Brown was named MVP of the championship game. Lake Creek head coach Michelle Rochinski, right, embraces starting pitcher Ava Brown after shutting out Comal Canyon 8-0 to win the Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. She watches the ball. Eagles needed that to stay within striking distance of Brown, Lake Creek. Still, Rochinski was potent at the plate with a .388 average, 35 RBIs and three home runs. We trusted Eva as a freshman to know which pitches were the best, whether she was down in the count or overcoming runners in scoring position we trusted her gut, because she was just so confident and so mature mentally.. Piper White, the No. I just tried to stay from the hitter and make them hit my pitch.. Rochinski, daughter of head coach Michelle Rochinski, caught every game of Browns high school career. That they did all the way through pair of state tourney victories by scores of 9-0 in the semis and 8-0 in the championship victory. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. But it was Lantagnes mindset that was most impressive. of Florida, was selected as the Extra Inning Softball 2023 National High School Player of the Year thanks to a 27-0 mark on the year with a 0.53 ERA and 298 Ks in 172 innings including 15 strikeouts with just one hit and one walk allowed in the state championships game. A third consecutive run to state looks like a validexpectationnext season, considering the quantity and quality of the returning players. Rochinski had a .998 fielding percentage, ran down five baserunners and had 24 assists. I've become so grateful for it throughout my career, just because it's always been there for me.". Nike Softball Camp Stone City; Indiana. Lake Creek High SchoolHead Softball Coach Michelle Rochinski echoed Brown's sentiments. That thought, as hopeful as it may be to fans of Lake Creek High softball, is quickly put to rest. MaxPreps is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. She could read what opposing teams were throwing at us. Poorman was born in Kansas City, Mo., and grew up in the suburb of Raytown. On weekends, they hit on their own. Coach Rochinski started as a coach at Montgomery (Texas) High and then moved to Lake Creek High in 2018, finishing her career with these last two special seasons. That first tournament we went to Galveston and she was just a spark every time she went up to bat. These games, athletes and teams had us talking throughout the last year. Lantagne can throw any pitch for a strike, and with control. Because of their exceptional ability at the plate and on the basepaths, McKee and Leach are The Couriers Co-Offensive MVPs for a second straight year. Without one, the other would not have been as powerful. She could hit with power and precision and her defensive ability at catcher was admirable. And she did all of it without slacking off in the classroom. On their way to a 41-0 season and No. Her poise belied her years. Fill out this form to be on Extra Inning Softball notifications list and be the first to get important updates and news specifically for coaches. Georgetown's players and coaches knew they would need almost a perfect effort to knock off a perfect Lake Creek team in Saturday's Class 5A state championship softball game. But it was her playmaking and steadiness as the backstop that engineered a Lake Creek defense that surrendered 55 runs in 45 games. This decision also allows me the flexibility to be able to follow my kids and their athletic careers at the college level, too., Find us on Instagram ~~~Find us on Twitter ~~~Find us on Facebook Canyon (32-1) suffered its first loss since falling to Georgetown in the regional quarterfinals last year. Brown was named MVP of the championship game. Ava is amazing and struck everybody out for us, so we didnt have much to do out there. Shes probably achieved everything, and probably more, than what she was looking to achieve, Lake Creek coach Michelle Rochinski said. Houston area sees rise in cases, No censure for Texas judge who used racial slur in border cases, New Blue Bell ice cream flavor: Monster Cookie Dough reviewed, 15 must-try coffee shops in The Woodlands, and what they offer, Rudy Farias no longer living with mother, activist and family say, Road collapse on Fondren near Woodway shuts down street, HISD's Mike Miles says district will cut up to 600 positions, Recently crowned Miss Texas has big ambitions, Pink scare? In the circle, Brown went 27-0 with 292 strikeouts to 30 walks in 172 innings pitched. The pitchers the leader. "She's a leader and is dedicated to what she does - athletically or academically. Lake Creek pitcher Ava Brown is The Courier's Player of the Year "We have our individual families that we go home to every day, but really, our team - from trainers, to managers to the players and coaches, we are a big family. But we have to make changes year to year and grow., Lake Creek pitcher Ava Brown is The Couriers Player of the Year, Here are your picks for the Best of the Capital Region 2023. Nike Softball Camp Westview High School; Santa Barbara. Lake Creeks Piper White takes part in a dance-off between teammates before a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. It's my therapy. Middle 2: Lake Creek 1, Georgetown 0. Shes definitely come a long way and its been great to see.. Lake Creek grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as Maddie McKee led off with a walk and came around to score on a double from Brown. All the credit goes to these kids. I would not be where I am today without the help of some great assistants throughout my career.. Last year Lake Creek High School was defeated by eventual state champion Barbers Hill High School in the UIL Region III-5A championship series with a trip to the state tournament on the line, but the loss inspired the Lions to complete the mission to the tune of a perfect 41-0 record this season. Her and Gabby are always up at the cages hitting or on the field, honing their craft hours after practice. The one loss in the regional final snapped a state-record 82-game win streak. It was just another day at the ballpark for the Lions. Texas high school softball postseason scores (live & final), playoff brackets, computer rankings and statewide stat leaders. At the forefront stood the University of Florida-bound Brown, a junior righthander who posted a30-0 mark to pair with 335 strikeouts in 183.1 innings pitched and a 0.46earned run average - while surrendering only 23walks. She had goals to be national Gatorade player of the year. If she swung away that first at-bat and they dropped back the second time, shed just drop that bunt down and beat it out. Lake Creek's stats have been entered for the 9-0 win vs. Heritage on 6/2/2023 10:00 AM. "Our motto from the beginning of the year was always unfinished business,"Brown,who will be recognized during theUSA TODAY High School Sports Awardsnational showbroadcastpremiering on July 31, 2022, said. She is a passionate advocate of mental health and intends to pursue a career in the field. She had good spin on the ball and was a little faster than weve seen before, she said. We did some different things, whether it was more focus on the mental part or bringing in more film. The only blemish for the Lions team over the last two years was a loss in the best two-of-three playoffs this year against a strong Georgetown team (note that Ava Brown didnt pitch in that game). Leach and sister Gabby, a senior and first-team All-County outfielder, are the last in line of a prominent family of athletes to come through The Woodlands. Lake Creek starting pitcher Ava Brown (22) delivers in the first inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Lantagne is the ideal leader by example for a Conroe team on the rise. Best season in school history ends in 5A state title game and with some silver medals. Only the run in the second inning was earned, and even that one came off a Georgetown mistake; Hartley plunked Payton Bauer with the bases loaded after she gave up two singles and hit another batter. Montgomery Lake Creek beats Georgetown in Class 5A state softball game After practices, she often went to private lessons. The Lake Creek High School (Texas) softball team was named the 2022 USA Today High School Sports Awards Girls Team of the Year during thedigital show on July 31. Payton Bauer #3 of Lake Creek hits a 2-RBI double in the fifth inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Memorial Plymouth North Plymouth South Quincy Reading Memorial Revere Rockland Salem Academy . The catalyst was Brown, a Florida commit who fired a 1-hitter with no walks and eight strikeouts in the state game and racked up an amazing 335 strikeouts in 183 innings pitched this season. I will still be at Lake Creek and still be around to support our coaches and athletes 100 percent, she concludes, and then adds the key statment that shows shes not just a great coach, but a great parent too. Whenever Ava Brown took the circle for Lake Creek, Kalee Rochinski had a front row seat. Dennis Silva II is a sports writer for the Conroe Courier. Georgetowns only threat came in the fifth inning, when Hartley broke up Browns bid for perfection with an infield single and senior first baseman Abigail Hodgson reached first after taking a pitch in the leg. But a bevy . Sport: Head Coach: email: Baseball: Schramm, Jeremy [email protected] . 