For Joseph Johnson’s second season as head coach at Caney Creek, his roster makeup has a nice combination of a senior class who will all contribute along with some underclassmen looking to show what they can do.
It’s an important season for the Panthers as they try to win now, but also prepare for a future in Class 6A starting next school year.
Even before Caney Creek’s move to Class 6A was official back in December, Johnson was already constructing a tough non-district schedule leading into District 20-5A, which he considers to be one of the toughest 5A districts in Texas.
“One of things I wanted to do when I was looking at making the schedule for this year was I wanted to increase the level of difficulty of the people we play,” Johnson said. “We already kind of knew we were moving to 6A and a baseball district that’s pretty tough. So we wanted put some quality opponents in there.”
Caney Creek found success in non-district play a year ago, but it was mostly at the expense of lesser teams. The Panthers were 10-16 overall, but went 2-12 when it mattered in district play.
So this year, the Panthers set sail Tuesday against a solid 6A program in Katy. From there, Caney Creek take its annual trip to the Humble ISD Tournament. But after that, tournaments in Lufkin and Strake Jesuit will possibly give the Panthers an opportunity to play teams that reached the state tournament last spring.
“Last year, pre-district went pretty well,” Johnson said. “For this year, what I’m taking away is our seniors now — a good chunk of them were contributors and parts of the core reason why we were winning those games. It’s good to have that core group of senior returning as we move forward.”
Caney Creek loses last year’s ace pitcher in Derek Brieden, who’s now at UT-Dallas.
But Johnson is confident who who returns on the mound.
“Losing Derek — he was our number one starter — losing that guy who took the mound every second district game, every Friday night was tough,” Johnson said. “But the good news is the other district starter (from last year) is falling in step. He’s a senior — Gage Miertschin — he’s going to be our number one guy on the mound. He did well and competed in those district games. Him leading that charge is big for us.”
Miertschin was second team All-District last year. Senior Kyle Hughes moves from behind the plate and will join the staff as well. Hughes will play first base when not pitching. The Panthers also have an up-and-coming arm in sophomore Peyton McGeorge.
Another big loss was shortstop Alejandro Molina, a second team All-District selection who is playing at Crown College in Minnesota.
“Losing that three-hole bat and that shortstop is tough,” Johnson said. “Replacing him offensively will be (senior) Tyler Bruner. He’s made some changes, he worked pretty hard this summer and offseason. That’s who we are looking at to replace Molina offensively.”
Senior Bran Walker returns and will move from second base to fill Molina’s old spot at short. Molina’s younger brother Aaron, a sophomore, will play second base.
Senior Rowdy Sebastian is back in the outfield and seniors that were role players last year will get an extended look as Jesse Hernandez will be plugged in a third base and Evan Melvin as designated hitter.
Sophomore Kory Jentho will take over at catcher and fellow sophomore Efrin Solis will be used in the outfield.
Caney Creek has one of the longer playoff droughts in Montgomery County with its last appearance coming in 2013.
The Panthers set to go one final round in District 20-5A where they will face Kingwood Park, Montgomery, Lake Creek, Porter, New Caney, Dayton and Cleveland.
Something the Panthers have discussed this season is being steady in the field and keeping runs off the board.
“Pitching and defense,” Johnson said of the two main keys. “We have to do those two things well. If we do those two things well, we’ll have a chance. That has to be what defines us. Pitching, defense and then being aggressive on the base paths while we are on offense.”
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