Sean Bazmore (Sr. IF/RHP), Carter Underwood (Sr. 2B), Keith Kennemer (Sr. RHP/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Santa Fe
Foster Falcons
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Foster Falcons
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-9/Finished 2nd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Mick Tosch
Player(s) to watch: Chase Batten (Jr. P/OF), Jackson Low (Sr. P/OF), Ridge Aventurado (Jr. IF), Coleman Biggs (Sr. 2B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Galena Park
Friendswood Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4-2/District 18-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robert Benavides
Player(s) to watch: Boots Landry (Sr. IF), Easton Tumis (Sr. RHP), Kyle Lockhart (Jr. RHP/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Port Neches-Groves
Fulshear Chargers
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Fulshear Chargers
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/District 20-5A Champions
Head Coach: Robb Jensen
Player(s) to watch: Lane Arroyos (Sr. 1B), Austin Vargas (Sr. P), Tyler Schumann (Sr. SS)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Austin (Houston ISD)
Galena Park Yellowjackets
Galena Park Yellowjackets
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-4/Finished 3rd in District 19-5A
Head Coach: James Turrubiartes
Player(s) to watch: Josue Carrizales (Sr. P/OF), Matthew Mendez (Jr. C), Nehomar Ochoa (Sr. P/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Foster
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Goose Creek Memorial Patriots
2022-23 Regular Season: 16-9-2/Finished 3rd in District 17-5A
Head Coach: George Banda
Player(s) to watch: Sammy Ibarra Jr. (Sr. P), Andrew Perez (Sr. C), Jacob Mooney (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. La Porte
Kingwood Park Panthers
Kingwood Park Panthers
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-13-1/Finished 2nd in District 16-5A
Head Coach: Chris Buechner
Player(s) to watch: Marshall Burke (Sr. SS), Gabriel Bernal (So. LHP/OF), Blake Ward (Jr. RHP)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Whitehouse
La Porte Bulldogs
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Ricky Torres
Player(s) to watch: Diego Luzzardo (Sr. P/OF), Jack Bilski (Sr. C), Tristan Spears (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Goose Creek Memorial
Lake Creek Lions
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 20-9/Finished 2nd in District 21-5A
Head Coach: Jeremy Schramm
Player(s) to watch: Ethan Uribe (Sr. IF/P), Samson Pugh (Sr. IF), James Kennedy (Sr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Shoemaker
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lamar Consolidated Mustangs
2022-23 Regular Season: 14-15-1/Finished 3rd in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Ryan Baudoin
Player(s) to watch: Jonathan Anders (Sr. P/1B), Tylan Hill (Sr. 2B), Randall Sosnowski (So. OF/C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Milby
Magnolia West Mustangs
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-4/District 21-5A Champions
Head Coach: Travis Earles
Player(s) to watch: Caylon Dygert (Sr. C/IF), Jackson Blank (Sr. 3B/RHP), James Ellwanger (Sr. P)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Killeen
Milby Buffaloes
Jamie Wright (VYPE)
Milby Buffaloes
2022-23 Regular Season: 23-5-1/Finished 2nd in District 19-5A
Head Coach: Carlos Morales
Player(s) to watch: Arthur Perez (Sr. P/OF), Fredy Romero (Jr. IF), Omar Montemayor (Sr. IF/OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Lamar Consolidated
Porter Spartans
Porter Spartans
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-9-1/District 16-5A Champions
Head Coach: Wayne Ralph
Player(s) to watch: Zane Adams (Sr. LHP/1B), Josh Evans-Pickens (Sr. OF), James Tidwell (So. OF/IF), Payton Evans-Pickens (Jr. OF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Longview
Santa Fe Indians
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Santa Fe Indians
2022-23 Regular Season: 18-13/Finished 3rd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Ronnie Wulf
Player(s) to watch: Kyeler Thompson (Sr. OF), Brice Smith (Sr. 1B/LHP), Caleb Berrow (Sr. RHP/2B)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Crosby
Terry Rangers
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Terry Rangers
2022-23 Regular Season: 15-13-1/Finished 4th in District 20-5A
Head Coach: Justin Gougler
Player(s) to watch: Michael Cuevas (Sr. 1B/DH), Andrew Hernandez (So. SS), Juan Rodriguez (Sr. C)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Waltrip
Waltrip Rams
Waltrip Rams
2022-23 Regular Season: 25-1/District 19-5A Champions
Head Coach: Richard Burriss
Player(s) to watch: David Medina (Sr. IF)
Bi-District Matchup: v. Terry