1 team in the country looked the part and now has another big, shiny trophy to bring back to Montgomery. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Cougars were the Region IV champions and were the only team to arrive at state with an undefeated record. For me, knowing my job and knowing my role, I know I have to put my best out there, no matter what, and I can only expect the best from the people behind me if Im giving my best. Lake Creek High School (Montgomery, TX) Varsity Softball Lake Creek Lions Varsity Girls Softball Montgomery, TX FOLLOW TEAM 22-23 V. Softball Home Schedule Roster Videos Stats Standings Rankings Photos News More / Lake Creek High School Softball Lake Creek Softball Overall 44-1 0.98 Win % District 14-0 1st in District Home9-0 Away9-0 Neutral26-1 Was the coach nervous with the series tied 1-1 knowing the loser was forced to go home? Sign up to receive immediate, daily, or weekly news updates! They talked through the game. Lake Creek (40-0) scored one run in the second inning and three in the third. South took a pitch for a ball, fouled off the next pitch and then hit into the gap between first and second base for a groundout. Florida commit named MaxPreps National Player of the Year after leading Lions to state, national championships. She was atop the nations leaders in stolen bases with 65. Kalee was a leader, Michelle Rochinski said. It was a revelatory moment for player and coach. The first one is always special, but going back to back, its not easy to do, especially with the competition we had to go through this year, said Lake Creek coach Michelle Rochinski, who was honored as the 2022 NFHS state coach of the year before the game. But it was Browns competitive DNA that pushed her to levels so many of her peers do not reach. Penn, Kaukauna, North Posey, Woodgrove join national mix after championship runs. Some of us older coaches may look at things we did in the past and stick with them because we were successful then. "They both played slow pitch softball and baseball. 1 national ranking to close the 2023 campaign. We just wanted to work together and reach the end goal, which was to be state champions.". It did not take long for Magnolia coach Angela Gonzales-Cooper to know she had someone special in freshman Stevie South. She plays for the young girls who travel to her games and wait excitedly afterward for autographs. On 5/26, the Lake Creek varsity softball team won their neutral playoff game against Georgetown (TX) by a score of 3-2. When I was four or five I started playing Tee-Ball and after I got older, I was introduced to competitive softball and started playing for my coach, Nathan Nelson, with the Hotshots organization from the time I was 11 or 12. Behind unflappable junior pitcher and slugger Ava Brown, Lake Creek was perfect in every sense of the word during the 2022 season just the schools third year of varsity competition. Lake Creeks Kalee Rochinski reacts beating the throw to first for a single in the fifth inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Weve talked about her maturing with her team, as far as a leader.. I think because we were so focused on having to have her behind the plate, it hurt her offensive game a little bit and she knew that. Coach Rochinski goes out in record-setting fashion, literally. The USA Today High School Sports . She puts in that work, and it shows.. Doing what they did, I would have never dreamed of my career ending this way, Rochinski said. With user-friendly Hudl, players could study film individually and as often as they desired. 2023 Texas 5A State Champion Lake Creek High School (44-1) Two National Championships at Lake Creek (2023, 2022) 2022 Team of the Year Lake Creek High School; Coaching record- 541/171, 76% Career Win Percentage; She wants people to push her, compete against her. You cant just ask that of any kid. The Tennessee signee had a .614 on-base percentage and .840 slugging percentage with 11 extra-base hits and 19 stolen bases. There was a moment against Lake Creek during the second round of district play that exhibited the respect South derived from others. Shes die-hard softball and she knows how to perfect her craft. I am so unbelievably proud of these girls. Lake Creek High School Head Softball Coach Michelle Rochinski echoed Brown's sentiments. Its a terrific trifecta for the