7th Annual Umpires' Scholarship Tournament!

• September 5th-7th
• Varsity & sub-varsity teams will compete with three games guaranteed.
• Varsity games are scheduled at KO for Friday, September 5th at 6 pm & 8 pm and Saturday, September 6th at 9 am, 11:15 am, 1:30 pm & 3:45 pm. Exactly who is playing at each of those times, however, is a mystery to your webmaster.

	Congratulations, Wes Theiss! Wes was named to the 2008 5A Academic All-State Baseball Team!
Click above image to enlarge.

Summer League 2008!

• Thanks to all the players for some memorable summer baseball. The JV team wrapped things up on Wednesday with a pair of wins over Collins! Nice work, gentlemen!
• Pictures - Click here to see most of them. Others are still available at the media page.

	Summer Camp! The camp was terrific this year, with all campers showing great enthusiasm and dedication. Click here for a photo gallery!
Click above image to enlarge.

	Congratulations, Scott Arthur! The Texas A&M bound Panther shortstop has been selected to the Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Team! We are extremely proud of you, Scottie! The team will play June 17th at 7 pm at Rice University.

Replays on TSRN Sports!

• The Texas Sports Radio Network (TSRN) netcasted several of our KO Baseball varsity games this year.
• Click here to go to the TSRN archive site and relive some of the key moments of the 2008 Panther season!

Incoming Freshmen! - Summer League Tryouts

• Saturday, May 10th from 9 until 11 am
• Rothwood Field #12
• More information is available at http://www.pantherprep.com/pantherprep_schedules.htm.

Panthers' magical season comes to an end with two loses on Saturday.

• Somehow we had all come to expect that this team would always be able to "find a way." They did it all season, exceeding all expectations and predictions of a 4th or 5th place district finish. Ironically it may have been the 2nd place finish that ended the season way to soon for the Panthers and their fans. Because the Lufkin Panthers proved to be more than worthy adversaries. Congratulations to Lufkin as they definitely deserved the series victory.
• Our Panthers got excellent pitching in both games - complete games by Garrett Harrison in game two and Ryan Hudnall in game three. But so did Lufkin and it was their team that found a way to get it done twice.
• Ultimately it came down to the bottom of the 7th in game three. Oak held a 1 run lead courtesy of a Brent McMinn solo shot home run. But with one out and runners on 1st and 2nd Lufkin answered with a walk-off home run victory. If was one of the few mistakes Ryan Hudnall made, but it was the only one Lufkin needed.
• The Oak weakness this day was stranded baserunners - too many lost opportunities. In the first game the Panthers managed only one run on 7 hits. That was decisive.
• Of course it wouldn't have mattered when this season ended, it still would have been too soon. Because watching this team - I should say TEAM - play was always such a treat. Panthers, your fans salute you and thank you for all the great moments of a magical season. Game 2 report. Game 3 report  Photo gallery (both games are up now).
• Seniors (see above, left), we will never forget you and we wish you all of life's joys because knowing you - watching you grow up - has been a particular joy to all of us. I hope you know how tremendously proud we all are of you, especially your coaches. You will be missed more than you can imagine. But your legacy will continue next year because this young team that you helped mould into winners will continue in your footsteps.

Panthers win a wild one 9-8!

• Believe it or not, this was a pitchers' duel for most of the night, pitting KO's Chase Barnett against Lufkin's Marty Anderson. Going into the bottom of the 6th Lufkin held a 3-2 lead courtesy of a tie-breaking home run.
• Then with two on and two out Austin Jackson smacked a monster shot over the left field fence to give Oak a 5-3 lead. All we needed were three outs. But Lufkin had a different idea. The Panthers went through four pitchers in the 6th - not a good sign - before Kaleb Goodell got a strikeout for the 3rd out. Lufkin 8, KO 5, and all Lufkin needed was three outs.
• A hit batsman (C.J. Manning), a series of walks, and two pitchers later the score was tied at 8 with 1 out and the bases juiced. Austin Jackson's turn again. This time it was a long fly ball to right field for a walk-off sacrifice RBI and a 9-8 Klein Oak victory! Got all that? Photo gallery. Game report.
• So Oak takes a 1-0 lead in the series that will resume at 3 pm Saturday at New Caney's Dunn field. Go get 'em in game two, Oak!

Support our Panthers this weekend against Lufkin in bi-district action!

• Lufkin is on a roll, folks, having won 5 of their last 7 games. They have some great pitching and are acclaimed for their "small ball" game. So this is going to be a tough assignment for our guys. They need the support of everyone in the program and all of our alumni, friends, and fans! And these guys deserve nothing less.
• Game 1 is Friday at New Caney at 7 pm. Be there!
• Click here for game information and directions to the field!
• Click here for the series program (provided by the KO Baseball Booster Club).

	Congratulations, Ryan Harris! Ryan has committed to Maple Woods College in Kansas City, MO!

	The picture we all wanted to see? You bet! Because the only way we got to see this one is for the Panthers to claim victory in the final 3 district games! That was the deal, and the Panthers made it happen!
Click either picture for a larger version!
	Well, maybe this is the picture that the rest of us wanted to see - the Panthers in their playoff shirts! [Not pictured are Andy Wilson and Ethan Carnes.]

Panthers claim 2nd place with 14-5 win over Westfield!

• Congratulations, Panthers! We are so proud of you!!!!
• Ryan Harris got the start for the Panthers, but exited before the Panthers got the bats going and the Panthers trailing 4-3 after two. Panther freshman Travis Walker came in to pitch the rest of the way and notch the win.
• The 3rd inning was when the Panthers got it going. Andy Wilson delivered the big blow with a bases-loaded 3 RBI triple. Austin Jackson followed with another triple, scoring Andy. And the Panthers never looked back, tallying 18 hits in the win. Way to go, Panthers!!!! Game report. Photo gallery!
• The Panthers were geared up for a playoff seeding game with the Collins Tigers, but that won't be necessary. The Panther win, combined with Tomball's 5-4 win over Klein Collins, gave the Panthers sole claim to the 2nd place playoff spot! That's just an amazing accomplishment guys! And folks, two of the Panthers three district loses were by one run in extra innings. Our guys came sooo very close to grabbing 1st place. But this is great just as it is!

Panther JV claims a District Championship with a 24-0 trouncing of Westfield!

• Folks, these JV guys haven't lost since Mach 28th - sweeping through the 2nd round of district unscathed! Who would have predicted that? Actually I know 16 teenagers and one very proud Coach R.D. Harwell who never stopped believing that this was exactly what was going to happen. Amazing job, Panthers!!! You made us very proud!
• Obviously this wasn't much of a game, thanks to Justin Jones' complete game shutout performance on the mound. He was aided, of course, by some fancy leather being flashed in the field by this accomplished group of young Panthers.
• Everyone got a chance to play tonight. And everyone contributed. Wade Halfman's inside the park homerun was memorable. And later Dayne Wall did the same. Dayne smashed the ball four times, three for hits. Weston Johnson, Chris Gonzales and Zach Jones came up big for the Panthers also! It was just a great team performance capping a storybook ending to a great season! Way to go, Oak! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores club Westfield 21-2!

• Great job, Panthers! The Sophomores finished the season 15-7 and 9-4 in district!
• Chris Thompson delivered another stellar performance on the mound, holding the Mustangs to just two runs in three innings. Then Nick Bradley took the mound and shut out the Mustangs over the final two stanzas! Way to go, Chris and Nick!
• Obviously the Panther bats were huge! The Panthers scored 4 in the 1st, 1 in the 2nd, 4 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th and then unloaded in the 5th. Steven Butler had another power shot over the left field fence for a homer. And JP Phillips knocked an inside-the-park homerun!
• Everyone played and everyone contributed. It was a great night and a great team victory for the good guys! We're proud of you, Panthers!!! Game report. Photo gallery!

