MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Nick Loftin, Ray

Loftin did just about everything for the Texans this season in what was the program’s deepest playoff run in more than 60 years. As a pitcher, Loftin was 11-4 with a 1.10 earned-run average as he struck out 94 in 82.2 innings. The Baylor signee was one of the area’s top hitters with a .465 average to go with 35 runs, 21 RBI, seven doubles, four triples and three home runs.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

M.J. Rodriguez, fr., Veterans Memorial

Rodriguez entered the season as a freshman to keep an eye on and did not disappoint. Hitting near the top of the Eagles lineup, Rodriguez was arguably one of the most dangerous hitters in the area during the season. He hit .424 with 28 RBI, seven doubles and seven home runs, which was among the area’s best totals in all categories.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Joe Curiel, Moody

There is probably no baseball coaching job in the state that comes with as much pressure as the coach at Moody, and Curiel handled all of it. His quiet leadership and staying focused on the routine helped the Trojans return to the state tournament for the first time since 2013 and for the 13^th time in program history. The Trojans finished the 2017 season with a 30-3-3 record and did not lose a game during the regular season.

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers

Marcus Cantu, sr., Moody

There was probably not a better big-game pitcher or player in the area this season. Cantu had big starts throughout the season, including one that beat rival Calallen in Game 2 of the District 30-5A title series. His single against Ray may be the most memorable hit of his stellar career because it sent the Trojans back to the state tournament.

Dustin Saenz, sr., King

Saenz, a Texas A&M signee, finished the season with a 7-4 record, along with a 1.19 earned-run average and 133 strikeouts, and helping King make it three rounds to the postseason.

Zach Rumfield, sr., Calallen

Rumfield was one of the area’s best big-game pitchers as he was one of three starters to earn victories against Moody this season. Rumfield, who will play in college at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, was 9-1 with a 1.84 earned-run average with 91 strikeouts and 33 walks in 72.1 innings. He also had six saves.

Catcher

Nate Medina, sr., Moody

Medina hit in the clean-up spot for the Trojans for much of the season and led the team in batting average, hitting .400. Medina, who will play at Laredo Community College, also handled one of the area’s best pitching staffs.

Infielders

Ramsey Flores, sr., Moody

It was not hard to see what Flores meant to Moody on the field and off. He was one of the team’s leaders and one of its best hitters and fielders. Arguably the toughest out in South Texas, Flores hit .385 this season with three doubles, two triples, three home runs and 29 RBI. Flores followed in his older brothers’ footsteps in helping a Trojan team to the state tournament.

Brandon Broughton, jr., Calallen

Broughton led the Wildcats in batting average this season, hitting at a .421 clip and added 10 doubles, a triple, two home runs and 21 RBI.

Austin Kwiatkowski, jr., Robstown

Kwiatkowski was one of the Cotton Pickers’ top players in the field and at the plate this season with a team-best .372 batting average, along with 32 RBI, five doubles and three triples.

Jordan Martinez, sr., Sinton

A two-way player who will play at North Central Texas College, was the 31-4A MVP this season after going 8-1 as a pitcher with a 1.37 earned-run averaged along with 92 strikeouts in 76.1 innings. He also hit .441 with 19 doubles, six triples, a home run, 34 RBI and 36 runs.

Outfielders

Jonathan Carrillo, sr., Sinton

The Pirates’ leadoff hitter showed his speed in the outfield and the base paths this season. Carrillo hit .384 with 12 doubles, five triples, scored 43 runs and had 17 walks. He also led the team with 16 stolen bases. He was also 2-0 on the mound with a 0.85 ERA.

Abel Pena, sr., King

The catalyst for the Mustangs offense this season, Pena hit .382 with 16 doubles, four triples and had 22 RBI from the leadoff spot. He also scored 27 runs and drew 26 walks.

Roy Sandoval, sr., Moody

Part of a deep and experienced outfield, Sandoval, a Texas A&M-Kingsville signee hit .327 with 7 doubles and 4 triples. He was also named to the Class 5A All-State Tournament team.

Utility Players

Dominik Lopez, jr., Moody

Lopez’s pitching prowess was known when the season started but as the season progressed he also became an offensive weapon for the Trojans. Lopez was 6-1 on the mound with a 2.06 earned-run average, and hit .293 with 8 doubles and 14 RBI.

John Gaddis, sr., Calallen

The future Islander led the Wildcats with 33 RBI this season, while also hitting .370 and scoring 37 runs. As a pitcher, he was 7-4 with a 3.11 earned-run average.

SECOND TEAM

P — AG Ayala, sr., Miller

P — Mason Hopkins, jr., Sinton

P — D’Mond Lafond, sr., Refugio

P — Nic Hernandez, so., Bishop

C — Andres Aguas, sr., IWA

IF — Kyle Jackson, sr., Flour Bluff

IF — Alec Martinez, sr., Moody

IF — Jesse Gonzalez, jr., Robstown

IF — Zach Trevino, so., Hebbronville

OF — Stephen Pereles, jr., St. John Paul II

OF — Jeffrey Boggess, jr., Veterans Memorial

OF — Royce Carrera, jr., Falfurrias

OF — Rico Trevino, sr., Bishop

U — Brett Brown, so., Sinton

U — Jacob Flores, jr., Carroll

THIRD TEAM

P — Isaac Ponce, so., G-P

P — Isaac Flores, fr., Ray

P — Jon Barrera, so., King

P — Randal Garza, so., Agua Dulce

C — Manuel Garcia, sr., Alice

IF — Bryce Balusek, so., Calallen

IF — Mateo Saenz, jr., San Diego

IF — Xavier Pena, sr., Robstown

IF — Bobby Herrera, sr., Mathis

OF — Robert Arredondo, sr., Moody

OF — Joseph Gutierrez, sr., Banquete

OF — Jordan Perez, sr., Moody

OF — Alex Aitken, sr., Ray

U — Gabe Castillo, sr., Riviera

U — Jacobe Avery, jr., Refugio