Who are some of the top sophmores or 09 players in the North Texas area?
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My son plays for the Austin Wings and I saw a Soph from the Waco Storm at Blinn that was incredible that day. His name was Harris but not sure where he's from in that area.
Alex Yarbrough - Allen HS
Soft hands in the middle infield. Quality switch hitter. Hard worker. Good kid.
Soft hands in the middle infield. Quality switch hitter. Hard worker. Good kid.
I think there are a couple of kids in Wylie that are 07 grads, that are pretty good, they started for there varisty team last year.
got the years messed up I meant to say 09 grads not 07
Johnny Walsh- Coppell, Chad Kettler- Coppell, Drew Harrison offensive player of the year Waxahachie, Colton Cain- all district pitcher Waxahachie. All 4 of these boys started on their varsity baseball teams as freshman last year.
Todd Hensley P/3B for Arlington Seguin started about half the games as a freshman, Andrew Goodman C/P/1B called up as a freshman for the playoffs will start this year at one of the positions listed for sure. Seguin could have as many as five sophomores starting this coming season
Max Muncey and Jordon Stafford look to contribute for the Keller Indians this spring.
Matt Schortall- Jesuit High school.
Took over the catching duties as a freshman on varsity. Should play a big role this year.
Took over the catching duties as a freshman on varsity. Should play a big role this year.
I think Flower Mound has the best Sophmore class around in 5A, Jacob Morris is one of the best all around athlete in 5A. A true 5 Tool Player. others are ty wheeler, chase Duram and Collin Ashley
Michael Murray at Lake Dallas started as a freshman and played well. Probably the #2 pitcher and hitter this year. Plays ball for the Dallas Tigers in the Summer.
Also, is the kicker for the football team and has made a 47 and 50 yarder this year.
Also, is the kicker for the football team and has made a 47 and 50 yarder this year.
Lake Dallas Has gotten Lucky for getting Derrick Matlock as there coach. I am sure he will coach 2 or 3 years and go off to another school leaving kids that count on him. He has a good track record of doing that.... 
quote:Jacob Morris is one of the best all around athlete in 5A. A true 5 Tool Player. others are ty wheeler, chase Duram and Collin Ashley
Yeah....but can they hit VARSITY pitching? Never heard of the other three mentioned. Morris can pitch but hitting?? Maybe JV pitching not Coppell pitching!
There are many fine '09 players -- including those mentioned -- and some that haven't been named (Collins from Justin NW for example). Not all strong '09s will make huge impacts in 2007. When did it reach the point where we think sophomores must excel or be considered "average"? One thing to remember -- despite the arguments regarding summer select versus high school baseball -- there are no 15U, 16U, 17U age groups in HS. It's all 18U....and as good as these kids are, they are still young. Those that don't "leave a mark" this coming season will be heard from in the future. 
quote:Originally posted by 2010DAD:
I think Flower Mound has the best Sophmore class around in 5A, Jacob Morris is one of the best all around athlete in 5A. A true 5 Tool Player. others are ty wheeler, chase Duram and Collin Ashley
I think Coppell goes head to head with the FM 09 crew and comes out ahead, Johnny Walsh - catching, Kettler playing short, Austin Elkins playing 2nd or 3rd or any place they need him, they have some more as well. The FM boys are good, I have seen most of them a lot but I think the Coppell group stands alone. I guess they will have three more years to figure it out. I love the new 6 -5A!!!!
Taylor Alphin, C, Mansfield Summit
Richard Sanguinetti, 2B/OF, Mansfield Summit
Richard Sanguinetti, 2B/OF, Mansfield Summit
Keifer Nuncio, RHP, Katy HS
I agree with MeatsDad. It should be fun to watch all the youngsters from Distric 6-5A!
They all 3 were cut.
They were selected to try out but did not make the team. It's still an honor to be included in this group. It is my understanding that the age restrictions for the 16 yr olds is slightly different than we are used to in this area.
