As a new resident in Texas, and having a new student at Northwest, I was wondering what is the communities evaluation of the talent and the expectations for the program this season and upcoming years.
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I have a baseball son (soph.) at Northwest and I can give you my two cents. Historically, because the district was somewhat scattered, the talent pool was lesser and the program struggled.
Recently, with the growth of the district, the talent as increased. The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable (help, dear, I didn't spell-check). He took the 2006 team to the playoffs as a 2nd seed from arguably one of the toughest 4A baseball districts in the state three round into the playoffs.
That was a very senior-laden team and he has to rebuild somewhat from last year's team. He has one returning position player starter and two pitchers who threw any at the varsity level, so his work is cut out for him. However, he creative at finding ways to get runs pushed across and his team will play with discipline.
District 5-5A will present a tremedous challenge. There will be no easy games in this district. Keller and SL Carroll look to be an early favorites, but anyone can jump into the playoff mix in this district.
The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.
Hope this helps.
Recently, with the growth of the district, the talent as increased. The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable (help, dear, I didn't spell-check). He took the 2006 team to the playoffs as a 2nd seed from arguably one of the toughest 4A baseball districts in the state three round into the playoffs.
That was a very senior-laden team and he has to rebuild somewhat from last year's team. He has one returning position player starter and two pitchers who threw any at the varsity level, so his work is cut out for him. However, he creative at finding ways to get runs pushed across and his team will play with discipline.
District 5-5A will present a tremedous challenge. There will be no easy games in this district. Keller and SL Carroll look to be an early favorites, but anyone can jump into the playoff mix in this district.
The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.
Hope this helps.
Scott would never say it, but the returning position player is T-Bird son, the starting centerfielder last season as a freshman, and a heck of a ballplayer.
quote:Originally posted by Hawkman:
Scott would never say it, but the returning position player is T-Bird son, the starting centerfielder last season as a freshman, and a heck of a ballplayer.
Watched T-Bird son play for many years now... and all I can say to that is:
AMEN!
Look who's talking, Hawkman has not one, but two, studs playing for Hebron HS.
T-Bird son has had his moments (good
and not so much 
) but is looking forward to the TEAM starting official workouts in a couple of weeks.
T-Bird son has had his moments (good
and not so much ) but is looking forward to the TEAM starting official workouts in a couple of weeks.quote:Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:
District 5-5A will present a tremedous challenge. There will be no easy games in this district. Keller and SL Carroll look to be an early favorites, but anyone can jump into the playoff mix in this district.
While Keller has been strong the last few years, I believe the Indians face their toughest challenges in many years. In fact, I think it will Coach Stramp's most difficult season since he's been to Keller. Lots of unanswered questions and a good number of young men nursing injuries.
My picks right now to top the District are Colleyville and Southlake not necessarily in that order. I think after that it will be pretty tight between the other teams for the other playoff spots.
quote:Originally posted by KellerDad:
My picks right now to top the District are Colleyville and Southlake not necessarily in that order. I think after that it will be pretty tight between the other teams for the other playoff spots.
KD,
I forget about Colleyville Hertitage and I shouldn't...T-Bird son has played with a number of those players over the years and they will be very good.
Keller has arms and that will always keep you in the thick of things.
[QUOTE]Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:
The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable
The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.
T-Bird Dad, your right on. I think Northwest has a nice looking future. I do like what I have seen with the incoming freshman class. I think they could be special when they come together.
The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable
The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.
T-Bird Dad, your right on. I think Northwest has a nice looking future. I do like what I have seen with the incoming freshman class. I think they could be special when they come together.
quote:Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:
Keller has arms and that will always keep you in the thick of things.
Keller has Stafford, but beyond that is a question mark.
Sure, in District play, having just one good pitcher in the right rotation will get you a long way. Gotta find some offense and defense to go along with that one pitcher.
quote:Keller has Stafford, but beyond that is a question mark.
KD, isn't it Staffords
KD,
If coach Stramp would pitch Merck you could have two very solid pitcher's...Merck has a well above average FB and Slider,(needs to work on his off-speed) Don't know why Stramp is courting jordan his velo just isn't there yet. Easom has a very solid glove, so your defense up the middle should be solid. I think you guys will be in good shape. Carroll is the favorite, I look for Richland to sneak up and possibly make some noise.
If coach Stramp would pitch Merck you could have two very solid pitcher's...Merck has a well above average FB and Slider,(needs to work on his off-speed) Don't know why Stramp is courting jordan his velo just isn't there yet. Easom has a very solid glove, so your defense up the middle should be solid. I think you guys will be in good shape. Carroll is the favorite, I look for Richland to sneak up and possibly make some noise.
Merck is the wildcard. Both offensively and pitching. If Kaleb has a banner year, Keller has a shot. Hate to put so much on him, but it's a fact. Pound for pound the Indians best player and good enough to load the whole team on his shoulders and carry them through some tough times.
Jordan is hurt and needing surgery, so will probably be out for at least the first part of the season. After that, who knows how long for rehab.
Easom is a solid player, but he'll have to hit varsity pitching.
Jordan is hurt and needing surgery, so will probably be out for at least the first part of the season. After that, who knows how long for rehab.
Easom is a solid player, but he'll have to hit varsity pitching.
quote:Originally posted by John G.:
Carroll is the favorite, I look for Richland to sneak up and possibly make some noise.
