GAMES
RANKINGS
LSA Baseball claims the TAPPS-D2 State Championship, with an 11-0 win against Grapevine Faith
THE WRAP: 2025 TAPPS State Baseball Tournament Results; LSA, Central Catholic clinch championships
Central Catholic buttons up second-straight TAPPS Title with close win over Prestonwood
Photo acquired from Twitter (@ButtonAthletics)
Central Catholic back on top—and staying there.
With a 2-0 shutout win over Prestonwood Christian on Tuesday at Clay Gould Ballpark in Arlington, the Buttons secured their second consecutive TAPPS-Division I State Championship, capping off another dominant season under head coach Matt Flores.
Finishing the year with a 29-9-2 record, the Buttons combined disciplined pitching, sharp defense, and timely hitting to complete their title defense.
Tuesday’s championship performance was highlighted by standout sophomore Landon Holloway, who earned TAPPS Division I State MVP honors for his efforts on the mound and at first base.
Holloway wasn’t alone in carrying the team to back-to-back titles.
Veterans like Jake Hernandez, Jason Herrera, Matt McClenan, JD Amescua, Jacob Schwope, Garrett Ticer, Brandon Hall, and Rick Ramirez all played pivotal roles throughout the season, helping to create one of the most balanced and cohesive rosters in Texas private school baseball.
Coach Flores praised the team’s focus and consistency across a long and challenging schedule—one that ultimately saw the Buttons peak at just the right time.
From the dugout to the diamond, Central Catholic’s blend of leadership, depth, and determination once again proved too much for the competition.
With a strong core returning, the Buttons appear poised to continue their reign, but for now, the celebration is well earned. The championship trophy is staying in San Antonio.
Lutheran South dominates Grapevine Faith to secure the D2 Championship
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Lutheran South Academy entered the TAPPS Division II playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Texas—and left no doubt why.
Guided by head coach Aaron Schneider, the Pioneers steamrolled through the postseason, recording shutout victories in every playoff game en route to the state championship.
Their dominance culminated in an emphatic 11-0 win over Grapevine Faith in the title game, held earlier this week, securing their place at the top of Texas private school baseball.
LSA’s postseason run included lopsided shutouts against St. Joseph (16-0), Kelly Catholic (10-0), and Second Baptist (6-0), showcasing a combination of pitching depth, offensive firepower, and defensive sharpness rarely seen at any level.
The championship game’s hero was senior pitcher Grant Burns, a Wharton County JC-commit, who threw a complete-game shutout with nine strikeouts against Grapevine Faith. His performance earned him TAPPS Division II State MVP honors and sealed a postseason stretch in which he—and the entire LSA pitching staff—did not allow a single run.
Burns wasn’t alone in carrying the Pioneers to glory.
Key contributions came from a deep and talented roster that included LSU-commit Omar Serna, Texas-bound Marcus Cantu, as well as All-Tournament honorees Brody Smith (St. Thomas), Victor Coronado (Texas State), and Wyatt Powell.
Finishing the season with an outstanding 33-3-1 record, Lutheran South Academy didn’t just win the state title—they dominated every step of the way.
With a championship trophy back in Houston and a legacy firmly cemented, the Pioneers proved they weren’t just the best team in TAPPS—they were the best team in Texas.
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BIG MAN BEHIND THE PLATE: LSA's Serna Is Top Recruit In Texas, Nation
He has the look and the name, but what about the game? Omar Serna is the No. 2 ranked player in all of Texas and has signed with national power LSU.
“What I think is more important than the five tools of baseball is being a good teammate,” he said. “That is my main focus... to do anything I can to help the team, whether that is hitting a home run, hitting for average, throwing someone out our managing the pitchers and defense.”
He is most at home behind the plate.
“I love to be in control of the game,” he said. “Having an influence on every pitch and getting the defense lined up right or calling pitches keeps me engaged. When I was a kid, I never really paid attention to the catchers, I liked players like George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa. Now, I respect guys like Buster Posey, JT Realmuto, and Jose Trevino, and see how they go about their craft.”
His other homes away from home are the golf course and the woods.
“I love to play golf with my guys Nico Partida (Pearland), Lucas Franco (Cinco Ranch) and Mason Murphy (Ridge Point) to unwind from baseball,” he laughed. “I can carry 300-plus yards off the tee, but my wedges are pretty good too. I also love to be out in nature, either hunting or fishing in my off time.”
Starting this fall, Serna will pack his bags and head for Louisiana, monikered the Sportsman’s Paradise, for its rich hunting and fishing holes. He will wear the purple-and-gold of LSU.
“I committed there when I was a freshman,” he said. “Coach (Jay) Johnson has built them back into a national brand and I love his style. The fanbase is insane and it’s an atmosphere like no other.”
For now, Serna has hopes of winning a ring with the Pioneers of the TAPPS private school ranks.
“The goal here is always a State Championship,” he said. “With this group of guys, we have a good shot at it again. I can’t wait to get started.”