GAME 1 – 5 P.M. THURSDAY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
GAME 2 – 5 P.M. FRIDAY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
GAME 3 (IF NEEDED) – 30M AFTER GAME 2 – UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Preview: Two teams that have won state titles (DP ’14, Katy ’15). Two district champs. Two teams that can win it all. Katy hasn’t lost a game this postseason, and will look to ride sophomore stud pitcher Alyssa LeBlanc. Deer Park has won its last two series in Game 3 thrillers. In two early season matchups, Katy took down Deer Park, 5-4 and 3-0.
Prediction: Katy’s top to bottom lineup too much for Deer Park, Tigers advance in two games.
– VYPE Digital Content Editor/West Houston reporter Matt Reese — @Matt_Reese13
6A-II: THE WOODLANDS (31-9) V. AUSTIN BOWIE (20-2)
GAME 1: 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY, MUMFORD HS
GAME 2: 30 MINUTES FOLLOWING GAME 1, MUMFORD HS
GAME 3 (IF NEEDED): 7 P.M. SATURDAY, MUMFORD HS
Preview: Austin Bowie beat Oak Ridge in a three-game thriller to advance to the Class 6A Region II semis. Can they knock off the War Eagles’ district-mate The Woodlands for the right to get to state? The Highlanders must beat Alexander McLennan to advance, which will take patience. The Woodlands has a salty lineup. Emily Langkamp must be solid on the mound and her battery-mate Kelcy Leach is a beast at the plate. Watch for youngsters Abby Jones, Skylar Sirdashney and Amanda Curran and Abbey Newlun to play good defense and put together some runs.
Prediction: The Woodlands in 3
— VYPE Chief Content Officer Matt Malatesta
5A-I: WILLIS (37-6) V. BARBERS HILL (33-3)
GAME 1: 7:30 P.M. THURSDAY, UH
GAME 2: 5 P.M. SATURDAY, UH
GAME 3 (IF NEEDED): 30 MINUTES FOLLOWING GAME 2, UH
Previews/Predictions:
– Northeast HTX’s @Jokoch9: Powered by Meagan King — Texas State pledge — in the circle and at the plate, Barbers Hill is a favorite to get back to Austin again for the first time since 2014. Many of the seniors on this year’s squad were on that 2014 team three years ago. Barbers Hill moves on in 3 games.
– North HTX’s Todd James: For the first time ever, Willis has reached the Regional Final. Their reward? The high-powered Barbers Hill team led by Meagan King. Willis has come back from early deficits in the past two rounds, but will need to get to King and the Eagles early. Willis in 3. They’re a team of destiny, playing with a ton of confidence and have come through in the clutch all playoffs. Casey Dixon, pitcher, is a grinder.
5A-IV: FOSTER (33-2) V. DRIPPING SPRINGS (33-7)
GAME 1: 7 P.M. THURSDAY, WEIMAR HS
GAME 2: 5 P.M. FRIDAY, WEIMAR HS
GAME 3 (IF NEEDED): 30 MINUTES FOLLOWING GAME 2, WEIMAR HS
Preview: Foster has given up 40 runs all year. 40. Let that that sink in. The Lady Falcons have outscored their opponents 42-4 in the playoffs and have shown no signs of weakness. Dripping Springs staved of elimination after losing Game 1 against Austin High in the Regional quarters, but have won four straight since.
Prediction: Foster continues to dominate, takes down D.S. in two games
— VYPE Digital Content Editor/West Houston reporter Matt Reese — @Matt_Reese13