Panthers triumphant over Tigers in 10th, 4-3!

• What a game! There will be a bunch of tired warriors in the morning. Those at Klein Oak, though, will be a lot happier!
• In the 10th: A one out walk by Panther Freshman Kaleb Goodell was followed by an errant throw that allowed Kaleb to take 3rd base. The Tigers chose to load the bases rather than pitching to Wes Theiss and Garrett Harrison, bringing up Freshman Travis Walker. Travis struck out, but the squeeze was on and Kaleb was racing home.. A bobbled ball proved costly for the Tigers as Goodell was safe at the plate with the winning run. Great job, Kaleb!!!
• The Panthers had taken a one run lead in the first (Garrett Harrison doubling in Scott Arthur), but the Tigers struck for three in the third thanks to two walks and a ball lost in the lights. The Panthers tied it in the 5th and it was a pitchers duel then. Starter Chase Barnett and reliever Garrett Harrison both did an incredible job on the mound to keep the powerful Tigers at bay. Harrison gets the win for the Panthers and Sam Stafford was the hard luck loser for the Tigers.
• Congratulations, Panthers! We're very proud of you. This was an inspiring, never say die, effort against a great team! Game report. Photo gallery! - game & teacher appreciation ceremony!
• The KO victory leaves the two teams tied for 2nd with one game to go. The Panthers will have a tough road trip to Westfield on Friday. Go get 'em Panthers!

JV downs Klein Collins 3-0!

• Tyler Mason was stellar on the mound for 6 2/3 innings Monday night. With two out in the 7th and two on Dustin Haines came on to strike out the final batter. Nice job, gentlemen!
• Dustin Haines also contributed a 2 RBI single in the 4th inning. Wade Halfman had the other RBI, a double in the 5th scoring Zach Jones from 1st. [Zach was running for Tyler Mason.]
• Congratulations, Panthers, on a big win! Finish strong against Westfield on Friday!
• Game report.

Sophomores fall to Collins 2-0

• The Panthers wasted a great pitching performance by Jacob Fowler and Zach Schulze tonight, losing to a very good Collins team in a tight game.
• The Panthers had two bases loaded opportunities to score but were unable to get any runs across. Maybe we need to be a little more aggressive at the plate?
• Anyway, nothing to be ashamed of as the Panthers played well. Keep your heads up guys and finish strong against Westfield on Friday. We definitely believe in this talented bunch of young Panthers!
• Game report. Photo gallery!

PLAYOFF BOUND PANTHERS down Spring 5-2!

• The Panthers needed one win to secure a playoff berth and the 4th place Spring Lions stood in the way. The Panthers got the job done Friday night, ensuring at least a third place finish in district. [The Panthers own the tie-breaker against Tomball.] Congratulations, Panthers!
• Ryan Hudnall got the start for the Panthers and went four innings, leaving with a 3-2 lead. So Ryan gets credited with the win. He was relieved by Garrett Harrison. Garrett pitched the 5th and 6th before being relieved by Chase Barnett for the 7th.
• Kaleb Goodell contributed 3 big RBIs and Wes Theiss had 2. Scott Arthur had 2 hits and scored 3 times.
• Awesome job, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery! Go get Collins Monday night and let's lay a claim for 2nd place!

JV run-rules Spring 13-1 behind Haines 1-hitter!

• Wow! It was a powerful performance by the Panthers. Dustin Haines was completely in control on the mound, surrendering just one hit. Unfortunately, that scored a run in the top of the first..
• The Panthers apparently didn't take kindly to being behind. They weren't for long as they pounded out four in the bottom of the 1st and never looked back. Ahead 8-1 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Panthers scored five to invoke the run-rule!
• Game report. Photo gallery!
• Outstanding job, Dustin! Great game, Panthers! Go get Collins on Monday night!

Sophomores pound Spring 8-1!

• The Panthers knew they didn't play well in the first round game against the Lions and were determined to show what they could do tonight. Mission accomplished!
• J.P. Phillips took the mound at the start for the Panthers, and stayed there for the complete 7 innings, finishing stronger than he started. Very impressive performance, J.P.!
• It was a pitchers duel for three innings, but the Panthers broke the scoreless tie with four runs in the 4th. Then they added one in the fifth and 3 more in the sixth.
• Nice work, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery! Go get Collins Monday night!

Panthers run-rule Forest 11-1 in 6!

• Panther freshman Travis Walker took control of this one in the first inning with a powerful grand slam shot over the left field fence. Way to go, Travis! The Panthers added three more runs to take a 7-0 lead. It wasn't until the 6th inning, though, that the Panthers could end it with three runs.
• Great job on the mound for game winner Chase Barnett, allowing only one run in four innings. Freshman Kaleb Goodell relieved Chase and pitched two stellar shutout innings. Nice work, gentlemen!
• The Panther defense was perfect behind the pitchers, featuring great plays by Scott Arthur and Andy Wilson!
• Go get Spring on Friday, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores rule Klein Forest 11-2!

• Zach Schulze took the mound for the Panthers Monday night and treated Panther fans to a 12 strikeout performance. Way to go, Zach!
• It took a while for the Panthers to get the bats going, but they eventually plated 11 runs over six innings.
• Nice work, Panthers! Game report.
• Beat Spring on Friday! You owe them one.

JV run-rules Klein Forest 12-0 in 5!

• The Golden Eagles couldn't get much going against a strong pitching performance by Freshman Alex Belcher! Way to go, Alex!
• Meanwhile the Panthers scored six in the first, four in the second, and two in the fourth to invoke the run rule. Lots of nice hits by virtually all of the Panthers. And everyone got a chance to play and contribute to the team victory!
• Nice work, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery!
• Beat Spring on Friday!

Panthers drop heartbreaker to Klein 9-8 in 8 innings.

• The Panthers showed lots of heart, scoring 5 runs in the top of the 7th inning to tie the game at 8, but couldn't get the win as the Bearkats scored one in the 8th inning to snatch the win.
• Game report. Photo gallery!
• Hang in there, Panthers! We believe in you!

JV downs Klein 7-3 in 5 innings! (?)

• The lights went out - again - with the Panthers holding a 7-3 lead and 2 out in the bottom of the 5th.
•  Since the game went five innings (Klein having completed their at-bats in the 5th), it will be counted as a win for the Panthers.
• It was a nice effort tonight by the Panthers, led by another fine pitching performance by Tyler Mason and a two run first inning shot over the left field fence by Wade Halfman. (Wade added a double later as icing.) Way to go, Wade!
• Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomore drop 4-3 decision to Klein.

• The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 lead but then made a series of uncharacteristic defensive miscues to essentially hand Klein three of their four runs. Offensively the Panthers just couldn't get anything going after the first inning.
• The loss wasted excellent performances on the mound by Jacob Fowler and Will Hoffmans.
• Hang in there, guys! Get back on track on Monday! Game report coming. Photo gallery!

Panthers grab huge win over Tomball 7-4!

• The 4th inning was decisive for the home team. Trailing 2-1 entering the inning, the Panthers strung together some impressive at-bats and pounded out six runs to take a 7-2 lead. Details will be provided in the game report. Lots of heroes here.
• Chase Barnett got the start on the mound and pitched three innings. It wasn't his best night - he wasn't getting many calls his way. Still, Chase held the Cougars to 2 runs on 1 hit, so it was a job well done. Ryan Hudnall went the final four for the Panthers, shutting out the Cougars until the 7th inning.
• Ryan was aided by a couple of nice plays by Brent McMinn at 1st base. In the 7th he benefited from a spectacular hustling catch by left fielder Andy Wilson in foul territory in deep left field. Then a huge K and a pop fly to 2nd baseman Wes Theiss ended the game.
• Nice work, gentlemen! The win sets up a match on Friday between the 5-2 Panthers and the 7-1, district-leading, Klein Bearkats. Go get 'em, Panthers!
• Game report. Photo gallery!

