Baseball season has returned, and numerous teams from the Dallas area are poised for state championship contention in 2024.
Explore the standout teams to keep an eye on this season, along with the exceptional players who have secured a spot on The Dallas Morning News’ preseason all-area team.
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Teams to Keep an Eye On
Flower Mound
High School Sports
Stay updated with the latest news, analysis, predictions, and more for each season.
Following the graduation of [ppp1]a key pitcher[/ppp1], Flower Mound, the defending 6A state champion, retains several starters from the previous year. Notably, junior outfielder Sam Erickson emerged as a pivotal player in the 2023 playoffs, showcasing his prowess by hitting .550 with remarkable stats. With a strong lineup that includes Texas A&M commit catcher Zane Becker and Texas A&M commit Adrian Rodriguez, Flower Mound is well-positioned for another successful season.
Prosper
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Having challenged the eventual 6A state champion Flower Mound in the playoffs last season, Prosper is geared up with 10 returning starters and is favored to clinch the District 5-6A title. Among the key returnees are junior Luke Billings, recognized as The Dallas Morning News’ 2022 Newcomer of the Year, along with seniors Micah Melott and Nick Nava, both recipients of all-district first team honors in 2023.
Celina
Celina, coming off a strong season with a district title and a finals appearance in 4A Region II, welcomes back six crucial starters. Despite the departure of several award-winning players, seniors Zack Henderson and Major Brignon are set to lead the team with their impressive performances from the previous season.
Keller
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Tipped to secure the District 4-6A title, Keller, a third-round playoff contender from the previous season, will rely on the skills of returning senior third baseman Fisher Polydoroff to maintain their competitive edge.
Allen
Key contributors from Allen’s previous postseason success, including senior Brody Coe and standout pitcher Chandler Hart, are poised to make an impact once again. With a strong lineup, Allen is positioned as one of the top teams in the 6A Region I rankings.
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[ppp0]Argyle freshman Grady Emerson[/ppp0] poses for a portrait on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Argyle. (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Preseason All-Area Team
Pitcher
Chandler Hart, Allen, So.
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Hart, a dominant presence on the mound, recorded 93 strikeouts with an impressive 1.16 ERA and .087 WHIP in 66.1 innings pitched. Recognized as the District 5-6A Pitcher of the Year, the left-handed pitcher is a formidable asset for Allen.
Catcher
Luke Billings, Prosper, Jr.
Billings, a standout performer, earned a spot on the District 5-6A all-district first team in 2023. His exceptional batting average and contributions to Prosper’s playoff run make him a player to watch this season.
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Infielders
Caleb Hoover, Rockwall-Heath, Sr.
Hoover, a versatile player committed to Oklahoma State, excelled both at the plate and on the mound in the previous season. His all-around skills and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for Rockwall-Heath.
Colton Roquemore, Argyle, Sr.
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As Argyle’s top hitter in the previous season, Roquemore’s impressive offensive stats and commitment to Dallas Baptist University underscore his potential to make a significant impact this year.
Jason Flores, Garland Naaman Forest, Sr.
Flores, a Texas commit, boasts an impressive batting average and a well-rounded offensive performance that earned him recognition in 2023. His consistency at the plate makes him a key player for Garland Naaman Forest.
Grady Emerson, Argyle, So.
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Emerson, a TCU commit, showcased his skills as a freshman with notable offensive contributions that played a crucial role in Argyle’s success. His versatility and performance under pressure make him a player to watch this season.
Outfielders
Sam Erickson, Flower Mound, Sr.
Erickson, a Texas A&M commit, played a pivotal role in Flower Mound’s state championship victory with his impressive offensive output. His consistency at the plate and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for the team.
Jax Marshall, McKinney Christian, Sr.
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Marshall, committed to Houston, demonstrated his offensive capabilities with impressive stats in the previous season. His all-around skills earned him a spot on The News’ all-area second team in 2023.
Samuel Jenkins, Addison Trinity Christian, Sr.
Jenkins, a Baylor commit and a key player for the 2023 TAPPS Div. I state champions, showcased his offensive prowess with notable contributions. His consistency and performance under pressure make him a standout outfielder.
Utility
Park Prater, Argyle, Sr.
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Prater, a Dallas Baptist commit, excelled both on the mound and at the plate, showcasing his all-around skills and valuable contributions to Argyle’s success in the previous season. His impressive performance earned him first team all-area honors from The News.
Rankings
Class 6A
- Flower Mound
- Prosper
- Allen
- Arlington Martin
- Denton Guyer
- Rockwall-Heath
- Rockwall
- Mansfield Lake Ridge
- Mansfield
- Keller
Others considered: Sachse, L.D. Bell, Jesuit
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Class 5A/Other Divisions
- Argyle
- Grapevine
- Frisco
- Celina
- Lovejoy
- Farmersville
- Midlothian Heritage
- Frisco Wakeland
- Mesquite Poteet
- Forney
Others considered: Frisco Reedy, Frisco Lone Star, Aubrey, Midlothian
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