Richland has a quality pitcher returning name Turner? that has signed early with Arkansas I think. He could certainly anchor a good Richland team.
Grapevine will be tough as well. Young team, but lots of talent.
Can't afford any off days when district starts.
KD - What happened to Brundage? Where's he in the mix?
What happened to Easom? What kind of surgery does he need?
quote:Originally posted by skysthelimit:
What happened to Easom? What kind of surgery does he need?
Sky, I think KD's referring to the younger Stafford. His first name is Jordon, also.
OH!!! Thanks
quote:Richland has a quality pitcher returning name Turner? that has signed early with Arkansas I think. He could certainly anchor a good Richland team.
Yes, his name is Ryan Turner and he signed with Arkansas. Definitely their #1. Richland will surprise some folks over the next couple years.
quote:Yes, his name is Ryan Turner and he signed with Arkansas. Definitely their #1. Richland will surprise some folks over the next couple years.
I expect Richlands offense to be better this year, they should have some younger pitching help.
Collikar, don't know where Brundage fits in. Heck, the more I think of it I don't know where anybody fits in this year, including my son.
There's talk they will move my son from CF to RF because they need his arm there. Big shoes to fill, IMHO.
There's talk they will move my son from CF to RF because they need his arm there. Big shoes to fill, IMHO.
quote:Originally posted by John G.:quote:Yes, his name is Ryan Turner and he signed with Arkansas. Definitely their #1. Richland will surprise some folks over the next couple years.
I expect Richlands offense to be better this year, they should have some younger pitching help.
Does Richland have the same coach as last year?
does rett varner still play for northwest
quote:Originally posted by RACCOON Baseball:
does rett varner still play for northwest
No, Rett was a senior last season. He was NHS ace and had a very successful year. He is currently on scholarship at BYU. I saw him over the Christmas break, and he hopes get some relief work this season and then compete for a starting pitching job next year.
Good kid!
So is there anyone to take that role of the ace
Having seen Rett pitch the last couple of years, I would say he will do very well at the next level.
When he was on, which was often, he was a man among boys in 9-4A last year.
When he was on, which was often, he was a man among boys in 9-4A last year.
T-Bird Dad,
Justin Story(sp?)is a kid who moved from Lake Dallas a couple of years back. Threw pretty hard then.
How does he fit into the Texans plans?
Justin Story(sp?)is a kid who moved from Lake Dallas a couple of years back. Threw pretty hard then.
How does he fit into the Texans plans?
I can answer Racoon and LD. Justin looks to take over for Rett as the ace at this point. He throws hard and has added a 3/4 arm slot delivery. He is tall and has a competitive fire about him.
He threw quite a bit last year and should do well for NHS this season.
He threw quite a bit last year and should do well for NHS this season.
bump
My daughter came home from school today and told me that varsity baseball coach Alan Burt at Richland High School has been let go/quit. Anyone else hear this?
I heard the rumor over Christmas break, why I asked the question earlier.
I figured that's why you were asking. That's why I didn't answer right away. The new coach is Coach Berry. He was there a few years ago and now he's back. Know anything about him?
This is not the place for this but I heard at the TASO Umpire Clinic this weekend that the UIL in 2008 will allow baseball practice to start the last Friday in January as opposed to that following Monday.
quote:Originally posted by SWAC:
This is not the place for this but I heard at the TASO Umpire Clinic this weekend that the UIL in 2008 will allow baseball practice to start the last Friday in January as opposed to that following Monday.
quote:Originally posted by stanwood:
I figured that's why you were asking. That's why I didn't answer right away. The new coach is Coach Berry. He was there a few years ago and now he's back. Know anything about him?
This is news to me! We scrimmage Richland this year and I have been scrimmaging them while Coach Burt was there. What happened?
I might be wrong, but I think Coach Berry was the coach there when I was in high school 20 years ago!!!
quote:Originally posted by SWAC:
This is not the place for this but I heard at the TASO Umpire Clinic this weekend that the UIL in 2008 will allow baseball practice to start the last Friday in January as opposed to that following Monday.
It is true and it is a good thing!!!
Funnel,
I think you're right that Coach Berry was there 20 years ago. There's something going on that they are not publicly talking about but I don't know what it is. I talked to the freshman coach last night and he spent 5 minutes telling me nothing, as I am sure he was instructed to do. I am hoping Keller Dad has some insight since he heard the rumor before Christmas.
It's going to be tough to lose the head coach right before the season. I can't help but think that a good up and coming coach that would like to play in a very competitive 5A district can see a real opportunity here.
I think you're right that Coach Berry was there 20 years ago. There's something going on that they are not publicly talking about but I don't know what it is. I talked to the freshman coach last night and he spent 5 minutes telling me nothing, as I am sure he was instructed to do. I am hoping Keller Dad has some insight since he heard the rumor before Christmas.
It's going to be tough to lose the head coach right before the season. I can't help but think that a good up and coming coach that would like to play in a very competitive 5A district can see a real opportunity here.
What I heard was all rumor and gossip from a parent I know over there. Nothing I would be willing to repeat on a message board. Heck, it's not something I'd repeat in a bar
Lots of good talent over at Richland, lets hope this new coach can pull these kids together and have a great season.......except for the 2 times Keller plays them.
Lots of good talent over at Richland, lets hope this new coach can pull these kids together and have a great season.......except for the 2 times Keller plays them.