TOMBALL, Texas – Head coach Doug Rush has the pitching machine set up just feet away from home plate. His players, who have not seen much failure in 2024, initially have some trouble adjusting to the perceived velocity.
“It’s not supposed to be a confidence builder,” says Rush to one of his hitters who had just fouled a ball off.
The machine is supposed to mimic a 93 MPH fastball, which is what the scouting has shown Tomball’s next opposing starting pitcher throws. The Bridgeland Bears, armed with their 93 MPH fastballs, will try to take down a team that hasn’t lost in two months.
“It’s no accident they’re in Round 5,” said Coleman Ryan, a senior shortstop of their opponent. “They’re a good team.”
The Cougars have learned not to overlook their opponent, despite beating the team across from them 26 straight times.
“We going into every game wanting to win that game in front of us,” said Ryan.
Tomball is 37-3. They are ranked #3 nationally by Maxpreps. Under Rush, the Cougars won a state title in 2013. They never miss the playoffs, but also haven’t gotten back to the pinnacle. This year could be the one.
“This year we’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of chemistry,” said Rush. “There have been some teams that have had a chance to win state, every time we’ve been to the state tournament it’s because we have incredible chemistry.”
The talent is obviously there. Rush’s pitching staff is led by C.J. Sampson and Karson Reeder have combined go to 24-1. They’re sophomores. They throw to a senior catcher, who is ranked the #113 prospect in the 2024 MLB Draft, by MLB Pipeline. Cade Arrambide, an LSU commit, is considered one of the top high school catchers in the country. He’s hitting .430 with 12 home runs on the season, but relishes the togetherness this year’s team provides.
“I’ve never played on a team that I’ve been more comfortable with every single guy on the roster” said Arrambide.
The Cougars hope that comfort and chemistry can lead to another championship. Their season continues Thursday night at Cy-Falls High School, where they start a three-game series against the Bridgeland Bears.