DEER PARK

Deer Park is the defending Class 6A champion after beating Converse Judson 1-0 in the title match last June. It was the third state title for the program since 2012 and the first under coach Amy Vidal-Bush. The stag finished with an overall record of 40-8. Vidal-Bush returns for his second season with high expectations for the team, but the Cerfs will have to replace their most valuable player. Pitcher Hannah Benevides, who had two shutouts in the state tournament, graduated. Madison Applebe and Reanna Nieman will be responsible for leading the team in the circle. Deer Park will also have returning starters like receiver Erin Perez, outfielder Emma Overla and infielders Kayla Zaid, Bryanna Fuentes and Madison Bailey.

CLEAR SPRINGS

Clear Springs pushed Deer Park to the brink in the Region III-6A Finals, but the Chargers ultimately fell short against the eventual champions with a 3-1 loss in Game 3. The good news for the team is that Emma Strood, one of the best players in the Houston area, returns to the fold to lead the charge. Strood, a senior who signed with LSU in the fall, is a dynamic pitcher who posted a 0.52 ERA last season. She will be joined by four players who beat over .300 last year: Emma King, Anna Soles, Claire Pollack, Ashley Walker and Bailey Boetjer.

WOODS

The Woodlands are essentially a lock to make the playoffs every season, and last year was no different. Despite a relatively young roster and a third-place finish in their district, the Highlanders advanced to the Region II-6A semi-finals where they lost to an experienced Bryan side in three games. The Woodlands return two commitments from Tennessee with junior twins Alannah Leach and Gabby Leach and have two regular pitchers back in the fold with juniors Skylar Davis and Bri Dickson. Junior receiver Kiara Wiedenhaupt is also expected to be a key contributor for coach Tim Borths.

Other 6A teams to watch: Ridge Point, Oak Ridge, Grand Oaks, Katy, Bridgeland, Atascocita, Santa Fe, Cypress Woods, Kingwood, Pearland, Alvin, Brazoswood.

Class 5A teams to watch

BARBERS HILL

Barbers Hill has big shoes to fill after pitchers Sophia Simpson and Samantha Landry graduate. Both were superb throughout the 2021 state title race as the Eagles made history and clinched their first championship under coach Aaron Fuller. That being said, the winning culture is alive and well at Mont Belvieu. Players like senior outfielder Delaney Dunham, senior receiver Estela Garza, junior shortstop KateLynn Cooper and junior second baseman Reagan Duty are returning starters with plenty of valuable playoff experience.

LAKE STREAM

Lake Creek could be the team to beat in 5A with Barbers Hill losing their two aces from last year. The Lions were on the verge of their first appearance in the state before failing in three games in the Region III-5A Finals against the eventual champions. Lake Creek has plenty of returning firepower for coach Michelle Rochinski, including All-Greater Houston Hitter of the Year Ava Brown. She will also be the top pitcher after Emiley Kennedy’s graduation. The Lions also have one of the most dangerous first hitters in the state in junior Maddie McKee.

Other 5A teams to watch: Crosby, Foster, Friendswood, Waller, Angelton, New Caney, Fulshear, Magnolia West, Manvel, La Porte, Lamar Consolidated, Kingwood Park.

Class 4A teams to watch

FREEDOM

Liberty was led by a strong senior class last season as it won the Class 4A state title. Gone is pitcher Kaci West, who continues her career at Baylor. The good news is that she was one of only three seniors – including Jaylen Prichard and Mikaelah Burkland – to graduate from the program. Coach Karen Slack should have plenty of talent coming back from a team that finished 33-7. Sophomore wide receiver Hollie Thomas was a star for the Panthers in her freshman season in high school, closing the campaign with three RBIs in the state title game.

Other 4A teams to watch: Huffman-Hargrave, Sealy, Splendora, Bellville, El Campo, Sweeny, Needville, West Columbia.

Players to watch

Emma Strood, Sr., Clear Springs
Madison Applebee, Sr. Deer Park
Kayla Zaid, Sr., Deer Park
Grace Janik, Sr., Ridge Point
Malyn Simmons, Sr., Ridge Point
Kasidi Pickering, Jr., Atascocita
Delaney Dunham, Sr., Barbers Hill
Estela Garza, Sr., Barbers Hill
Grace Sparks, Sr., Crosby
Jordee Wilkins, Jr., Crosby
Trinity Allen, Jr Bridgeland
Kayden Henry, Jr., Dickinson
Maddie McKee, Jr., Lake Creek
Ava Brown, Jr., Lake Creek
Caelee Clark, Sr., Lake Creek
Hollie Thomas, Soph., Liberty
Alannah Leach, Jr., The Woodlands
Gabby Leach, Jr., The Woodlands

Private school teams to watch

SECOND BAPTIST

Second Baptist had a memorable run to its first state championship last spring and capped the season with an emphatic 13-0 win over Grapevine Faith in the TAPPS Division II title game. The Eagles are without their best player of the past season after the graduation of pitcher Rachel Riley. But returning players from all states like senior Emma Garcia and junior Emily Rogers are back in the fold as coach Brandy Mardis and company seek to defend their throne.

Other private school teams to watch: Bay Area Christian, St. Agnes, St. Pius X, Fort Bend Christian, Lutheran South, The Woodlands Christian, Cypress Christian, Pasadena First Baptist.

Christian Academy senior Avery Hodge (center) has signed to play softball in Oklahoma.”/>

Private School Players to Watch

Avery Hodge, Sr., Fort Bend Christian
Hadley Hodge, Sophie, Fort Bend Christian
Amanda Pollack, Sr., Bay Area Christian
Lucy Davis, Jr., Cypress Christian
Chloe Roberson, Jr., Cypress Christian
Emma Garcia, Sr., Second Baptist
Emily Rogers, Jr., Second Baptist
Calley Bennett, Jr., Bay Area Christian
Gracie Rambin, Soph., Bay Area Christian
Sadie Niermeyer, Sr., Agnes
Townsen Thomas, Soph., Episcopal
Reagan Heflin, Sr., Fort Bend Christian
Victoria Hunter, Jr., St. Pius X
Mackenzie Morris, Sr., The Woodlands Christian