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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