juggernaut that is Lake Creek High softball out of Montgomery, Texas. Lake Creeks Shelby Winn checks the last box on a poster representing their path to back-to-back state championships after the teams 8-0 shutout win over Comal Canyon in the Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Lake Creek softball is USA Today High School Sports Awards Girls Team McKee hit .527 with 37 RBIs and three home runs. He received his bachelors degree in exercise and sports science from St. Marys University in San Antonio and began his journalism career in 2006 with the then-start-up Katy Courier. Lake Creek catcher Kalee Rochinski (23) tries to get to a fly ball by Riley Hester #20 of Comal Canyon in the third inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Magnolia left fielder Stevie South (4) reacts after fielding a fly ball by Springs DaJanae Washington during the Oak Ridge Round Robin softball tournament at Oak Ridge High School, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, in Oak Ridge North. She had the mentality that she wasnt going to let that stop her.. Extra Elite 80 National High School Rankings, Extra Inning Softball 2023 National High School Player of the Year, Players Express Their Love & Appreciation in Our Special Fathers Day Tribute (2023), Inside Pitch: Grace White On Sophia Vlahos of Texas Glory 2K7 Playing for the Greek National Team & Greek Junior Team This Summer. From day one when this group walked in, everybody knew they had a chance to do something special. Off the field, Brown participates in youth camps for Montgomery little league and offers personal lessons. These changes are subject to approval. Next came the news yesterday that phenomenal senior pitcher Ava Brown, who has signed with the Univ. Lake Creek softball advances to 5A state title game - Houston Chronicle Give her creditnot once did she want to come out, Rochinski said. It was tough at times, and we had to change her practice routine a bit and have her back off a bit, Rochinski said. He received his degree in print and internet journalism from Missouri State University and began his career in 2013 with The Courier and Houston Community Newspapers. Photographer Paul Knight has posted a new gallery Lake Creek vs. Canyon (UIL 5A Softball Final) containing 344 photos. Massachusetts High School Softball - Schedules, Scores, Team Coverage You want a kid like Stevie to come up at that moment in that situation against a team like Lake Creek, Gonzales-Cooper said. For that, South is The Couriers Newcomer of the Year. Being so good, on top of all that, was very helpful.. As soon as we started playing, she was always getting on base and always finding something, Gonzales-Cooper said. Its not often a freshman is named The Couriers Pitcher of the Year. Lake Creek (44-1) became just the 14th softball program in UIL history to collect back-to-back state championships. Brown draws inspiration on and off the field. ", "It's like my escape from real life," she said. Lake Creek senior pitcher and Florida signee Ava Brown was named the title games Most Valuable Player for the second straight year. Lake Creek starting pitcher Ava Brown (22) reacts as teammates cheer after being named MVP after the teams 8-0 shutout victory over Comal Canyon to win the Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Throughout my career, Ive changed year to year, Rochinski said. I think it comes from being pushed by other people around me, Brown said. Hodgson, who tightly clinched the runner-up trophy after the game, acknowledged Browns precision in the circle. Lake Creek catcher Kalee Rochinski (23) reacts after tagging out AshLynn Cooper #2 of Barbers Hill at home in the third inning during Game 2 of the Region III-5A semifinal series at Grand Oak High School, Friday, May 19, 2023, in Spring. "I was introduced to the game by my grandpa and my stepdad," Brown said. For the second straight year, Brown is The Couriers Player of the Year. What a play by 3B Braylin Pannill, who turns a bases-loaded double play thats followed by a Creager K to get out of the inning. They are my family, they are my sisters. Identifying holes in the defense became essential. I love the way that this team bonded this year, the couch continues, even with having so many upperclassmen. Maddie Mckee #2 of Lake Creek connects for 2-RBI double in the third inning during a Class 5A state semifinal game during the UIL State Softball Championships at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Friday, June 2, 2023, in Austin. Lake Creek players gear is seen in the dugout before