Making of the All-Orange County Team

 

Last updated 6/16/2010 at Noon

2010 turned out to be an unbelievable year for Orange County with all

five teams making it into the state playoffs. 20-4A and 21-3A proved

once again that they are two of the strongest districts in the state.

Both of their regions are easily the toughest in the state. Starting

with early season scrimmages, tournaments, and pre-district games, the

teams prepared for battle on the field. The Record “Hometown

Highlights” captured many great moments that made this season

extraordinary and memorable. The Record newspapers and

THERECORDLIVE.com shared the moments throughout the season.

In support of our Orange County baseball programs we are honored to

announce The Record 2010 All-Orange County Baseball Team. The

selections in no way minimizes the individual contributions of every

Orange County baseball player that stepped between the lines in 2010.

Orange County’s players made this a season not to be forgotten. They

all should be commended for their contributions to representing Orange

County in an outstanding season of baseball.

The Vidor Pirates and LC-M Bears placed third and fourth in the always

tough 20-4a district. The Pirates were beaten by Crosby 7-1 in the

first round. The Bears beat Kingwood Park (3-0, 3-12, 5-4) before

losing to Magnolia in the area round. The Orangefield Bobcats, Bridge

City Cardinals and West Orange Mustangs finished first, second and

third in the always interesting 21-3A district. The Mustangs beat

Tarkington 7-3, then drew a second round by before losing to

Orangefield (4-2, 0-11, 0-12) in the Regional Quarterfinals. The

Orangefield Bobcats and Bridge City Cardinals were both eliminated by

those pesky Bulldogs of Jasper. The Cardinals beat Coldsprings (11-0,

15-0), Taylor 4-1 and Huffman (12-6, 0-2, 7-4) before meeting Jasper in

the Regional Semifinal. (10-5, 2-9, 2-4) The Orangefield Bobcats had a

first round by, beat Rudder 6-1, WO-S (2-4, 11-0, 12-0), Robinson (7-4,

0-7, 14-2) before meeting up with Jasper in the Regional Finals (4-5,

3-8).

As for our top nominees, the Record picked Matt Hicks of Bridge City

as the MVP with Orangefield taking the offense, defense and new comer

of the year. MVP was an arguable decision, but what Hicks represents

and means to the Cardinals, it is the correct one. Hicks is a fearless

competitor. In my opinion he is the best all around player in the area.

His pitching, defense, offense, baseball intelligence, and leadership

made him the choice for MVP. The University of Louisiana Lafayette is

where Hicks will continue his baseball career. Hicks is a steal for

that up and coming program.

Jace Statum of Orangefield takes the offensive player of the year. With

his speed, bunting skills, and the pop on his bat, he is a dangerous

opponent for any pitcher. Statum disrupts the flow of the game for any

defense with his base running ability. Teams change their game when he

is on base. Statum has picked Texas A&M to continue his baseball

career, and I see him making an instant impact for the Aggies with his

style of baseball.

Jacob Felts of Orangefield was selected as the defense player of the

year. Behind the plate there is no one better in the area. We would be

hard pressed to find someone better in the state. His blocking skills,

pop time to second and his ability to work with the pitchers are second

to none. His respect from opposing coaches and players speak for

themselves. Not only did base runners take a small lead off of the

bases, but not many attempted to steal a base. Felts is a dream catcher

for any coach and pitcher. The pitcher knew he could throw any pitch at

any time. At the plate coaches continue to give him respect with many

intentional walks or balls out of the zone. Felts will continue his

baseball career at the University of Texas.

Corey Huckabay is no newcomer to baseball, but with his first year at

Orangefield, he was selected as the new comer of the year. Huckabay

would be a starter on any team. He was welcomed with open arms, and fit

right in with the Bobcats from the beginning. With his play in the

outfield and his bat, any team would enjoy his service.

Orange County’s baseball teams are blessed to have five top notch

coaches. Any of the five could have been a good choice for coach of the

year. They all have different styles that get the most out of their

teams. This year’s Coach of the years honors goes to Orangefield’s Jeff

Bennett. Coach Bennett reach a mile stone this year with his 100th win

against the # 1 ranked team in the state. Coach Bennett took a talented

Orangefield team, that he has groomed for the passed four years, and

kept them playing as a team. Coach Bennett had his team firing on all

cylinders, and is a player’s coach. With an undefeated district

championship, a trip to the regional final and an overall record of

29-5, makes Coach Bennett an easy choice for Coach of the year.

I would like to take this time to thank all Orange County coaches,

players, fans and schools for an exciting baseball season. This was an

outstanding and un-forgettable season with all teams making the

playoffs. It is a true blessing to be able to go anywhere in the area

and find a good game. Orange County’s baseball talent is unbelievable.

So a “BIG THANKS!!!” and hope to see you next year.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Matt Hicks, Bridge City

OFFENSIVE MVP:

Jace Statum, OF

DEFENSIVE MVP:

Jacob Felts, OF

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:

Corey Huckabay, Orangefield

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Jeff Bennett, OF

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers: Shane Waddell, LC-M;

Forrest Zoch, Bridge City; Trae Hester, Vidor

1B: Chase Angelle - OF

2B: Jonathon DeRamus - OF

SS: Quinton Evans - OF

3B: Ryan Waddell - LC-M

OF: Mason Dallas, LC-M; Luke Rhodes, Bridge City; Joe Mojica Vidor

C: Matt Menard - Bridge City

DH: Mitchel Hubbard, Bridge City;

Kyle Fontenot, OF

Utility Player: Joe Robertson, Bridge City

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers: Zane Anderson, WO-S; Kody Smith, LC-M;

Hayden Guidry, Bridge City

1B: Clayton Gearhart - WO-S

2B: Scott Vaughn - LC-M

SS: Brandon Landry - LC-M

3B: Taylor Turley - WO-S

OF: Derrick Evans, Orangefield; Hunter Gonzalez, LC-M;

Cameron Dishon, BC

C: Michael Hester - Vidor

DH: Alex Blem, LC-M;

Matt Peno, Vidor

Utility Player: Jordan Darnall, WO-S

HONORABLE MENTION

Hunter Hagler, Vidor; Justin Sparrow, WO-S; Josh Watson, OF; Bubba Maxwell, Vidor; Zach Drouillard, WO-S; Evan Boren, BC; Zach Smith, BC; Dylan Mulhollan, BC; Jonathan Allen, LC-M; Clay Ryan, LC-M.

 

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