JV wins a thriller at Tomball 11-7!

• The Panthers had this one socked away - we thought - with a 7-1 lead going to the bottom of the 6th. Then the Cougars scored six runs on 0 hits to tie the game.
• The 7th was scoreless, but the Panthers weren't going to surrender this one without a fight and they fought back for four runs in the 8th to secure the 11-7 win.
• Tyler Mason, Dom Smith, and Dustin Haines pitched for the Panthers, with Dustin going most of the way before being pulled on the pitch count. Dom faced just one batter and Tyler went the final three innings.
• Great comeback, Panthers! We're proud of you! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores show grit in 7-5 defeat of Tomball!

• With the Panthers holding a slim 4-3 lead the Cougars treated us to a look at varsity pitcher Chase Daniel. The young man blew threw the Panther lineup for two innings and, in the bottom of the 6th, smashed a 2 run homer to give the Cougars a 5-4 lead heading to the 7th.
• It was time for the Panthers to surrender or compete. They showed incredible heart and great focus by scratching out 3 runs in the top of the 7th to take a 7-5 lead. Special kudos to Tyler Williams. With 1 out the Cougars surrendered an intentional walk to load the bases and set up the double play. But Tyler calmly stroked the game-winning RBI. Way to go, Tyler! Then J.P. Phillips and the Panther defense secured the come-from-behind win.
• Our pride in the grit and determination of this group of young Panthers tonight is hard to put into words. Well done, gentlemen! You're special.
• Game report. Photo gallery!

Dekaney games washed away.

• Both the Sophomore and JV games have been cancelled due to the weather conditions. Neither game will be rescheduled.

Panthers dodge bullet, beat Westfield 4-3!

• It was little league night at Panther Field (photo gallery) and I guess the Panthers didn't want to show off. They didn't, until they had to, then they did to secure the victory.
• It was really a pitchers' duel between Chase Barnett and the Mustangs ace, Jake St. Laurent (who is good, folks!). The Panthers nursed the one run they got in the first most of the way, and it was 2-1 heading to the bottom of the 6th. The Panthers plated two "insurance" runs - kudos to Austin Jackson for his 2nd consecutive RBI single on a night the Panthers managed only 4 hits. So it looked like it was under control with only 3 outs needed.
• But the Mustangs put runners on 1st and 2nd with 0 outs. Then a shot just past SS Scott Arthur also got past left fielder Andy Wilson, scoring two runs and leaving a runner on 3rd with 0 outs. Uh-oh! But then it was time for the fancy leather as Wes Theiss grabbed a ball at 2nd and threw a rifle shot to catcher C.J. Manning to nail the runner coming home. One out, with runners at 1st and 2nd. Then a truly spectacular Theiss to Arthur to McMinn (at 1st) double play ended the game on a high note for the Panthers. Whew! Way to come up clutch!
• Game report. Photo gallery! The varsity has a - much needed after this one - day off Friday as the sub-varsity teams host DeKaney. Combined with Tomball upset (?) of Klein Collins, this leaves the Panthers tied for 2nd at the district turn!

Sophomores slam Westfield 12-2!

• The Panthers got on the stick early and often, jumping too a nine run lead after two and cruising to the 5-inning run rule victory.
• Jacob Fowler got the start and the win on the mound for the Panthers. Nick Bradley and Peter Crews corraled the Mustangs in relief.
• Nice work, gentlemen! Game report. [Sorry, no pictures this time. Your photographer is under the weather.]

JV spanks Westfield 15-2!

• Alex Belcher came oh-so-close to tossing no hitter, giving up his first hit in the 7th inning.
• Meanwhile the Panthers were pounding the ball, resulting in the lopsided victory.
• Very impressive ! Game report. [Sorry, no pictures this time. Your photographer is under the weather.]

	His teammates made a surprise visit to Ethan Carnes on Friday after school. Click the photo for a larger image. Ethan's ankle surgery went well on Monday. [Keep praying!] [More photos.]
	Seniors 2008! We took a few pictures at Panther field on Friday afternoon. Click here to see them.

Tuesday is Little League Night at Panther Field!

• Little league players are invited to attend in game uniform. Please report to the field at 6 pm.
• Enjoy some time on the field running the bases and some of the world's best hot dogs! (OK, maybe that's just "puffing" but we'll provide the hot dogs anyway!)

Future Panthers learn from the best!

• Panther varsity baseball players turned out in force this morning to support those hoping to someday fill their shoes. It was a great morning at Panther field for the Future Panthers Clinic.
• Thanks to all the current Panther varsity players for making this clinic possible, and thanks for caring, guys!
• Photo gallery!

Panthers fall to Collins 2-1

• Garrett Harrison did a fine job on the mound for the Panthers, allowing only 3 hits and 2 runs in 5 2/3 innings before being relieved by Ryan Harris.
• Unfortunately the only run the Panthers could muster in support was a solo shot homer off the bat of C.J. Manning. [Way to go, C.J.!]
• Coach Kennedy called your webmaster to express how proud he is of his team tonight, despite the loss. So it clearly was a splendid effort in a great game!
• Photo gallery! Game report.

JV drops pitchers' duel 2-0

• Dustin Haines was just about perfect on the mound for the Panthers - 2 hits and 0 earned runs in a complete 7 innings - and some powerful pitches. But his opposite for the Tigers was equally good - surrendering only 3 Panther hits, none of them coming with runners on base.
• The difference was a pair of Panther errors that allowed one run to score each time. Of course if you can't score any runs you can't win anyway.
• Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores rally to beat Collins 2-1!

• Sweet win, Panthers!
• The Panthers trailed 1-0 most of the way, but pulled it out with two runs in the 5th.
• Great pitching by J.P. Phillips and then (after he reached the pitch count) by Zach Schulze! J.P. injured his knee in the 1st while sliding into 2nd, but toughed it out and Zach really threw some heat in the 7th inning to close the deal. Nice work, gentlemen!
• Photos
• Game report. Photo gallery!

Golf Tournament pics uploaded!

• Everyone needs to take a look at BJ's swing!
• I hope I got a picture of each participant. But the best pictures are the fishing pics at the end!
• Photo gallery! (Click on the golf tournament link.)

Panthers, Barnette slam Spring 8-1!

• Chase Barnette threw a brilliant one-hitter and Ethan Carnes slammed a grand slam home run over the right-center field fence to lead the Panthers to a crucial win over the Spring Lions! Way to go, Chase and Ethan! You were awesome!
• It wasn't nearly as easy as the final score makes it look as it looked like a pitchers' duel a while. The Panthers stranded too many base runners early as the Lions made some key pitches and plays to keep the game at 1-0 (after the first) and then 2-0 until the big 4th inning, 2 out slam from Carnes. The Panthers plated two other runs in that inning to bring the score to 8-0. The sole hit off Chase was a homerun shot to left center in the 5th.
• Way to go Panthers! Friday's KO-Klein Collins game should be interesting! Let's go Oak. Game report. Photo gallery!

JV slams Spring 11-0 behind Mason 1-hitter!

• Actually the scoreboard was changed to show that one hit as an error, so it may have been an official no-hitter. [But, honestly, it was a hit..] Anyway, Tyler was awesome on the mound for the Panthers tonight. Way to go, young man!
• The Panthers set the tone with 4 runs in the top of the first. Then, in the second, it looked like the Panthers would go down without a fight. Wrong. The Panthers managed two baserunners, setting the stage for a monstrous 3-run shot over the high left field fence by Matt Lara. It may have reached WalMart, folks, because Matt absolutely pounded that ball! Nice shot, Matt!
• Great game, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores fall to Spring 5-1.

• It was an atypical night for our talented Sophomore team. They just never got on track, although they didn't play poorly.
• Chris Thompson took the loss for the Panthers on the mound. Although it wasn't his best outing, it was far from bad. But the Panthers stranded way too many baserunners against the pitcher that Spring brought in from their JV team. The Panthers didn't get a run across until the 7th inning. Too little, too late.
• Game report. Photo gallery!

