Pearland among those with sights on state title
As usual, there isn’t a shortage of upper echelon baseball teams in the Greater Houston area this spring, and a select few already have their sights set on a state title.
However, don’t be shocked if someone not on the list below emerges from the pack. After all, it’s not how you start, it’s how well you’re playing in May and June.
TEAMS TO WATCH Pearland
It’s not difficult to place the Oilers on the top rung of the ladder at the outset of the 2023 campaign. Pearland returns eight full-time starters from a 32-9-1 regional semifinalist team. Foremost of those players is Caden Ferraro, an all-Greater Houston pick by the Chronicle a year ago who serves the Oilers well on the mound or at first base. Ferraro, who has signed with A&M, crafted a 10-0 record last season with 104 strikeouts. Shortstop Anthony Avalos, who has signed with Houston, scored 44 runs and hit .361 in 2022. There appear to be no weaknesses elsewhere in the Pearland lineup.
Ridge Point
With nine players returning that saw starting time a year ago from a 35-6-1 state semifinalist squad, the Panthers may well make another trip back to Round Rock this spring. Among the talented returnees are pitcher Kellen Gradisar, who won all 10 of his
decisions a year ago. Also providing punch for Ridge Point is senior catcher J.J. Kennett, who hit .304 a year ago. He has signed with Dallas Baptist.
Friendswood
Led by infielder Boots Landry (Texas A&M commitment) and pitcher Easton Tumis (Texas commitment), it’s no shock that the Mustangs are ranked No. 1 in the state in Class 5A in at least two statewide preseason polls.
Throw in the fact that the Mustangs reached the Class 5A state title game a year ago and that six starters return to the fold, it’s easy for the faithful to think Friendswood could repeat its 2022 performance.
The Woodlands
Blessed with six starters returning from a regional semifinalist team, the Highlanders are no doubt confident about what they can achieve this spring.
Fueled by senior pitcher Brayden Sharp, who signed with Tennessee, and all-state second baseman Logan Ellefson, who hit .368 a year ago, The Woodlands may well improve on its 25-11 record. However, any slip-up by the Highlanders may well open the door for a talented Oak Ridge team in the District 13-6A race.
Cy Woods
Tristan Russell, who has committed to UH, is among eight starters returning this spring. Russell hit .337 a year ago with three home runs while Sam Myers (TCU signee) effectively roams center field. Myers hit .362 a year ago, scored 28 runs and stole 17 bases for the 18-9-3 Wildcats. Expect Cy Woods to receive a strong challenge from Cy Ranch for the District 16-6A title.
Honorable mention
Kingwood, Lake Creek, Cy Ranch, Oak Ridge, Grand Oaks, Tompkins, Katy, Clear Creek, Crosby, Deer Park