***2007 ALL SOUTHEAST TEXAS BASEBALL TEAM***

[KFDM COOP]

2007 ALL SOUTHEAST TEXAS BASEBALL TEAM

June 9, 2007 – released by editors of www.setxsports.com

The dust has barely settled on the 2007 season and your SETXSPORTS.COM editors have now selected the All Southeast Texas Baseball Team. 

No team stands taller than the Jasper Bulldogs, the 3A State Champions.  Coach Shawn Mixon and crew stormed through the playoffs and simply dominated the 3A state tournament.  Along the way, they won the 21-3A district crown, eliminated Bridge City in a classic 3 game Regional Final, and put a 10-run whipping on defending state champion, Liberty-Eylau.

2007 also saw other outstanding performances.  5A Beaumont West Brook won its first district championship since 1995 while 4A Little Cypress-Mauriceville surprised the entire baseball community by roaring to the 22-4A crown.  Next door, the Barbers Hill Eagles overcame the loss of the senior SS and rode one of the area’s strongest pitching staffs to the Regional Semi-Finals.  While Jasper proved they were the class of 3A this season, their road to the championship went through Bridge City while Hardin-Jefferson slipped past disappointing Silsbee to earn 21-3A’s final playoff spot.  Woodville continued its streak of excellence by rolling into the 2A Regional Finals, only to be upended by eventual state finalist Hooks.  Hooks, as you may recall, had previously eliminated the upstart Buna Cougars a week earlier.  And, in 1A, the feel-good story of the year may belong to Coach Jacob Hooker and the High Island Cardinals.  Fielding only 9 players, HI ran down Evadale to capture the district crown.  All in all, it was another exciting year in SE Texas baseball.

Individual accomplishments also predominated the season.  Jasper 2B/P Ryan Ellis was the 3A MVP for the State Finals.  Huffman’s Michael Listi defeated PNG in both of their playoff games while Nederland’s Beau Helmke no-hit the Indians…without a single strike out.  Buna’s Taylor Muckleroy hurled back-to-back no-hitters.  West Brook’s David Murphy hit 3 home runs…all in the same game while BC’s Johnny Dishon hit 2 against 3A #1 Carthage.  Jasper’s John Bradley had the GW RBI in game 3 against BC, a 2-out 6th inning single while teammate Travis Reagan picked off BC’s Joseph Robertson (the tying run) to end that game and send the Bulldogs to Austin.  And West Brook’s Tim Ferguson experienced every player’s dream… a walk-off HR to win a playoff game.  Like last year, a lot of talent graduates and will be lost to our local high schools.  On the other hand, the future remains bright for 2008… Barbers Hill returns both of their starting pitchers (Ross Hales and Kendall Thamm), WB returns C Todd Wallace, 3B Thad Lycan and P Nathaniel Svoboda (7-0 as a junior).  PNG welcomes back a full contingent led by Eric Harrington while BC will be led by C Casey Jackson and two super-frosh:  Matt Hicks and Joseph Robertson.  And Jasper?  Start with OF Taylor Hart and you know the ‘Dogs will be ready to defend their crown.

Without further delay, here is your 2007 All-SETXSPORTS.COM Baseball Team.  As Gene Hackman said in ‘Hoosiers’, …â€This is your team.â€

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: 

Jake Rowell – LCM

The debate over ‘who’ should be over MVP began with ‘what is’ the MVP?  Is it the best player?  Is it a two-way player?  Is it the best player on the best team?  Or is it the player who meant the most to his team?  Regardless of the criteria, LCM’s Jake Rowell is our ‘king’ and the most-deserved winner of our Most Valuable Player award.  As the District 22-4A MVP, Rowell hit over .500 with 11 HR and 48 RBI.  More importantly, he provided senior leadership to a team that had no other returning starters and led Coach Steve Griffith’s youngsters to the 22-4A crown.  There may not be a better leader in all SE Texas.  Jake has signed to continue his career across the river at McNeese State where he promises to wear out opposing Southland Conference pitchers.  Congratulations, Jake…you earned this.