Panthers slam Klein Forest 13-1!

• Ryan Harris got the start on the mound and gave up just one hit over 4 innings. Chase Barnett finished things off on the mound in the 5th inning - 3 up, 3 down.
• The Panthers pounded out 12 hits, including a triple by Garrett Harrison and doubles by Kaleb Goodell, Andy Wilson, and Austin Jackson. Ethan Carnes had two doubles and Goodell (2) Theiss (2), Jackson and Brent McMinn added singles.
• Way to go, Oak! Game report. Photo gallery!

JV downs Forest 8-4!

• Justin Jones didn't have his best stuff tonight but he battled for four innings, protecting a 6-3 lead. Dom Smith finished the job on the mound, allowing just one run in the final three innings.
• Despite stranding too many baserunners, the Panther offense managed 8 runs, more than enough to secure the win.
• Nice work, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophs run-rule KF 10-0!

• It was pitching by committee - all according to plan - for the Panthers. Zach Schulze got the win by pitching the first two innings. He was relieved by Jacob Fowler for the 2nd two and then by Peter Crews for the final stanza. Nice job by all!
• The Panther bats were hot - details will await the complete game report,. Photo gallery!
• Good work, Panthers! Players need to report at 3:30 Monday for the Spring game.

Panthers fall to Klein 12-2.

• Klein's Matt Purke, unfortunately for our Panthers, lived up to his reputation. I guess the good news is that he didn't notch his 3rd season no-hitter! He did notch 12 Ks, allowing hits only to Scott Arthur, Wes Theiss and Ethan Carnes.
• Wes Theiss and Ryan Hudnall shared the mound duties for the Panthers, but they couldn't keep the Bearkats off the board enough to make this one close. Game report. Photo gallery!
• The Panthers will regroup and host Klein Forest on Thursday night. Let's go Oak!

JV 7th inning miscues lead to loss.

• Dustin Haines delivered a great mound performance for the Panthers against the Klein Bearkats.
• Unfortunately the wheels came off in the 7th inning for the Panthers. The good guys took a five run lead into the inning only to find themselves on the short end of a 9-8 decision. Game report.
• The Panthers will regroup and host Klein Forest on Thursday night. Let's go Oak!

Sophs drop 7th inning heartbreaker 6-5.

• JP Phillips pitched a great game for the Panthers against Klein but had to be pulled on a pitch count in the 6th. Cody Emerson got the final out in the sixth, but the Bearkats were able to record back-to-back singles in the 7th to pull out the win.
• Tough loss, Panthers, but we are very proud of you. Game report.
• Beat Klein Forest!

Note corrected Thursday varsity schedule!

• The original schedule showed the varsity game at Oak on Thursday. That is incorrect. The varsity will be at Klein Forest on Thursday at 7 pm.
• No change to the sub-varsity schedule. Those two teams will be at KO on Thursday against the Golden Eagles.

Varsity completes sweep of Tomball 7-3!

• Chase Barnett got six strikeouts en route to the complete game victory on the mound for the Panthers. He was ably aided by some fancy leather from the Oak defense as the Panthers notched four double plays. Austin Jackson made several notably nice plays at 3rd base.
• Offensively the Panthers got singles from Scott Arthur, Wes Theiss, Ethan Carnes (2) and Andy Wilson (2 - both bunt singles!). Kaleb Goodell doubled. Game report. Photo gallery!
• Way to go Oak! Beat Klein!

JV wins a classic pitching and fielding duel 4-2!

• Tomball had Travis Patton on the mound, and he proved that he is definitely following in his brother (Troy's) path with an impressive performance on the mound. But he wasn't the equal of KO's Tyler Mason tonight! Tyler was simply amazing - 6 1/3 innings of stellar 2-hit baseball. Incredible work, Tyler!
• Tyler was relieved with runners on the corners in the 7th by Dom Smith. Dom got out 2 with a pop fly. Then a triple to center scored two runs, but the Cougar batter missed 2nd base on his way around. The Panthers alertly threw the ball to 2nd and the game was over!
• Blake Diver took one of Patton's pitches straight to the jaw and was on the ground for some time while all the fans held their breath. He eventually made it back to the dugout. One Cougar fan was overheard to say "It'll be while before he wants to get back in the box." [It wasn't said maliciously, folks, just an observation.] Well it was about five minutes before Blake had his catcher's mask on to catch the next inning, and about 15 minutes before he slammed the first pitch into left field for an RBI single. His next at bat resulted in a long sac fly RBI to right. You are our hero, Blake!
• It was a notable night also for shortstop Alex Belcher. Alex turned a bunch of nice plays, but especially one one-handed leaping catch against the 3rd base line in left field! He had no chance to get to that ball, but he did. Way to go, Alex!
• Excellent game, Panthers! We are so proud of you! Now go beat Klein! Game report. Photo gallery!

Sophomores do it again, rip Tomball 12-4!

• This was largely a rematch of last summer's freshman summer league championship game. The Panthers just wanted to prove they could repeat their victory over a very good Tomball Cougar club. Mission accomplished! Once again in grand style.
• Chris Thompson got the start on the mound and was mighty impressive. I don't have his stats, but they're good. Chris was relieved by J.P. Phillips, who also enjoyed a good outing for the Panthers. Nice work, gentlemen!
• Home runs by Steven Butler and Jacob Fowler highlighted the offensive show for the Panthers, but there were obviously lots of timely hits. The Panthers seemed able to seize every opportunity they had. Mighty impressive, gentlemen!
• Fancy leather in the field also! Lots of nice plays by Zach Schulze, most notably including two spectacular base-hit-stealing stabs of rifle shots off Cougar bats.
• Keep it going, Panthers! We're very proud of you! Beat Klein! Game report coming. Photo gallery!

JV pounds DeKaney 12-1!

• Justin Jones got the complete game win on the mound, with plenty of run support from his friends!
• Nice work, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery! Beat Tomball!

Sophomores blast DeKaney 32-0!

• Coach Penn was (working) at the Rodeo, but the Panthers managed to play without him. It wasn't a pretty game for DeKaney, but our Panthers played well and Zach Schulze posted a stellar complete game on the mound. And the Panthers took advantage of the multitude of opportunities provided for scoring. Jacob Fowler smacked a 2 run homer in the 1st inning (during which the Panthers scored 11 runs, but were credited with only 10 on the scoreboard).
• Great work, gentlemen! Game report. Photo gallery! Beat Tomball!

Sophomore & JV games postponed -again

• The games have been rescheduled for Wednesday, 3/12 at the same times - Sophs at 5 and JV at 7 pm.
• Both games will be at DeKaney
• All players are practicing after school on Tuesday.

Spring Break Schedule

• Posted right here!

Panthers fall to Smithson Valley 9-4

• The Panthers grabbed a 3-0 lead, and then led again 4-3 but couldn't hang on as Smithson Valley took the lead in the 4th inning 9-4. The game was then called on the time limit. Dustin Haines got the start and, unfortunately, the loss for the Panthers in his first appearance of the season.
• Game report coming. Photo gallery.

Wes Theiss tosses a no-hitter! Panthers romp over Kennedy 14-0!

• Wes Theiss's name is not frequently mentioned as a leading pitcher for the Panthers. Ahem! Maybe it's time for that to change! Way to go Wes, again! No hits is pretty good, even if it only went four innings.
• Wes got plenty of support as the Panthers were determined to get rid of the bad taste of Friday's game one. Scott Arthur set the tone with an inside-the-park homerun. (Scott is pretty fast, by the way!) Garrett Harrison had a single-double-triple game and Brent McMinn got on track with two singles. And, oh yeah, Wes aided his own cause with a triple and a 2-run homer! (His 2nd HR of the season.) That constitutes showing off, Wes!
• Congratulations, Panthers! Way to respond! We're proud of you! Photo gallery.

