The 2024 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across Texas

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons in Austin at the State Tournament, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview individual teams across Texas. We will take you right up to first pitch this season with these team previews and eventually releasing our preseason Top 30 teams in the state.

Please keep checking back throughout the season as we will be your one-stop shop for everything related to high school baseball across the state. Each week we will be releasing our players of the week and updating the Top 30 teams in the state.

*Please note that all information is based on team preview questionnaires that were sent out and returned by the participating high school coaches.

High School Name: Lufkin Panthers

Coach’s Name: John Cobb

Classification: UIL Class 5A (District 16)

Team Strengths: Defense

2023 Season Finish: 19-13 Record (5A Bi-District Finalists)

Top Returning Players:

2024 RHP Kaleb Hillis (Stephen F. Austin Signee)

2024 INF Cooper Knight (Angelo State Signee)

2024 INF Austin Lindsey (Uncommitted)

2024 C Jadon Grigson (Uncommitted)

Top 2024 Prospects:

2024 RHP Kaleb Hillis (Stephen F. Austin Signee)

2024 INF Cooper Knight (Angelo State Signee)

2024 INF Austin Lindsey (Uncommitted)

2024 C Jadon Grigson (Uncommitted)

Top Freshman:

2027 SS Grant Stafford - *2023 PBR Junior Future Games Participant*

Team Outlook:

Coach John Cobb and the Lufkin Panthers look to rebound in 2024 after an early postseason exit in 2023. The Panthers will be led by a strong defense that should help their pitching come along as the season progresses. On the mound, the Panthers’ rotation is headlined by SFA signee, Senior RHP Kaleb Hillis. The core of the Lufkin defense will include Senior infielders Cooper Knight (Angelo State Signee), Austin Lindsey (Uncommitted), and Senior catcher Jadon Grigson (Uncommitted). A 2023 PBR Junior Future Games participant, 2027 INF Grant Stafford, looks to make a big impact on the dirt for Lufkin immediately to begin his high school career. Despite losing some pitching off of last year’s squad, Lufkin looks to have another strong season with their reliable defense and senior leadership.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Dallas Preseason ID	TX	01/03	Eastfield College
San Antonio Preseason ID	TX	01/06	Cornerstone Christian HS
North Houston Preseason ID	TX	01/07	The John Cooper School
Waco Preseason ID	TX	01/13	McLennan CC
North Dallas Preseason ID	TX	01/14	Lake Dallas High School
Houston Preseason ID	TX	01/15	Rice University - Reckling Park

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