Six Houston High School baseball players were honored for their individual performances with spots on the 2014 all-SCA team.
TANNER CANTRELL, first team – Just months after a blood clot nearly cost him his career, Cantrell (3B, junior) had a historic season for the Tigers. He batted a program-best .591 while also leading the Tigers in hits (39), doubles (12), home runs (4), RBIs (32), walks (10), on-base percentage (.649) and slugging (1.015). Cantrell, a first team all-SCA infield selection, struck out just two times in 66 at-bats.
“Phenomenal season by him. It was unbelievable what kind of offensive numbers he put up. I was disappointed he didn’t get conference player of the year. His numbers were definitely worth of that. I can’t take anything away from (Ava’s) Ben Loge, but I thought Tanner should have at least gotten a share of it.” – HHS coach Brent Hall.
AARON CANTRELL, first team – After consecutive years on the conference’s second team, Cantrell (CF/P, senior) made the leap to the first team in his final season. The Tigers’ top pitcher, Cantrell was named first team all-SCA for his defensive work in center field. At the plate, he batted .309 with a .385 on-base percentage. He was among the team leaders with 15 runs scored, five doubles and 17 RBIs. Cantrell also ranked third on the team with nine stolen bases.
“He had a much better year at the plate because he was more aggressive. And defensively, he can go get the ball because he is such an athlete and has a super arm that people won’t run on. But I was most proud of the leader he became. He grew up and became a man.” – Hall.
DEVIN COULTER, first team – Coulter (SS/P, senior) also made the leap to the first team as utility/DH in his last season with the Tigers. Hitting atop the HHS lineup, Coulter easily led the Tigers with 28 runs scored and had a team-best three triples. He also ranked second in batting average (.434), doubles (10), steals (10) and on-base percentage (.482) and had 16 RBIs. Coulter, who earned all-conference last year as a pitcher, anchored the Tigers’ defense as shortstop when he wasn’t on the mound.
“He hit the ball like I knew he was capable and set the tone for us offensively. He was solid defensively and one of the best shortstops in the conference. It will be very tough to replace him next year.” – Hall.
ETHAN KELLEY, honorable mention – A versatile player, Kelley (SS/OF/P, sophomore) started at all three outfield positions and shortstop. He also pitched five scoreless innings for the Tigers. At the bottom of the lineup, Kelley batted .283 with a .414 on-base percentage. He scored 12 runs and ranked among the team leaders with eight steals.
“It was kind of surprising to get him on the all-conference team, but I felt he was worthy. He is the fastest kid we’ve had in a long time. He is pretty raw talent wise, but the sky is the limit with him. He can be a collegiate level player.” – Hall.
TREVOR MERCKLING, honorable mention – After a slow start that led to an early benching, Merckling (2B, senior) rebounded to become one of the Tigers’ top hitters. He ranked third on the team with a .345 batting average and led HHS with 11 stolen bases. Merckling wasn’t thrown out on any of his steal attempts. He also tied for fourth on the team with 16 runs and fifth with 14 RBIs.
“He took off after the early benching. At the end of the year, he and Tanner were our most consistent hitters. It was big for us at the bottom of the lineup because he would drive in runs and help turn over the lineup.” – Hall.
KOLBY WALKER, honorable mention – Walker (1B, junior) batted .270 with a .375 on-base percentage and 19 runs scored as the Tigers’ No. 2 hitter. But his biggest impact was defensively. He earned all-conference honors for the second year based on his play at first base, where he had just two errors in 128 chances for a team-best .984 fielding percentage.
“People may see his numbers and not think he is worthy. But he is important to this team with little things that don’t show up if you aren’t around every day. I don’t know if his glove can get much better. He has great hands over there and saves so many errors for our guys by scooping balls out of the dirt.” – Hall.