Panthers learn a lesson, falling 9-8 after an 8-0 lead

• The Panthers took an 8-0 lead after two innings against host South San Antonio. Then the Panther bats fell silent and starting pitcher Ethan Carnes ran out of gas in the 4th, surrendering 8 runs before Brent McMinn came on to get the 3rd out. Then Brent surrendered one run in the 5th. The Panthers couldn't answer, so they dropped a 9-8 decision to host South San.
• This despite Scott Arthur's two triples, Travis Walker's triple-double-single day and a host of other Panther hits in those first two innings. It's time to learn the lesson, gentlemen, that you never have enough runs! If this lesson was learned, it was worth it. Photo gallery.

JV, Sophomore Tournaments scrubbed

• Both the KO and Humble fields are too wet to play, so all JV and Sophomore games have been cancelled for Friday and Saturday.

Varsity has 29 run day! Harris, Barnett rule mound!

• We need more days like this! Except, of course, for the weather.
• After the bus trip to San Antonio the varsity took on the cold and San Antonio Steele. Ryan Harris tossed a 1-hitter on the mound (Way to go, Ryan!!!) and Travis Walker pounded a 3 RBI homerun as the Panthers shut out Steele 12-0! Game report.
• Chase Barnett took the mound in game two against San Antonio Madison. Chase struck out 6 and allowed only one walk. Meanwhile the Panthers pounded out 14 hits as they romped to a 17-3 victory in five innings. Game report.
• Nice work, guys! Stay warm! Photo gallery.

JV game cancelled for Thursday.

Sophomores pound Westfield 17-3!

• I don't have any detail on this yet because your Webmaster was teaching for most of this game. I just saw the last half inning, including a nice bases-loaded double-play by the Panther infield to end it! Congratulations Panthers! Game report. Just a handful of pics in the photo gallery.

Check the schedules ...

• ... for tournament games this weekend. You'll have to travel to San Antonio, though, to see the varsity play!
• JV parents & players - Please note also changes in the game times for the Humble Round Robin this weekend. These changes are also made to accomodate TAKS testing (although most students will not be testing Thursday or Friday).

Booster club meeting on Tuesday at 7 pm ...

• ... in the Athletic Meeting Room (across the hall from the gym).
• Please note that we will not have our normal reception prior to this meeting. 
• This will be a very important meeting for us so please do your best to attend.  Items on the agenda include the Golf Tournament, Banquet and a very important discussion with our Webmaster Gary Nelson.

Panthers roll over Magnolia 7-3!

• The one thing the Panthers knew for sure is that they were out of pitching going into the Saturday KISD Tournament finale against Magnolia and former KO skipper Dale Westmoreland.
• Hello, Brent McMinn! This junior right-hander stepped to the mound a completely shut down a hard-hitting Magnolia Bulldog team for four innings. Huge! Brent got the win and the Panthers found themselves another pitcher! Eventually Brent did run out of gas and surrendered three runs in the 5th before Ryan Hudnall came in to end the Bulldog rally. Ryan successfully defended the Panthers slim 4-3 lead through the 6th and Chase Barnett, enjoying a 7-3 lead by the time he came to the mound in the 7th, finished things off with yet another impressive performance.
• Whenever you're playing at KHS it's nice to have your leadoff knock the first pitch of the game into Klein Memorial Stadium. And that's exactly what Scott Arthur, who knows the territory over there, did today! Way to go, Scottie! It set the tone as the Panthers added three more to give Brent some breathing room. After Westy changed pitchers, though, hits got scarce for the good guys until they finally got to the new guy in the bottom of the 6th, adding three runs and giving Chase some breathing room also.
• Great win, Panthers! This is the best Magnolia team in, well, probably forever, and they're going to be successful. But today they were stopped by a scrappy bunch of KO Panthers! We're very proud of you! Game report coming! Photo gallery

Sophomores claim consolation trophy in LaPorte with 10-3 blasting of Angleton!

• Coach Penn reports proudly that everyone did well and they are getting better! Obviously there has been a big improvement since last week, but that's hardly surprising with this talented crew!
• Jacob Fowler got the sin on the mound for the Panthers, ably assisted by Will Hoffmans and Nich Bradley (who pitched the longest, I'm told). Photo gallery
• Great job, Panthers! We're proud of you! Go get the Clear Lake Falcons Monday night!!!

Sophomores down Doble 3-1!

• Congratulations, gentlemen! The Panthers play at 12:15 in LaPorte.

Panthers prove mettle despite loss to Taylor 9-7.

• Freshman Kaleb Goodell has amazed Panther fans by so ably filling the huge shoes vacated by Tyler Steiner in center field. As a reward, he has been given two starting pitching assignments - The Woodlands and Katy Taylor. Welcome to high school, Kaleb!
• The first two innings could hardly have gone better as Kaleb threw 0s on the scoreboard. And Andy Wilson knocked his third homer of the season in the 2nd to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. But the third inning was a nightmare for Kaleb and the Panthers as the Mustangs pounded out - impressively - nine runs.
• Your reporter thought the game was over, the Mustangs would probably be the team that run-ruled our guys. We'll regroup and get it together tomorrow. But someone forgot to tell the Panthers! They responded by adding three runs in each of the next two innings, bringing the game to 9-7. [It was almost tied as Andy Wilson's second great shot fell just shy of the right field wall.] The Mustangs would respond impressively also, getting some great pitching and matching the fancy leather of the Panthers in the field the rest of the way to hang on and notch a 9-7 win.
• Which brings us to Ryan Harris. Although he didn't have the magic bullet when he came on in a jam in the 3rd inning, this senior just ruled the rest of the game. 0-0-0! Totally in command, most fans never realized that this is a guy trying to recover from illness. You are our hero, Ryan Harris!
• Honestly, folks, your reporter has been happier after a game than tonight, but never, ever more proud of a bunch of absolute warriors in Black and Gold!
• The Panthers will play Magnolia at 11 am at Klein High School. Players need to report to the Panther den at 9:15 am. Let's go Oak!

Panthers hard luck losers to Cy-Falls 9-4.

• Wes Theiss got the start and pitched six shutout innings, looking very good in the process, and carrying a 2-0 lead into the top of the 7th. Then things went south for the Panthers via a series of unlikely Eagle hits, highlighted by a ball that bounced in front of first base and then shot into the air over 1st baseman Ryan Kizer's head (well over his head) and into right field. That scored two of the four Cy-Falls runs in the 7th.
• The Panthers tied it in the bottom of the 7th and had the bases loaded with 1 out. A pop fly into short right field was caught and the Eagle player made just a great throw to nail Kaleb Goodell at the plate, setting up an extra inning.
• Unfortunately that extra inning was all Cy-Falls as the Eagles scored five to seal the victory. The Panthers will regroup to take on a very good Katy Taylor team at 7 pm. Photo gallery

Panthers down Oak Ridge 9-5!

• Ethan Carnes earned his first win as a Panther tonight. One has the feeling it's the first of many. Ethan gave up 3 runs over 6 innings. Austin Jackson finished the job in the 7th.
• Nice job, Panthers! Details coming in the game report. Photo gallery
• The Panthers host Cy-Falls at 2 pm Friday and then Katy Taylor at 7 pm. Let's go Oak!

Sophomores fall to Deer Park 13-12

• No details on this one yet. Game report coming.

Panthers fall to Kingwood 4-2

• Chase Barnett once again did a fine job on the mound for the Panthers, struggling a bit in the 1st but looking very strong after that. Nice job, Chase! Keep it going!
• Four Panther errors didn't help the cause, as the Panthers out-hit the Mustangs 6-4. The problem was the 11 baserunners that the Panthers stranded on this afternoon. Photo gallery
• The Panthers will regroup to take on the Oak Ridge War Eagles at 7 pm at KO. Let's go Oak!

