who are considered the top freshman in the dfw area?
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Heath Stuckey, RHP, Arlington Bowie
Ryan Akins SS/P from the Power House Flower Mound Program is right up there.
I won't comment on "the top" guys....but the following are playing on varsity squads:
Austin Atwell -- McK North
Cody Brooks -- Prestonwood Christian
James Foster -- TCA
Jeff Emens -- Plano East
Mike Ritter -- Arlington
Ted Nowell -- Mesquite Poteet
All that really means is that they had an opportunity in the right situation and made the most of it. I'm sure there are others -- I just follow these guys based on friendships and summer associations.
-PD
Austin Atwell -- McK North
Cody Brooks -- Prestonwood Christian
James Foster -- TCA
Jeff Emens -- Plano East
Mike Ritter -- Arlington
Ted Nowell -- Mesquite Poteet
All that really means is that they had an opportunity in the right situation and made the most of it. I'm sure there are others -- I just follow these guys based on friendships and summer associations.
-PD
i have seen mesquite poteet play this week and there was another freshman that played. His name was JT Files--C.
i happened to catch garland play today and there was another freshman named Jordan Swaggerty. He played catcher and played some second.
Poteet has a history of starting freshman on varsity. Some have been designated as starters 2 years before they arrive on campus.
Stats - is the Poteet coach some sort of nut??? 
I'm kidding -- Coach Nowell is a personal friend and coaches my son in the summer.
Disclaimer -- the following comment is blatant boasting (I'm guilty!). PantherSon hit a bomb against Coppell in the Arlington Hyde Classic at Mansfield HS tonight...and hit .400 for the tournament. Thanks, Coach English, for throwing him a few fast balls.
I'm kidding -- Coach Nowell is a personal friend and coaches my son in the summer.Disclaimer -- the following comment is blatant boasting (I'm guilty!). PantherSon hit a bomb against Coppell in the Arlington Hyde Classic at Mansfield HS tonight...and hit .400 for the tournament. Thanks, Coach English, for throwing him a few fast balls.
Bombs away!
My son's summer coach went and watched a 14 year old throwing 85mph from 54 feet tonight.
Think he said the kid played for the Tigers.
Think he said the kid played for the Tigers.
It's probably a guy named Colton Cain.(sp?). Our team refers to him as a Man-Child. Very Good. He also can hit. Hit one over yesterday.
he is not a freshman if he is throwing from 54 feet
Colton is in 8th grade -- a very fine athlete -- and a good kid. He previously played "up" for the Dallas Giants in BBI -- a 15 yr old team what will not start until HS ball concludes.
A couple of other freshman playing Varsity at Irving MacArthur are:
John Smart - C
Parker Sheets - C, OF
John Smart - C
Parker Sheets - C, OF
Panther Dad...
Where will Colton Cain be going to school next season, uh...I mean year?
Where will Colton Cain be going to school next season, uh...I mean year?
Colton's family lives in Waxahachie, but I think they are considering a move to east Plano! I'm kidding.
I'm kidding.
I know Rowlett and Rockwall have some strong freshman.
Rowlett has:
Brandon Loy - I think is playing JV
Andrew Smith
Chase Castilla
Rockwall has:
Jordan Hammontree
Cody Fields
Rowlett has:
Brandon Loy - I think is playing JV
Andrew Smith
Chase Castilla
Rockwall has:
Jordan Hammontree
Cody Fields
I noticed that Nico Taylor has hit two varsity home runs (in 2 games) for McK North. Nico is an '08. And Ryan Akins (FM) won a tourney game versus SLC. Was Ryan promoted to varsity?
Brandon Loy is a stud! And how many Andrew Smith's are there in the area?
Miles Mulkey, RHP (Denton) is also an '08. I noticed Miles was the winning pitcher last night.
Brandon Loy is a stud!
And how many Andrew Smith's are there in the area?Miles Mulkey, RHP (Denton) is also an '08. I noticed Miles was the winning pitcher last night.
Yes, Ryan Akins was move up to varsity. Heard he is the starting 2nd baseman for the team. Started last night against Allen. Lookes very good there.
Do you not know who he is?
"And how many Andrew Smith's are there in the area?"
He played on the Garland Cubs the past two years with Chase Castilla. I don't know where they're playing this year.
"And how many Andrew Smith's are there in the area?"
He played on the Garland Cubs the past two years with Chase Castilla. I don't know where they're playing this year.
Andrew and Chase are playing with the 16 year old Dallas Panthers
Dirt,
There are many Andrew Smiths. One played for DBAT last season.
