2021 Team Preview: Lufkin Panthers
February 3, 2021
High School: Lufkin Panthers
Classification: UIL Class 5A (District 16)
Head Coach: John Cobb
Team Strengths: Pitching Depth and Overall Team Defense
Team Weaknesses: No Proven #1 Starter
Top Returning Players
2021 IF/RHP Julio Flores
2021 LHP/RF Spencer Alexander (Rich Mountain Commit)
2021 RHP/C Reid Hensley (Incarnate Word Commit)
2021 RHP/OF Alex Luna
2022 SS/RHP Coby DeJesus (Houston Commit)
2022 1B/RHP Hunter Ditsworth
2022 IF/RHP Sam Flores
Names to Know (2021 Class)
2021 IF/RHP Julio Flores
2021 LHP/RF Spencer Alexander (Rich Mountain Commit)
2021 RHP/C Reid Hensley (Incarnate Word Commit)
2021 RHP/OF Alex Luna
Names to Know (2022 Class)
2022 SS/RHP Coby DeJesus (Houston Commit)
2022 1B/RHP Hunter Ditsworth
2022 IF/RHP Sam Flores
Names to Know (2023 & 2024 Class)
2023 C Charlie Deaton
2023 CF Kolby Kovar
2024 OF Caleb Hillis
Team Summary
Coach John Cobb and his Lufkin Panthers come into 2021 looking to get back into the playoffs and make some noise after an early exit in 2019. To get there, they will lean on their ability to defend as well as their deep pitching staff. Coach Cobb will look for one of his returners to step up as the clear number one in the rotation. Returning for the Panthers on the mound is 2021 RHP/OF Alex Luna, 2021 LHP/RF Spencer Alexander (Rich Mountain Commit), 2022 SS/RHP Coby DeJesus (Houston Commit), and 2021 RHP/C Reid Hensley (Incarnate Word Commit) all of which will be part of the offense as well. Joining them in the lineup will be 2022 IF/RHP Sam Flores, 2022 1B/RHP Hunter Ditsworth and 2021 IF/RHP Julio Flores who has been one of the top hitters for the Panthers over the last two years. The combination of pitching depth and the ability to defend is their strength and adding a lineup with experienced bats is a plus for the Tigers. A lot to look forward to this season as the Tigers aim to get back in the playoffs.