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THE ROAD ENDS HERE: 2026 UIL Baseball State Championship Preview — Lake Creek vs. Aledo, 5A D1
WHERE: Dell Diamond -- Round Rock, TX
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LAKE CREEK LIONS
It's a historic moment for Lake Creek. Just one week after the school's softball program captured its second consecutive UIL title, the Lions' baseball team is set to make its first-ever appearance on the State stage Friday.
Dell Diamond awaits a Lake Creek (26-17) squad coming off a dramatic, series-saving rally against Rouse in the semifinal round. After dropping Game 1, 7-3, the Lions responded with a 9-6 win in Game 2 before securing a decisive 2-1 victory in the winner-take-all finale to punch their ticket to state.
Beyond embracing the underdog role throughout the postseason, Schramm's squad boasts a lineup capable of changing a game at any point in the order.
LSU-Eunice commit Peyton Trummell (Sr. OF) set a new program single-season home run record (8) less than two weeks ago and most recently delivered a pair of timely RBIs that helped swing the semifinal series against Rouse in Lake Creek's favor.
Fellow seniors Jackson Marshall (UNC Asheville commit) and Reed Newkirk (Army)—both recently selected to the GHBCA All-Star Game alongside Trummell—are hitting well above .300 while patrolling the outfield. The production continues in the infield, where juniors Jaxon Schramm and Aiden Rossano are posting similar numbers, with Schramm leading the Lions at a .374 clip this season.
Meanwhile, Lake Creek's pitching staff thrives on its depth, led by seniors Harper Heathcott (Temple College) and Gavin Nabors (Angelina College), along with junior Kale White and a host of other reliable arms.
2025-2026 Lake Creek Lions BaseballFarrah Sheeren (VYPE)
ALEDO BEARCATS
The Bearcats find themselves right where they left off a year ago, returning to Round Rock with the confidence and magnetism expected of a defending state champion.
Now, head coach Chad Barry and company have their sights set on the program's third state title. Aledo (38-3) secured its place in the season finale with a commanding sweep of McKinney North in last week's semifinal series.
Reigning 5A Division I State MVP Lucas Nawrocki was instrumental in Aledo's return to the championship stage, launching a go-ahead grand slam—his 10th home run of the season—that ultimately sealed Game 2.
The LSU-bound senior has been dominant on both sides of the ball. In addition to hitting north of .500, the left-hander owns an 11-0 record on the mound, cementing his status as one of the state's premier two-way talents.
Aledo's depth extends well beyond its headliner. Junior outfielder Luke Gladchuk (Texas commit) is hitting just under .400 this season, while senior Landon Barnes (Weatherford College), utility standout Wilson Sehnem, and future Murray State Racer Will Cayce help form the foundation of one of the state's most complete rosters.
Whataburger Team of the Week: Lake Creek Wins Battle of Wills, Completes Repeat for 4th UIL State Title
Despite making its first UIL State Tournament appearance, Brewer came out swinging. Kamren Pride set the tone in the top of the first with a three-run home run off the left-field foul pole, giving the Lady Bears an early 3-0 lead.
Lake Creek, however, responded behind the poise of pitcher Sara Wiggins, who exuded the “unbothered” mentality head coach Candyce Carter often attributes to her Wichita State-bound senior. Wiggins and the defense settled in, allowing just two unearned runs—both in the fifth on a fielding error—the rest of the way.
Lake Creek Sr. RHP Sara Wiggins (Wichita State signee)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
The Lions chipped away in the second, with an RBI triple from Gracee Brewer followed by a sacrifice fly from Miranda Orso to cut it to 3-2. In the third, Wiggins delivered a two-RBI double to give Lake Creek the lead, with Laney Galloway adding a groundout RBI for insurance.
Brewer tied it at 5-5 in the fifth, but senior Madalyn Davis scored the decisive run later that inning on a fielder’s choice off the bat of Wiggins.
Davis, who will soon continue her playing career at North Carolina, was named the 5A Division II State MVP after going 2-for-3 at the plate, scoring two runs, and recording two stolen bases in the win.
Senior Madalyn Davis (North Carolina) is presented with the 5A Division II State Tournament Most Valuable Player AwardMatthew Ogle (VYPE)
Reflecting on the performance, she credited the team’s resilience.
“Before the game, we knew that we’d be facing some adversity,” Davis said. “So, being able to overcome the situation and rely on each other to come through and win the game was really awesome.”
At the conclusion of the celebration in front of a sold-out crowd, head coach Candyce Carter—who was quickly doused with a water cooler by juniors Morgan Winn and Bella Kirby—led Lake Creek (40-1) to back-to-back state titles. In the process, the win also marked the program’s fourth state championship in the span of just five seasons.
“I think composure is something we talk about a lot, and these girls have a ton of it and a ton of grit,” Carter said. “The playoffs really played a big role in preparing us for this moment. I’m just really proud of them and can’t say enough great things about how much I love this group and what they mean to me—especially the nine seniors leaving as back-to-back state champions.”
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