There are many Andrew Smiths. One played for DBAT last season.
I know Rowlett and Rockwall have some strong freshman.
Rowlett has:
Brandon Loy - I think is playing JV
Andrew Smith
Chase Castilla
Is Andrew Smith and Chase Castilla playing varsity?
Rowlett has:
Brandon Loy - I think is playing JV
Andrew Smith
Chase Castilla
Is Andrew Smith and Chase Castilla playing varsity?
I am going to throw out some names:
Alex Baker- pitching for McKinney varsity
Joey Hainsfurther- starting SS for Highland Park varsity
Timmy Maitland- SS Colleyville Heritage JV
Dutch Crews- Outfield Highland Park JV
Mark Roberson- Pitcher Clark HS (Fresh/Soph feeder into Plano East)
All of these kids are as good or better than some players previously mentioned.
Alex Baker- pitching for McKinney varsity
Joey Hainsfurther- starting SS for Highland Park varsity
Timmy Maitland- SS Colleyville Heritage JV
Dutch Crews- Outfield Highland Park JV
Mark Roberson- Pitcher Clark HS (Fresh/Soph feeder into Plano East)
All of these kids are as good or better than some players previously mentioned.
Is Andrew Smith and Chase Castilla playing varsity?
I don't think so. In fact I don't think Rowlett even has a sophmore on varsity. I'll need to get on the Dallas Morning News website to find out.
The question was "who are considered the top freshman in the dfw area?". Not "What freshman are playing varsity?".
I live in Rowlett so, although I know some of the other names mentioned, I'm more familiar with these young men more than any of the other young men that have been mentioned.
I think what also needs to be looked at is how strong of a program these kids play for. For instance, I imagine there are freshman playing varsity for schools that are not considered "baseball schools" that wouldn't make the freshman team at some of the stronger "baseball schools".
So, in closing, just because some of the kids listed in this thread don't play varsity doesn't make the them any less of a player.
I don't think so. In fact I don't think Rowlett even has a sophmore on varsity. I'll need to get on the Dallas Morning News website to find out.
The question was "who are considered the top freshman in the dfw area?". Not "What freshman are playing varsity?".
I live in Rowlett so, although I know some of the other names mentioned, I'm more familiar with these young men more than any of the other young men that have been mentioned.
I think what also needs to be looked at is how strong of a program these kids play for. For instance, I imagine there are freshman playing varsity for schools that are not considered "baseball schools" that wouldn't make the freshman team at some of the stronger "baseball schools".
So, in closing, just because some of the kids listed in this thread don't play varsity doesn't make the them any less of a player.
NTX,
I apologize. I thought when I mentioned his name people would think of this young man. Although it does sound like a popular name, he is the only one I knew of which plays ball.
I apologize. I thought when I mentioned his name people would think of this young man. Although it does sound like a popular name, he is the only one I knew of which plays ball.
Dirtbag -- no one has attempted to "rate" these players, even though the topic eludes to that issue. I have a freshman and I don't feel comfortable making a statement like, "so&so is the best freshman in the area". But I disagree with your comment that there are freshmen in the area, playing on varsity teams, that would not make other freshmen teams at the "baseball schools".
Kirk -- care to rate the players??? hehe.
I think people realize that each school situation is different, especially in terms of opportunity. Those that follow summer baseball closely know the best of these kids.
Could many of these kids play varsity baseball at other schools? Probably. Does playing JV or freshmen baseball mean that they are weaker players -- certainly not.
I think the high number of '08 players this year is more of an indication of the impact of select baseball on the kids' skill sets. A few years ago, a freshman varsity player was quite rare. There have only been 2 in the history of Plano East baseball -- and only 2-3 at Plano and only 1 (that I know of) at Plano West. Obviously, Plano has a unique situation with the high schools, but there aren't that many kids in the area with the baseball "maturity" to play at the top HS level.
I know it leads to frequent arguments, but select baseball has had a dramatic effect on HS baseball rosters -- and the trend should continue.
In the mean time, good luck to the '08s -- on whatever team they play!
-PD
Kirk -- care to rate the players??? hehe.
I think people realize that each school situation is different, especially in terms of opportunity. Those that follow summer baseball closely know the best of these kids.
Could many of these kids play varsity baseball at other schools? Probably. Does playing JV or freshmen baseball mean that they are weaker players -- certainly not.
I think the high number of '08 players this year is more of an indication of the impact of select baseball on the kids' skill sets. A few years ago, a freshman varsity player was quite rare. There have only been 2 in the history of Plano East baseball -- and only 2-3 at Plano and only 1 (that I know of) at Plano West. Obviously, Plano has a unique situation with the high schools, but there aren't that many kids in the area with the baseball "maturity" to play at the top HS level.