Panthers survive Senior Night scare, down Northshore 9-8!

• Ryan Hudnall took the mound for the Panthers hoping to pick up where he left off Friday only to conclude after two innings that "I guess stuff like that only happens once in a lifetime." Wrong, young man, you're going to have many more like that, but it wasn't tonight. Still, Ryan battled courageously without his best stuff and had a 9-3 lead after five. Then he just ran out of gas and couldn't throw strikes in the 6th.
• Travis Walker came on with the bases loaded and the Panthers ahead 9-5. But the freshman didn't have his best stuff either, thus the drama. Three more runs scored and the Panthers held on to a 9-8 lead after six.
• The decisive 9th inning featured a really nice scoop by Senior Ryan Kizer to record the 2nd out before Walker coaxed a fly ball that Kizer corralled to end the drama and secure the victory.
• The Panthers can credit the big 2nd inning - 7 runs - for this win. Recapping all that will have to wait for the game report, but Travis Walker had an impressive 2 out, 2 RBI double!
• Hey, Panthers, it was a win against a good team, advancing the season record to 4-2. We'll take it. Get ready for Kingwood and Oak Ridge on Thursday! Game report. Photo gallery (now includes Senior Night photos!)

JV downs Northshore 7-2!

• Alex Belcher allowed two runs in the 1st inning but was stellar after that. Good overall team offense provided the margin of victory.
• Way to go, Panthers! Back on the winning track!

Sophomores shut out Northshore 10-0!

• Pitching was a concern as the Panthers used everyone Friday and Saturday, but Chris Thompson obviously came through big time for the good guys! Will Hoffmans provided the relief.
• Game report. Congratulations, Panthers! Photo gallery

Congratulations, Ryan Hudnall!  From Houston 5A Baseball:   "Ryan Hudnall took the mound against the defending 4A state finalist Poteet Pirates on Friday night at The Woodlands and pitched a shutout over 6 innings. Ryan allowed only 1 hit (an infield single with 1 out in the 7th) and no walks. He had three strikeouts. Remarkably he completed the six innings with only 56 pitches.  Congratulations to Ryan Hudnall, The Pitching Pad’s “Pitcher Of The Week” #1-2008"

	Congratulations, Kevin Cravey! Kevin (KO class of 2006) notched his first win as a Texas Aggie on Sunday, a 5-2 A&M victory over Northern Colorado. Kevin entered a tie game with one out and one on in the 7th. He pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing no hits, 1 walk and striking out 2. [Read about it on the TAMU site.] Way to go, Kevin! It looks like the recovery from surgery is going nicely!
[Kevin's roster page on the A&M site.]

Panthers split a pair on Saturday.

• The Panthers used the pitching of Senior Ryan Harris and Freshman Travis Walker  and a host of clutch hits to defeat Leander 7-3. Travis notched the win on the mound.

• The Panthers took a 3-0 tournament record into the final against The Woodlands. But in a game reminiscent of last year's final, it was the power of The Woodlands bats that made the difference as the Panthers could not keep the Highlanders off the scoreboard in any of their five innings. Final score: Woodlands 12, KO 6. KO freshman Kaleb Goodell took the loss for the Panthers. The loss should not tarnish a really good tournament for the Panthers or the powerful grand slam shot from the bat of Senior Wes Theiss to keep the Panthers in the game against The Woodlands!

• Game reports coming! Photo gallery. (Both galleries now up.) Keep up the good work, Panthers!

Sophomore team has a bad day.

• The Panthers dropped 7-2 and 16-4 decisions to Cy-Woods and Atascocita on Saturday. Your webmaster has no explanation for how such an incredibly talented bunch of Panthers could have a day like that. But I'll take odds that it's the last time it ever happens to these guys. Atascocita game report.. Photo gallery (only a partial gallery from Cy-Woods game, as I was busy elsewhere and BJ apparently lost his camera!).

JV suffers loss to Langham Creek 14-1.

• Things got out of hand early for the Panthers. The less we dwell on this one, the better. Keep Sophomore Dom Smith in your prayers. He's OK, but he suffered a painful injury as a result of collision with a sliding Lobo player. We're hoping it's just a hyperextension. Game report coming. Photo gallery.

Sophs edge Cy-Falls 2-0!

• It was a pitchers' duel that Zach Schulze won, with a two inning assist from Peter Crews and a few clutch hits in the 6th inning. Congratulations, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery.

Panthers, Hudnall, down Poteet 7-0!

• Wow! For the second day in a row the Panthers faced an '07 state team - this time the 4A state Finalist Poteet Pirates, a team that had blasted the Panthers last year.
• Ryan Hudnall made sure that didn't happen again! Only a 1 out in the 7th inning infield single stopped Ryan from registering a no-hitter! So close, but it can't diminish the dominating performance by the Panther junior! Awesome game, Ryan!
• He had some help from his friends as the Panthers flashed some impressive leather, notably an amazing stab by SS Scott Arthur. They needed it too because this was a pitchers' duel most of the way, with the Panthers clinging to a 2-0 lead earned in the 1st inning until the 5th.
• Andy Wilson's 2nd homer in two days helped break things open for the Panthers. Impressive, Andy! A Wes Theiss RBI double sealed the deal. Way to go, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery.
• Things don't get easier for the Panthers tomorrow as they face perennial state powers Leander and The Woodlands at 4:30 and 7 pm. Go get 'em, Oak!

J.V. to play Saturday morning at 9:30.

• The games were postponed again on Friday, so there will be a modified schedule on Saturday. The game should be at Klein Collins. Check the hotline for updates!

Panthers, Barnett, handle CC Carroll 6-2!

• Good win, Panthers! Carroll represented Region IV in the State Tournament last year, so this is a quality team.
• Chase Barnett was the hero on the mound for the good guys. Chase handled Carroll easily for five shutout innings, got in a jam in the 6th but extricated himself with only one run scored. With bases loaded in the 7th and Chase having thrown a bunch of pitches, Coach Kennedy turned to freshman Travis Walker. Travis traded a run for an out but then secured the victory for the Panthers!
• Offense was highlighted by a powerful 2-run homerun shot from the bat of Andy Wilson! 10 hits, so lots of Panthers contributed to the cause. Game report! Photo gallery.
• Nice work, gentlemen! Good luck against a potent Poteet team that beat The Woodlands this afternoon! Game time is 11 am on Friday at "Scotland Yard!" Let's go Oak!!!!

Sophomore & JV games postponed.

• The Sophomore round robin at KO will resume tomorrow, following the schedule posted for today (weather permitting). The players are being released to go home at 2:25.
• The J.V.'s KISD Tournament game at Collins was scrubbed. They may play later today (5 pm) at Klein HS.
• The Varsity tournment game at The Woodlands is still a go as of 1:30.

Varsity drops first game to LaPorte

• The Panthers fell to LaPorte 7-3 in the season opener. It was one 5 run inning that did the damage. The Panthers couldn't come back. Game report . Photo gallery.
• Hang in there, Panthers! We believe in you! Get determined, get together, even get mad. Let's set things right this weekend in the Woodlands Tournament!

Sophs & J.V. start season with wins!

• Steven Butler delivered the decisive blow for the Panthers, slamming a double to center with two out in the 5th and the time limit threatening to give the Panthers a 4-3 victory! Congratulations, Panthers! Game report. Photo gallery.
• The JV took a commanding 6-0 lead after two and coasted to a 7-3 victory. Congratulations, gentlemen! Game report. Photo gallery.

Varsity game postponed!

• The Varsity game has been postponed due to field conditions at LaPorte.
• New varsity game time is Tuesday at 4:30 at LaPorte.
• The JV and Sophomore games will still be today at Klein Oak as scheduled.

Scrimmages cancelled for Saturday!

