TX Houston Area Round UP

Biggio-led St.Thomas among baseball contenders

Bellaire has experience to make run at record eighth state title in 2009

By SAM KHAN JR. Copyright 2009 Houston Chronicle

Feb. 21, 2009, 11:20PM

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Karen Warren Houston Chronicle

Katy

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Bellaire's storied program was just two wins short of claiming a record eighth state title last year, and the Cardinals have the experience for another run at the record in 2009.

At St. Thomas, Astros legend Craig Biggio tries his hand at coaching the two-time defending TAPPS state champions.

Key Issues

Can a local team bring home a 5A state title?

Last season was the first since 2004 that a Houston-area team failed to make the state title game. This year, Houston could send multiple teams to the 5A tournament. Bellaire is the favorite, returning nine starters and 16 lettermen from its 39-9 state semifinalist. Klein, a regional quarterfinalist in 2008, has a chance in Region II-5A behind the arm of Matthew Purke.

What other teams are Region III-5A title contenders?

Memorial looks to have a good shot, as its Nos. 2-6 hitters return. More importantly, the Mustangs have experience on the mound. Their top four returning ptichers, led by Michael Bentz, combined for a 22-3 record. Katy returns ace Keifer Nuncio and the majority of its lineup.

How will realignment impact Region II-5A?

Now that the Cy-Fair ISD schools are in Region II, the Houston area has an even better shot to get a second 5A team to state. Cy Woods returns nine starters and 17 lettermen. Perennial district powers Langham Creek and Cy-Fair can’t be counted out. The Woodlands, already in Region II, has the talent to bounce back from last year’s first-round exit.

Who will be strongest in 4A?

Lamar Consolidated, which fell to Friendswood in the Region III-4A title series, looks poised to make another run. Their ace, Brady Rodgers returns, as do their two biggest bats. Friendswood graduated its top two pitchers, but has key returners in Alex Anastas and Kevin Thornton. Magnolia could be a factor after dropping down from 5A.

How does the private school picture look?

Houston Christian should contend for a repeat TAPPS state title behind lefthander Cameron Coffey. St. Thomas has won two consecutive TAPPS titles, but a three-peat will come under new coach and former Astro Craig Biggio, who replaces Ken Schulte.

Five players to watch:

Matthew Purke

Pitcher, Senior

Klein Bearkats

• Comment: The flame-throwing southpaw is the area’s dominant pitcher. Armed with size (6-3) and a mid-90s fastball, the TCU signee went 12-1 with a 0.37 ERA and 147 strikeouts last year. He’s projected as a top- 10 major league draft pick.

Michael Ratterree

Shortstop, Senior

Memorial Mustangs

• Comment: Memorial relied heavily on a Ratterree-led offense in 2008. The Rice signee hit .381 with 11 homers and 41 RBIs. With M.P. Cokinos, Daniel Neumann and DeMario Thibodeaux, Memorial should be among the area’s best hitting teams again.

Keifer Nuncio

Pitcher, Senior

Katy Tigers

• Comment: If it seems the hard-throwing righthander has been around the Houston area forever, it’s because he has. This marks his fourth varsity season and third as a starter. The Texas signee is 20-4 in his career and a two time, first-team all-district selection.

Jacob Gonzalez

Outfield, Senior

Brazoswood Buccaneers

• Comment: Gonzalez was one of the top hitters in the Houston area as a junior, carrying a .519 average with seven homers and 40 RBIs for a team that advanced to the third round of the playoffs. He’ll lead a Bucs squad poised to contend in Region III-5A.

Brandon Wood

Pitcher/outfield, Senior

Clements Rangers

• Comment: The Rangers will be inexperienced after graduating 16 seniors, but Wood will help ease the transition. The Texas A&M signee hit .406 with a school-record 12 homers and 40 RBIs last year. In addition to playing center field, he’s also a starting pitcher.

Area rankings:

Class 5A (with 2008 records)

1. Bellaire 39-9

2. Klein 26-6

3. Memorial 27-5

4. The Woodlands 21-9

5. Katy 26-7

6. Lamar 29-7

7. Cypress Woods 18-12

8. Brazoswood 24-14

9. Atascocita 29-5

10. Alvin 34-7

Class 4a/Others (with 2008 records)

1. Lamar Consolidated 29-9

2. Houston Christian 33-8

3. Friendswood 27-9

4. Brenham 30-10

5. Magnolia 14-15

6. Barbers Hill 24-7

7. Huntsville 21-11

8. St. Thomas 15-12

9. Manvel 5-16

10. Waller 10-12

Preseason All-Greater Houston Selections:

First Team

P Neil Dennison, Sr. Lamar

P Matthew Purke, Sr. Klein

P Keifer Nuncio, Sr. Katy

P Brady Rodgers, Sr. Lamar Con.

IF Grant Clyde Sr,. Atascocita

IF Daniel Neumann, Sr. Memorial

IF Michael Ratterree, Sr. Memorial

IF Zach Thomas, Sr. Cy-Fair

OF Jacob Gonzalez, Sr. Brazoswood

OF Randal Grichuk, Sr. Lamar Con.

OF Brandon Wood, Sr. Clements

C M.P. Cokinos, Sr. Memorial

UTL Kyle Von Tungeln, Sr. Kempner

Second Team

P Cameron Coffey, Sr. Hou. Chr.

P Tyler Duffey, Sr. Bellaire

P Jonathan Dziedzic, Sr. Atascocita

P Colton Lindloff, Sr. Brazoswood

IF Matt Adams, Sr. Cy Creek

IF Gabriel Gomez, Sr. MacArthur

IF Andy Lada, Sr. Cy Woods

IF Jake Miller, Sr. Stratford

OF Tyler Boss, Sr. Klein

OF Jarrett Higgins, Sr. Bellaire

OF Tyler Naquin, Sr. Kl. Collins

C Andrew Stumph, Sr. Katy

UTL Ryan Gunhouse, Sr. Clear Creek

sam.khan@chron.com