a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. She held opponents to a .189 batting average and surrendered 46 earned runs. "And I knew it was a place where I'd be set up for success. Payton Bauer later delivered a two-run double in the fifth and came around to score on an error by Canyon. UTL Jasmine Bouziri-Vuong, College Park, So. But she has awarded as much to the game as what she reaped from it. The Lions have accomplished the feat in dominant fashion, winning 99 of their past 101 games dating back to the 2020 season. Yellow Jackets leap into top 5 after winning school's ninth title with 5-1 win over Pace. Her confidence was second to none. Lake Creek's stats have been entered for the 3-2 win vs. Georgetown on 5/26/2023 8:00 PM. She was also adept with the bat, batting .405 with 10 home runs and 43 runs batted in and a .785 slugging percentage. Such was the case with the 2022 Lake Creek High School (TX) Lions softball team and sterling pitcher / first baseman Ava Brown. And she finds a way to step up and do whatever it takes for the team.". "When we lost to Barbers Hill, we closed out saying we were going to have a good shot at doing the. AUSTIN Rising to the occasion has not been a problem for Lake Creek, and the team proved it once again Saturday. "Overall, we have a very strong connection with each other," Rochinski said. We tallied the votes from this years Best of the Capital Region contest in 100 categories. "When we lost to Barbers Hill, we closed out saying we were going to have a good shot at doing the same thing in 2022," she said. 9 batter in the Lions lineup, came through with a two-out, two run single in the fourth. She just plays so elite and above her level more so than any kid Ive ever coached, Gonzales-Cooper said. Lantagne is a straight-As student and earned many academic honors this season. She had a .587 on-base percentage with 18 extra-base hits and 74 runs scored. With two runners on base with two outs for Magnolia and South coming up to hit in the top of the second inning, Lake Creek, holding a 1-0 lead, pulled its starting pitcher for All-County Player of the Year Ava Brown. On the weekends, she trained on her own. Theres a very good reason that Rochinski will not be in the dugout anymore: shell be watching her two children playing college sports from the stands in Cade, who plays football at Howard Payne University after graduating from Lake Creek High in 2022, and her daughter, Kalee, who will be going to the Univ. He previously served as the sports editor for The Courier of Montgomery County daily newspaper in Conroe for five years. Athletics - Lake Creek High School Hays won a Class 4A state championship in 2013, and La Grangewon state titles in 2005, 2014 and 2016. First, the Lions were the No. No matter where you see her, she's always working to improve on something. Photographer Jim Suter has posted a new gallery Georgetown vs Lake Creek (UIL 5A Reg III Final) containing 178 photos. Although she has another opportunity to join her Lake Creek teammates in a quest for another state championship, Brown has already selected the site of her heightened academic and athletic pursuits. On 6/2, the Lake Creek varsity softball team won their neutral playoff game against Heritage (Frisco, TX) by a score of 9-0. We have a team full of a lot of talent. Softball Camps - NIKE Sports Camps - USSC 2021-2022 Softball Team Information. Lantagne is a grinder. Lake Creek softball dominates Canyon to claim second straight title "She's one of the best teammates you could ask for," Rochinski said. Souths 1.650 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) was second in all of Montgomery County, behind Magnolia West junior Hailey Toney. Lake Creek catcher Kalee Rochinski, right, embraces starting pitcher Ava Brown after shutting out Comal Canyon 8-0 to win the Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. She takes really good quality at-bats and sees the ball really well, Gonzales-Cooper said. We continued to get better day to day.". She put the ball on the ground, over the fence, a deep shot to the outfield you just knew she was a different type of kid.. I really enjoyed watching them grow day in and out, not only as softball players, but as youngladies.. Photographer Paul Knight has posted a new gallery Lake Creek vs. Heritage (UIL 5A Softball Semifinal) containing 502 photos. Georgetowns players and coaches knew they would need almost a perfect effort to knock off a perfect Lake Creek team in Saturdays Class 5A state championship softball game. If I'm having a bad day or upset, I'll