PITCHER OF THE YEAR
Drew Gooch, Argyle, Sr.
Notable: A four-year starter, Gooch made playoff runs with Argyle before, reaching the region finals in 2011 and 2012 and making the third round last season. But the TCU signee was determined to make that final push for a trip to the state tournament, and it showed. Gooch didn't allow an earned run in his final three starts, all wins — including a one-hitter in the Class 3A semifinals against Sinton.
Did you know? Named to the UIL's 3A all-tournament team, Gooch finished his senior season 10-0, with a 0.65 ERA and 77 strikeouts.
HITTER OF THE YEAR
Darius Hill, Jesuit, Jr.
Notable: The 2013 SportsDayHS newcomer of the year continued punishing pitchers. The District 9-5A co-offensive MVP — along with W.T. White's Juan Rivera — Hill hit .534 with 45 RBIs and 45 runs scored. Amazingly, 34 of his 63 hits were for extra bases, including 11 triples, the nation's highest total in 2014, according to MaxPreps.
Did you know? Jesuit won its fifth consecutive district title but bowed out in the area round. In six playoff games, Hill hit safely in each, batting .590 (13 for 22) with five doubles, two triples, a home run, six RBIs and eight runs scored.
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Tristen Lutz, Arlington Martin, Fr.
Notable: In the long and distinguished coaching career of Martin coach Curt Culbertson, freshmen rarely get the chance to make an impact on the varsity. Lutz is only the second freshman since Culbertson's been at Martin (2003) to break into the starting lineup and stay there through district. Teammate and rising senior Josh Watson is the other.
Did you know? A 6-3, 215-pound 15-year-old, Lutz played in right field and batted fifth in Martin's lineup. The 3-5A freshman of the year, Lutz hit .341, with 13 extra-base hits (including four home runs) and 31 RBIs.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Danny Wallace, Flower Mound
Notable: His first season at Flower Mound ended in disappointment as the team was bounced out in the first round of the 2013 playoffs after going 15-0 in district play. Wallace's second season ended in elation as Flower Mound built momentum and rolled to the state title, the Dallas/Fort Worth area's first Class 5A baseball champion since 2008.
Did you know? A district MVP while in high school at Seagoville, Wallace is 460-223 in 21 seasons as a head coach, with stops in Georgetown, Pflugerville Connally and Hutto. He led Hutto to the Class 2A state tournament in 1998.