• But, judging for BJ's excellent pictures from the Marathon Game it looks like a few showers didn't manage to dampen the fun Friday night!
•  Click here for the pre-season gallery.

Oak Ridge Scrimmages!

• Sorry for the late changes to the scrimmage times and locations. It was basically a wash at K.O.
• Thanks, B.J., for great pics from the varsity scrimmage! Click the link below.
• The JV scrimmage started late because Oak Ridge wasn't there as of 3:20 when I left. I returned at 4:15 and shot for about 15 minutes before the weather interceded. So the photo gallery will mostly be of interest to fans (including me) of Brandon McClain (home run trot) and Justin Jones. Click here for the pre-season gallery.

Scrimmages Start!

• All the teams faced both Conroe and Spring Woods.
• We have photo galleries from the Sophomore and Varsity teams in the pre-season gallery. Click here.

Diamond Girls!

• 25 young ladies from Klein Oak have volunteered as Diamond Girls to help support our baseball teams!
• Thank you, ladies!
• First meeting: Wednesday, January 30th at 6 pm in the small gym

Team Tryouts!

• Friday, January 25 4-6 pm & Saturday Jan. 26 11 am - 2 pm
• You must attend both sessions.
• You must have a current physical on file or with you!

2008 Schedules Posted!

• Please note changes made 1/20/08!
• Tournament brackets to follow.
• Maps are linked from the schedule pages.
• Please inform the webmaster if you notice a mistake.

2007 Softball Tournament!

• December 7-8 at Rothwood
• Teams must be registered by Monday, December 3.
• Click here for more information or here if you would like to be a sponsor!

Congratulations, Scott Arthur! Scott signed on Nov. 14th with Texas A&M! Click here for picture gallery!

Fall League Pictures

Printing note: The pics posted are reduced to 800x600 or smaller for faster page loading. If you want to print anything larger than 4"x6" you should contact the webmaster for a larger version of the pic. Please include the date, game, team, and picture filename when making such a request!

• 10-24-07 - JV1 vs. Collins (Thanks, Denise!)
• 10-16-07 - JV1 vs. Westfield (more from Denise Stanley!)
• 10-23-07 - JV2 vs. Conroe (I'd still like someone to let me know whether you think these pics are too color saturated or not. Please.)
• 10-23-07 - Varsity vs. Willis (Thanks, BJ!)
• 10-10-07 - JV1 vs. Oak Ridge (some great pics from Denise Stanley!)
• 10-10-07 - JV2 vs. Klein Forest
• 10-9-07 - Varsity vs. Oak Ridge
• 10/2/07 - JV1 vs. Collins
• 10/2/07 - Varsity vs. Collins
• 9/25/07 - Varsity vs. Huntsville
• 9/25/07 - JV2 vs. Collins
• If anyone want to take pics of other games, we'd like to have them. If you want to borrow a camera, contact the webmaster!

Congratulations, Panther Varsity!

• The Panthers finished 2-0 in the TASO Umpire Tournament with a 7-6 victory over Humble on Saturday!
• Different picture format this time. Click here for a slideshow or click here to download or order (!) pictures. Tell me what you think of this by clicking here.
• Our Panthers are finished for the tournament only so that our players could go enjoy the homecoming dance Saturday night! Some things are more important than a fall tournament game. Thanks, Coach Kennedy!

Fall League Schedules! All games at 6 pm.

• Junior Varsity (Note: this schedule updated on 10/2/07!)
• Varsity

KO teams in TASO Umpire Scholarship Tournament beginning Tuesday 9/11!

• Varsity: Thursday (9/13) at 6 pm (Nice win over The Woodlands! - Pictures), Saturday at 9 am and 1:30 pm - all games at KO. The Saturday morning game has been cancelled.
• JV: Tuesday (9/11) at 6 pm (pictures!) and Wednesday at 8 pm - both games at Klein Collins. Possibility of a 3rd game Friday September 14th 6:00 PM depending on outcome of the 2 previous games.
• Please check KO Baseball Hotline or the tournament schedule link http://www.sbua.com/ for updates.
• Thanks to the umpires' organization for putting this tournament on to benefit the kids!

Special Opportunity for 7th-8th Grade Players!

• Since the incoming freshmen program has been so successful, Panther Baseball is extending the program to incoming 7th and 8th graders who are zoned to attend Klein Oak.
• This past weekend over 50 players braved the rains and signed up to play. Here's why ...
  
  Many good athletes reach high school baseball try-outs at a distinct disadvantage due to poor mechanics. Panther Baseball will teach the same "skills and drills" employed in the Oak program to increase each players chance for success upon reaching high school.
   
• Both the 7th and 8th grade teams will play a light fall schedule. Since many young athletes play football, they will participate in a full schedule next spring.
• It is important to note that this is not a recreational baseball program. This is a highly competitive program and players will be required to raise their game to highest level.

	Summer League Champs! Panthers 13, Tomball 5 Congratulations to a very special group of Panther freshmen! It's going to be an exciting 4 years! Photo gallery! NEW - Screen saver and print orders!
Click to enlarge.

Congratulations, Panther Freshmen!

• The freshmen downed Klein 5-4 to capture the "National League" championship Tuesday night.
• Photo gallery!
• The final game of the summer league pits the Panthers against the "American League" champion Tomball Cougars. The game has been rescheduled for Sunday (8/19) at 2 pm at Klein Collins.

Summer League Playoffs

• Congratulations to our J.V. and Freshmen teams for making the playoffs!
• Unfortunately the J.V. lost to Tomball in the first playoff game, 7-4. Congratulations to the Cougars. Click here for photo gallery.
• The Freshmen dominated Spring 18-3 in the first round and will play Klein for the league championship on Tuesday, August 14th at 6 pm at Klein Collins. Keep it going, Panthers! Come on out and support this talented and determined group of young KO Panthers!

	Congratulations Travis Norris!
	Travis has committed to LeTourneau University!

	Congratulations Scott Arthur!
	Scott has committed to Texas A&M!

Congratulations, Zach Tritz (again)!

• Zach was just named a National Junior College Athletic Association Academic All- American!
• His GPA at Blinn was 3.75. Way to go, Zach!
• Scroll down to see more exciting news about this outstanding Panther alum!

	Baseball Camp '07! Coach Kennedy and his staff welcomed over 60 anxious campers on June 18th for the 2007 Summer Camp! Thanks for coming, guys, and welcome to KO Baseball! Click here for day 1 pictures! Day 2! Day 3! Day 4! Special thanks to KO players Scott Arthur, Wes Theiss and Ryan Kizer for volunteering to help coach these young players! You guys are awesome!

On the professional ball front ...
Click to enlarge - JR's HR swing!	J.R. Voyles Game-winning 3 RBI homerun in his first at-bat for the Brooklyn Cyclones, giving them a 5-1 victory over the cross-town rival Staten Island Yankees in the season opener! Way to go, J.R.! Read more about it here and here!
	Philip Stringer "Mr. Klein Oak High School"  and Houston Area "Player of the Year" in 2003. Signed with the Houston Astros in the 2007 MLB draft. Congratulations, Philip, and good luck!

	Congratulations, Austin Gracey! H5AB All-Houston 1st Team Infield! Click here to see the team list.
	Congratulations, Jerry Raines! H5AB All-Houston 2nd Team Pitcher! Click here to see the team list.
	and Congratulations, Panthers! #8 in final H5AB Poll! Click here for the poll listing.

Check out the updates on J.R. Voyles (pictured at left) and Noah Tritz on the alumni page! If anyone has any other information about KO baseball alumni, please contact the webmaster!

Congratulations, Jerry Raines - HABCA Northwest All-Star!

