The News and The Orange Leader

Defending state champion Port Neches-Groves will begin the baseball season ranked No. 1 in the Texas High School Coaches Association’s 5A preseason poll, which was released Tuesday.

Despite graduating a large senior class that included state tournament MVP Brandon Morse, the Indians bring back the Texas Sports Writers Association’s 5A player of the year in left-hander Josh Hranicky and no-hit winner Brandon Petix. First baseman Holden Lane and third baseman Austin Bost signed college letters of intent along with Hranicky and Petix in November and bring much-needed experience back to a team that went 34-8-2 last season.

Carson Roccaforte, who as a freshman made a series-winning hit against Tomball in the 5A Region III semifinal, looks to make more contributions for the Indians.

Bridge City was picked eighth in the 4A poll. The Cardinals, 21-14 last season, surprised many in the 2017 4A playoffs with a young roster, including a superb sweep of Silsbee in the regional quarters before bowing out in the fourth round to China Spring.

Bridge City will be one of the favorites to win a very competitive District 22-4A with such an experienced, but still young crew back.

The Cardinals will be deep in pitching with the likes of Jacob Goodman, Logan Hamm, Justyn Romero and Peyton Havard all returning to the bump with major experience.

The Cardinals return big bats as well in All-State catcher Schuyler Thibodaux, Caleb DuBois, Jackson Tims, Gavin Green and Luc Hollier.

PNG begins the season Feb. 19 at home against defending 6A champion La Porte. Bridge City’s first pitch will be at home that night against Kelly.