Colton can try out again next year. Johnny and Jake are too old for next year. I think the cutoff is the end of the year.
quote:Originally posted by WA Dad:
Keifer Nuncio, RHP, Katy HS
He's their second best '09. Catcher Andrew Stumph is even better (although Nuncio is pretty dadgum good).
quote:Originally posted by 2010DAD:
Lake Dallas Has gotten Lucky for getting Derrick Matlock as there coach. I am sure he will coach 2 or 3 years and go off to another school leaving kids that count on him. He has a good track record of doing that....
Don't forget Cody Robinson and Jared Fancher. Several Texas boys played for the Bergen Beach Brooklyn,New York team this summer. Steve Bort's Future Prospects. There is a Bergen Beach website that lists the National team. All 09's.
quote:despite the arguments regarding summer select versus high school baseball -- there are no 15U, 16U, 17U age groups in HS. It's all 18U....and as good as these kids are, they are still young. Those that don't "leave a mark" this coming season will be heard from in the future.
An important and frequently unanticipated point, Panther Dad.
I agree with T-Bird Dad. Alex Yarbrough is someone to keep an eye on. Strong middle infield defense, great from both sides of the plate, good speed, a strong arm, very smart, and a great kid.
It may be all 18U, but it is dramatically, incredibly diluted 18U compared to the top select teams.
It has to be. Just common sense. When three teams have their pick of the cream from the Houston area (actually, draw about a 150 mile radius around Houston), they are picking from a population base of probably 7-8 million. From what population base does the biggest HS in Texas draw? You couldn't expect otherwise.
I haven't seen a HS team yet that could stack up to Kyle Chapman's 16U team. And I've seen some of the perennial powers in HS ball who go deep in the playoffs pretty much every year. Much less the top 17U teams in the state.
It has to be. Just common sense. When three teams have their pick of the cream from the Houston area (actually, draw about a 150 mile radius around Houston), they are picking from a population base of probably 7-8 million. From what population base does the biggest HS in Texas draw? You couldn't expect otherwise.
I haven't seen a HS team yet that could stack up to Kyle Chapman's 16U team. And I've seen some of the perennial powers in HS ball who go deep in the playoffs pretty much every year. Much less the top 17U teams in the state.
quote:When did it reach the point where we think sophomores must excel or be considered "average"? One thing to remember -- despite the arguments regarding summer select versus high school baseball -- there are no 15U, 16U, 17U age groups in HS. It's all 18U....and as good as these kids are, they are still young. Those that don't "leave a mark" this coming season will be heard from in the future.
Agreed, PD! These kids will be heard from soon enough. I have heard of many of these boys and seen many of them play. Their day is coming!
Their day is coming, and some of the older kids maybe surprised that they can compete. They may be young and will take their lumps, but some of the sophomores and freshman I have seen play are unbelievable.
I can say, from experience in a semi-tough district, that sophomores will play a key role for some if not most teams. Even if the pitching is a little overmatching, which for me it was maybe once or twice (against the same kid), I was still able to do the little things. One thing I've noticed about younger kids playing HS varsity baseball is that they TEND to hustle more. I am not here to bash any older players, but from what I saw, it was usually a younger kid backs up the pitcher (or the apropriate base in general), and executes the bunt (although some may not consider this hustle, it is dedication and determination). Now yes, maybe these were unusual, or maybe younger kids (I know they were younger because I knew them personally) were just called on to do these things more, but these little things are critical. I know LH brought up a sophomore just to run the bases, and that run in one game against us was probably scored due to his base stealing.