Other Top Nominees:  Travis Reagan (Jasper), David Murphy (WB), Tim Ferguson (WB), Johnny Dishon (BC), Eric Harrington (PNG), Aaron Treece (HJ), Braeden Riley (Woodville)

OFFENSIVE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Tim Ferguson – West Brook

The clean-up hitter in the middle of West Brook’s murder’s row, Ferguson mirrored his 2006 performance by either leading or being near the top of every offensive category for the Bruins.  Hitting .427 (.500 in district) with 7 HR and 32 RBI, the senior infielder also slugged .765 and was a perfect 13-13 in stolen bases.  Demonstrating a flair for the dramatic, it was his 2-run HR (off UT commit Hunter Cervenka) that broke open the ‘battle for district’ vs. Sterling.  It was also his walk-off homer that turned a 3-2 deficit into a game 1 play-off win vs. Pasadena Memorial.  The only area player to be named a Rawlings All-American (and a two-time 1st Team All District selection), Ferguson will take his game to 13th ranked Ole Miss as the heir apparent to All-American SS Zac Cozart.

Other Top Nominees:  Mark Serna (WB), Johnny Dishon (BC), Rocky Calhoun (Silsbee), Taylor Hart (Jasper), Travis Reagan (Jasper)

PITCHING MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Ross Hales – Barbers Hill

The junior left-hander was the mainstay of what might have been the 2007’s best pitching staff.  Not only were his numbers good, the difference maker here was that Hales kept his team in every single game he pitched.  Even his losses (when he did lose) were heart-breaking 1 run losses.  And, did anyone lose more 1-0 games than he did?  Sporting an 11-4 overall W-L record along with a microscopic ERA of less than 1.00, Hales has already got the eye of college and professional scouts.  Just last week, Ross flashed an 89 mph fastball at the invitation-only Pittsburgh Pirates workout and is on the radar of heavyweights such as Texas A&M and UH.  In a year of outstanding performances, Hales’ consistent excellence made the difference as he edged ahead of the pack to become our Pitching MVP.

Other Top Nominees:  Jeff Stringer (BC), Michael Listi (Huffman), Josiah Svoboda (WB), Jacob Winters (Woodville), Tucker Muckleroy (Buna)

DEFENSIVE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Johnny Dishon – Bridge City

You want speed?  Got it.  You want an arm?  Got it.  Want instincts to make not only the routine but the spectacular as well?  Got it.  Defensively, no one covered their position like Johnny Dishon, the senior CF from Bridge City.  Ask Hardin-Jefferson about the backhanded grab he made to keep the score knotted at 0-0 in the top of the 6th of their 21-3A showdown.  Ask Needville about the bullet he threw from CF to beat the winning run home (sure, the catcher dropped the tag but that ain’t the point, now is it?).  Johnny takes his game across the border next year to LSU and promises to make an immediate impact.  And, before anyone assumes he is all glove and no bat…he hit 12 HR this season.

Other top nominees:  David Murphy (WB), Cameron Campbell (BH), Rocky Calhoun (Silsbee), Tim Ferguson (WB) 

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Matt Hicks – Bridge City

On any team, being a freshman on the varsity would be a tall order.  To be a freshman, starting as the team’s SS and one of their frontline pitchers, that is almost too much to ask.  And when that team is Bridge City, coming off back-to-back state tournaments, then the pressure has to insurmountable…unless you’re BC freshman Matt Hicks.  He stepped in, would up hitting 3rd in their lineup and contributed mightily.  It was his game 3 pitching performance that won the bi-district series against Wharton and it has his game 2 triple that broke open BC’s sweep over previously #1 Carthage.  Named as a First Team All District selection in 21-3A, Hicks shone brighter than all others.

Other top nominees:  Brandon Hillin (Buna), Jace Statum (OF), Joseph Robertson (BC)

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Shawn Mixon – Jasper

As someone said on the ‘Coach of the Year’ thread, give it to the ‘last man standing’.  While that criteria would be enough, that shortchanges the outstanding job that Shawn Mixon has done since succeeding Mike Rodgers up north in Jasper.  The 2007 stands as a crowning achievement as he and his Bulldogs quietly went about their business, winning 21-3A then rolling through Region III and knocking off Bridge City in the Finals.  By the way, anyone doubt that Shawn Mixon was the best coach that weekend?  Not anymore as he pulled every string and pushed every button perfectly.  As one fan noted that weekend, “Mixon’s not only the best coach on the field.  He’s the best coach in the ballparkâ€.  He backed it all up in Austin including the 10-run win over defending state champ Liberty Eylau in the finals. 

