GAMES
RANKINGS
Lake Creek's Maddie McKee
LEADERS OF LEADERS: McKee has been voice of Lake Creek
“That lost to Barbers Hill really hurt,” shortstop Maddie McKee said. “It made us hungrier coming into last season and we never wanted to feel that again.”
Well, they didn’t as Lake Creek went 41-0, won the State Title, was USA Today’s No. 1, and was named USA Today’s Girls High School Team of the Year in 2022.
2022-23 Lake Creek SoftballJustin Hartojo (VYPE)
"It’s a feeling when you know you are going to win, and we had that last year,” she said. “Winning State was so fun. On the bus ride home, we stopped at Dairy Queen. We went inside and ate, and there was someone singing inside. We sang, danced, and ate with our medals. It was something we will never forget.”
So, now what?
“Oh, we want to go undefeated again,” she laughed. “We want to show the younger girls what Lake Creek softball is all about.”
McKee is one of the nation’s top recruits as she combines hitting, speed, defense, and softball IQ. She led the state with 77 stolen bases, had 72 hits, and batted over .500 as a junior.
“I’m a sports girl,” she said. “My dad played minor-league baseball for the Astros and he has pushed me throughout the process. He’s my No. 1 fan and I’m lucky to have him.”
Justin Hartojo (VYPE)
McKee heads across the state line to play her college softball for LSU.
“Right when I stepped on campus, it felt like home,” she said. “Everyone was like family. I love the coaches, and the players were really welcoming. I feel like I’m going to make a difference. I’ve always been a leader on the field. I’ve always grown up on teams where everyone is a leader. I just try and stand out as a leader of leaders. I can’t wait to get to LSU and do the same.”
While her game speaks for itself on the softball field, she has quite the following on Social Media with over 200,000 followers on TikTok.
“I love it,” she laughed. “I just started posting softball stuff a few years back and it just started growing. Some people make fun of me, but I don’t care. I just have fun with it.”
Could McKee be the next Olivia Dunne at LSU? I wouldn’t put it past her.
Kinkaid's Andy Guy
BEHIND THE PLATE: Houston is home to nation's top catchers
Furthermore, a bat is often swung within six inches of their face, so the unwavering focus is of the utmost importance.
Luckily, for some of the Houston area’s baseball programs, their teams are in good hands.
Nolan Traeger (Catcher-2024)--Concordia Lutheran Crusaders
Concordia Lutheran's Nolan Traeger
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Concordia Lutheran baseball is blessed with talent across the board. Their catcher Nolan Traeger is no exception. The 6-foot junior enjoyed a stellar 2022 performance, earning first-team, all-state and State All-Tournament honors, en route to the Crusaders’ appearance in the TAPPS State Semifinals.
Although the previous season ended sooner than expected, Traeger is confident that his team can go further this Spring.
“Last year was a tough year, not the outcome we wanted of course,” said Traeger. “We lost some of our seniors, but we’re reloaded and planning to get back to the State Championship. Concordia has been really good to me and I’m just hoping that I can bring something to it.”
Traeger’s time spent with Concordia Lutheran, as well as his experience in Twelve Baseball and the 15u USA National Team, has garnered him the opportunity to continue his baseball career after graduation. It’s been years in the making with a tremendous amount of work put in, and it’s resulted in his commitment to join his brother -- RHP Jax Traeger at TCU.
“It’s a fun process to be on these teams and to get the experience I have,” he said. “It comes with some perks and can be a little nerve-racking at some points, with all the scouts I’ve played in front of. But, I just play my game and relax, so, it’s been a fun ride.”
Expect another big year from the Concordia Catcher and the ‘Saders, as they’re likely to be contending for a final-four spot, at a minimum.
Andy Guy (Catcher-2024)--Kinkaid School Falcons
Kinkaid catcher Andy Guy will be back behind the plate for the Falcons, as they start their campaign for a second-consecutive SPC State Championship. With numerous starters returning, including Guy (All-South Zone selection) and junior outfielder Miles Roeder (All-SPC), the Falcons don’t appear to be slowing down.
“As a team, we expect to dominate the SPC,” said Guy. “Our end goal hasn’t changed. So, we’re after another Championship. Individually, I’m striving to make the All-South Zone team, again. I hold myself to higher standards as an older member of the team, so I want to set an example and be a leader for everyone.”
The Kinkaid junior has his sights set on another title, but, also has ambitions in mind for his future.
“I decided that baseball was my sport when I was around 12 years old, even though I wasn’t necessarily great at it,” Guy said. “I loved the game and dreamed of playing in college one day. Baseball has opened up so many doors and brought me several relationships I never would’ve had without it. In the future, I hope to see myself looking back at a terrific college baseball career that, in the best of worlds, catapulted me to a pro contract.”
Cade Arrambide (Catcher-2024)--Tomball Cougars
Tomball's Cade Arrambide
Jamey Wright (VYPE)
Tomball is fresh off the heels of an impressive 24-11 season, that saw them advance to the UIL Regional Quarterfinals. Junior catcher Cade Arrambide played a significant role in the Cougars success, garnering him first-team, all-district honors. That momentum should only progress, heading into the Spring.
“Being a returning varsity player, it’s my duty to lead and inspire the team by being a great role model, both on and off the field,” said Arrambide. “We lost a good number of seniors last year that left some big shoes to fill. So, I hope to be a vital piece of the team that Coach [Doug] Rush fields. We’re looking to push further than round three this year.”
It should come as no surprise that Arrambide’s performance on the diamond has gained him the attention of scouts and recruiters nationwide. Hence, his commitment to play for LSU, following his 2024 graduation.
“LSU is a great school with an amazing baseball program,” he said. “The coaching staff -- Jay Johnson, Josh Jordan, Wes Johnson, and the Director of Operations Josh Simpson -- made playing ball at LSU an obvious choice. Plus, several family members have attended LSU. We thank God for the blessing of [my] abilities, the opportunities and the coaching/training I’ve had along the way.”