The J.J. Pearce Mustang Baseball program closed the books on a highly successful season, on Monday, May 21st.
The Mustangs gathered to celebrate their season at the 2018 Mustang Baseball Awards Banquet.
The 2018 Varsity team made their third appearance in the last four years for the State championship playoffs. The Mustangs went 9-5 in District 9-6A play, finishing in a solid third place, to earn the berth under the direction of Head Coach Trent Starnes, and assisted by Coach Brock Rumfield, Coach Justin Roland, and Coach Justin Whiteside. Their overall season record was 19-15-3. The Mustangs went 6-0 for the second year in a row against the other RISD schools; Berkner, Lake Highlands, and Richardson High School.
The Mustangs posted five players to the 9-6A All-District team and have two players continuing to play baseball at the next level.
Mustangs awarded First Team, All-District status are: Nick Davis (Pitcher), Clayton Price (Pitcher), Gavin Gold(2nd Base), and Taylor Davis, who was awarded the 9-6A Newcomer award. Isaac Ableman was named Second Team, All-District, for his performance in the outfield.
Nick Davis will continue his baseball career at St. Edwards University in Austin. Clayton Price will continue his baseball career at Midland College in Midland.
All-City Team honors were awarded to the following players: Nick Davis (1st team, pitcher), Clayton Price (1st team, pitcher), Wyatt Erickson (1st team, infield), Gavin Gold (1st team, infield) Isaac Ableman (1st team, outfield), Taylor Davis (1st team, Designated Hitter), Logan Hunt (2nd team, catcher), Ben Willis (2nd team infield), and Logan Winger (2nd team, outfield.)
Team awards were also given to the players. Isaac Ableman was the recipient of the “Most Improved” award. Most valuable offense, or “Big Stick” award was presented to Taylor Davis. Most Valuable defense or the “Golden Glove” award was given to Logan Hunt. Clayton Price was awarded the “Golden Arm” as Pitcher of the Year. Nick Davis was named Most Valuable Player for the Varsity team. The final award presented was the prestigious “Fighting Mustang” award, presented to Sam Ray.
Academic All-District honors were earned by Bo Brewer, Nick Burlbaw, Gavin Gold, and Preston Vinzant.
Academic All-State (Elite Level) was awarded to Logan Winger. First team, Academic All -State went to Logan Hunt and Rory Wheat. Second team, Academic All-State honors were awarded to Isaac Ableman and Clayton Price. Honorable mention was awarded to Bo Garner.
The expectations bar has been set high by this Varsity team for the 2019 program. The Mustangs fielded a talent loaded, twenty-three player Junior Varsity roster this year, splitting between schedules of tournaments, non-district, and district games. The Junior Varsity program finished with a district record of 10-4.
Team awards were also presented to the Junior Varsity team members. The offense or “Big Stick” award was given to Ben Kesler. The defense or “Golden Glove” award was presented to Jett Arrington. Nick Greaney was awarded the “JV Pitcher” award, and Dillon Shaner was named Most Valuable Player.
The Varsity team advanced to the 6A Region 2 "Area" playoff round, after beating Lakeview Centennial in two games. The Mustangs fell to the College Park Cavaliers in the second round.
The J.J. Pearce Baseball program will host Mustang Baseball camps for area youth in June. Split into age levels, two camps are offered. Please go to jjpearcecamps.com for more information on these camps. Please go to www.pearcebaseball.com for more information on the JJ Pearce Baseball program.