High school playoffs: Series to watch Softball

Houston-area baseball and softball teams are back in playoff action this weekend. A look at the top series to watch:

Langham Creek vs. Cypress Ranch

Fierce rivals in everything, especially on the baseball diamond. These two teams met in the playoffs in 2012, with Cypress Ranch sweeping the series on the way to a state championship. Could this year’s series produce the regional champion once again?

Strake Jesuit vs. Lamar

Two teams in uncharted territory. Lamar is in the regional quarterfinals for the first time since 2011, carrying HISD’s reputation in baseball with it. Strake Jesuit is coming into its own as an area baseball power.

Kempner vs. Deer Park

The more Deer Park wins, the brighter the spotlight becomes. The Deer are 32-0 this season and can make it 34-0 with a series sweep here, although Kempner would love to knock them off.

Santa Fe vs. Crosby

Santa Fe had a wild arearound series against Port Neches-Groves, having to travel approximately 770 miles between Baytown, Nederland, Crosby, Jasper and Madisonville because of rainouts. Games in Sweeny and at Premier Baseball of Texas in Tomball might sound like a stroll down the street after a weekend like that.

Atascocita vs. Klein Collins

Neither team has run into much opposition in the playoffs. This will be the greatest test and passing it could set up for a trip to Round Rock for the state tournament.

Seven Lakes vs. Pearland

It wasn’t a huge surprise, but it was a huge statement from Pearland after sweeping nationallyranked Deer Park in the regional quarterfinals. Seven Lakes can make just as big a statement with a win in this series.

Katy vs. Alvin

Katy is the defending Class 6A state champions, while Alvin will try to break through to the regional final for the first time since 2008 — the year the Yellowjackets won state.

Magnolia West vs. Barbers Hill

Two of the best Class 5A teams in the state meet here and each side has proved it in the postseason. Barbers Hill is No. 6 according to the Texas Girls’ Coaches Association poll while Magnolia West is No. 7.

Waco Midway vs. Kingwood

Kingwood has won seven straight dating back to district wins over The Woodlands and College Park. The Mustangs are running through Region II-6A so far.

Belton vs. Atascocita

So, imagine an all-Houston Region II-6A final between Atascocita and Kingwood. It would give the city a chance to send two 6A teams to state.

Diana L. Porter Cy Ranch pitcher Matt Thompson and his team will take on fierce rival Langham Creek. A series win over Langham in 2012 propelled Cy Ranch to a state title.

For the Chronicle Pitcher Kylie Redding and Katy will try to continue their quest to defend their state title, starting with a regional matchup this weekend against Alvin.

Jerry Baker Atascocita and pitcher Jonathan Petsch face tough Klein Collins.