5A Coach of the Year:  Jacob Walton (West Brook) – In only his second season, Walton led the Bruins to their first district title since 1995…when he played there.

4A Coach of the Year:  Steve Griffith (LCM) – One of the more hotly contested positions on this board, Griff edges Gil Stalbaum (BH) and Kyle Green (Vidor)…all of whom did masterful jobs.  But, Griff supposedly had no pitching, only 1 returning started and no chance.  So what’d he do?  Win district.

3A Coach of the Year:  Shawn Mixon (Jasper) – see above.  No one else is close.

2A Coach of the Year:  Neil Hennigan (Woodville) – although excellence seems to be expected,  Hennigan guided the Eagles back to the Regional Finals.

1A Coach of the Year:  Jacob Hooker (High Island) – It seems like forever since HI made the playoffs but Coach Hooker and his ‘gang of 9’ did that and more…district champs at last.

FIRST TEAM:

PITCHERS (8

Jeff Stringer (Bridge City) – the senior left-hander was perhaps the most dominating pitcher in the area, striking out 150 hitters while going 8-3 with a 1.50 ERA.  He takes his game next door to Lamar so he’ll still be (always be) a Cardinal. 

Michael Listi (Huffman) – the senior righty was perhaps the best ‘big game’ pitcher, outdueling Ross Hales and BH 1-0 then doing the same to Eric Harrington in game 1 of their playoff series.  Not enough?  He returned in game 2 to win that game as well.

Josiah Svoboda (West Brook) – after missing a large chunk of the preseason, this senior returned and quickly reasserted himself as the ace of Bruins’ staff, going 5-1 (and his only loss was a 1-0 defeat to upstart Atascocita).

Eric Harrington (PNG) – a junior, Harrington went 10-2 with a 2.50 ERA leading the Indians to a 2nd place finish in 22-4A.  Recognized as the PA News MVP, Harrington was also a 22-4A First Team All District selection.

Tucker Muckleroy (Buna) – the left-hander led the Buna Cougars to not only a district championship but also a run to the Regional Semi-Finals.  Along the way, he was both consistent and spectacular…including back-to-back no hitters.

Justin Parson (Jasper) – never given credit as the ‘ace’ of the Bulldogs’ staff, it was this junior left-hander’s complete game victory in Game 3 of the Regional Finals and the State Semi-Finals that define his season.  If that ain’t an ace, I don’t know what is.     

Reese Winters (Woodville) – the left-hander quietly emerged from the shadow of teammate Braeden Riley to become the #1 of the Eagles’ pitching staff.  He probably led the area in ‘head shakes’…as in another batter shaking his head after striking out. 

Shawn Flores (PNG) – the 2nd part of PNG’s dynamic duo, Flores possesses as much raw talent as any pitcher in the area.  Flores proved his mettle by holding West Brook to 3 runs, then injuring himself by running into the wall chasing a foul ball in the 8th inning, and returned to pitch the opening week of district.

CATCHERS (3):

Cameron Campbell (Barbers Hill) – the senior catcher returns again as one of our first team catchers and deservedly so.  A home run here and a triple there, Campbell always seemed to be in the middle of every Eagle scoring outburst.  He’ll take his game to Lamar and catch summer teammate Jeff Stringer.

Todd Wallace (West Brook ) – the junior exploded on the scene…literally, but hitting 7 HR including 5 during district play.  Named the First Team All District catcher in 21-5A, he was also named WB’s defensive player of the year.

Landon Steinhagen (Kelly) – this junior tolled in relative anonymity over at Kelly…unless you happened to be a Bulldog opponent.  He was so good that, after 1 game, Bellaire’s head coach immediately nominated him for the Texas Rangers Area Code team.

INFIELDERS (8

David Murphy (West Brook) – the senior capped off a sensational career by tying the WB single season record by belting 10 HR, including 3 in one game (against Regional Finalist Kingwood).  Hitting .353 with 21 RBI, Murphy was named the 21-5A MVP.  Now bound for the University of Houston. Murphy promises to give Cougars’ fans the same thrills he gave Bruins’ fans for the past 4 years.

