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Magnolia West's Jackson Blank
STILL FIGHTING: Class 5A Baseball Regional Quarters Outlook
The Regional Quarterfinals will feature several enticing matchups, such as Friendswood v. Barbers Hill, which could very well shape the remainder of the postseason.
What more could a sports fan ask for?
Here are some of the most anticipated playoff series of the week.
H-Town 5A Standouts: Diego Luzardo (Sr. OF/P)--La Porte
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Friendswood Mustangs v. Barbers Hill Eagles
2022-23 Friendswood 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
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 9-1, Game 2: W 17-4) v. Milby
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
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 11-10) v. Foster
This past week's trouncing over the Milby Buffs was business as usual for Friendswood.
Easton Tumis was a force on the mound in game one, limiting Milby to just one run, while the Mustangs lineup--namely Boots Landry (Sr. 1B), Ayden Pearcy (Jr. 3B), sophomore C/IF Dane Perry, and more--enjoyed consecutive field days during their 26-run scoring-barrage.
Given the fact that anyone on this lineup can step up when necessary, paired with their relentless bullpen, Friendswood is one of the most difficult ball clubs in the state to prepare for.
That being said, Barbers Hill has the potential to give the Mustangs a run for their money.
After earning two hard-fought wins against a serious contender like Foster, it would be unwise to underestimate the Eagles as they fight for a trip to the Regional Tournament.
2022-23 Barbers Hill Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Lake Creek Lions v. Georgetown Eagles
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
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 5-1, Game 2: W 6-0) v. Austin McCallum
Georgetown Eagles
2022-23 Regular Season: 19-12-1/District 23-6A Champions
Head Coach: Jordan Vierra
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 11-0, Game 2: W 10-0) v. Navarro
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 2-1, Game 2: L 2-6, Game 3: W 7-1) v. A&M Consolidated
Yet another strong outing was made by the Lake Creek ball club, in the Area Round.
The Liosn bullpen continues to look impenetrable, which was evidenced by the minuscule offensive success allowed to McCallum.
Senior Weston Moss had a respectable opener against the Austin team, limiting them to just one run on the night while throwing four Ks. The subsequent start was taken to another level, as Jackson Wilkerson (Sr. LHP) sat down ten batters in the process of completing a shutout victory.
In addition to their shutdown defensive effort, Lake Creek's batters were at the top of their game. Sam Lee (Jr. OF) tallied four base-hits in the series with two RBIs, while junior MIF Austin Wiederhold's performance in Game No. 2 (3-3, 2B, RBI) was one of definitive factors that led to the Lions sweep over the Knights.
Lake Creek will be in top form to take on Georgetown this week, with Mumford High School being the venue.
Magnolia West Mustangs v. Lake Belton Broncos
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
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-3, Game 2: W 8-0) v. Pflugerville
Lake Belton Broncos
2022-23 Regular Season: 24-6/District 22-5A Champions
Head Coach: Chris Peacock
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 6-5, Game 2: W 6-2) v. Montgomery
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: W 7-1, Game 2: L 5-6, Game 3: W 5-1) v. Elgin
The Mag West hype train keeps rolling after outclassing Pflugerville in the Area Round.
Coach Travis Earles continues to optimize his lineup through his first year on the job, and it can't hurt to have one of the most complete rosters around.
Following their 6-3 win in the opener, the Mustangs really got their chance to shine in game two, which was ironic considering the lightning storms that delayed the exhibition two hours.
Despite the conditions, Mag West proceeded to send Pflugerville home, courtesy of a complete game shutout thrown by senior RHP Caylon Dygert, who tacked on seven strikeouts for good measure.
Jackson Blank (Sr. OF/P) ignited the Mustang offense, accruing four RBIs off of two hits, while junior SS Dawson Park racked up three hits from the leadoff spot.
At minimum, Magnolia West is in pursuit of the reaching the Regional Finals for the first time since 2019. The next obstacle standing in their way is Lake Belton.
Fulshear Chargers v. La Porte Bulldogs
2022-23 Fulshear Baseball
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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
- Area Round: 2-1 Series Win (Game 1: L 0-2, Game 2: W 7-1, Game 3: W 1-0)
2022-23 Regular Season: 22-8-1/Finished 2nd in District 18-5A
Head Coach: Ricky Torres
2022-23 Playoffs:
- Bi-District: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 4-2, Game 2: W 5-0) v. Goose Creek Memorial
- Area Round: Series Sweep (Game 1: W 7-0, Game 2: W 9-1) v. Waltrip
Fulshear showcased their longevity against an emboldened Crosby team.
Despite narrowly dropping the series opener, the Chargers came back in full force to take game two, thanks to an inspired outing by senior RHP Tyler Schumann (1 ER, 7 K) to tie the series at a game a piece.
The finale was a sheer test of will, one in which the Lamar CISD ball club emerged victorious in a one-score game.
La Porte, on the other hand, seemingly breezed past Waltrip to earn their spot in the Regional Quarterfinals.
The Bulldogs hitting was like clockwork last week. With some of their top batters--Dagoberto Garcia (Sr. OF), Landon Kay (Jr. OF), and senior OF/P Diego Luzardo being among them--anchoring the offense, La Porte's pitching could thrive without too much pressure.
La Porte will look to maintain their momentum when they face off against Fulshear, starting this Thursday at C.E. King High School.
Some of the stars of 2022-23 La Porte Baseball
Juan De Leon (VYPE)
Senior RHP Weston Moss of Lake Creek Baseball
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)