Central Texas stars shined at the All-Star baseball game as 2A, 3A and 4A seniors played one final high school game Saturday, ending in an 8-8 tie at Dell Diamond.
ROUND ROCK, Texas — Some of the top high school baseball talent from across the Lone Star State gathered Saturday afternoon at Dell Diamond for the annual Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Game — and Central Texas was well represented.
Six area seniors took the field in the 3A and 4A matchup as Team South battled Team North to an 8-8 tie after nine competitive innings.
Representing Team South were Caleb Carrizales of Lorena, Dean Hannah of China Spring, Noah Tart of Franklin, Owen Curtis of Salado, and Cooper Haygood of Whitney. Axtell’s Brandon Klanika was the lone Central Texan on Team North.
“Central Texas got the best baseball,” Carrizales said. “A lot of guys going to different colleges, competing at the next level — that’s awesome.”
For many of these players, the game was more than just one final showcase — it was their last time wearing their high school uniform.
“It’s awesome,” said Curtis. “I just thank my parents, thank God, and my town, the city of Salado. Everyone picks up our baseball team and they just carry us to do good things.”
Tart called the opportunity a “huge blessing,” especially after his team fell short of a return trip to Dell Diamond in the playoffs.
“Every kid dreams of playing here,” he said. “Just the opportunity to come play here again was such a huge blessing.”
Hannah described the game as high-level competition. “Just a bunch of dudes… everybody’s really good at something, and I just got to go out there and show off my talents,” he said.
Many of the players shared a background in travel and select baseball, which made Saturday’s game feel like a reunion of sorts.
“Most of the guys out there I’ve actually played with on select teams,” Carrizales said. “It’s really cool playing with these guys and seeing them grow and develop as players.”
Haygood added, “A lot of talent out here, a lot of great players — just fun to compete at this level. One last high school game — it’s great.”
The All-Star festivities continue Sunday with the 5A and 6A All-Star Game, also at Dell Diamond, featuring more top-tier talent from Central Texas.