I know it leads to frequent arguments, but select baseball has had a dramatic effect on HS baseball rosters -- and the trend should continue.
In the mean time, good luck to the '08s -- on whatever team they play!
-PD
I was just teasing about Andrew Smith -- both are good players -- one an '07 at McKinney North. There is also an Aaron Smith at McKinney -- a strong '05 catcher.
Concerning the DMN site and their rosters -- take them with a grain of salt. It seems the rosters are evolving -- when a kid's name appears in line score (from a tournament or whatever), it shows up in the roster section. Like the stats that show up later, this information is quite.....unofficial.
Concerning the DMN site and their rosters -- take them with a grain of salt. It seems the rosters are evolving -- when a kid's name appears in line score (from a tournament or whatever), it shows up in the roster section. Like the stats that show up later, this information is quite.....unofficial.
Panther Dad, let me think some more about rating these players.
PD
I 'm sorry if you thought I was trying to "rate" players because I wasn't. All I was trying to do was tell you about the strong freshman at my area school. And about the varsity conversation. I agree with you that there are an increasing number of freshman playing varsity ball. The numbers are there. What I was trying to say is, let's not be misled by the status of "varsity". For instance, if I was an outsider looking in, I would say a freshman playing shortstop for Plano East varsity is a bigger accomplishment than a player at North Garland playing varsity. Simply because Plano East is more of a baseball school. Not trying to upset anyone but that is the best way I can explain it.
I 'm sorry if you thought I was trying to "rate" players because I wasn't. All I was trying to do was tell you about the strong freshman at my area school. And about the varsity conversation. I agree with you that there are an increasing number of freshman playing varsity ball. The numbers are there. What I was trying to say is, let's not be misled by the status of "varsity". For instance, if I was an outsider looking in, I would say a freshman playing shortstop for Plano East varsity is a bigger accomplishment than a player at North Garland playing varsity. Simply because Plano East is more of a baseball school. Not trying to upset anyone but that is the best way I can explain it.
Ryan Akins starting for the # 3 team in the State and # 3 in the country (Flower Mound). Enough said.
DB, I did not take your comments as criticisms. I want to emphasize that I agree that there are MANY '08 players that are playing on freshmen/sophomore or JV teams that might very well be as good as or better than some varsity players in the area. I could make a case for several kids mentioned in this thread.
Having said that, we all acknowledge that opportunities differ by school and coach. As you can see in other threads, parents are often "challenged" to accept the decisions of their respective coaches -- regarding most every aspect of the game -- how they warm up, playing time, use of the pitchers, etc. And there is little chance to find concensus at any school, even among the parents.
My advice is simple -- support your son, encourage him to work hard while having fun, and back the program as best you can...supporting the coaches, whenever possible. My '08 is my third son to play HS baseball...perhaps I've been fortunate, but this approach has worked for us over the years.
-PD
Having said that, we all acknowledge that opportunities differ by school and coach. As you can see in other threads, parents are often "challenged" to accept the decisions of their respective coaches -- regarding most every aspect of the game -- how they warm up, playing time, use of the pitchers, etc. And there is little chance to find concensus at any school, even among the parents.
My advice is simple -- support your son, encourage him to work hard while having fun, and back the program as best you can...supporting the coaches, whenever possible. My '08 is my third son to play HS baseball...perhaps I've been fortunate, but this approach has worked for us over the years.
-PD
Thanks Mr or Mrs Akins oops, baseball2. I'll try not to read too much into your short comment -- seems unlikely that Flower Mound will remain in that position after this week.
oops, baseball2. I'll try not to read too much into your short comment -- seems unlikely that Flower Mound will remain in that position after this week.
From what I've heard, there is a lot of turmoil within Flower Mound. I agree, they won't be number 3 on the next rankings. Regarding Akins, a good player but really is overmatched at the varsity level.
Thanks PD, although I don't have a son in HS baseball yet, I will keep your advice in mind.
This topic has picked up some more energy, therefore I will try to continue to fuel the topic:
1. If a freshman (14/15 year old) is good enough to be recognized here, then those who know this player should be proud of said player. These players have 3 more years to get bigger, stronger and faster and will be the Paul Kelly's and Shawn Tolleson's in a couple of years.
2. As far as a freshman being over matched at the varsity level. I have seen Jr. and Sr. that are over matched at the varsity level. Shawn Tolleson 17 K's vs. Flower Mound as an example. But I have seen Jr. and Sr. overmatched by lower caliber pitchers as well.