Braeden Riley (Woodville) – the senior hit .488 with 8 HR and 31 RBI in leading the Eagles deep into the playoffs once again.  Riley is off to Sam Houston State to join Coach Mark Johnson as the Bearcats try to repeat their NCAA playoff appearance of this season.

Mark Serna (West Brook) – perhaps no one re-wrote the WB record books this season more than Serna who ends his 4 year career on the West End as the holder of  a number of single season and career records.  After moving to 1B from the OF due to a shoulder injury, Serna banged out an incredible 50 hits this year.  Amazing…

VJ Bunner (Vidor) – no single player may have meant more to his team than this junior middle infielder.  After sustaining a severe leg injury, the Pirates’ season was one in jeopardy.  Just as immediate, once Bunner returned then the Pirates’ ship was righted and they made their long-awaited appearance in the playoffs.

Jake Ponder (Barbers Hill) – you remember him?  Like Serna, he was an outfielder last year.  Like Serna, he moved to the infield this year (3B) but never missed a beat offensively.  At times carrying the Eagles offense, Ponder earned his First Team All District selection…just as he earned our first team recognition.

Thad Lycan (West Brook ) – the junior 3B is yet another 21-5A All District first teamer, hitting .373 with 3 HR and 25 RBI.  Slated to move to SS when Murphy moves on to UH, look for Thad to be one of 2008’s leading stars.

Chad Richard (LCM) – One of the unknown Bears, Richard hit .430 with 6 HR and 36 RBI providing ample support for senior Jake Rowell.  Named to the 22-4A All District First Team, Richard proved that, at LCM, you don’t rebuild…you reload.

Zach Sipe (Huffman) – Like Ponder, this 21-4A veteran moved from OF to 3B this year.  And, for the third year in a row, Sipe was a first team All District selection and one of the Falcons’ most valuable ingredients all season long.  Its anchors away for Sipe…he’ll take his game to the Naval Academy next year.  A true honor for a great kid.

OUTFIELDERS (8

Taylor Hart (Jasper) – Hart made the move from SS to CF this year, allowing Coach Shawn Mixon to take even more advantage of his speed.  A prototypical lead-off hitter, Taylor was the spark plug that made the Bulldogs’ engine run…all the way to the State Championship.

Rocky Calhoun (Silsbee) – Calhoun finished his career by being named the 21-3A Offensive Player of the Year after hitting over .400 for the Tigers.  Always steady, Calhoun may be best remembered for this stat:  in 4 years as the Tigers’ CF, he never, ever made an error.

Bobby Armstrong (West Brook) – Armstrong had another quietly spectacular year, hitting .358 including a .500 clip during district.  While other may have received more accolades, Armstrong was yet another WB First Team All District selection and won the West Brook ‘point system’ as the Bruins’ top offensive performer.

Chris Raggett (Ozen) – a bright star during a dismal and disappointing season, this CF hit .406 for the Panthers and garnering a first team All District berth.  Only a junior, Raggett is one of the core of youngsters that promises to lead Ozen to better days.

Jeremy Pinder (Hamshire Fannett) – like Raggett, Pinder’s accomplishments went unnoticed by many but not the other coaches in 21-3A who named this youngster as one of their first team All District outfielders.  This is just one of the reasons that Coach Landry has to smile as he thinks ahead to 2008.

Colby Townsley (Barbers Hill) – yet another stellar performance for this senior as he helped the Eagles overcome the season-ending injury to SS Chase Barrera.  Not only did Townsley’s bat play big, his leadership played equally big all year long.

Jace Statum (Orangefield) – another freshman who came up big in 21-3A as Statum hit nearly .400 and played so well he was recognized as 21-3A’s Newcomer of the Year.  In that district, that’s something to talk about and gives the Bobcat faithful something to look forward to for the next 3 years.

Will Fontnow (Vidor) – roaming RF for the Pirates, Fontnow was one of the major cogs in Coach Kyle Green’s superlative run as one of 22-4A’s playoff teams.  A contributor not only offensively, Will also flashed good leather and a quality arm.