• Jerry was the only Panther to make the team (which is limited to seniors).
  [Webmaster's apology: I'm sorry to all those who thought  that my words here imply that Jerry was the only Panther entitled to be an all-star. I deleted my words of outrage and apparently that was a mistake.]
• Only one Collins player made the team also - Ty Stuckey. [Congratulations, Ty!] No Klein or Tomball players made the team.
• 3 Spring players made the Northeast team. All are definitely deserving - Brian Smith, John Kiger, and Josh Barrett. Congratulations, guys, and to Coach Rush for being named the Northeast coach!
• Click here to view the complete lineups from these two all-star teams.

Congratulations, Klein Collins Tigers, on your Regional Championship!

• Good luck at state! Bring home the state title!

Click here to read an article from the Brenham Banner-Press!

Congratulations, Zach Tritz! Zach -KO class of 2005 - signed with Texas State! It probably had something to do with the fact that Zach this year became only the second pitcher in Blinn College history to reach the 10 win season plateau! [Zach was 10-2.] From the Texas State Website: "Zack Tritz ... has been named to the academic all-region team. He is originally out of Spring, where he attended Klein Oak High. Tritz was first team all-district in high school. 'Tritz is smart on the mound, he understands batters and has several quality pitches,' Maley said. 'He is one of the top pitchers in his conference right now and we expect good things from him.'

Summer League 2007!

• Summer league starts June 12th (Freshmen) and June 13th (JV and Varsity).
• Each team plays one night each week. Freshmen play on Tuesdays; the JV and Varsity play on Wednesdays. Each night will be a doubleheader with the 1st game starting at 6 pm.
• Come on out and support our Panthers!
• Click here for all the schedules (with maps).
• JV & Varsity practice - Wednesday, June 6th at 6 pm.

Congratulations, Coach Kennedy! 101 Wins! And thanks!

Coach K. wouldn't let your webmaster "make a big deal" of this when it happened. He didn't want to take any attention away from "what these kids are doing on the field." We understand, coach, because we're as proud of them as you are (if that's possible). But Royce got his 100th win against Pflugerville in the 1st game of that series! [And your webmaster says it's time to celebrate!] Royce Kennedy had a nearly impossible assignment when he took the reigns at KO 4 years ago - follow a legend. He has done that with amazing resilience, skill, and determination. Not coincidentally his players have demonstrated the same. The plaque we presented to Coach Kennedy shows him speaking to those young men whom he's most proud of - his 2007 Area Champion Panthers! We're fortunate to have you, Royce, and we look forward to your 2nd 100 wins as the skipper of the Klein Oak Panthers!

All-District Honors	Team Honors
Jerry Raines - 1st Team Pitcher Austin Gracey - 1st Team 3rd baseman Andy Wilson - 1st Team outfielder Chris Coburn - 2nd Team catcher Stephen Wedderburn - 2nd Team designated hitter Wes Theiss - 2nd Team 2nd baseman Scott Arthur - Honorable Mention Shortstop	Scholastic Academic - Tanner Hamilton Most Valuable Player - Austin Gracey Most Valuable Pitcher - Jerry Raines Big Stick - Austin Gracey Most Improved - Scott Arthur Drake Fulton Hustle - Kris Berry J.V. Most Valuable Player - Ryan Hudnall Sophomore Team MVP - Curren Lim

2007 Panthers ... Exceeding expectations!
Houston 5A Baseball - Editors' Pick 4 Predictions:
Actual District Finish:	2007 Playoffs
Klein Collins Klein Klein Oak Spring Tomball	Bi-District Champs Area Champs

A great season ends with a loss to a great team

• Collins isn't #3 in the nation for nothing, folks. We're convinced. [And they probably moved up because #1 Katy was eliminated tonight by Langham Creek.]
• The Tigers simply drowned our KO team in a series of hits and homers. With Jerry Raines sidelined with tendonitis, Tanner Hamilton attempted his heroics again, but to no avail. We're forever grateful, Tanner, for your willingness to play hurt and hurting. But the Tigers pounded out 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 BBs in the 1st inning.
• Freshman Dustin Haines got the call in the 2nd. He threw strikes, and threw well, but inexperience showed against the Tigers. Dustin surrendered 6 runs on 5 hits and 1 BB. Chase Barnett tried to stem the tide, but couldn't stop the Tigers either - 2 runs on 1 hit with 1 BB and 3 HBP.
• Ryan Harris, for the 2nd night in a row, inherited the bases loaded and Aaron Shultz at the plate. He did it again, folks, getting out of the inning with no damage. Simply amazing, Ryan! Ryan proceeded to blank the Tigers in the 3rd. Awesome! But he ran out of gas in the 4th after 2 outs and left the bases loaded for Wes Theiss. Wes surrendered a grand slam HR, but 3 of those runs were, of course, charged to Ryan. Wes gave up 3 runs on 3 hits with 1 K and 1 BB.
• Offensively, the Panthers managed 2 runs on singles by Austin Gracey, Wes Theiss, Tanner Hamilton, Tyler Steiner, Cody Still and Chris Berry.
• That wasn't enough to counter the Tigers 18 runs on 14 hits.
• Panthers, it's hard to see this awesome season end. But we all know that it ended only because we simply faced a better opponent. No regrets, other than we couldn't get it done. No "we should have beat these guys" to live with. Collins deserves the win. We didn't give it to them - the defense was flawless - they simply took it. That's not a bad way to end the year. Panthers, we are so very proud of you!
• To the Collins Tigers: Congratulations, neighbors! We wish you all the best in this playoff run. Bring home the state title! We're behind you all the way. And enjoy it. We have other plans for next year. We have nine months to catch up and we're getting to work tomorrow. It will be fun!
• Game Report. Photo gallery: pre-game or game

Panthers fall to Collins in 1st game 9-1

• Ouch! This definitely wasn't the Panthers' night. It was Austin Dicharry's night, pure and simple. You've got to hand it to him. He handled the hype and lived up to his billing. Equally menacing to the Panthers was Aaron Schulz; his three run homer in the first inning set the pace for the Tigers and he added a 2 RBI double in the 2nd.
• Travis Norris got the start for the Panthers. The game 1 winner against Pflugerville couldn't repeat that feat tonight. Travis allowed 6 runs on 4 hits with 1 K and 2 BB in 1 2/3 innings. Coach Kennedy elected to pull him to fight again another day - like Friday! You're still the man, Travis! Be ready!
• Austin Gracey pitched 3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 2 Ks, 3 BB and 1 HBP. Ryan Harris came on to face the bases loaded and Aaron Schulz and he got out of that! Way to go, Ryan! He finished the final 1 1/3 innings with 0 hits, 1 K and 2 BBs. Great job, Ryan!
• Offensively, Austin Gracey was 1 for 3, Tanner Hamilton 1 for 3, and Brent McMinn had 1 BB. That was about it until the 7th inning. Stephen Wedderburn blasted a shot over the right field fence to spoil the shutout for KC. Thanks, Stephen!
• The defense was flawless on both sides. It was an error-free game.
• Game report. Photo galleries: pre game and game

Oak Prevails 10-2 in game 3!

• The hero is definitely Tanner Hamilton! Ignoring his doctor's advice to not even play, Tanner insisted on pitching for his team in game 3. And he delivered impressively! Against a power-hitting Pflugerville squad, Tanner allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits in 4 1/3 innings. 5 Ks and 8 BBs.  Awesome, Tanner!!!!!! Thank you for your courage and your leadership!
• Austin Gracey came on to close the deal for the Panthers. Giving up 0 runs on 0 hits in 2 2/3 innings, with 1 BB and 2 Ks! Great job, Austin!
• Tyler Steiner blasted another shot over the left field fence (aka "Tyler's spot" at Bryan field), although that hardly qualifies as news after yesterday's grand slam. That's showing off, Tyler! [But we can live with it.]
• Andy Wilson slammed the door on Pflugerville with a bases-loaded triple and the sweetest slide into 3rd imaginable in the 7th to give KO an insurmountable 9-2 lead. [Tanner then single