This thread, in my humble opinion, was started to recognize players that we all want to be made aware of and not to critique them.
As I recall, Panter Dad challenged me to do a rating of players. I will boldly try to provide what knowledge I have at this age group. However, before you flame me for my opinion, I am providing the following disclaimer. I don't claim to know all the Freshman players in the DFW area and my knowledge is based on what I have seen through last summer. This means I will miss somebody.
* In some instances I don't know full names or High Schools players attend:
Infield
Jeffrey Emens- Plano East
Joey Hainsfurther- Highland Park
Brandon Loy
Justin Biggins- played with KC Monarchs (2004)
Catcher
Mike Ritter- Arlington Martin ?
Cody Brooks- Prestonwood Christian Acedmy
JT Files- Mesquite Poteet
Outfield
Dutch Crews
Austin Atwell
Timmy Maitland
Barsch- (sp?) played with Arlington Cobras (2004)
Cantu- played with Arlington Cobras (2004)
1b
????
Pitcher
Mark Roberson- Clark (plano East feeder HS)
Alex Baker- Mckinney HS
My last observation is that, the 08' class looks to be strong for position players, however I don't see any Italiano's, Tolleson's or Hancocks. But, as I was told this week, Italiano was a bubble player for his 15U team. Now he throws 95-98. Pitching may be a position where we will see the most growth for these players after there freshman year.
LET THE FLAMING BEGIN!
1. If a freshman (14/15 year old) is good enough to be recognized here, then those who know this player should be proud of said player. These players have 3 more years to get bigger, stronger and faster and will be the Paul Kelly's and Shawn Tolleson's in a couple of years.
2. As far as a freshman being over matched at the varsity level. I have seen Jr. and Sr. that are over matched at the varsity level. Shawn Tolleson 17 K's vs. Flower Mound as an example. But I have seen Jr. and Sr. overmatched by lower caliber pitchers as well.
This thread, in my humble opinion, was started to recognize players that we all want to be made aware of and not to critique them.
As I recall, Panter Dad challenged me to do a rating of players. I will boldly try to provide what knowledge I have at this age group. However, before you flame me for my opinion, I am providing the following disclaimer. I don't claim to know all the Freshman players in the DFW area and my knowledge is based on what I have seen through last summer. This means I will miss somebody.
* In some instances I don't know full names or High Schools players attend:
Infield
Jeffrey Emens- Plano East
Joey Hainsfurther- Highland Park
Brandon Loy
Justin Biggins- played with KC Monarchs (2004)
Catcher
Mike Ritter- Arlington Martin ?
Cody Brooks- Prestonwood Christian Acedmy
JT Files- Mesquite Poteet
Outfield
Dutch Crews
Austin Atwell
Timmy Maitland
Barsch- (sp?) played with Arlington Cobras (2004)
Cantu- played with Arlington Cobras (2004)
1b
????
Pitcher
Mark Roberson- Clark (plano East feeder HS)
Alex Baker- Mckinney HS
My last observation is that, the 08' class looks to be strong for position players, however I don't see any Italiano's, Tolleson's or Hancocks. But, as I was told this week, Italiano was a bubble player for his 15U team. Now he throws 95-98. Pitching may be a position where we will see the most growth for these players after there freshman year.
LET THE FLAMING BEGIN!
great stuff guys
Michael Ritter, plays at Arlington High.
Stats will be on the DMN website starting this Sunday. My guess Ritter's numbers will be close to the top for freshman.
Stats will be on the DMN website starting this Sunday. My guess Ritter's numbers will be close to the top for freshman.
Rowlett just moved Miles Hamblin up to Varsity.he is a Soph
For my two bits, I think that the top freshman rarely have much to do with how good a player can become in 3 more years. I give a vote for the Jake Wyand at Jesuit because he crushes the ball.
If anyone knows of a kid with a good stick looking for a summer team, have them call Jim Neil at 972-490-5400 or email rhumphreys@churchillcapital.com. His summer team, The Dallas Barracudas, will be strong and he knows the game.
Last two bits- Rowlett is strong, HP is very good, and Jesuit needs better coaching for the freshman.
If anyone knows of a kid with a good stick looking for a summer team, have them call Jim Neil at 972-490-5400 or email rhumphreys@churchillcapital.com. His summer team, The Dallas Barracudas, will be strong and he knows the game.
Last two bits- Rowlett is strong, HP is very good, and Jesuit needs better coaching for the freshman.