Several of the 2006 15-under Dallas Mustangs could be helping their varsity teams this season including John Michael Twichell and Preston Beck at Bishop Lynch, Alex Yarborough (Allen), Tyler Collins (Justin Northwest), Ryan Payne (Hebron), Jacob Morris (Flower Mound), Matt Shortall (Jesuit), Blake Hamblin (Rowlet) and an outstanding lefthanded pitcher at Colleyville Heritage, Aaron Gilbreath.
quote:Originally posted by Dtiger:
I can say, from experience in a semi-tough district, that sophomores will play a key role for some if not most teams. Even if the pitching is a little overmatching, which for me it was maybe once or twice (against the same kid), I was still able to do the little things. One thing I've noticed about younger kids playing HS varsity baseball is that they TEND to hustle more. I am not here to bash any older players, but from what I saw, it was usually a younger kid backs up the pitcher (or the apropriate base in general), and executes the bunt (although some may not consider this hustle, it is dedication and determination). Now yes, maybe these were unusual, or maybe younger kids (I know they were younger because I knew them personally) were just called on to do these things more, but these little things are critical. I know LH brought up a sophomore just to run the bases, and that run in one game against us was probably scored due to his base stealing.
Something I don't agree with. If a team is in a competitive district and the team is successful, then all the players are hustling.
I neglected to say that yes, all good teams have kids hustling 24/7. I guess my comment was more towards the teams that maybe don't make the playoffs or baseball isn't "important" at that school-in the eyes of the kids.
HAWKMAN....Say all you want about the soph's coming up to help.
My comment has always been and I stick by it...Varsity pitching is a lot different than JV pitching or 15/16 yr old select ball.
Lets see who steps up BUT I do not think many will be successful IMO.
My comment has always been and I stick by it...Varsity pitching is a lot different than JV pitching or 15/16 yr old select ball.
Lets see who steps up BUT I do not think many will be successful IMO.
Train. . .some sophomores will definitely struggle with varsity pitching, which is absolutely to be expected. I agree with that. A few others won't struggle quite so badly. Nobody is suggesting sophomores are about to take over the world. But the reality is, a few will wind up helping their varsity teams in some capacity before the season is over.
It is generally true that most sophomores will struggle with varsity pitching, there are exceptions. The starting varsity catcher for Katy last year was a freshman (Andrew Stumph). He hit .350 for the year and led his team in homeruns and RBI's. He hit over .400 in the playoffs on a team that made it to the state finals.
Another freshman (Keifer Nuncio) on the Katy team last year pitched in and won two games in the
Region 3 5A finals. He also pitched well in the state finals against The Woodlands.
Another freshman (Keifer Nuncio) on the Katy team last year pitched in and won two games in the
Region 3 5A finals. He also pitched well in the state finals against The Woodlands.
Some of the sophomores don't struggle with the pitching at the varsity level because they are playing a year up in the summer. The sophomore on our varsity (Matt Shortal) played with the Mustangs during the summer and during the year did just fine against strong pitching. This isn't the same for all sophomores but it was the same for me. You will see during the summer, if you are playing good compotition, great pitchers that are or will be varsity pitchers on their school team. I'm trying to get at that alot of the sophomores have been playing at this level of compotition all summer long. It's not there first time to see a 88-92mph fastball.
I'd say, in our district last year, when compared to the talent we were playing, the pitching on varsity OVERALL was weaker than the talent in the summer.
I can tell you all, my pitching quality goes down in HS ball-or has in the past-due to a lack of quality catching. This year we have a stud catcher (mentioned on this board a few times) and hopefully will help me a lot. There can't be enough said for a quality catcher and a healthy relationship between pitcher and catcher.
I can tell you all, my pitching quality goes down in HS ball-or has in the past-due to a lack of quality catching. This year we have a stud catcher (mentioned on this board a few times) and hopefully will help me a lot. There can't be enough said for a quality catcher and a healthy relationship between pitcher and catcher.
DTiger........I remember a Saturday morning in April this year (sophomore year) that you were on pretty good to say the least. You shut down a pretty good Rockwall team that day at Ameriquest from what I remember. I don't think you were down with your pitching quality that morning!!!
Good luck next spring!!
Good luck next spring!!
I don't know if you could say I shut them down the entire time. If I'm correct, the first inning consisted of 3 lazers... and I think one ball eventually bounced off the right center wall... but thanks. I must say, by far the best mound I've ever pitched on... and one would expect that, but still.
HSP- was that the best bullpen you've ever sat in?
HSP- was that the best bullpen you've ever sat in?