By Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

Follow us on Twitter: @PBR_Texas

School: Midland HS
Head Coach: Barry Russell
Conference: 3-6A
2016 Finish: 24-12
Playoff Run: Area Finalist
2017 Preseason Rank: Will be updated upon release

players to watch

+ Jaxon Hallmark, SS/P, 2017, (Nebraska commit)
+ Sam Bertelson, 3B/P, 2017
+ Chris Sims, CF/P, 2017
+ Brooks Betcher, UTL/P, 2017, (Vernon JC commit)
+ Logan Hatfield, OF/C, 2017
+ Michael Madrid, P, 2018
+ Tyler Wade, SS/P, 2019
+ Smith Essman, 3B, 2019

season preview

Team speed will be one of the cornerstones of Midland's 2017 season as they have four players in the line-up that run sub-7 60's. Included in the returners is a strong class of seniors, led by All-State shortstop and Nebraska recruit, Jaxon Hallmark. In 2016, Hallmark batted .483 with 47 rbi. Alongside Hallmark is two-time All-State senior 3B/P Sam Bertelson, who batted .376 with 28 rbi and senior OF/P Chris Sims, who hit .356 with 24 rbi. Although injured for most of 2016, Brooks Betcher returns this year as a solid two-way option for Coach Russell. As a sophomore, Betcher was 5-2 on the mound and hit .311. Senior OF/C Logan Hatfield also hit .300 last season.

On the mound, Midland will look to the same seniors to provide valuable innings as Hallmark, Bertelson, Sims and Betcher can all toe the rubber. Alongside those seniors handful of talented newcomers. Junior Michael Madrid and sophomore Tyler Wade are certainly two players to keep an eye on. Another sophomore that could make an impact this year is offensive infielder Smith Essman.

 

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