The 2015 UIL High School Baseball Playoffs are here, and four Frisco ISD schools are in the mix for a deep run. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the competition brings to the table as the postseason begins tonight (barring bad weather).
5A Region II Bi-district
Frisco Wakeland (14-11) vs. Lovejoy (12-9)
The Wakeland Wolverines begin their Bi-district playoff journey by taking on the third-seeded Lovejoy Leopards. The Leopards pack a one-two punch in pitchers John Weichel (4-3, 2.10 ERA, 47 Ks) and Brandon Provence (3-3, 2.21, 30 Ks).
What really makes the Leopards purr, though, is their well-balanced offense. Led by Andrew Keffner (.385, HR), RBI leader (as well as triples front-runner) Jacob Parrott (.348, HR, 14 RBI, 2 3Bs), and Chase Tucker (.308, HR), Lovejoy can pound out hits even against the area’s toughest pitchers.
Game 1: Thurs. 5/7 @ Plano West (7:30)
Game 2: Fri. 5/8 @ Plano West (7:30)
Game 3: (if necessary) Sat. 5/9 @ Plano West (2:00)
Frisco Liberty (13-7) vs. McKinney North (13-6)
Much has been written about JT Van Gelder and the senior’s stellar 2015 season is deserving of every word. But despite his 5A Area-leading .582 batting average, the RedHawks are far from a one-man show. Liberty will need to be running full tilt to knock the pesky McKinney North team out of playoff contention.
McKinney North, District 10-5A’s second-seeded team, is led by the sturdy strike-throwing arm of Gabe Constantine (6-1, 1.46 ERA, 66 Ks). Luke Bay (2-0, 1.75 ERA) and Tate Frodsham (2-3, 2.42 ERA) form the core of the Bulldogs’ rotation. Although they won’t hit for much power, McKinney North has plenty of players that can square up the ball and drive it to all fields, such as pitchers Bay (.354), Frodsham (.346), and, their battery mate, catcher Travis Scalf (.316, 9 RBI).
Game 1: Thurs. 5/7 @ McKinney Boyd (7:30)
Game 2: Fri. 5/8 @ McKinney Boyd (7:30)
Game 3: (if necessary) Sat. 5/9 @ McKinney Boyd (1:00)
Frisco Centennial (11-11) vs. Prosper (24-2)
The Prosper Eagles pose the biggest first round threat to any Frisco ISD team. A look at their nearly unblemished record serves as an initial warning, but it’s their power-packed lineup that provides a cautionary tale: Keep the ball out of their wheelhouse.
With six starters having gone deep at least once, and three with four or more – Steele Walker (5 HRs, .466 37 RBI), Kylor Morris (4 HRs, .413 21 RBI) and Josh Walker (4 HRs, .333 26 RBI) – this lineup gives pitchers a serious case of the cold sweats. Rounding out the Eagles order are Easton Murrell (.329 3 HRs 25 RBI) and Cam Wood (.356 2 HRs 14 RBI).
And, oh yeah, Prosper’s pitchers have clout, too. Led by Anthony Bernardez (7-0, 1.33 ERA 51 Ks), Justin Kiedinger (5-0, 1.70 ERA), and the aforementioned Kylor Morris (7-0, 2.35 ERA, 42 Ks), teams not only find it difficult to suppress their sluggers, they also find it a challenge to put runs on the board at all.
Game 1: Thurs. 5/7 @ Allen (7:30)
Game 2: Fri. 5/8 @ Allen (7:30)
Game 3: (if necessary) Sat. 5/9 @ Allen (1:00)
Frisco (19-4) vs. McKinney (9-11)
Heading into Bi-district play, the Frisco High Raccoons should be the favorites to advance to next week’s Area Round. Ranked third in the area for 5A, the Raccoons have the most balanced attack in their district.
This is a tough matchup for McKinney, whose season will last as long as Ty Bailey (5-1, 2.10 ERA) can take them. Bailey is complemented by Kal Kilgo (1-2, 3.46 ERA) and Josh Ponder (3-3, 35 Ks). Kilgo is also one of the best hitters on the Lions’ squad, as he leads the team with a .362 BA which pairs nicely with his 10 RBI.
Game 1: Thurs. 5/7 @ John Paul (7:30)
Game 2: Fri. 5/8 @ John Paul (7:30)
Game 3: (if necessary) Sat. 5/9 @ John Paul (11:00 A.M.)
