First baseman Zack Belski
File photo by John Godwin
Welch pointed out that District 23-5A is extremely competitive with as many as six teams competing for the district championship. In fact, Dulles lost to Fort Bend Clements in the quarterfinals to end its season last year. Fort Bend Kempner, another District 23-5A team, reached the regional finals.
Local outlook: The Houston area has some of the top teams in the state. Dulles ranks with the best in the area, along with defending state champion Cypress Ranch and perennial powerhouse The Woodlands.
Overall outlook: With seven returning starters and a deep pitching staff, Dulles could be the team to beat in Region 3. Dulles has already been picked by the Texas Baseball Coaches Association and Houston 5A Baseball as one of the state's top teams.
Coach quote: "We have six playoff-caliber teams in our district. We must first maneuver into one of the playoff spots within our district. Until that happens, other goals are pointless."
- Clinton Welch
