All-district picks returning to their schools
By David Hinojosa STAFF WRITER
Marvin Pfeiffer / San Antonio Express-News Harlandale's Christian Slocume lays down a bunt against McCollum in March. He is an all-district first-team pick and is expected to return to Harlandale.
Three players who made the biggest impact on the District 28-5A baseball this year are expected to return next season.
That’s good news for Harlan-dale, Highlands and Burbank.
Harlandale junior catcher Christian Slocume, Highlands junior catcher John Cruz and Burbank junior designated hitter Jose Perez recently were selected as unanimous all-district first-team picks.
Slocume was the district’s leading hitter with a .429 average and second in RBIs (25).
Slocume played a big part in helping the Indians claim a three-way share of the district championship, along with Highlands and McCollum. It was the Indians’ first district championship since 1991.
Cruz did his part in helping Highlands claim that tri-championship with a .327 average and a district-leading 27 RBIs.
Perez was one of the leading hitters for Burbank, which advanced into the playoffs after defeating Brackenridge in a playoff for the fourth and final spot from 28-5A.
Highlands had five first-team picks in all, including junior pitcher Bryan Aguilar, who was 5-3 on the mound with a 3.50 ERA and 65 strikeouts, which was second in the district.
At the plate, Aguilar was second in the district with a .425 average. He also had 24 RBIs.
Other first team picks from Highlands included sophomore shortstop Erik Martinez, senior outfielder Gabriel Gomez and sophomore utility player Eric Ibarra.
Two Harlandale pitchers earned first-team honors with junior Nathan Reyes and sophomore Shawn Tober. Reyes was 9-0 with an 0.53 ERA and 53 strikeouts. Tober was 7-1 with an 0.62 ERA and 45 strikeouts.
The Indians’ other selection was senior outfielder Hunter Orozco.
McCollum also had two pitchers on the first team with senior Ralph Ramirez and junior Matt Herrera. Other first-teamers from the Cowboys included sophomore third baseman Adam Banda and junior outfielder Angel Salinas.
Burbank had five picks. Others included senior pitcher Brandon Garcia, senior second baseman Felix Perez, senior shortstop Nico Basaldu and senior outfielder Jonathan Martinez.
Other first-teamers included senior first baseman Jesus Ramirez of Edison and senior shortstop Brayan Guerrero of Brackenridge. dhinojosa@express-news.net