Last year every PISD baseball team reached the playoffs but only one team was able to make it out of the first round. That is something all three teams are working hard to change this season. With a solid mix of veterans and younger talent the Panthers, Cougars and Hawks appear to have what it takes to make this goal a reality. As the pre-district schedule starts to heat up, here is a look at how the local nines are shaping up.

Connally Cougars

Coach: Doug Pearce

Returning Last year: 20-12, lost in bi-district round of playoffs.

Returning: Pitcher/ infielder Zach Tobler (second team all-district), pitcher/infielder Dustin Babola (honorable mention all-district), infielder Alex Torres (honorable mention all-district), outfielder Anthony Bryant (honorable mention all-district), outfielder Deandre Lankford, first baseman Ronnie Baker and outfielder/pitcher Steven McMillan.

Strengths:  “Seven returning starters is a big strength,” Pearce said. “We look to build on our experience from last year to help us have an even better season.”

Concerns: “Overconfi-dence in some guys,” Pearce added. “They just need to realize there is still a lot of work to be done and this district is very competitive and anything can happen year to year.”

Keys: “We must play better defense this year,” Pearce concluded. “Too many errors last year cost us a lot of games. We lost seven one-run ball games last year and gave up a lot of unearned runs.”

Hendrickson Hawks

Coach: John Pineda

Last year: 25-7, bi-district champions.

Returning: Pitcher/catch-er/infielder Will Birge (honorable mention all-district), pitcher/third baseman Pat Burris (first team all-district), catcher/pitcher/outfielder Todd Foster (honorable mention all-district), second basemen Tyler Havins (second team all-district), pitcher/first baseman Trevor Seidenberger and outfielder Sam Swartz (second team all-district).

New faces: Outfielder/ pitcher Tyler Baker, outfielder Juan Felan, outfielder Brice Helton, catcher/pitcher/out-fielder Dalton Holm, pitcher/outfielder/first baseman Brandon Kirkham, outfielder Cody Lunsford, outfielder Brian Macduffie, outfielder/pitcher Preston Shay and infielder Nathan Turner.

Strengths: “Pitching,” Pineda answered. “We have three quality starters. And experience with six guys back with two or more years of varsity playing experience.”

Concerns: “We have a tough schedule,” Pineda siad. “It’s the toughest one so far. We are replacing the most successful senior class in our school’s history. There is a bullseye on our back because of our preseason state ranking.”

Keys:  “We must take advantage of our opportunities,” Pineda said. “Defensively we must allow only three outs per inning. Offensively we must hit with two outs and extend the inning. We have to put the ball in play with two strikes. This will allow us to force the opponents to make plays.”

Pflugerville Panthers

Coach: Don Fry

Last year: 14-18, bi-district qualifier.

Returning: Pitcher/out-fielder Eddie Esquivel (first team all-district), outfielder Josh Williams (district newcomer of the year), shortstop Nik Castilleja (honorable mention all-district), pitcher/infielder Garrett Forester (honorable mention all-district), pitcher Clint Smith and pitcher Cody Elliott.

New faces: Outfielder/ pitcher Jake Jalufka, designated hitter Kyle Kulczyk, first baseman John Martin, second baseman Jake Wooten, infielder Michael Milner, outfielder Joey Rodriguez, pitcher Nick Bownds, pitcher Jacob Hurley, pitcher Tim O’Reilly, pitcher/outfielder Emilio Gonzales, catcher Alex Brieno and catcher Bryan Cragg.

Strengths: “We are resilient,” Fry said.

Concerns: “Hitting, team speed and depth,” Fry answered.

Keys: Everyone must stay healthy, play together, and focus,” Fry concluded.