UTILITY (3):

Travis Reagan (Jasper) – this senior could have been a first team infielder or a first team pitcher.  His reward?  He is first team at both and is our top utility man of the year.  Often called the state champions’ ‘best player’ Reagan will next flash his skills in Carthage while playing at Panola JC.

Aaron Treece (Hardin Jefferson) – Like Reagan, Treece excelled on the mound (9-2) and at the plate (.444 with 5 HR).  He also pitched one of the best, pressure-packed games of the year – the 1-0 play-in win against Silsbee.

Taylor Robichau (Vidor) – As a first team All District OF in 22-4A, and part of Kyle Green’s ‘tough as nails’ pitching staff, Robichau did it all this year for the Pirates.  If there is a better definition of what a utility player is, I don’t know what it is.

DESIGNATED HITTER (3):

Malcolm Bronson (Jasper) – a true DH, Bronson filled the 2-hole in the Bulldogs’ lineup and was a superb compliment to lead-off hitter Taylor Hart.  Often viewed as a small ball player, it was Bronson’s monster triple in Game 1 of the Regional Finals that changed the momentum and led Jasper to that win.

Casey Jackson (Bridge City) – One of the most potent bats in the area, Jackson battled early season injuries before returning to true form in time for BC’s run into the playoffs.  The 2006 HR leader, look for this junior to rebound strong in 2008…and make 21-3A opponents pay for it.

D.J. Massey (Dayton) – the senior catcher hit .508 with 38 RBI in leading the Broncos to the brink of the playoffs in their first season in 22-4A.  A very projectible defensive catcher, Massey continues his career next season as LSU-Eunice.

SECOND TEAM:

PITCHERS (8

Nathaniel Svoboda – West Brook

Kendall Thamm – Barbers Hill

Phillip Meeks – Bridge City

Andy Dewey – Dayton

Beau Helmke – Nederland

Joel Schooling – Silsbee

Adam Leggett – LCM

David Jackson – Evadale

CATCHERS (3):

Colby Hargraves – Silsbee

Jacob Felts – Orangefield

Alex Moshier – Nederland

INFIELDERS (8

Brice Christian – Port Arthur Memorial

Josh Gardiner – Ozen

Cameron Alexander – Central

Ryan Ellis – Jasper

Dylan Lundy – HJ

Chantz Pryor – Jasper

Kris Hearn – LCM

Taylor Eaves – HF

OUTFIELDERS (8

Josh Fisher – West Brook

Keenan Allison – Central

Earl Thomas – WOS

Micah Mosely – Nederland

Randy Musgrove – Kirbyville

Kevin Roebuck – HJ

Jaden Dillon – Bridge City

Kelvin Thomas – Central

UTILITY (3):

D.D. Lott – Ozen

Chance Sievers – High Island

Brandon Hillin – Buna

DESIGNATED HITTER (3):

Todd Kahla – High Island

Brandon Wolcott – Silsbee

Randall Courville -- HF

[KFDM COOP]

CONGRATS TO ALL!

[Guest LCM Volleyball]

[move]WAY TO COACH AND PLAYERS[/move]

[EAGLE07]

Great job guys on what surely has to be one tough job. Especially glad that you recognized Hales' performance instead of his 3 "no-fault" losses.

Well done.

I have really enjoyed this site during this year's baseball season. Looking forward to next year and some more great SE TX baseball.

[justryansmom]

Shut up.... ;D.........congrats to all who made it........

I AGREE...Shut up Hooker!!! Look what you did with our boys. You have EVERY reason to be on this list!!! I would have been astounded if you were NOT on the list. I've said it before, but I'll say it again....we're gonna miss you...big time!

[Guest spikesboyz]

MALCOLM  BRONSON  BIG HITTER  SMART

CLASS  3A STATE CHAMPIONS  JASPER HIGH SCHOOL

[Guest 444students]

Ready ?

[Guest edowd]

There are some really good sophomores in our area :

Trey Hester (Vidor)

Conner McDonald (Kelly)

Jacob Phelps (Orangefield)

Matt Hicks (Bridge City)

Jace Statum (Orangefield)

I have seen them all play select ball -

Hester is best pitcher

McDonald is the best infielder

Statum is the best outfielder

Phelps is the best hitter

Hicks is the best player all around

[setxsportswhizz08]

CONGRATS TO ALL!

Amen brother.