go hit or throw. Softball offered Brown solace. Brown boasted a power arm and a power bat. Georgetowns Cambree Creager, who came in for starting pitcher Madison Hartley in the first inning, did her best to keep up with the hard-throwing Brown while giving up three earned runs in six innings, but four Eagle errors through the first three innings led to four Lake Creek runs. Like any good coach who values those around her helping towards a unified goal, Coach Rochinski shared the wealth. Sometimes a setback can spur greatness. Lake Creek softball tops Frisco Heritage to advance to 5A championship Jon Poorman , Staff Writer June 2, 2023 Updated: June 2, 2023 4:20 p.m. 27 AUSTIN With a slew of experience on its. That respect from a terrific coach like Coach Rochinski and a terrific team like Lake Creek, it speaks volumes to the quality of kid that she is., Gonzales-Cooper said the next step for South is defining the finer details of the game. Leach hit .538 with 43 RBIs and five home runs. As a coach, I believe that you have to have the right mindset, she reveals. Her body language was, you know, Keep pitching, keep dominating, keep fighting., It was a leadership type that you want from anyone, and Im so grateful we had it from our pitcher. The UTSA signee is The Couriers Defensive MVP. The No. The No. At the plate, the Florida signee hit .462 with 65 RBIs and nine home runs with a .594 on-base percentage and .888 slugging percentage. Lake Creek celebrate after shutting out Comal Canyon 8-0 to win the Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. It has paid off. Noel Gallagher's SPAC show suffers sudden cancellation, New Scotland fire kills girl, 2 men, woman, Rensselaer marijuana store opens in former bank building, Woman last seen walking dog in Albany over a week ago, Cooperstown to host TikTok-famous Savannah Bananas, Cooking school and co-op kitchen opening in Colonie, A 'survival system': The future of sex work in New York, These are the best barbecue restaurants in the Capital Region, Two Albany women-owned businesses recognized for success. Final: Lake Creek 7, Georgetown 0. And through a quarter-century of success, she always worked to better herself. in the first inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. Maddie Mckee #2 of Lake Creek reacts after scoring no Ava Browns RBI double in the first inning during a Class 5A state championship at Red & Charline McCombs Field, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Austin. It was just her growth, year to year and day to day. . Rochinski, like Brown, was a fiery leader of the Lions. District 13-6A Utility MVP .407 AVG, .440 OBP, .820 SLG, 1.126 OPS, 5 HR, 33 RBI, 8 XBH, .963 FLD, 8 A; 11-4, 107.1 IP, 157 K, 1.37 ERA, District 13-6A Pitcher of the Year 13-9, 146.1 IP, 2.06 ERA, 285 K, 83 BB, District 13-6A First Team .455 AVG, .515 OBP, 1.073 SLG, 1.588 OPS, 9 HR, 28 RBI, 5 XBH, District 13-6A First Team .333 AVG, .483 OBP, .621 SLG, 1.103 OPS, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 20 R, .986 FLD, 11 DP, District 13-6A Offensive MVP .430 AVG, .496 OBP, .617 SLG, 1.113 OPS, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 10 XBH, 18 SB, District 16-5A Newcomer of the Year .409 AVG, .486 OBP, .966 SLG, 1.452 OPS, 13 HR, 27 RBI, 8 XBH, 30 R, .945 FLD, 53 A, 4 DP, District 21-5A First Team .457 AVG, .555 OBP, .946 SLG, 1.500 OPS, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 12 XBH, 39 R, .925 FLD, 69 A, 1 DP, District 13-6A First Team .414 AVG, .527 OBP, .678 SLG, 1.205 OPS, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 16 SB, District 13-6A First Team .375 AVG, .417 OBP, .446 SLG, .863 OPS, District 13-6A First Team .500 AVG, .547 OBP, 13 XBH, 48 SB, District 21-5A First Team 19-10, 167 IP, 2.81 ERA, 1.251 WHIP, 217 K, 46 BB; .389 AVG, .482 OBP, .737 SLG, 1.219 OPS, 6 HR, 40 RBI, 12 XBH, 13 R, District 13-6A Co-Defensive MVP .448 AVG, .546 OBP, 1.536 OPS, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 27 XBH, 44 R, 10 SB, .921 FLD. They had the right mindset when it came to achieving greatness.. The next step is becoming that leader vocally. This season, for instance, Rochinski implemented more mental health training and more intensive film work. Yes, the team was loaded with talentfrom the pitchers circle to the plate and across the infield and outfieldbut this title-winning year was just the capper on a great career by Coach Rochinski, who announced shed be stepping down as Head Coach of the Lions team less than two days after the title win, although she will remain on the Texas schools campus.