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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.
A LONG TIME COMING: Kingwood ends two-decade title drought, dethrones Tomball at State
Head coach Michael Oros, a Kingwood alumnus in just his second year at the helm, couldn’t help but reflect on the program’s roots.
Kingwood Head Coach Michael OrosMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“I said hello to several alumni from that ’05 team as I made my way onto the field,” Oros said. “It was awesome to reconnect with them, and the state shirts we had were an homage to the exact ones they had back then. We wanted to pay respect to them and leave a legacy of our own — and there’s no doubt in my mind that we did that.”
The Mustangs (39-4) came out steady and composed, striking first in the opening frame on a sacrifice fly from junior Graham Charboneau (Baylor-commit) that brought home Brian Schumacher. Tomball quickly responded with a two-run single by Harper Gates in the bottom half of the inning, setting the tone for a back-and-forth affair.
After a scoreless stretch, Kingwood broke through in the top of the fifth with a four-run surge. RBI singles by Schumacher, Braden Fuentes, and Nick Spetter — followed by a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch drawn by Joshua York — gave the Mustangs a 5-2 lead.
However, Tomball clawed back in the bottom half, trimming the margin to one with RBI hits from Brycen Romberg and Brady Burrow.
That would be the last time the Cougars crossed the plate.
Tomball RHP Karson ReederMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Tomball, known for its elite pitching — led by juniors Karson Reeder (Texas-commit) and CJ Sampson (Sampson) — threatened again in the bottom of the seventh.
With the bases loaded and the tying run just 90 feet away, sophomore Ryder Renfrow -- who took over for starter Ben Mayorga (Sr. RHP) -- stepped up on the mound and delivered the biggest save of his young career, closing out the title win and earning a spot on the State All-Tournament Team alongside Fuentes, Spetter, and Schumacher.
“Our message was ‘be yourself and do what guided you here,’” Oros said. “Some teams change who they are on a big stage. We didn’t need to. Yeah, we’re successful, and we can have several heroes on any given day. That doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes. If we were going to go down, we wanted to do it our way. But we got one more than them — and that’s all that was needed.”
Charboneau, who was named 6A-DII State MVP, went 2-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI, and a run scored in the win.
Jr. OF Graham Charboneau accepts the 6A-D2 State MVP AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
“We’ve been doing it all year,” Charboneau said. “Atascocita’s in our district — they were in the other state final — and we battled them twice. The same can be said for who played in the playoffs, against teams like Dripping Springs and Katy Taylor. It was a fun battle the whole game.”
The senior-laden lineup showed its mettle, with Schumacher (2-for-4, RBI, 2 runs), Spetter (2-for-4, RBI), Fuentes (1-for-4, RBI), and Bryce Baker (2-for-3) all contributing key hits.
But more than the stats or the clutch plays, the Mustangs carried themselves with a collective identity — one they leaned on throughout the postseason.
“Our motto was K.V.E.: Kingwood vs. Everyone,” Charboneau added. “We lived by it and lived up to the challenge.”
With the win, Kingwood not only took down one of the state’s premier pitching staffs but also completed a 20-year journey back to the top — this time with a new generation of Mustangs etching their name into school history.
(Left to Right) Kingwood's Graham Charboneau, Christian Mata, and Nick Spetter
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
***FUN FACT: Kingwood and Midway (6A-D1) became the first schools since 2021 (Barbers Hill) to have both the baseball and softball programs win a state championship in the same season.
*Furthermore, the Mustangs are being recognized as the WHATABURGER TEAM OF THE WEEK!
