I know of 2 Heat players a Wizard and a Mustang on the List.
THE NEW CLASS
By TRAE THOMPSON
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The enormous stats aren't there, and they have no reputation to live up to. All they've got is skill and potential. Several new players are looking to make an impact for the first time this season. Many are underclassmen, and some are seniors who didn't play much last season. But coaches are excited about what they have seen from them. Here are 10 players who could emerge this season:
LHP DUSTIN HALEY
SR., FOSSIL RIDGE
Previous experience: Played on junior varsity.
Outlook: The soft-throwing lefty has already had a couple of good outings, including a semifinal victory over Red Oak in the Austin Pokluda tournament. Haley, a finesse pitcher, can change speeds, but is still working on his breaking ball.
P/1B CHASE REID JR., CARROLL
Previous
Experience: Played for the Dragons' junior varsity.
Outlook: Reid started off with a bang, throwing a no-hitter against Fossil Ridge in his first varsity start. Reid has also displayed talent at the plate, finishing 3-for-4 with three RBI in Carroll's 7-4 victory over Leander at the Georgetown tournament over the weekend.
P/1B JUSTIN DRESCHER, SR. CARROLL
Previous experience: Played on the junior varsity.
Outlook: Like Reid, Drescher could help the Dragons on the mound and at the plate. He was 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored in Carroll's 10-1 victory over Waco Midway at the Georgetown tournament.
OF RORY MYERS
SOPH., KELLER CENTRAL
Previous experience: Played on the junior varsity.
Outlook: Myers bats either sixth or seventh in the lineup and is an aggressive hitter. He has a .357 average and only one strikeout on the season. He's still learning about his approach at the plate and how to master the strike zone.
LHP MARK PICCA
JR., NOLAN CATHOLIC
Previous experience: Played on the junior varsity.
Outlook: Picca has already defeated Grand Prairie, and against Denton Ryan on Friday, he held the Raiders to three hits while striking out seven in six innings. Picca has great command of his fastball and curveball, and has increased his velocity to the point that he's throwing in the mid-80s.
CF RANDALL THORPE
SOPH., COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE
Previous experience: Played on the Panthers' freshman team.
Outlook: 'Special' is the word used with Thorpe. He's a five-tool player who has already displayed excellent speed in the outfield and a great arm.
SS M.J. STOREY
SR., NORTHWEST
Previous experience: Bench player with limited varsity experience.
Outlook: The Texans' leadoff hitter has displayed smarts and talent, batting over .400. He played well against top competition in the Martin tournament and has made only one error in 10 games.
1B STEVEN HEADLEY,
SR., GRAPEVINE
Previous experience: Briefly served as designated hitter in 2005.
Outlook: The Mustangs' longtime quarterback is penciled in at No. 3 in the batting order. He's got good baseball instincts and a powerful swing, as he displayed by launching a three-run homer against Bowie.
SS ZACH RYDMAN
SOPH., HALTOM
Previous experience: Played on junior varsity.
Outlook: Rydman, hitting ninth in the lineup, went 5-for-9 at the Carrollton Newman Smith tournament over the weekend. A natural athlete, Rydman also is strong defensively.
CF NICK MILLER
JR., KELLER
Previous experience: Brief varsity stint, mostly on junior varsity.
Outlook: The Indians' leadoff man is hitting .360 and has a good arm and good speed. He's also become more patient at the plate and is learning the strike zone, which has shown with a higher on-base percentage.
